I am in the process of building a house and I am buying all my equipment at this time. I need your help in making sure everything looks ok. I have already bought the Oppo DV971HF dvd player. I want to put all the filters on the Z3 and line level attenuator. So, if I do this do I run my dvd player HDMI to DVI or component since I also am planning on getting HD tv from dish network. Here is the equipment I plan on using:

projector= Sanyo Z3
Screen= 92' greywolf
Cables= FROM Mononprice.com
Mount=?
DVD PLAYER= Oppo
Gaming= PS2

I hope some can please give me advice. I read the forum everynight, ask my wife! Thank you for helping!

Just ordered my Z3. Woot.


And you don't need the red line attentuator if you're using DVI/HDMI. It's only if you're using component.

Should I still buy it for my HDTV component or just by the filters? Thanks

Should I still buy it for my HDTV component or just by the filters? Thanks

From what I understand of the tweak thread, yes, you'll want to use it for your component cables.

The theory goes that if you plan to run anything through component, then you might want to look at the attenuator. You physically cannot plug the attenuator into the HDMI stream.

Unless you get an HDMI/DVI switcher with multiple inputs, you will be limited to one device using the HDMI cable (unless you physically swap cables depending on what you want to watch).

Otherwise, get both component and HDMI and do some testing between the DVD and SetTopBox. What will you watch more? maybe that gets HDMI, or maybe HiDefTV makes better use of HDMI. Basically, you'll have to decide for yourself.

Personally , I use DVD over component, and HDMI for my SatDish, but I don't have an upconverting DVD player, so it's an easy choice.

1080i or 720p?

So can someone please explain to me - should I be sending a 1080i or 720p signal to my Z3?

Will 1080i really look better even though the projector resolution is 720?

Sending 720p to it should bypass the scaler and thus theoretically better (all things being equal). The unit will have to scale 1080i signal to a 720p. But after going thru this forum, I read people prefering 1080i over 720p and vice versa. So, try both and pick which you prefer.

Thinking about it, ceiling mounting is just like table mounted only upside down. Stand mounting it could be the best because of the possiblity of not using the lens shift. Then again everything is relative.


I never really thought about it like that...it puts my mind at ease. Thanks

I can tell you what I'm thinking of doing. Since I can't ceiling mount it, nor backwall mount it, it has to go behind the seating so I can't tabletop mount it, AND I have to be able to put it away, I'm opting for a cart stand.

I looked around, and specifically, the Da-Lite PH 800-1250 which will go up to 49.5", which is just enough to clear my seating. They also offer a model with a tilting tabletop. And it's got wheels, so I can bring it out and hide it again very quickly and easily. Perfect for my needs. Not necessarily for anyone elses. :)


Now THATS an idea...I have done some measuring in my basement and I think I will build a stand that I can place behind my couch for the projector to sit on top. I have the room to do that. I can even place my components below it...

the wheels are turing :D

Just wanted to add some info on setup of a Z3 and improvement of image quality by the use of filters. This is a practical demonstration (almost) in a video clip.

I have prepared firstly a little media file for anyone who is interested in how to install filters onto a Z3 - full instructions in widescreen so you can watch it on your projector!!!

I have also made a "sho off" presentation showing off my setup and all of Rones settings in use. So lots of screenshots and snippets of info in the media file.

Here are the downloads:

SETUP:
http://rapidshare.de/files/5598772/sho_off.zip.html

FILTERS:
http://rapidshare.de/files/5598199/sho_filters.zip.html

Any feedback appreciated (trying to get to grips with some software and thought I would post some good info for fellow Z3ers at the same time).

Enjoy

:)

Thinking about it, ceiling mounting is just like table mounted only upside down. Stand mounting it could be the best because of the possiblity of not using the lens shift. Then again everything is relative.

I thought I could get away from using lens shift as well, but I'm not sure it is possible. I think the Z3 came with the lens shifted out of the box, so there is really no way to know what setting is "no shift" they are just wheels with no markings.

I put it up thinking it would just work because of how the image came out of the lens, but I had to lens shift.

Sainthalo,
I couldn't figure out how to use your links. It redirects you to a rapid share page and I couldn't get it from their. Not familiar with rapid share.

Z3 owners in Minnesota:

Anyone from Minnesota or Fargo area that would let me see your Z3 in action? I don't have a dealer near me in central Minnesota. (Wadena)

Sainthalo,
I couldn't figure out how to use your links. It redirects you to a rapid share page and I couldn't get it from their. Not familiar with rapid share.


ALL YOU DO IS READ THE PAGE IN FRONT OF YOU! Seriously :)

Scroll down select FREE DOWNLOAD then you will be taken to the download page - with a short countdown for when the file will auto download. Just read the site and use it if you ever need some free hosting.

Okay here are the links again:

[QUOTE=sainthalo]Just wanted to add some info on setup of a Z3 and improvement of image quality by the use of filters. This is a practical demonstration (almost) in a video clip.

I have prepared firstly a little media file for anyone who is interested in how to install filters onto a Z3 - full instructions in widescreen so you can watch it on your projector!!!

I have also made a "sho off" presentation showing off my setup and all of Rones settings in use. So lots of screenshots and snippets of info in the media file.

Here are the downloads:

SETUP: http://rapidshare.de/files/5598772/sho_off.zip.html

FILTERS: http://rapidshare.de/files/5598199/sho_filters.zip.html

Any feedback appreciated (trying to get to grips with some software and thought I would post some good info for fellow Z3ers at the same time).


Regards :)

Sainthalo,
I couldn't figure out how to use your links. It redirects you to a rapid share page and I couldn't get it from their. Not familiar with rapid share.

You have to click the "Free" access button first, then wait about 15 seconds for the download link. The instructions are on the bottom of the screen.

My question is: Where do I get those cotton buds in Germany ;)

The presentation is very nice. Good job, Sainthalo :)

Thanks echnaton, if you are desperate for the filters (im selling some on avforums classifieds section) or cotton buds lid send me an email and i might be able to send you the lid or both.

Really glad you liked it. I wanted to learn how to use the new software i got yesterday and also wanted to share this info so killed two birds with one stone so to speak! :)

1. Where to download the Z3 manual? I've tried from the Sanyo website but the link never works for me. Any other location?

2. Do you guys mount the projector itself centered on the room and use the screen shift or do you center the lens on the screen and have the PJ off center?

3. Toward which side are the inputs in back? Opposite the lens or right behind it?
I am figuring this out before I make a hole in the ceiling and run cables.

The signal inputs are behind the lense while the power cord is also on the back, but on the other side.

1. Where to download the Z3 manual? I've tried from the Sanyo website but the link never works for me. Any other location?

You can get the pdf manual from http://sanyoservice.com/partsinquiries.cfm .

In the "Model Number" box type plvz3. Then click FIND.

. I think the Z3 came with the lens shifted out of the box, so there is really no way to know what setting is "no shift" they are just wheels with no markings.

I put it up thinking it would just work because of how the image came out of the lens, but I had to lens shift.
Zero lens shift for the 'Z3 has the beam coming straight out, where the picture would be centered when the projector is at the level of the screen center and the projector is centered left to right wise in front of the screen.

Zero lens shift for the 'Z3 has the beam coming straight out, where the picture would be centered when the projector is at the level of the screen center and the projector is centered left to right wise in front of the screen.

Does there exist an installation where that would work? It sounds like you would almost always have to do lens shift.

I thought projectors projected the bottom or top of the image? Or is that just certain projectors.

quick question : If I want to send native PAL to a Z3, do I have to do anything or will it accept and output Native PAL? Seeing as how the Sanyo is made in Japan I would assume if anything it would be set to NTSC, but I'm not sure if that even comes into play with projectors!? I have a ton of PAL dvd's and I'd like to take advantage of their greater resolution if I can. I guess I can do trial tests, I just want to ensure at a high level that the Sanyo isn't doing some type of conversion I'm not aware of....

The Z3 scales any signal you send it to 720p, the native display of the LCD panels. But yes, you can send a PAL signal to it and it will display fine. The higher resolution of the PAL format will just give the Z3 more information with which to perform its scaling. Whether the difference will be huge or not, I can't tell you.

Bought a replacement bulb for my Z3 so I'd have one ready...and only after it arrived did I remember how to check the "hours" counter and do the calculation to see how long my current one would last. At this rate it'll be close to ten years before I hit the 2000-hour mark on my original, by which time I'll probably be buying a new projector.

The company I bought it from has a $45 restocking fee. Are any of you Z3 owners interested in a backup bulb? I could still give you a good deal.

[Hope it isn't against forum rules to discuss such things here.]

I'm banging my head around purchasing this PJ but I have not seen it in person. I have seen the other PJ's that are in the running with it (AE700 and the TX100).

All I have to go on is online reviews and this forum... I'm planning on buying is soon but I think I will have to put it off for a bit, till I am totally sure of my choice. As of right now, I REALLY want the Z3. Its at the top of my list (weird as I have no seen it but the reviews have been great).

This is giving me a headache...

I'm banging my head around purchasing this PJ but I have not seen it in person. I have seen the other PJ's that are in the running with it (AE700 and the TX100).

All I have to go on is online reviews and this forum... I'm planning on buying is soon but I think I will have to put it off for a bit, till I am totally sure of my choice. As of right now, I REALLY want the Z3. Its at the top of my list (weird as I have no seen it but the reviews have been great).

This is giving me a headache...

I was in the same exact position when I was thinking of a 480p PJ. There are a lot more viable choices at that rez in my opinion.

When you go up to a 720p PJ though, and you want to keep it under 3500, it narrows your selection quite a bit. Once I did resolve to get a native 720p PJ, I took a fraction of the time to choose the Z3. Frankly, in my opinion, I didn't really think there was a choice. Especially with the lovely price drop. So much bang for so little buck.

I've just noticed that my Z3 has a blue dot at the bottom of the screen. It's about the size of a grapefruit. Do you think it's a dust particle that I need to clean out or is it something else?

The projector has 100 hours of operation.

I've just noticed that my Z3 has a blue dot at the bottom of the screen. It's about the size of a grapefruit. Do you think it's a dust particle that I need to clean out or is it something else?

The projector has 100 hours of operation.

100 hours also means time to clean air filters. Could dust be in the lens, lens filters or panels(???). Or have somebody look at it too just to be sure it's not in your eye... just kidding... :D

Good point...I've been cleaning the filters every 25 hours. I have not cleaned it when it reached 100 hours...yet.

I guess I also have to use the vacuum pump for the first time. Anyone tried using it and how about the automated cleaning function activated via the menu?

use the hurricaine blower and menu cleaning function in conjunction

I just ordered a Z3 today, it will be here mid-next week. Any tips or suggestions on setting this thing up. It's replacing a Panny 200u.

What does everyone think about the Z3 pricing situation now that the Z4 will be out soon? How soon do you think Z3 prices will drop, if at all...

I still have a Z1 and I'm looking to upgrade soon. But I don't want to buy a Z3 right before prices go down. (I can't afford a Z4 ;))

I just got my z3 installed :)

got the cheapo radio shack 80$ ATSC tuner attached to it and the picture was amazing !

Even the SD channels looked damn good, which means it has a pretty good scaler


Dvd also looked awesome. without any tweaking.

I'm really happy!

What does everyone think about the Z3 pricing situation now that the Z4 will be out soon? How soon do you think Z3 prices will drop, if at all...



I wish I had a crystal ball too. I am getting ready to make a purchase soon as well and can't afford one of the new models but the Z3 may very well fit the bill. It would be even better if the price were to drop. :D

I called over to a couple of resellers and they have indicated the following:

Large Inventory
No Price Drop

If you want one... Buy One.

Large inventory usually means that there WILL be a price drop. Otherwise, how would they get rid of all that inventory? There won't be a drop in price UNTILL Sanyo tells them. That's why they say no price drop, because they just don't know... yet.

No smart business will sell product at a loss

No smart business will sell product at a loss

When Sanyo wants to move their inventory of the Z3 out they will drop the price to dealers and or offer incentives to the dealers. They will come down it's just a question of when?

.

When Sanyo wants to move their inventory of the Z3 out they will drop the price to dealers and or offer incentives to the dealers. They will come down it's just a question of when?

.
My point is that a lot of the resellers already have large inventories that they purchased (most likely) at or near 1400. We might see some cool add-ons (bulbs, screens, mounts, candy) but I doubt we will see sub 1k.

Needless to say, if resellers sit on inventory so long that it begins to cost them (carrying costs, insurance, etc) they will lower prices. But even at best guess.... maybe Feb 06.

