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Sanyo PLV-Z4 Reviews | Owners and Service Manual

25K views 22 replies 6 participants last post by  tonyvdb  
#1 ·
I know a few of us own this projector and it has become a well featured favorite.

Here is some info... links to a few reviews and a link to download the manuals.

Image


Specs/Features:
  • 16:9 Native Aspect Ratio, HD (1280 x 720)
  • 1000 ANSI Lumens
  • High Contrast 7000:1
  • 10 Bit Video Processing
  • Manual Zoom/Focus and Lens Shift with Standard Lens
  • High Contrast Optical System and Twin Iris
  • Screen Size Adjustable from 40" to 300"
  • Net Weight 11.0 lbs
  • 921,600 Pixels
  • Fan Noise 22dBA
  • 15 Pin D-Sub, Data Input
  • Advanced Menu and Color Temperature
  • HDMI and 2 Component Video Inputs
  • Composite, and S Video Inputs
  • Compatible with 480i, 480p, 575i, 575p, 720p, 1035i, & 1080i

Reviews:

Manuals:
 
#3 ·
Re: Sanyo PLV-Z4 [Reviews | Service Manual]

My entire decision was based on reviews, other user experiences and price... plus the fact that I owned the Z2 model and had been very pleased with it. The Z4 turned out much nicer than the Z2... which I was happy with my Z2, but had read that the Z4 is a significant improvement, and it is indeed.

I really never have had a chance to demo anything. There is absolutely nowhere even remotely close to me that has any sort of demo room available.
 
#11 ·
You can right click the file and "Save As" and save it to your computer, then open it in Adobe Acrobat Reader... should be no problem. The issue is opening it from this site. There are some modifications that I'll have to check into in order to get them to open from the site.
 
G
#12 ·
Cant get the right click save as to work either Sonny.
Tossing up whether to buy Z4 or Z5 seen the Z4 today and it is definately good enough for me. Can't imagine the Z5 could be that much better but maybe some can enlighten me.:nerd:

Cheers Bill
 
G
#17 ·
If your bulb is not coming on and the lens protector slides closed 10 seconds after you turn it on, it may be the same problem I've had a couple of times with a brand new PLV-Z4. I called the support line and they talked me through a simple fix. I had to reset the thermostat. FIRST, unplug the power cable. Then you gotta open up the case. Take out the screws on the bottom. Then put the baby down right side up (legs on floor) and pull the shell up but NOT OFF because there are wires connecting the shell to the body. Don't touch anything else, only this: in the corner, you'll see a round black plastic gizmo with a white tip in the center. Tell everybody in the room to shut up because you need a quiet room to hear this. Press down on the white center tip until your hear it click once. That's it. Now put the shell back on and put the screws back in. I don't know why the thermostat does this but I can tell you that it has now done it three times and I've had the projector less than two months. The projector does not get hot and the fan stays on to cool off after the unit is turned off. So now, I don't put the screws back in to make it easier to go in and reset the button. Other than this pain in the neck fault, I love the projector. Good luck and don't electrocute yourself!
 
G
#18 ·
Hi Guys,
Bought home new Z4 today. Just been playing DTS demo dvds on denon 2910 player. I think I will be smiling in my sleep tonight. hehehe. Thanks again sonnie for making service manual available could be very helpful in years to come.
Cheers Bill
 
#22 ·
A couple of people have mentioned an issue in this thread with their Sanyo PLV-Z4, having to open the case and press the thermostat to reset the unit. Alas, that did not work for me. I was able to download the service manual but didn't find anything else useful. I do get a power light (which indicates the fuse is intact). Pressing power causes the power indicator light to change from red to green but that is it. The lens cover does not open and the bulb does not come on. Pressing the power button again will not turn the unit off either. As the unit will not light, I can not get to any on-screen menu.
Has anyone had the same problem and able to provide a solution?
This unit is now several years old and on its third or forth bulb. Am I foolish to send it in for repairs compared to replacing it with something new?
I have a $1000 Costco gift card and was looking at their Canadian site. Although a number of the advertised units are perhaps entry level machines, I think they all have better specs than my old Sanyo.
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
 
#23 ·
I personally had a Z4 but sold it a couple years ago. I never had any issues with it so I'm not sure but I think that the bulb will fire before the door opens, the door not opening may be an indication the bulb has gone.
Given how old that model is even a low end 1080p projector will out preform it. $1000 with a little tacked on top would be enough to buy something much better.