The PLC-XP200L is currently available at $9,995.
Additionally, the PLC-XP200L is equipped with a high-output, single lamp that is designed for exceptional light efficiency. Aside from generating sharper and brighter displays in large halls and meeting rooms, the 4LCD design is well suited for digital signage and advertising in brightly lit environments. So, Sanyo’s seemingly innovative solution appears to overcome the limitations of 3LCD technology by opening the way for new projectors capable of extremely high luminosity without the trade off in color accuracy.
For quick and easy installation the XP200L is outfitted with a motor driven vertical and horizontal lens shift. Up/Down/Left/Right lens shift ensures image projection at any angle of up to 360-degrees, allowing ceiling or floor image projection. A special mechanical shutter is also placed behind the lens and activated by the remote control, which allow the user to close the lens and temporarily darken the screen.
Maintenance and dust have always been problems for front projectors, and Sanyo has come up with an intriguing solution. Sanyo has also included its proprietary Active Maintenance Filter (AMF) with this projector. AMF is a single filter cartridge that contains ten lengths of filtering material plus an airflow sensor to detect when airflow is obstructed by dust. The AMF system automatically advances a clean section of filter when needed. When the last section of filter material becomes obstructed an on-screen graphic appears telling the user to change the cartridge. Each filter lasts approximately 10,000 hours with a cartridge lifecycle of about 2 years (calculation based on 14 hrs/day projector use). The filters are easy to replace due to the side loading access on the projector. To further increase reliability and performance, the PLC-XP200L uses Sanyo’s unique Durable Inorganic Optical System (DIOS).
An optional feature available for the PLC-XP200L is the PJ-NET ORGANIZER, which allows the PLC-XP200L to be connected to a wired network via Ethernet. Using the PJ-NET MASTER software all projector functions such as power status, lamp status, input mode, signal condition, lamp-use time, etc. can be monitored and controlled from a remote location. The lens is sold separately, and five optional lenses are available.
There is also an abundance of digital/analog video input terminals including a DVI-D (digital and analog video), component video and D-Sub15. The input signal compatibility includes UXGA, SXGA+, SXGA, WXGA, XGA, SVGA, VGA, and MAC. It is also compatible with HD resolutions including 1080i 50/60, 1035i, 720p as well as standard definition (480p, 480i, 575p, 575i). The projector uses a NSHA 330W projection lamp. Housed in black cabinetry, the unit measures 14.57 (W) x 7.36 (H) x 17.32(D) inches, and weighs 25.1 lbs.
Preliminary Impression
My first impression of this display device is of a projector that offers deep, rich colors with improved black levels over standard 3LCD projectors. Movie content from several blockbusters (Pirates of the Caribbean, Spiderman, Superman Returns, among others) utilizing Blu-ray Disc technology were placed on the screen for perusal. What was surprising is the fact the room was not completely dark, but that there was quite a bit of ambient light streaming into the room from an open doorway. Even in this lighting situation, the display images were quite vibrant. In a darkened setting, the colors would literally jump off of the screen.
I think that Sanyo may be on to something here with its 4LCD optical engine. It certainly holds great promise for home theater projectors. While the current incarnation—the PLC-XP200L – is not appropriate for your favorite home theater, I suspect that its successor model will. The current model, however, would be just the ticket for a large educational, academic or business venue. And, hopefully, by CEDIA next year its 1080p big brother version will burst onto the scene bringing 4LCD to a home theater near you.
Home theater, automated lights and a high-tech fish tank.
Home theater, automated lights and a high-tech fish tank.
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