At the absolute latest, Janruary... Superbowl season. Prime time for unloading all that inventory. Maybe even earlier, before the years end for tax purposes maybe. And like BrianS said, incentives. Add in a $300 extra bulb. That would be just fine with me. I'd need one anyway.

I'd be game for an extra bulb...

I'm happy that I have time to decide as I still need to get my basement ready... Z3 is still in the front. All the reviews have been great.

With respect to my 29 Sept post in which I offered to re-sell my new bulb...

I've been trying to decide how much I should charge for a Z3 bulb. Seems like I should ask for my cost plus maybe half of what I'd be charged for a restocking fee so that I don't lose too much on the deal.

But then I realized that any potential buyer could probably do that well by shopping on the net (as I had done originally)--so why would anyone buy from me?

My conclusion: I might as well hold on to this bulb, even though it'll probably be many years before I need it. [Incidentally, a note from the seller suggested installing and running it for an hour right now to verify that the bulb's OK, then packing it up and putting it away till I'm ready for it.]

Bottom line here: Never mind. Sorry for the interruption.

Anyone in NJ willing to give a demo of their Z3? While I'm mostly a lurker here, I come with excellent references from Home Theater Forum as a caring guest =)

Also, if anyone can recommend any B&Ms in NJ that have the Z3s up and running for demo, that would rule. I've mostly been following the microdisplay rear projectors when I'm in the stores, so havent really been looking at PJs.

Sam

OK, finally got some measurements in my room. It's 16" long, and if I go the FP route I would expect to use it table top first, and that would be approximately 11" from the screen location, and if I did a permanent mount it would be between 14 and 15 feet from the screen.

Looking at the PJ Central Screen Calculator,
12 Foot at 1.0 Screen gain gets me 96 to 115 inches or so.

I am looking at the greywolf which is claimed to be 1.8 but actually 1.4 or so according to users. I also have more ambient light than usually recommended.

So, am I looking ok at having either of the two Greywolf screens (92/106) or is my math off?

I'm waiting on the edge for my Z3 to arrive, and everything along with it. I'm aiming to have my setup completed and calibrated by Columbus Day Weekend. Here's to hoping :cool:

Getting antsy over here. Would like to have ordered by now for the end of baseball season and the start of football. =)

How hard is it for a reasonably competent person to install a Graywolf onto their ceiling? Is it something that can be done in a few hours?

Sainthalo, that demo from page 42 is pretty sweet. What would it cost to get a set of all 3 filters plus a cap sent to America?

Sam

Hi Kadath,
Thanks for the compliments - glad you enjoyed the show! :)
Ive sent you a PM as well
Regards,
sainthalo

I will need a 40 foot HDMI cable to change from component to HDMI, and I'll have to fish it in, so it's a fair bit of work and expense. I've read opinions ranging from "Wow!" to "the difference is subtle".

Has anyone PERSONALLY made the switch from component cables to HDMI using the Z3 with the Panasonic DVD97S? (I know HDMI is needed for HDef, but that's still a few years away for us since the HDef choices are very limited in our market.)

If so, how much difference was there in PQ when watching DVDs, and do you think it's worth ~$200 for a HDMI cable (including shipping) and ~ 4 hours of work to fish it in, patch the holes and refinish the patches?

I'm planning on repainting the HT soon, so now's the time!

Ricketty

finally got my set up all complete. As Follows:

Z3 Zeiling mounted at 12ft from screen (per projection calculator) centered with screen.
92" 16:9 Elite screen white
seating is from 9-13' from screen

Problem is that I have some screen door effect especially on bright scenes like the sky or clouds. Not noticeable at all in darker scenes. Is there a way to minimize this or elimate without losing picture quality? And is this a normal effect for this projector?
Most people will probally not notice this, but I did and now I always see it.
Any help please!

Kadath.

Where in New Jersey are you. I am in south jersey area. I would gladly demo for you if you are close.



SaintHalo.
Also could I get the info on the filters and cap and price.
Thanks

Z3 Zeiling mounted at 12ft from screen (per projection calculator) centered with screen.
92" 16:9 Elite screen white
seating is from 9-13' from screen


I wanted to have a 8'-9' seating distance with a 92" screen as well, but I was likewise worried about SDE. So I went with an 82" HCMW so I wouldn't have to move my couch. I feel for ya, and I hope you can resolve it. Definitely feeling better about going smaller for my situation though.

finally got my set up all complete. As Follows:

Z3 Zeiling mounted at 12ft from screen (per projection calculator) centered with screen.
92" 16:9 Elite screen white
seating is from 9-13' from screen

Problem is that I have some screen door effect especially on bright scenes like the sky or clouds. Not noticeable at all in darker scenes. Is there a way to minimize this or elimate without losing picture quality? And is this a normal effect for this projector?
Most people will probally not notice this, but I did and now I always see it.
Any help please!

The most popular quick fix for this is a slight defocus on the lens that suposedly doesn't harm picture detail but does mask the SDE some. Give it a shot anyway. ^_^

I'm in the middle, Middletown =) Can drive anywhere in NJ easy enough...

Thanks Sainthalo, I've actually sent your Paypal for the filters _before_ I get my Z3 =)

Sam

PS, nobody has answered my 'how hard is it to install your own screen' yet, but I had another thought... If I desk mount my Z3 to begin with, its going to need to use the 'prop' that angles it up slightly besides using the shift dials.... This would introduce keystoning, correct?

I am in williamstown, Gloucester county.

I z3 comes with adjustable feet in the frt to prop up the PJ for better alignment. As long as you have it centered to the screen and use lens shift (if needed) to align, then no keystoning would be necc (Try not to use at all).

How much were the filters?

Hi Imba, You're quite right as to your advice and Kadath probably wont need to tilt it up, just use the Z3's lens shift and that should avoid keystone entirely. Ive sent you a PM re the filters and more info in the link in my signature if you need info. Hope you guys are near enough to help each to have a meet - maybe Kadath can bring his filters along so you can both marvel at the difference! Best regards, sainthalo

finally got my set up all complete. As Follows:

Z3 Zeiling mounted at 12ft from screen (per projection calculator) centered with screen.
92" 16:9 Elite screen white
seating is from 9-13' from screen

Problem is that I have some screen door effect especially on bright scenes like the sky or clouds. Not noticeable at all in darker scenes. Is there a way to minimize this or elimate without losing picture quality? And is this a normal effect for this projector?
Most people will probally not notice this, but I did and now I always see it.
Any help please!

Reviews and owners report that you don't see SDE from normal viewing distances (10-13' with a 92" 16:9 screen) Any chance you can move your front seats back one foot? If your PJ needs to stay at 12' from the screen, I don't think you can zoom any smaller that 92" according to the ProjectorCentral calculator.
Good luck.

I have Z3 on counter top with lense shift to right at about 13 feet away from screen and SEE NO SDE.......even with SDTV on D*!!!

You need to buy filters and attenuator and due Jeremy's component or Rones HDMI tweak settings ...it will TOTALLY eleminate any screen door effect!I never seen any in the first place but it took away the small jaggies that are in some DVDs!

You guys do not think it is the screen causing the SDE??
I have the PJ as far back as I can to fit the screen size so moving it is not an option. I sit at 13 feet from the screen. I just don't know why it is there. It maybe that I just notice it more than others and I am being too picky.
Adjusting the focus is bot helpinh much. Any other Ideas??
I will get the filters soon and hope that helps.

The Graywolf screen according to Guiterman helps eleminate SDE some also!This may explain why I dont see any SDE..not %100 sure though.....so if I were you I would ask around about graywolf..there are some specific threads about this particular screen!

Do you see any keystoning at all Quickfire?

I got my Z3 today, installed it via a ceiling mount and have some problems...

The projector vibrates and the image moves due to (I'm guessing) the lens shift. Is there a way to isolate the PJ or lock the lens shift?

You guys do not think it is the screen causing the SDE??
I have the PJ as far back as I can to fit the screen size so moving it is not an option. I sit at 13 feet from the screen. I just don't know why it is there. It maybe that I just notice it more than others and I am being too picky.
Adjusting the focus is bot helpinh much. Any other Ideas??
I will get the filters soon and hope that helps.

Imba, I have a 92" diy screen and 11' seating distance. The z3 is ceiling mounted and lens shift is used with filters. If I look hard enough I probably see them and usually in large white cloud scenes (or something like that). Overall, sde is not an issue. When evaluating pq just make sure that you have a good source. Keystone adjusts the vertical sides of the image. So if the top/bottom sides are not level (horizontal) then you need to pivot the z3 left or right to get squared. At least that's what happenned to me. BTW, I'm about 20 miles above you. You should watch the Eagles in HD. Sadly though if they are not nationally telecast the coverage is not that good... :confused:

I got my Z3 today, installed it via a ceiling mount and have some problems...

The projector vibrates and the image moves due to (I'm guessing) the lens shift. Is there a way to isolate the PJ or lock the lens shift?

Sorry no lens shift lock. Mine usually moves up/down a bit from time to time but it does not vibrate. It's something I learned to accept which hopefully got fixed with the new model.

What kind of PJ mount are you using enier?

I use the Premier PBL-UMS. I was looking for the lowest flush mount profile plus it came with a 9"-12" extension. Give me a PM if you want to know where I got it. They have free shipping but waited for the 10% discount coupon. You might also want to check out pdrmounts.com & perfectmounts.com websites. They're cheaper but like I said I was looking for the lowest flush mount profile. Originally, I have a diy shelf but saw during calibration that I needed to have a 50cm clearance above the z3 for air circulation. I only had a 10cm so I took the plunge as not void the warranty in case it came to that.

Imba, I have a 92" diy screen and 11' seating distance. The z3 is ceiling mounted and lens shift is used with filters. If I look hard enough I probably see them and usually in large white cloud scenes (or something like that). Overall, sde is not an issue. When evaluating pq just make sure that you have a good source. Keystone adjusts the vertical sides of the image. So if the top/bottom sides are not level (horizontal) then you need to pivot the z3 left or right to get squared. At least that's what happenned to me. BTW, I'm about 20 miles above you. You should watch the Eagles in HD. Sadly though if they are not nationally telecast the coverage is not that good... :confused:


eNIER:

I usually see the sde only on bright scenes like clouds or sky. I watched the flyers game yesterday in hd and I could see it on the ice shots, but not on the players or crowd area. If this is normal then I will just have to be less picky about it.
BTW I do watch the Eagles in hd and it is awesome.

Thanks enier but I think I have the problem solved. I have a diy mount constructed from 1.5" glavanized pipe, floor flanges and 1/2" mdf. The 3 mounting bolts were tightly fit in the mounting plate and bolted tight. I drilled out those holes to 1/2" and put rubber washers on the top side of the bolts that come in contact with the plate. Now, the bolts in no way touch the mounting plate directly, they are isolated by the rubber washers. This did away with 95% of the vibration. I'm headed to the hardward store now to buy more washers and stack them to further isolate the bolts, this should do away with the vibration problem and still keep the PJ secure.

imba, Unfornately not all hd broadcast are created equal but awesome when it's good. My $90 ota tuner from RS is working great with the z3 via hdmi. CSI should be good tonite... :)

Ron-P, I was thinking of a diy mount too but I doubt if I can create a 2.5" clearance I wanted. I mounting surface is pretty low because of the airduct (@ the center of the room) and I want to use minimal lens shift as possible. I wanted to save some $$$ too. :(

Yeah, 2.5" is fairly tight, that'd be tough. I, unfortunately have to use quite a bit of lens shift. My PJ hangs directly over the seating of the back row and I need to keep it as high as possible so no one hits their head. The good news, I cannot see any PQ loss between using the lens shift and not. Of course, I'm upgrading from a Panny 200u and the image quality is simply awesome compared.

Anyon know how to access the bulb hour count? I see there is a reset but I cannot find info on how to see the hours on the bulb.

I received my Sanyo-Z3 yesterday from Visual Apex and immediately hooked it to my system to make sure everything worked correctly. I've come to find out that I will definitely need some blackout fabric over my windows for watching movies during the day. The light that came in was unacceptable for watching movies. So, I got down on myself and started re-thinking the purchase. I got this sick feeling in my stomach.

After I got home from my softball game I tried again in a now completely dark room. WOW!!! This was my initial introduction to HD content and I was blown away. I sat there and watched freaking Rugby for 30 minutes cause it was so cool. My dvd's and xbox games look great as well!! I can't wait for the xbox 360. I guess I just need to make some curtains using blackout cloth for my windows in the room. That should do the trick.

I haven't done any tweaking yet and have wires strewn across every inch of my gameroom and have run into several questions that you guys have likely heard before. I'm ready to now make this a permanent fixture.

1. Ceiling Mount: I plan on ceiling mounting the projector about 13 feet away from the screen (recommended using projection calc). I want to run the power and component cables into the ceiling/attic and down the walls to the receiver. What is the best mount for this job? Again, I have the Sanyo Z-3 and the ceiling is just a regular suburbia ceiling with an attic above it. There is a stud inside that the projector will mount on.

2. Component Cable: I'll need about 30feet of component cable. I called the home theater store in my town to see if they had any of that length and they had a 12m "handmade" cable for $165. I couldn't find any other cables that length at other chain retailers in my area. After reviewing the cable at bluejean's they appear to have that length for a lot cheaper ($105). The guy at the home theater store told me that "You can find cables cheaper, but if they aren't custom made you may as well just run a long S-video cable because you are going to lose a lot of quality." How much truth is there to that?

3. Screen size: I bought 3 yards of blackout cloth from Joann fabric store and it's going to work just fine for the screen once I get a frame built. Based on my 1 hour of playing with the projector last night it appears that I should probably get it all mounted before actually building the screen. Correct? The image doesn't seem to be able to be tweaked other than the half or dozen standard settings (normal, full, wide, caption, etc.) What screen size will I need to build so that I can watch movie, play games, watch HD content? When I do use the projection calculator it give me a screen size based on 16:9. What I'm not clear on is will the 16:9 content fill the entire screen? What happens when I watch a regular broadcast? Ah, so confusing.

I'm sure that I'll have more questions down the road, but this will get me on my way.

Thanks,
jackknife

Ron-P.....as you turn off Z3 it will ask you if yuor sure in a little gray box in the center of screen...ONCE YOU SEE THIS GRAY BOX HIT POWER BUTTON AND HOLD IT IN FOR ATLEAST 45 SECONDS....THERE SHOULD BE A DISPLAY THE COMES UP AND TELLS YOU THE BULB HOURS!!!!

I'm helping my father in law w/ his home theater setup and he has everything ready to go down in the basement. he wants to mount the projector roughly 17 feet back and he only has enough room on the wall to run a 109" screen I was looking on the projection calculator and this looks like it's going to be an issue it says that it will project roughly a 140" image is there a way to "size down" the picture when it's this far away? or is the only option to move the projector closer to the screen? I'm pretty new to all this and have done some reading but still have much more to do. a quick yes or no would definetly help. thanks.

You must move the PJ forward, or buy an expensive long throw add-on lens.

109" diagonal measurement? If so, a 109" diagonal picture can be made anywhere from 11-14 feet from the screen.

I'm guessing it would be more for the lens than it would be to buy longer cable? problem is that we already have cable.

I'm guessing it would be more for the lens than it would be to buy longer cable? problem is that we already have cable.

Some lenses cost just as much as a new PJ.

Ron-P, Press and HOLD the power button for at least 30 seconds.

Jackknife, I got 30ft component cable from bjc and it works fine. If there is any complaint on the BELDEN 7710A I can make is stiffness. Thus unless necessary, I will not use s-video cable with z3 so give the "guy at the hometheater" a knock on the head. Screen size also equates to your seating distance. Read z3 reviews on www.guidetohometheater.com, www.hdtvexpert.com and www.projectorcentral.com for testing and setup ideas.

"Read z3 reviews on www.guidetohometheater.com, www.hdtvexpert.com and www.projectorcentral.com for testing and setup ideas."Don't forget right here on AVS, the Z3 tweak thread.

Answering my own Q's, I noticed the users manual is actually on the Grey Wolf site, it shows how easy it is to hang this from a ceiling using 'eye' style hooks screwed into a stud.

So I should be good to go

Imba, I dont have my filter set yet, I'd love to see the Z3 any time you are free, if thats before I get them I'd definitly be willing to bring em back once I do get them. If you can send your phone number to vckadath@gmail.com or a suggested meet up time and address that would rock.

Sam

Got the bulb hour display box to come up, thanks guys!

I am thinking of getting a PJ for the first time. I have a thread discussing the matter here. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6322397#post6322397) I have been recommended an Infocus 4805, an Optoma H31, and a Sanyo Z3. I read about these and the Optoma H27 and the Sanyo Z3.

I was thinking of only spending $1K, originally, but I might get the Z3. My room dimensions are 16'x15'. The height of my room is 6'1" on the edges and 6'6" in the middle rectangle. The viewing distance will be from about 10' to 13'.

I am considering getting the 92" Optoma Gray Wolf screen. Would this provide good viewing angles? What do you think about the Da-Lite Matte White, High Contrast, and High Contrast Matte White screens?

I was originally thinking of getting a 106" screen, but it may be too large for my room.

Also, I am thinking about getting the CC20R and the CC10Y filters.

Thanks for any help.

I have attached the screen and PJ wall areas.

Btw, I am going to rearrange all of my speakers.

Here are the pictures again, but with drawings of where I would want the screen and PJ.

I want to mount the PJ in the ceiling and wonder if my rooms height will be a problem?

I am thinking of getting a PJ for the first time. I have a thread discussing the matter here. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6322397#post6322397) I have been recommended an Infocus 4805, an Optoma H31, and a Sanyo Z3. I read about these and the Optoma H27 and the Sanyo Z3.

I was thinking of only spending $1K, originally, but I might get the Z3. My room dimensions are 16'x15'. The height of my room is 6'1" on the edges and 6'6" in the middle rectangle. The viewing distance will be from about 10' to 13'.

I am considering getting the 92" Optoma Gray Wolf screen. Would this provide good viewing angles? What do you think about the Da-Lite Matte White, High Contrast, and High Contrast Matte White screens?

I was originally thinking of getting a 106" screen, but it may be too large for my room.

Also, I am thinking about getting the CC20R and the CC10Y filters.

Thanks for any help.

I have attached the screen and PJ wall areas.

Btw, I am going to rearrange all of my speakers.


Are u keeping the tv and sectional seating as is / the same? Are you sure on the ceiling height? God that's a low ceiling. Is it a basement or an attic?

This is a basement. I measured the ceiling yesterday, so the heights are correct. I am planning on leaving the seating as is. The seat nearest to the screen will probably be unusable, but all of the other seating spots will be about 10' to 13' feet from the screen. The seat closest to the screen is kind of separated from all of the others by a built-in refridgerator in the sofa. The next seat is about 10' from the screen and the rest are even further away.

I will be changing the position of all of the speakers, but I will be leaving the TV for regular day-to-day viewing. I will be eventually replacing the CRT TV with a HD LCD TV to save some space.

Interesting situation you have here Taz. Is that a closet behind the media rack?? If so, here's an idea... take the doors off and modify it to house your TV. Get a pull down screen to come down in front of it for when you want to use the PJ. This way, you'd be able to use your speakers for both, as I don't see a way to do that with the other setup... and, you may be able to optimize the seating better.

As far as ceiling mounting?...you've got a tough situation with that ceiling height. I personally would get a short table that could be used or modified to mount the PJ to the underside of the table, or sit it on top.

As far as the Z3 for your PJ, plenty of people here would recommend it. All the PJs you mentioned come highly recommended around here. I assume you're alredy aware of the fact that the others are 480p PJs, and the Z3 is 720p. AFAIK the Z2 is still a decient PJ too, and can be had for about the same as the 480Ps, but is 720p.

You probably will need the smaller screen, but because of the height. Since you don't have any windows, I don't think you need the Greywolf, unless you're going to keep the bright ceiling lights on, which may still be too much light. If you're watching in the dark, I'd just get a white one.

Thanks a lot.

My media table is right next to my TV. That thing near the wall is a DVD holder for some of my DVD's.

The closet idea is pretty nice, but I won't be able to implement it because there are some pipes and other stuff in there that is not easily removed, or changed. If I were to eliminate the closets I would probably get a good 3' or more.

So a good screen would be a white one. Should I get a Matte White or any others? Also, would I have wide viewing angles with a Matte White? I was looking into a Da-Lite High Power, but was told that the viewing angles would suffer. Most of the viewers will be watching the screen straight up, but I would like wide viewing angles so that the image doesn't change much when looking at different sections of the screen.

Btw, I have one window in this room, but it is small and high up. Also, it is very easily darkened. There is also a window on the door to exit the basement to the yard, which is also very small and easily darkened, too.

I would have preferred to have the projector mounted on the ceiling. I could mount it on a table, but I would have to run the wires under the rug, then through the back of the sofa and other furniture, and finally through the closet.

Is it possible to mount it on the ceiling at all? Or even on the rear wall at a lower height?

Thanks again.

I wouldn't ceiling mount it with that low of a ceiling. Rear wall shelf mounting is more doable IMO. The reason I said under a table, is because anytime someone would get up, it would cast shadows on the screen... more avoidable if mounted under a table. On the ceiling, it's probably gonna get knocked.
Screens are definately not my forte'. I do know enough that a gey screen is not needed if you don't have significant ambient light. Hopefully more people will chime in here or your other thread. This really isn't the place to discuss everything, it's supposed to be Z3 talk only.

Thanks for all your help.

I will try the under table mount and the rear shelf mount. My sofa is about 1' off of the wall, so I could probably move it a little bit further away and put a table for the PJ there and stand the PJ in an upright position, instead of upside down. What do you think?

One more question regarding the PJ position. Will the image be bad if mounted on the ceiling? Will I need to use a lot of keystone and lens shift?

I came across this mount (http://www.omnimount.com/product.asp?p=167) in one of the threads. Is this more practical than a shelf?

The image should be about the same wether you shelf, table or ceiling mount it. Although now that I think about it, make sure that you throw distance is ok from the back wall to the screen. Use the projector calculator at projectorcentral.com to check.
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sanyo-PLV-Z3-projection-calculator-pro.htm

One more question regarding the PJ position. Will the image be bad if mounted on the ceiling? Will I need to use a lot of keystone and lens shift?

I came across this mount (http://www.omnimount.com/product.asp?p=167) in one of the threads. Is this more practical than a shelf?

You may want to consider the CC30R filter. That's what Rone's using with his latest settings. Might as well try them all.

Ya, read the last 2-3 pages of the Z3 tweak thread.

The image should be about the same wether you shelf, table or ceiling mount it. Although now that I think about it, make sure that you throw distance is ok from the back wall to the screen. Use the projector calculator at projectorcentral.com to check.
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sanyo-PLV-Z3-projection-calculator-pro.htm

When I checked for the 92" screen size, it says that I have to lower the brightness for the Z3. Also it says that I have to place the PJ 11.9' away from the screen. With a 106" screen size, I can place the PJ 13.7' away. I guess I won't be able to put the PJ around the area I wanted if I use a 92" screen. Is there any way for me to keep the PJ and 92" screen about 14' away from each other, or will the PJ be too much out of focus? With a 106" screen, I could put the PJ 13.7' away. If my room was larger I would not hesitate to get a 106", but since my room is so small I have some reservations. We will be sitting 13' to 10' feet away from the screen, btw. What do you think?

I'll get all of the recommended filters and see how the image changes.

Ignore the brightness recomendation on the calculator. It's based on manufacturers advertised specs, not real world specs after proper calibration. Maybe you'll have to go ceiling mounted after all. The PJ calculator is acurate. No 92" at 14'. Of course you don't HAVE to get a 92" screen, you could get a 96 or a 100 or whatever.

How would SDE and other stuff be like with a 106" at 10' to 13' viewing? Would the screen look decent at these distances? If not, I guess I will have to get a 92" screen and move the PJ closer to the screen.

Also, could I try out a 106" and only use it at like 92", or some other size, if I don't like a 106" screen? Will the excess white border be annoying?

Taz,
read the posts in this thread on 10-5-05.
For a 92" screen to be 1.5 - 2.0x screen width you would need to be sitting 10-13' from the screen. Any closer than that or a bigger screen and you may likely see SDE. Most people report at these distances they don't see SDE.
Ceiling mounting would put the PJ pretty low. Low profile mounts are around 3.5", at least the two I have seen, and that would put the PJ about 8.5" down from the ceiling. In your case at 5' 9.5". This could possibly work if you had an end table or something directly under it so no one would bump their head. Lens shifting up or down or side to side is no problem with this flexible projector and doesn't affect image quality. You shouldn't need to use keystoning which does affect the PQ.
As far as SDE and screen size, don't buy a screen until you get your projector and try it out. Get a cheap white blackout cloth at Joanne's Fabrics or Wal-Mart and try out different screen sizes before you buy a more expensive one. You may even make your own frame and keep the blackout cloth screen.

1. Is the use of the remote sensitive on the Z3? Can you point the remote at the screen and it will bounce back and hit the PJ? I plan on using the Harmony 659 remote. How much of a delay needs to be programmed from the power ON command until you can change inputs, etc? And I imagine you have to program a double punch on the OFF button?

2. Is the power cord that plugs into the PJ the exact same configuration as on a computer or monitor power cord? In other words, could these power cords be interchangable?

1. Is the use of the remote sensitive on the Z3? Can you point the remote at the screen and it will bounce back and hit the PJ? I plan on using the Harmony 659 remote. How much of a delay needs to be programmed from the power ON command until you can change inputs, etc? And I imagine you have to program a double punch on the OFF button?

2. Is the power cord that plugs into the PJ the exact same configuration as on a computer or monitor power cord? In other words, could these power cords be interchangable?

1. No idea.

2. I haven't received my Z3 yet, but the answer is no. I actually planned ahead for this and bought a 10' replacement cord from digi-cables. I can't remember which thread it was in, and even possibly this one, but someone posted the model of the cord to order from digi-cables.

Taz,
read the posts in this thread on 10-5-05.
For a 92" screen to be 1.5 - 2.0x screen width you would need to be sitting 10-13' from the screen. Any closer than that or a bigger screen and you may likely see SDE. Most people report at these distances they don't see SDE.
Ceiling mounting would put the PJ pretty low. Low profile mounts are around 3.5", at least the two I have seen, and that would put the PJ about 8.5" down from the ceiling. In your case at 5' 9.5". This could possibly work if you had an end table or something directly under it so no one would bump their head. Lens shifting up or down or side to side is no problem with this flexible projector and doesn't affect image quality. You shouldn't need to use keystoning which does affect the PQ.
As far as SDE and screen size, don't buy a screen until you get your projector and try it out. Get a cheap white blackout cloth at Joanne's Fabrics or Wal-Mart and try out different screen sizes before you buy a more expensive one. You may even make your own frame and keep the blackout cloth screen.

Thanks for your response.

I wonder if I could flush mount this PJ on the ceiling? Would it overheat, or anything like that? Btw, I have a table in front of my sofa. Maybe I could mount it on the ceiling above it.

Would I have to unmount it very often to clean it? I would only be using it about 5 to 10 hours a week. Maybe more if I like regular TV on it.

I like the throw distance on the Panasonic AE700. That one would allow me to mount it on a shelf behind my sofa. The Infocus 4805 would also have a similar throw distance for my application.

Hi All,

I just received my brand new Z3 and currently it is kept on a table. The image is displayed on a DIY BOC 100" screen.

Positive : The image quality is great, can't find any flaws. From approx. 12' I don't see any SDE or pixels.

However, The image is skwed inward in the lower rignt hand corner. So instead of perfact ractangle, what I see is left side is perfact (vertically) however on the right hand side the lower part is less wider then upper part by good 4".

Any tips on how to correct the problem, I did not try keystone because I want to do this fine tuning after I mount PJ to the ceiling.

My ceiling height is 8'6", do you think I should put a 6" extension bar to the ceiling mount or I should mount PJ flush to the ceiling.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Pankaj

1. Is the use of the remote sensitive on the Z3? Can you point the remote at the screen and it will bounce back and hit the PJ?
Yes, I can point mine at the screen and operate the PJ which is ceiling mounted behind me.

TazExprez, flush celiing mounting is like table mounting so overheating is no issue. According to the manual, you need 1m space at the left (when facing z3) or the vent side and 50cm at the top, back and right side.

pankaj, you definitely have alignment issues. Usually when the top and bottom are not level you need to turn the unit left or right and tilt up/down if it is the left/right sides. Ideally, the least amount of lens shift used is the best so use the extension bar to your advantage.

TazExprez, flush celiing mounting is like table mounting so overheating is no issue. According to the manual, you need 1m space at the left (when facing z3) or the vent side and 50cm at the top, back and right side.


No it is not!.... ceiling mounting does not make heat travel down instead of up........ you still need space for the heat to go....

No it is not!.... ceiling mounting does not make heat travel down instead of up........ you still need space for the heat to go....

Do I need 50cm on top? Or will less do?

No it is not!.... ceiling mounting does not make heat travel down instead of up........ you still need space for the heat to go....

It vents to the side not the top of the unit. So you need the 1m clearance/space on the vent side...

Hi All,

Tonight I want to mount Z3 using a ceiling mount like http://www.tech-era.com/mount/. I keep reading that projector should be square to the ceiling and lense should align to the top edge of the screen. However, I am confused. Can some one walk me through the process.

My screen size is 100" diag. The screen is DIY using black out cloth. The room size is 17'x11' the ceiling are 8'6".

Here is what I am thinking.

Mount PJ exactly at the center of the ceiling (width of the ceiling, 12' from the screen. The throw distance calculator recommends 10 - 13' for PJ for 100" screen.

Use extension pipe to bring PJ down to may be 7'6" and mount the screen such that top edge of the screen is aligned to PJ.

I also read about viewers eye level should be at the center of the screen? I am not sure what it should be.

Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Best Regards,

Pankaj

Just had my Z3 lamp fail. It had about 970 hours, all in the reduced brightness modes. For a couple of days prior to failure the brightness seemed low. When it failed there was a relatively quite "tink" as the lamp went. Note that the filters are clean.

Anyone else with failures? Hopefully this was a just a much worse than average lamp, at least life wise. I was expecting the better part of 3000 hours.

reflog,

Sorry to hear that. Your's the first I heard of a z3 lamp failing. And from what I've read, lamp life if not an exact science.

Yes, I can point mine at the screen and operate the PJ which is ceiling mounted behind me.


Actually thats the only way i can ensure that the PJ will get the command.

I guess they designed it like that.

I finally got my PJ and screen setup. I did some preliminary viewing last night over component, to test it out before my HDMI switcher and cable come in.

I noticed this very fainy "wave" running up the screen; over and over and over. I never noticed it while watching a DVD, but when my DVD player was on it's splash screen, I saw the band moving up.

I'm not that concerned because A. I'm hoping it won't be there with HDMI and B. I couldn't even notice with while watching a movie.


Any ideas?

Also, how important is it that I run in Low Lamp Mode (Theater I think it's called), rather than A1? I really like A1 over Theater, but I don't want my bulb to run out in a few months. lol.

Any ideas?

Also, how important is it that I run in Low Lamp Mode (Theater I think it's called), rather than A1? I really like A1 over Theater, but I don't want my bulb to run out in a few months. lol.

Low lamp mode theoretically prolongs lamp life though I'm not sure if anybody can say for how much. It sure saves a bit of energy. I'd say if you like it better there then go for it and enjoy. Personally, I use the low mode because of the fan. I also started a saving $1/day for bulb since I do not know when I can upgrade... :)

Hey a Newby here. I'm looking for someone close to Missouri City, Texas willing to demo their Z3 HT setup! Missouri City is right outside of Sugarland, Texas. I would like to see the projector I buy in action before purchase. I've recently viewed a IF screenplay 5000 and it looked really good with HD material, but I know it could look GREAT. So send me a private message, or email if it's linked. Thanks.

I finally got my PJ and screen setup. I did some preliminary viewing last night over component, to test it out before my HDMI switcher and cable come in.

I noticed this very fainy "wave" running up the screen; over and over and over. I never noticed it while watching a DVD, but when my DVD player was on it's splash screen, I saw the band moving up.

I'm not that concerned because A. I'm hoping it won't be there with HDMI and B. I couldn't even notice with while watching a movie.


Any ideas?



I'm not a very technical person when it comes to stuff like this, but that sounds like a ground loop.

What else do you have on your projector's circuit?

I'm not a very technical person when it comes to stuff like this, but that sounds like a ground loop.

What else do you have on your projector's circuit?

Oh, that's good information, thanks.

Nothing really. A halogen lamp, but it's never on. That's a great place to start though. Thanks!

Hi everyone. I'm thinking we aren't supposed to print specific prices for specific retailers, but I have an issue I need to ask about. I'll be careful not to mention the company. I'll try to keep it brief so bear with me on this story.

I had contacted Sanyo back in July to get a local store that sold their projectors. I contacted the place they recommened & the ower was quite nice on the phone and gave me a price of $1795 for the Z3 & $560 for a Da-Lite 106" screen. My basement was scheduled to begin construction in early Sept. In August, when the Z3 price went down to $1495 I called to confirm the price & this company confirmed they would sell it to me for $1495. In early Sept., I called the company to tell them that my project was starting but the guy said he was busy at a client site & he'd call me back. He never did. I left another message a week later...no call back. Finally the guy e-mails me after 2 weeks and tells me he'd call & also that he had a demo Z3 for $1000. I replied that I was interested but wanted to know about the Z4 price. He replied that he would call...he didn't. Two weeks later, he e-mails me (last week)and says if I don't want the demo, he needs to move it to someone else. He also says he'd call me. He didn't. I e-mailed that I wanted the price on the Z4 before committing to the demo (50 hours on the bulb).

He asked me what screen I wanted (he must have forgotten) & after I replied, he sent me prices...he raised the price of the Z3 to $1595 & said the screen is now $633!! I asked why the prices are higher now than 8 weeks ago & he said 'fuel surcharges' have raised everyone's prices. I told him that gas prices have not gone up in the 8 weeks since the price dropped to $1495 and that everyone else has the Z3 for $100 less & the screen for $80 less. I pasted the price from several stores & e-mail it to him & he replied ripping those stores saying they were not reliable for returns & that they over-charged shipping (several were free shipping!)

So my question to you guys is this. Am I nuts or is that completely crazy?? Fuel surcharges?? I don't see that consumer prices have gone up nearly 7% due to fuel surcharges! This guy was so cool to me at first, so I don't want to think badly, but it sure seems like a bait & switch to me. I'll have to pay taxes on the purchase so that means $200 more for the Z3 than over the net plus another $100 more for the screen. I'm thinking about just writing this guy off. He's lost the entire sale. Thoughts?

Screw this guy. IF this is kinda of service you get BEFORE the sale imagine what you will get AFTER the sale. Go get it from a sponsor and save your self a headache.

Maybe he drives his HUMMER H1 to install the Z3 on the coffee table and the screen to the wall but that's only me... One thing I really hate is they (as in installers, electrician, carpenter, etc.) don't call when they said they would. Thus, are the first to get crossed off the list.

The image is displayed on a DIY BOC 100" screen.

However, The image is skwed inward in the lower rignt hand corner. So instead of perfact rectangle, what I see is left side is perfact (vertically) however on the right hand side the lower part is less wider then upper part by good 4".
Is your screen perfectly flat (coplanar)? Sometimes walls are not. You may achieve a satisfactory result by tilting the back of the projector down and also adjusting the lens shift and/or angling the projector slightly. Not sure how much of a skewing discrepancy Sanyo will regard as a warranty covered defect.

.Mount PJ exactly at the center of the ceiling (width of the ceiling, 12' from the screen. The throw distance calculator recommends 10 - 13' for PJ for 100" screen.

Use extension pipe to bring PJ down to may be 7'6" and mount the screen such that top edge of the screen is aligned to PJ.

I also read about viewers eye level should be at the center of the screen? I am not sure what it should be.

I have a similar setup dimension wise and also have a 'Z3 and a screen made of black out cloth.

Because the 'Z3 has lens shift, the exact mounting point is not critical to the inch. Mounting the projector even with the top of the screen is slightly better than mounting it two feet higher, although (probably impractical) mounting the projector even with the center of the screen is slightly better than mounting it even with the top of the screen due to fewer lens aberrations showing up.

Screen height has to be a compromise. Eye level about 1/3 up the screen looks right to me. I wanted the bottom of the screen reasonably high off the floor so persons in the back row of seating don't have too much of an obstructed view. Due to the low ceiling height I could only achieve about 38 inches off the floor.

I think six inches (about 15 cm) between the projector and ceiling is enough if you have some general air circulation. Due to lower ceiling height I only have about one inch and I plan to install a low speed fan nearby.

Maybe he drives his HUMMER H1 to install the Z3 on the coffee table and the screen to the wall but that's only me... One thing I really hate is they (as in installers, electrician, carpenter, etc.) don't call when they said they would. Thus, are the first to get crossed off the list.

The talk about the H1 reminds of a time when a consultant came to my place of work (a multi billion dollar food company) driving a H1. As soon as the hiring director saw what he was driving he was shown the door and told he obviously is charging too much. Sorry off topic but I couldn't resist. I just HATE Hummers.

I just ordered a Z3 with an OPPO. What do you think of this combo? I ordered from ProjectorPeople.com, btw. It was pretty close for me between this one and the Infocus 4805. The SDE and possible RBE got to me. Plus the extra resolution may come in handy for BR's and HDDVD's later on.

I just ordered a Z3 with an OPPO. What do you think of this combo?

Its great combo. I am using it :)

Z42.jpeg

I'm trying to upload a picture or attach a picture file but it looks like it won't work apparently because I'm in the USA.

Well let me just refer to the link:
www.hdtvexpert.com/pages/plvz4.htm (http://)

In this Z4 article it has a picture of the back of the unit. It shows the AC power plug has an triangle orientation of three round contact. Does the Z3 have the same plug with round contacts?

Its great combo. I am using it :)

Hey, I notice you have a Da-Lite HCMW screen. I am thinking of getting a Da-Lite screen, too. I was thinking of getting either a Da-Lite MW, HCMW, HP, or an Optoma Gray Wolf. I was considering getting either the 45"x80", or the 52"x92" (if I can tolerate this at 10' to 13').

How is your HCMW? I will be viewing it directly most of the time, but I would like to know how are the viewing angles? Does the image degrade significantly if not viewed directly? I was considering an HP, but I have read that the image is different when not viewed directly.

Thanks for your help.

I finally got my PJ and screen setup. I did some preliminary viewing last night over component, to test it out before my HDMI switcher and cable come in.

I noticed this very fainy "wave" running up the screen; over and over and over. I never noticed it while watching a DVD, but when my DVD player was on it's splash screen, I saw the band moving up.

I'm not that concerned because A. I'm hoping it won't be there with HDMI and B. I couldn't even notice with while watching a movie.


Any ideas?

Also, how important is it that I run in Low Lamp Mode (Theater I think it's called), rather than A1? I really like A1 over Theater, but I don't want my bulb to run out in a few months. lol.

You might want to check your cable routing and keep all ac lines away from signal lines. Tidy up your cables and you may eliminate this problem. You could also have a ground problem.

Hey, I notice you have a Da-Lite HCMW screen. I am thinking of getting a Da-Lite screen, too. I was thinking of getting either a Da-Lite MW, HCMW, HP, or an Optoma Gray Wolf. I was considering getting either the 45"x80", or the 52"x92" (if I can tolerate this at 10' to 13').

How is your HCMW? I will be viewing it directly most of the time, but I would like to know how are the viewing angles? Does the image degrade significantly if not viewed directly? I was considering an HP, but I have read that the image is different when not viewed directly.

Thanks for your help.

I'm getting the Cinema Vision HC for better blacks. I've heard the Z3 looks real nice with this screen, especially if you have any ambient lighting on. I would get samples from Da-Lite to see what looks best for you.

E-mail Da-Lite .....they'll contact you by phone or e-mail ........they should send 8 samples......I have the 106" Graywolf...and hung all 8 of Da-Lites samples in front of Graywolf and compared each of the 8 samples...... personally I like the Graywolf when compared to 7 of the 8 samples....but I have to admit I was amazed at the POP in color the Z3 gave on Da-Lites High Power sample.......but then I checked the price of a 106" and have decided to just wait...to much money for me!!!!The only problem I had with the High Power screen was it didn't have as dark blacks as the Graywolf had......But man the colors were amazing!

How large are the samples and how fast can I get them?

Also, what is a cheap material I can get at Home Depot, or some other local place, to try out my PJ when it arrives next week.

Use a white bed sheet just to try it out, or a white wall.

Get some blackout cloth (white) at Joanne's Fabrics or Walmart.com for about $20-25.
You can even make a do-it-yourself screen out of this that does the job.

Could you post a link to a fabric you would recommend. I am having a hard time searching for fabric at Walmart.com. I cannot find the Joanne's Fabrics website in Google. I have never bought fabric before, so I am pretty incompetent with this subject.

In this Z4 article it has a picture of the back of the unit. It shows the AC power plug has an triangle orientation of three round contact. Does the Z3 have the same plug with round contacts?

Yes, it does. It's a plug that's pretty common on Laptop AC adapters, too. For example, HP uses them.

Taz,
I can't find the link that I once had at Walmart.com. Try searching for Blackout cloth on their site. Joanne's Fabrics probably doesn't have a web site. You could go to either of these stores to get the material, but that might be old style rather than ordering online.
I love to shop online.

Z3 Owners:

Anyone in Minnesota or the Fargo area that would allow me to see this machine in action?
I'd love to preview this machine before I buy.

Could you post a link to a fabric you would recommend. I am having a hard time searching for fabric at Walmart.com. I cannot find the Joanne's Fabrics website in Google. I have never bought fabric before, so I am pretty incompetent with this subject.

Here's a link to Joann http://www.joann.com/catalog.jhtml?CATID=95007&PRODID=96087&source=search

Don't forget to use a coupon. There are a ton of them out there. Do a google search for them.

jackknife

Ya, I get a flyer every week in the snail mail from Joann Fabrics. There's always a cut-out coupon on the back for 40% off the regular price of anything in the store. I got one yesterday and the coupon this time is for 50% off. The flyers are usually readily available at the store too. I've been to their website before and it is very limited compared to what is in the B&M store. I don't know if they have BO cloth on the website or not. Like jacknife said, find the online coupons. Their out there, sometimes they even post them right on the website.

I posted this in the tweak thread, but I meant to post it here.
"
So, I just got my Z3 about a week ago. I've been running it pretty perfectly, but I made my first mistake you could say.

I turned the Z3 on to warm it up, and it was displaying the blue screen with the No Signal box in the bottom. It was counting down from 5.

I was adjusting my PJ on the cart, messing around with angles and what not, and I forgot about the countdown. All of the sudden the screen disappeared and the red light started flashing.

I was like, "oh no, I forgot about the signal. Well, since it's already shutting itself down, I'll plug in the HDMI cable, and let it stay shut off for awhile before turning it on."

Well, apparently, it detected the signal anyway while it was shutting off, and turned itself back on. There came a tiny *zap* sound from inside and the lamp came back on.

So, did I "kill" my lamp's life by doing that?"

It's working fine. Am I screwed, or did I only lose a few hours? Oh $#%@, it's a PJ, not a relationship. Play my damn movies and nothing more. :p

So, did I "kill" my lamp's life by doing that?"

At least the bulb is getting cheaper...

Ron-P.....as you turn off Z3 it will ask you if yuor sure in a little gray box in the center of screen...ONCE YOU SEE THIS GRAY BOX HIT POWER BUTTON AND HOLD IT IN FOR ATLEAST 45 SECONDS....THERE SHOULD BE A DISPLAY THE COMES UP AND TELLS YOU THE BULB HOURS!!!!


I did this, and the power light blinked red to indicate cooldown, and after 45 seconds the Sanyo warm screen ended up coming back on. (the one with the 20 second countdown). Does it come up after that?

You need to activate the power off confimation in the options. Then it will work

I did this, and the power light blinked red to indicate cooldown, and after 45 seconds the Sanyo warm screen ended up coming back on. (the one with the 20 second countdown). Does it come up after that?

What it is that you need to do?

Hey guys, I plan on buying a Z3 in the next month or two and wanted to know if the Z3 will do a vertical stretch over HDMI at 720p or 1080i. I ask because I plan on doing a 2.35:1 CH setup and will also be purchasing a Prismasonic 600H anamorphic lens with a Oppo doing the upconversion over HDMI. I've read that the Z2 will NOT do this stretch over 720p, just curious if the Z3 is the same, otherwise i'll need to stick to component.

Thanks

1st Cav

"Hey guys, I plan on buying a Z3 in the next month or two and wanted to know if the Z3 will do a vertical stretch over HDMI at 720p or 1080i." -1st Cav

No, it is the same as the Z2 in this aspect. Reportedly, it seems as though the new Z4 will do the proper scaling via HDMI.

Thanks Smarty for ruining my dream :mad: :( ....just kidding. Thanks for the info, guess I need to save a little more and start considering the Z4.

I mean two codes; One for ON and one for OFF, instead of one Power button code.


Did you find the answer ?

I noticed powering up, after standby, my Z3 outputs the a dominating green picture. It only happens on an HDMI connection. When switched over to component, the picture is normal. Switching back and forth does not help. Only after powering down the Z3 and waiting does it go back to a normal picture on HDMI. Anyone experienced this or know what the cause might be?

I noticed powering up, after standby, my Z3 outputs the a dominating green picture. It only happens on an HDMI connection. When switched over to component, the picture is normal. Switching back and forth does not help. Only after powering down the Z3 and waiting does it go back to a normal picture on HDMI. Anyone experienced this or know what the cause might be?

The Z3 has a standby mode?!?! What's that?

If there is no signal detected for 30 seconds, it will count down from 5 minutes and go into standby mode. Thereafter, you can "wake up" the Z3 by hitting the power button or until a signal is detected.

This function can be used to conserve the bulb if you were planning to use the projector on the same day but not continuously and you do not want to power down.

really? The last time I left it without a signal for 5 minutes, it went into cooldown (red blinking light). After the cooldown, is that when it goes into standby? What light indicates standby?

We are both describing the same functionality. Sanyo calls it Power Management, I call it standby and you seem to call it something else. No big deal!

BTW, the light turns to a flashing green after the projector has been fully cooled down.

Anyway, has anyone experienced what I described in the orginal post?

Thanks to the forum and everyone in this thread I've recently purchased a Z3 and a 92" Optoma Gray Wolf. It's my first projector and it has really exceeded my expectations. I've just started the process of fine tuning the picture and have a few questions.

My projector is about 11' back, 3.5' up on a table behind and slightly above the seating area. The main seating area is around 10' back from the 92" screen. Due to the layout of the room, I don't have any space to change the seating distance or the location of the projector. My current sources are OTA high definition over component, 480p DVD over component and laptop (2.0GHz P-M, GeForce Go 6800U) over DVI>HDMI.

With this setup, I am just close enough to see a bit of SDE, so I'm trying to use a slight defocus to get rid of it.

1) Does vertical lens shift and keystone affect the uniformity of focus across the screen? I need to use both to properly frame the image on my screen. The issue I'm having is that I can find a point of focus where everything is uniformly sharpest across the screen (and SDE is most visible), but when I start to defocus, there is a noticeable difference in focus between the left and right sides of the screen. Basically, with the slightest defocus, I will get one side just right (slightly defocused, no SDE), but the other side of the screen will be slightly sharper (with visible SDE). Depending on which way I turn the focus ring, the difference in defocusing switches from left to right. What this means is that I have to defocus even more to get rid of SDE across the entire screen and one side or the other will be softer than the other.

Could lens shift, keystone or some other setting be causing the difference in focus from side to side? As I said, at the sharpest point of focus, it seems to be equally sharp across the whole screen, and the focus differential only appears when I'm defocusing.

2) Are there any service menu settings or any other ways to help minimize SDE and which settings are they exactly? I have the pdf service manual, but I'm not sure where to start and I haven't found a specific answer searching in the Z3 discussion threads.

Any advice is much appreciated.

wymann, had a similar problem only detectable by surfing the nect on the z3.5

just fixed it though by very careful focussing using your post as the displayed text!

its now uniformly sharp - took 2 or 3 goes to get there.

:D :cool:

just fixed it though by very careful focussing using your post as the displayed text!

its now uniformly sharp - took 2 or 3 goes to get there.

Thanks for your comments. No matter how many times I try, I still can't hit the sweet spot of slight defocus uniformly across the screen. When I get one part of the screen just right, the other side is either too sharp (showing SDE) or too soft.

I have a condition with SDE also. I tried to slightly defocus, but did not help.
I have 92" screen seating 13 feet back and still have SDE. Will filters help to remove the SDE or do I have to live with it.

Thanks in advance

I have a condition with SDE also. I tried to slightly defocus, but did not help.
I have 92" screen seating 13 feet back and still have SDE. Will filters help to remove the SDE or do I have to live with it.

Thanks in advance

not sure if filters will lessen the look of sde you are experiencing (really you need a smaller screen size) but they might. in any event they will improve your z3 so you you should be using them. PM me if you cant get them locally.

What screen are you using IMBA?

The Graywolf is suppossed to help with SDE......I don 't see any.....I put up samples of Da-Lites....8 in total and still didn'nt see any SDE?I'm confused....maybe I have SDE and just cnat see it!Anyways if you dont believe me ask Guitarman he said it helps with SDE!

Build me up! I have been using my Z3 with a signal generated from a Yamaha DVDC 750 from it's VIDEO port to my RXV-657 receiver upconverted to S-Video to the pj while I have been patiently awaiting my Component cables (held up at Customs no doubt).And the picture is pretty good already.

How much better will the view be when the new cables arrive?

Build me up! I have been using my Z3 with a signal generated from a Yamaha DVDC 750 from it's VIDEO port to my RXV-657 receiver upconverted to S-Video to the pj while I have been patiently awaiting my Component cables (held up at Customs no doubt).And the picture is pretty good already.

How much better will the view be when the new cables arrive?

You have been too patient and sjould see a massive improvement. If you want more improvement install the filters and settings discussed here and developed by ROne and Jeremy.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=6451521#post6451521

I am considering the Z3 as well as the IF 4805 for our basement theatre. There is total light control. We watch 70% DVD and 30% TV in this room, no HDTV yet though but we will get it w/in next year. The room is 14.5 widex22ft deep and seating can be anywhere from 9 to 12 feet from screen. The screen and projector will be ceiling mounted (infron of our TV) and I would like to get a 92-106" diag screen. I know there is a lot of back and forth on the 4805 vs the Z3 but I'd like to get some opinions on how the Z3 will work in the room and maybe what kind of screen I should be looking at. I've seen the Elite VMAX screens that are electric and very reasonably priced. I believe the screen is a matte white, any opinions.

Thanks!

I have my Z3 set just shy of 12' ceiling mounted using a 114" Carada Criterion Brilliant White screen. My basement room is light controlled (as far as windows & doors go) and is 33x22.
I really like the setup! I'm not certain the brilliant white was needed but then again I can tone down the brightness without worries. But, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Carada screens. The price is right, the quality is VERY good, and the shipping is fast. I paid just shy of $1000 for my screen shipped!!

has anyone upgraded from the panasonic L300U to the Z3? or viewed both of these in action? what are your thoughts? was there a big difference? or minimal? with the price of the Z3 dropping, i was considering an upgrade...but i want to be fairly sure that the upgrade would be justified based on picture quality differences (improvements).

anyone?

i know the ae300 image cf the z3 image - huge difference.

especially if you tune the z3 to a z3.5 - they are leagues apart in image quality.

the z3.5 is the most televisual image on LCD that i have personally seen.

Forgive me if I've asked this question somewhere else, but...

Is anyone else with a Z3 also using an Oppo (OPDV971H)? I'll assume you're connecting via DVI to HDMI.

If so, what settings on the Oppo have you found work best for the Z3? I've heard things from Brightness: -3, to Brightness: -8 and Contrast: +2. I'm also assuming you have the latest firmware, as I do.

Every once in awhile my Z3's picture will turn to colorful noise or an almost entirely green image (you can still make out what is happening in the image, but barely). When this occurs, the Z3 doesn't respond to the remote or on-board buttons. The only choice is to turn it off via the switch, wait for cool down, then turn it back on. Has anyone else had this happen?

I posted this in another topic but figured I would get more response here. After living with an Optoma H31 for a while, I couldn't pass up the nice Z3 prices and took the plunge. It came a couple of days ago and I fired it up and played disc after disc and while I really like many aspects of the image I kept seeing very noticeable sde that was so distracting I had to put it back in its box and send it back. I'm curious if others have had this problem or if I may have gotten a bad unit. I really wanted to like this projector since it had a sharper, cleaner, more colorful image than my H31 but the sde was unbearable. I'm coming from a 480p pj so I'm used to putting up with a little sde and the strange thing is that it was especially noticeable in action or moving shots. It's almost like there was a pixel grid that was following, but slightly behind the main moving object on screen. Any thoughts? My source is a Panasonic S97 over hdmi at 720P. I sit 13' from a 94" Do-Able diy screen so I would assume that my 1.9x viewing distance should be more than enough. Thanks.

Moe

Every once in awhile my Z3's picture will turn to colorful noise or an almost entirely green image (you can still make out what is happening in the image, but barely). When this occurs, the Z3 doesn't respond to the remote or on-board buttons. The only choice is to turn it off via the switch, wait for cool down, then turn it back on. Has anyone else had this happen?

That only happened to me 1 time. I think that is the predator effect that people were talking about.

It only happened once so I never worried about it.

That only happened to me 1 time. I think that is the predator effect that people were talking about.

It only happened once so I never worried about it.

Is this happening when you have a HDMI connection in use?

Post your firmware version - it may need updating.

Every once in awhile my Z3's picture will turn to colorful noise or an almost entirely green image (you can still make out what is happening in the image, but barely). When this occurs, the Z3 doesn't respond to the remote or on-board buttons. The only choice is to turn it off via the switch, wait for cool down, then turn it back on. Has anyone else had this happen?
This sounds like a HDMI cable connection problem.

Try wobbling the connector and see if it helps. It does with mine.

Is this happening when you have a HDMI connection in use?

Post your firmware version - it may need updating.

I was using component connections. Next time I start my Z3 I'll check the firmware. I bought mine in late april / may so I think it had the newest firmware.

I'll check

I posted this in another topic but figured I would get more response here. After living with an Optoma H31 for a while, I couldn't pass up the nice Z3 prices and took the plunge. It came a couple of days ago and I fired it up and played disc after disc and while I really like many aspects of the image I kept seeing very noticeable sde that was so distracting I had to put it back in its box and send it back. I'm curious if others have had this problem or if I may have gotten a bad unit. I really wanted to like this projector since it had a sharper, cleaner, more colorful image than my H31 but the sde was unbearable. I'm coming from a 480p pj so I'm used to putting up with a little sde and the strange thing is that it was especially noticeable in action or moving shots. It's almost like there was a pixel grid that was following, but slightly behind the main moving object on screen. Any thoughts? My source is a Panasonic S97 over hdmi at 720P. I sit 13' from a 94" Do-Able diy screen so I would assume that my 1.9x viewing distance should be more than enough. Thanks.

Moe

I sit 1.4x from an 82" screen, and haven't noticed a thing. If I move back to 1.7x or higher, it looks even better. So the fact you were getting SDE at that size from that viewing distance, it's no where near normal. Did you get a replacement or scrap the idea of a Z3 altogether. Because if you did, that would be a bloody shame, IMO.

I was using component connections. Next time I start my Z3 I'll check the firmware. I bought mine in late april / may so I think it had the newest firmware.

I'll check

Sorry if I sound elementary, but have you cleaned the filter?
(You never know!)

I've experienced this green image several times (six to be exact). I am using HDMI connected directly from my DVD player and my component is directly connected to my HD receiver. Only after I switch from HDMI to component and back to HDMI is when it usually occurs. As with your experience, I have to power down and wait for the Z3 to cool and power up again to eradicate this problem.

How do I update the firware and what is the latest version?

Lockup "predator" Fault:

-green Screen Like In Predator Film
-machine Locks Up
-only Occurs With Hdmi Connection
-solved By Updating Firmware
-contact Sanyo Asap Or Stop Using Hdmi
-sanyo Know About This Problem And Solved It December 2004 By Firmware Update
-firmware 1.01 + Is Fine (CHECK BY PRESSING POWER BUTTON FOR 30 SECONDS)

I have a condition with SDE also. I tried to slightly defocus, but did not help.
I have 92" screen seating 13 feet back and still have SDE. Will filters help to remove the SDE or do I have to live with it.

Thanks in advance

HOW CAN YOU BE SEEING SDE at 13' from a 92" screen??
That must be over 2x viewing distance. This projector is supposed to not show SDE from "normal viewing distances" like 1.5x - 2x distances.

Is this what other owners are experiencing at normal distances?
This would be very disappointing. And may have to rethink getting a Z3.
All along I thought they were saying that if properly set up and at normal viewing distances screen door wasn't an issue on this PJ. :(

i sit 10' or so away from a 92" image and see a miniscule amount of SDE. if i go down to a smaller image or if i defocus it disappears completely but as i prefer big sharp images and as a tiny amount of sde doesnt bother me i am happy with a little sde (ae100 sde say is 10/10 - the z3 sde is 0.1/10 in comparision). i use filters and it is lessens it very slightly but for heavens sake you should have cc filters anyway. sde is a non issue. deoming and checking out your unit thoroughly for faults etc as soon as you have it in your hands - now thats an issue.

HOW CAN YOU BE SEEING SDE at 13' from a 92" screen??
That must be over 2x viewing distance. This projector is supposed to not show SDE from "normal viewing distances" like 1.5x - 2x distances.

Is this what other owners are experiencing at normal distances?
This would be very disappointing. And may have to rethink getting a Z3.
All along I thought they were saying that if properly set up and at normal viewing distances screen door wasn't an issue on this PJ. :(

I do not see any SDE at 13 feet with my 100" screen. SDE is not a problem with this PJ.

Sorry if I sound elementary, but have you cleaned the filter?
(You never know!)

Every week. I am not saying I have a problem with this. It only happend 1 time and it was during a heavy tweaking session. 1 time in 300 hrs. I am going to dismiss this as technician error. It actually happend at the moment I touched a button on the unit.

It's fine and does not bother me.

A few of the last posts have helped to calm some of my fears about SDE on this PJ. I wish I could see one of these projectors before I buy. Nothing around central Minnesota. The other one I've considered for a long time is the BenQ PE7700 DLP which is only about $500 more than the Z3 right now and they are offering a extra bulb rebate free because of all the early bulb failures which they have supposedly fixed with a new bulb design. But there have been some HDMI failures on the 7700. Still it is a DLP with no SDE problems and deeper blacks. BUT it does not have the Z3's picture shift, bright colors, cheaper price, long history without failures, VGA input and extra Component input or dust cleaning options.
What is a guy to do?
Anyone else not having an issue with SDE from your viewing distance?
I figured the Z3 with its 720p resolution would have fewer issues with visible pixels/SDE than lower res LCD projectors which have bigger pixels.

Check the link in my sig "$3500 Digital Projection Owners" You might find someone local who is willing to demo. Does Halsen Home Theater on 394 in Minneapolis has anything. How about Stereoland in uptown and Edina? I used to live in Mpls.

Someone in St.Cloud has a H77

Anyone else not having an issue with SDE from your viewing distance?

I have a 92" screen & seating of 11' and I do not see sde. Actually, if I look hard for it I will probably see it but I will not "see" the movie. I wonder what video source people are using when they see sde assuming the seating distance ~ >= 1.3x... :rolleyes:

Just got my Z3 this week and after hooking it up and projecting on a dark blue wall I'm already hooked. Can't wait to get my screen put together. I am also sitting 13' away and noticed no SDE but I was giddy so maybe I just ignored it.

Just got my Z3 this week and after hooking it up and projecting on a dark blue wall I'm already hooked. Can't wait to get my screen put together. I am also sitting 13' away and noticed no SDE but I was giddy so maybe I just ignored it.

ROFLOL! :p

I'm really jealous of all you guys who are enjoying your Z3's without sde issues, I wish I hadn't have seen any. I can tell you aside from that issue the pq was fantastic in my system and I wish I could have kept it.

Moe

I posted this in another topic but figured I would get more response here. After living with an Optoma H31 for a while, I couldn't pass up the nice Z3 prices and took the plunge. It came a couple of days ago and I fired it up and played disc after disc and while I really like many aspects of the image I kept seeing very noticeable sde that was so distracting I had to put it back in its box and send it back. I'm curious if others have had this problem or if I may have gotten a bad unit. I really wanted to like this projector since it had a sharper, cleaner, more colorful image than my H31 but the sde was unbearable. I'm coming from a 480p pj so I'm used to putting up with a little sde and the strange thing is that it was especially noticeable in action or moving shots. It's almost like there was a pixel grid that was following, but slightly behind the main moving object on screen. Any thoughts? My source is a Panasonic S97 over hdmi at 720P. I sit 13' from a 94" Do-Able diy screen so I would assume that my 1.9x viewing distance should be more than enough. Thanks.

Moe

This doesn't sound like SDE. You talk about a pixel grid that was following slightly behind a moving object. That sound more like motion artifacts or pixelation which is different than SDE which can be present on a non-moving object that looks more like a stationary grid or a screen door especially in light areas. Maybe you were not seeing SDE effect but something else? :eek:

Or macroblocking. What are you watching/video source?

Panasonic S97 upconverting to 720P over hdmi. I also tried the component output at 480p and got the same results. I might have misspoke when I said that the grid follows moving objects, I should perhaps have said that I notice it more so in a scene with moving objects. I wish I would have had another player to try on it or more time with my Panny. Maybe I'll pick another up and see if there are any changes.

Moe

Panasonic S97 upconverting to 720P over hdmi. I also tried the component output at 480p and got the same results. I might have misspoke when I said that the grid follows moving objects, I should perhaps have said that I notice it more so in a scene with moving objects. I wish I would have had another player to try on it or more time with my Panny. Maybe I'll pick another up and see if there are any changes.

Moe

I believe that's macroblocking and probably a dvd player issue. What firmware does your S97 have? Have you read the S97 owner's thread?

I believe that's macroblocking and probably a dvd player issue. What firmware does your S97 have? Have you read the S97 owner's thread?

It could be macroblocking but I am very familiar with that particular artifact after having owned a Zenith DVB318 for a while. That machine macroblocked a lot and this effect doesn't look like that. I have the latest firmware installed, 541 I believe. I had only 2 hours to test the machine under the restocking policy of my vendor or else I really would have liked to test it with another dvd player that doesn't have the Faroudja chip. I think I will try another Z3 and see if it does the same thing. Thanks for your opinions.

Moe

I just joined the Z3 club! I ordered it from a forum sponsor at a great deal. I wasn't totally impressed with the Z4 changes and people's feedback to warrant $500 more in price. I think I will be very happy with the Z3. There have been so many happy owners on this thread. I got scared away from the BenQ PE7700 because of all the problems like HDMI problems and blown bulbs at 100-300 hours. Now there have been two reports of the newly "redesigned" bulbs blowing. This just drove me right back to the Z3 and I am in.
My theater isn't finished but I will have throw together a DIY screen so I can try it out when it comes.

Gratz. You'll love it. I just had my prof. calibrated. I love it even more now. :D

I just joined the Z3 club! I ordered it from a forum sponsor at a great deal. I wasn't totally impressed with the Z4 changes and people's feedback to warrant $500 more in price. I think I will be very happy with the Z3. There have been so many happy owners on this thread. I got scared away from the BenQ PE7700 because of all the problems like HDMI problems and blown bulbs at 100-300 hours. Now there have been two reports of the newly "redesigned" bulbs blowing. This just drove me right back to the Z3 and I am in.
My theater isn't finished but I will have throw together a DIY screen so I can try it out when it comes.

I'm a new owner of a Z3 and I believe I'm having the same issue with my unit as zipplemeyer. The issue appears regardless of what input I'm using: HDMI at 720p and 1080i, Component at 480p, VGA at 1280x720.

The best description I can think of is it looks like very thin scan lines, similar to what you'd see on a Rear Projection CRT fed a 480p DVD signal. Of course, LCDs don't have scan lines, but that's what this looks like. It is not SDE.

The "scan lines" only appear when there is VERTICAL movement on the screen (either from top of bottom or vice versa.) Hortizontal movement has no such effect.

I'm attempting to attach 2 photos that reproduce the effect I see. These photos are NOT actual photos of the projector output.

Does anyone else see this effect? Is it possible to fix? Is there something wrong with my brand new pj?

Normal image, no vertical movement:

http://69.9.166.148/z3a.jpg

What I see when the subject moves:

http://69.9.166.148/z3b.jpg

I have been playing with my new Z3 and finally got some screen shots. I put 5 screen shots on this forum in the screen shots area here:

http://gallery.avsforum.com/showgallery.php/cat/508/
Go to this screen shots page and seach for Tim Sly and you will find my screen shots.

My impressions:

This PJ looks good out of the box without tweaking. Very flexible PJ, great lens shift and lots of inputs. Very quiet. Easy to use menu. I prefer Creative Cinema for movies via RGB and Natural for HDTV via HDMI.
There is visible screen door which I had hoped there wouldn't be. I had planned my front row to be 12' from a 100" screen but I see too much SDE to be comfortable. I had to reduce it to a 90" screen. It is most evident on white letters on a dark background. You can clearly see the pixel structure there. Funny thing is, I don't see it on a broad, light background like sky or water which is where I have clearly seen it on other projectors. And I will see it with movement or when an object first appears, you see the grid for a split second. In order to make it rarely detectable I have to use the 90" screen from 12'. Actually the 90" screen still looks quite big. The pixels are mainly a problem in white lettering but in the colored areas you have to get about 4-5 feet from the screen to see them. I have also looked hard for it and probably made myself aware of it. You can slightly defocus the lens which makes the pixel structure disappear but I don't like it being slightly blurry.

Once you get immersed in a movie or HD NFL you forget about it. Actually even standard def TV looks alright on this PJ. NFL playoffs are going to look GooooD!

Overall, this is an awesome projector at a steal of a price. This will do great in our theater for many years until 1080P projectors are cheap. Now I gotta finish the theater, then I will post more pics. ;)

Thanks for all your posts on this PJ, I have been following this thread for a long time.

Tim Sly

Once ou get that baby calibrated I am quite confident those grids will go away or at least be minimal. Adjust the sharpness to about -3 or so.

Look for some filterless setting on the tweakt thread for good settings to use.

New owner here as well of the Z3, previously had an X1.. although the 700u has better picture, lamp issues, kept me away. You can also get great deals on z3 as well. Major upgrade to say the least. HD picture is just outstanding.... I've seen the infocus 3 chip DLP.. and the Quaila.. so I know a good picture. Outstanding HD image on this Z3.. heck even SD picture is watchable.

1 question please, does lamp modes get saved when saving a user setting?

Yes lamp mode does get saved

Just bought mine, I am so excited and they said it is shipping today! AWESOME!! !!!!1!

ello guys, what´s up???
I need some help.
Does anyone here have both Denon 2900 and Sanyo Z3 projector?
Yesterday i tried to calibrate my Sanyo Z3 (with AVIA) but i´m not satisfied with the results .
I need someone with the same setup (Denon 2900 + Z3) to help me calibrating my projector (please post here your settings ).


Thank´s
Aramys Campos

anyone running or got shots of pc/desktop/games on this how is the text in pc games etc? and anyone running xbox 360 on here?

I'm about to order the z3 maybe.

Hi People.

I need some advice. I was wondering if anybody in here has their Z3 connected to their computer using a DVI to HDMI cable? I'm thinking of running a splitter DVI cable from my office machine out to my projector in the lounge room.

I'm also thinking to make my cable selection 'safe', buy getting a 10 meter D-sub VGA cable and using a DVI adaptor on the computer end, and a D-SUB to HDMI plug on the projector end (if they exist). If they do not exist this might mean I would have to use a D-SUB to DVI converter plug, then a DVI to HDMI plug.

Bottom line is should I do this or should I just get a 10 meter long HDMI cable and converter plug at the computer side. Just how well does an HDMI signal work though any of these set ups? If anybody has gone through some of these cabling dilemmas could I please hear your thoughts. Cheers.

Os

anyone running or got shots of pc/desktop/games on this how is the text in pc games etc? and anyone running xbox 360 on here?

I'm about to order the z3 maybe.

I have my 360 hooked up to my Z3, and it looks ridiculous! :eek:

The sound is quite impressive as well. Overall, an extremely engrossing experience.

Wondering if you guys can help me. I've been searchin around the forum for a couple hours now and can't find anything like the issue I'm seeing.

Sometimes when I'm watching a 480i source (I know yuk) on my Z3 there is a very light but noticeable blue/purple tint along the top edge of the screen. It is most noticeable when the edge is a solid color like black or white. I've tried different devices for input and get the same result. I can't seem to figure out what is causing it. When I watch an HD or DVD signal on the same inputs (component) I don't get the discoloration.

Any help is much appreciated.

-Geoff

I have searched the web for the firmware update of the z3 and found nothing! :( Can anyone tell me please where to find and download it? Thanks!!! :)

I have my 360 hooked up to my Z3, and it looks ridiculous! :eek:

The sound is quite impressive as well. Overall, an extremely engrossing experience.

Are you using the VGA cable or component connection. I heard there were some issues with the VGA connections looking washed out from the 360.

thinking about the z3 and i have a couple of questions:

would it mount well under my couch (on the floor) ...which is about 10 feet from the screen...i like my image to be fairly low on the wall ?

10 feet would give a 77" image with no zoom which is plenty big (as i prefer a little brighter and sharper image), would i be likely to see screen door at 11 feet back from a 77" image (not quite 2x distance)

it's a great price right now so i want to consider it

thanks!

I don't see screen door with a 100" image at 11'.

thinking about the z3 and i have a couple of questions:

would it mount well under my couch (on the floor) ...which is about 10 feet from the screen...i like my image to be fairly low on the wall ?

10 feet would give a 77" image with no zoom which is plenty big (as i prefer a little brighter and sharper image), would i be likely to see screen door at 11 feet back from a 77" image (not quite 2x distance)

it's a great price right now so i want to consider it

thanks!

As with any pj there is a suggested clearance when mounting. On page 4 of the z3 manual it suggested 50cm clearance at the top & left and 1m on the vent side (right). Just something to think about...

As with any pj there is a suggested clearance when mounting. On page 4 of the z3 manual it suggested 50cm clearance at the top & left and 1m on the vent side (right). Just something to think about...

Yes! For sure. My Z3 puts out lots of heat. Not extreme, but if there is only a few inches of clearance (instead of at leat 3.3ft), then I think things will overheat for sure.

Hi People.

I need some advice. I was wondering if anybody in here has their Z3 connected to their computer using a DVI to HDMI cable? I'm thinking of running a splitter DVI cable from my office machine out to my projector in the lounge room.

I'm also thinking to make my cable selection 'safe', buy getting a 10 meter D-sub VGA cable and using a DVI adaptor on the computer end, and a D-SUB to HDMI plug on the projector end (if they exist). If they do not exist this might mean I would have to use a D-SUB to DVI converter plug, then a DVI to HDMI plug.

Bottom line is should I do this or should I just get a 10 meter long HDMI cable and converter plug at the computer side. Just how well does an HDMI signal work though any of these set ups? If anybody has gone through some of these cabling dilemmas could I please hear your thoughts. Cheers.

Os

Check pccables dot com for inexpensive DVI to HDMI cable solutions. I've been running my Z3 this way happily forever, and I never see any reason to use any of the analog inputs at all.

I can't speak to DVI signal splitting because I know there is some two-way communication to help the components identify each other (monitor knows computer and vice versa).

Good luck.

-Adam

I have searched the web for the firmware update of the z3 and found nothing! :( Can anyone tell me please where to find and download it? Thanks!!! :)

As far as I know, the firmware update procedure is not a user-servicable one (if anyone knows differently please let me know). That is, you have to send your unit to an authorized Sanyo service center (like I did) and usually will have to say something like "seeing "Predator effect" and requesting firmware update to fix problem."

You might try calling the store you bought it from, mine (VisualApex) was amazing in getting my unit shipped both ways via expedited service for free.

-Adam

anyone running or got shots of pc/desktop/games on this how is the text in pc games etc? and anyone running xbox 360 on here?

I'm about to order the z3 maybe.

IMO, you haven't truly experienced Half-Life 2 until you've played it in native HD resolution on a 100" screen with surround sound audio. S-C-A-R-Y. :-)

Make sure you use a DVI to HDMI connection for best results. With, for example, a GeForce 6600 GT card, you can't go wrong pairing it with the Z3.

-Adam

Yes! For sure. My Z3 puts out lots of heat. Not extreme, but if there is only a few inches of clearance (instead of at leat 3.3ft), then I think things will overheat for sure.
As with any pj there is a suggested clearance when mounting. On page 4 of the z3 manual it suggested 50cm clearance at the top & left and 1m on the vent side (right). Just something to think about... good comments...thank you...never really thought about the heat factor...under the couch just won't do....want to avoid deep fried sanyo

I've had my Z3 since last September, and I absolutely love it, however this past week it has started locking up. The colors go neon pink and green, and you cannot interface with the projector at all. You can only turn it off by flipping the 'hard' power switch. This is very bad for my bulb, I know. I have called Sanyo about 5 times, and keep getting voicemail. I finally got through to someone, and he said to Reset the projector, happened again 30 minutes later. Has anyone else here seen this behavior. I'll get them to fix it eventually. I have about 600hrs on it so far. I apologize if this is the wrong thread for this. Thanks for any info.

Also, how bad is it really on the projector to have it forced off like this. I normally have a 800VA battery backup hooked to it. I run it for about 2-5hrs at a time, once a day or two. I clean it out about every 100hrs. I'd like to think I have been treating it well. But even the Sanyo rep said to continue using it a few times to see if it goes away, but I don't want to prematurely mess my bulb up and its $$$ on me cuz of my busted PJ.

Lastly, these are pictures from today. I took these so I can possibly email them to Sanyo. I also 'think' that this is only happening with the Component 2 input, but not sure, and I really don't feel like experiementing anymore.

http://www.cloudsoverme.com/images/DSC_5899.JPG
http://www.cloudsoverme.com/images/DSC_5902.JPG

I've had my Z3 since last September, and I absolutely love it, however this past week it has started locking up. The colors go neon pink and green, and you cannot interface with the projector at all. You can only turn it off by flipping the 'hard' power switch. This is very bad for my bulb, I know. I have called Sanyo about 5 times, and keep getting voicemail. I finally got through to someone, and he said to Reset the projector, happened again 30 minutes later. Has anyone else here seen this behavior. I'll get them to fix it eventually. I have about 600hrs on it so far. I apologize if this is the wrong thread for this. Thanks for any info.

That's the known "predator" effect that is basically a bad overscan-related firmware problem. Search the forums for "predator look" or "predator effect" and you'll find a lot.

Basically, you need to insist that you know what this is and you know you need the firmware update to fix it, and you know they have seen this many times before, and you know they are obligated to fix it under warranty. You will have to send it to an authorized service center to get fixed. If you bought it from a vendor with solid customer service like Visual Apex, call them first to ask what to do. They had mine sent and back inside a week.

Good luck.

-Adam

I remember reading about the predator effect before I bought mine, jsut didn't put it together, thank you very much for your quick reply, hopefully they will get it resolved. I'll call my retailer first (projector people).

-Ish

I remember reading about the predator effect before I bought mine, jsut didn't put it together, thank you very much for your quick reply, hopefully they will get it resolved. I'll call my retailer first (projector people).

-Ish

They're good people. Firmware needs to be past 1.0 to avoid the error I believe, which I'm sure they know. Good luck!

-Adam

Yep that should do it. I wonder how you go ahold of a Z3 with the the old firmware in Sept?! Either way it's under warranty and the firmware should fix it anyway.

Okay yall are making me worried now ;-). So I read everything and all this stufff about firmware 1.0. So I jsut entered the service menu on my projector and it is V 1.01 WORLD. Before doign this I had dealt with QRP and they were going to look at the firmware. I jsut couldn't wait. So tomorrow I am sending it off, but now I'm worried it's going to come back with same problem. What version is the latest, that any of you know about?

Okay yall are making me worried now ;-). So I read everything and all this stufff about firmware 1.0. So I jsut entered the service menu on my projector and it is V 1.01 WORLD. Before doign this I had dealt with QRP and they were going to look at the firmware. I jsut couldn't wait. So tomorrow I am sending it off, but now I'm worried it's going to come back with same problem. What version is the latest, that any of you know about?

Hmm, don't know about the "world" part as I'm in USA, but I believe mine was flashed to 1.01 and the problem went away mostly. I think the 1.01 fix supposedly cured the "lockup" when the machine had the predator effect happen, though it might still have the effect pop up a few times. However, there is apparently an even newer firmware than 1.01 so you will likely get that one put on if you send it in, which might help further.

You also might try increasing your overscan in advanced settings as I think this has something to do with causing the predator effect itself. At least +3 or so, maybe up to +9 if you can take it. I'd still send it in to get latest firmware regardless though as that can only help things.

Good luck.

-Adam

Anyone know why the Z3 might have a .....convergence problem? (For lack of a better word)

I know that's probably not the correct terminology, but the problem I have looks like the same thing you would get with old larger CRT monitors, and it could be corrected with convergence settings.

I have slight fringes to the left and right of my images in really high contrast situations.

Example. A white vertical line on a black background - Just to the left and right of the line will be 2 feint but noticable light white lines.

At first I always though it was just "anti-aliasing" or slight blur on the source material. But with a better screen and clearer image it is much more aparent. I'm noticing it all the time now, and not just in "white on black" scenarios.

Is there a setting or hidden-setting somewhere that can correct this? Strangly I only started to really notice it when i turned overscan completely off.

Anyone? Back to Sanyo to be aligned properly?

Ok I just got the call from the Sanyo tech that I didn't want to get. They've had the projector for two days, its showing no problems. He didn't get the email I sent earlier with the pics I posted here, so I sent it again. He said that the firmware I have should have fixed that problem. So he is going to reflash the same 1.01 again, and ship it back. The thing that is upsetting about all this is that the problem doesn't occur right away, and it hadn't started until 5 months after I bought it. Oh well, lets hope for the best.

-Ish

Anyone know why the Z3 might have a .....convergence problem? (For lack of a better word)

I know that's probably not the correct terminology, but the problem I have looks like the same thing you would get with old larger CRT monitors, and it could be corrected with convergence settings.

I have slight fringes to the left and right of my images in really high contrast situations.

Example. A white vertical line on a black background - Just to the left and right of the line will be 2 feint but noticable light white lines.

At first I always though it was just "anti-aliasing" or slight blur on the source material. But with a better screen and clearer image it is much more aparent. I'm noticing it all the time now, and not just in "white on black" scenarios.

Is there a setting or hidden-setting somewhere that can correct this? Strangly I only started to really notice it when i turned overscan completely off.

Anyone? Back to Sanyo to be aligned properly?

I would think that if the problem were mis-aligned panels, you would see red, green, or blue lines to the sides, not a ghost image.

Maybe it's a bad cable or your sharpness is set too high. Good luck.

Z3 screw discription?

Hi everyone. Just wondering if anybody out there knows the precise name (size & thread type) of the screws that I need to mount my Z3 on my new spider like ceiling mount. I hoping I can just go to a hardware store and quote the discription without having to buy a whole range of different screw & thread types to try at home.

Os

Here in Europe, the correct screws for the Z3 ceiling mount are called " M 6 "; don't know
if is the same system in USA.

bye
elche99

It's M6 in the US as well . I could not find any at my local Home Depot, but an actual hardware store, like True Value Hardware, should have them.

Make sure that you measure the depth of the hole in the Z3 so you don't buy too long of a screw.

Thanks for the info guys. Hopefully today will be the last day I will have to endure my kids running infront of the projected image. They love making shadow puppets as well. Fun for them, frustrating for us adults.

Os

Just looking at my Z3 belly up, seen as I have just measured the depth of the screw holes (thanks for the tip ajstan99), and I noticed a small hole in the back panel with a padlock icon next to it. Does anybody know what this is for? Is it somehow an ancor point for a safety cable? A cant see any reference to it in the manual. If not an ancor point, does the Z3 have one? I'm interested in this now seen as I'm about to mount my Z3 from the ceiling.

Cheers

Os

I think that it's for a security cable, like you would find on a notebook computer. I don't know if it would hold the weight if the three screws fail.

Not quite sure how a small hole like that would work with any cable seen as it just a hole. I dont have a laptop so neither therefore a laptop cable so I'm not savy in how they work. My friends laptop does have a security latch type hole that can be slid out at the bottom.

Also I guess even in the unlikley event such as th three screws failing - breaking the fall in any way would I guess be prefered but then again if it rips out the back of my z3....? Oooh I get shivers just thinking about it.

I guess also seen as I have my Z3 attached to my computer in the living room (I'm an Australian), the VGA D-sub cable is kinda an option for anchoring due to the fact it is allready screwed in. Hmmm

I think that it's for something like this:
http://www.macsense.com.au/kensington_security.htm

ajstan99

I think I might go for something like this.

Thanks again.

Os

Just a quick update for anyone interested. I got the projector back Tuesday, haven't had it mess up wit the Predator look yet, but ti took 6 months for the first occurance. I went ahead and set the Overscan to +3 on the input that was messing up as an extra safeguard. All they did was reflash the same firmware.

OK, looks like some have had similar problems, but wanted to get an opinion on this one... this is a very close-up of the THX Optimizer's text... looks like the panels are mis-aligned? Is there anything I can do via menu... this looks to me more like a hardware problem, like the panels are mis-aligned... kinda like a CRT set that needs convergence adjustment.

I'm trying to post an image URL, however I don't have enough posts. It's white test, with a consistent purple fringe on top, and green fringe on bottom.

This is via DVI from a HTPC, through a DVI -> HDMI cable, into the Z3.

shagman org / DSC00013 JPG

if you can view the Internet on your Z3, you can easily check for panel registration and focus by viewing http://walvisions.com/PattPages/convergence.html

FYI, I found on another thread here, this problem was pixel alignment on the green panel; the thread had the service manual in a PDF, and easy instructions on fixing it. I moved the green panel up one pixel, and I was good to go!

Thanks!

I have had my Z3 for a couple of weeks. I just ceiling mounted it and after doing so have had some focusing issues. In the lower right hand portion of the screen and near the center left of the screen it is not as sharp as it could be. If i focus to these areas the other portions of the screen are out of focus. I find this strange because it happened right after I ceiling mounted the projector. Is this most likely a dustblob issue?

ctiq21 - the lower-right out-of-focus may be caused by using the lens shift. Not sure what would cause a simultaneous center-left out-of-focus. Maybe a fingerprint or smudge on the lens?

ctiq21 - the lower-right out-of-focus may be caused by using the lens shift. Not sure what would cause a simultaneous center-left out-of-focus. Maybe a fingerprint or smudge on the lens?

Thanks for the reply. Does lens shifting often cause problems like this? Are people using keystoning instead of the lens shift?

ctiq21,

What you describe is known as focal plane tilt. It can be caused by the projector/lens not being mounted square to the screen, or by the lens being positioned at an angle relative to the LCD panels. It the focus for all three colors the same? Is there slop in the lens mount? Is the lens hitting on anything, or being pushed on by anything?

ctiq21,

What you describe is known as focal plane tilt. It can be caused by the projector/lens not being mounted square to the screen, or by the lens being positioned at an angle relative to the LCD panels. It the focus for all three colors the same? Is there slop in the lens mount? Is the lens hitting on anything, or being pushed on by anything?

Thanks for the info Wallen, The projector is ceiling mounted, I am not sure how square it is to the screen, I pretty much just eyed it. (need to get a level) I am shifting the lens down quite a bit but it still is not at its limit. The focusing appears to be the same for all three colors with just problems on certain parts of the screen. (lower right hand corner and center top left) The lens is not hitting anything or being pushed on.


I am planning on taking down the projector and trying it from a table to see if I have the same results. Is aligning the projector perfectly level and straight on the screen the fix for this issue?

What is the ball park on lamp life hours for this projector, I have not been able to find a "solid" answer anywhere.

I have a problem. I have a speck of dust stuck on the inside of the zoom lens and it's causing a lighter kind of blue spot on my screen when the screen is dark black. How can I get behind the zoom lens?

I noticed there are 3 small screws on it if I remove them can I scew it off then. Or is there a simpler way?


Thanks

I have tried putting a vacuum up to the lens and causing a huge suction on the whole face of the projector but that didn't help at all.

ctiq21.

I had a similar problem. Had my z3 primarily mounted on a tv stand (about 80cm tall) behind my shoulder. The lens position was pretty extreme off centre (over a meter) throwing an image about 3m wide. Surprisingly the projector in this position gave me a great image even though I had to keystone (only) 1 step to compensate for the distortion. Focus was a little uneven but I was prepard to live with it untill I got my ceiling mount.

When I did mount the projector on my ceiling I had the problem of un-even focus in my lower left corner. I was puzzled. Even though I did my best to mount square & as close to centre of the screen as possible (on the other side of the room of course) I noticed it was slightly rotated (yaw) so therefore it was not completely perpendicular to the screen. after alining my z3 (by matching the straight leading edge of the flip down door to where my ceiling meets my back wall) I re-positioned the lens shift and my focus problem was pretty much gone. It is very hard to see the very small discrepency now unless I use my computer on the projector. And even then no one notices untill I menton it.

So my best advice would be to mount your projector and try to get as perpendicular as possible. Then use the lens shift to get your image centred. I know it sounds obvious but I consider myself a pretty cluey guy and it took me a couple of attempts.

Hope this helps.

Os

Thanks for the info ossie.

I was beginning to think it was a problem with my mounting job. I ended up taking it down and re-mounting it and had a little bit better luck. Currently I am using foamboard for my screen which is a tiny bit warped. I am in the process of building a screen with blackout cloth which will be perfectly flat. If I still have issue I am going to take down the projector and do a table top setup and see if I still have issues. It must be my mounting job if it was working perfectly fine before it, unless turning the projector upside down somehow caused problems.

I'll let you know what I figure out.

how does the xbox 360 look on the z3? anyone have any pictures?

I'm in the market for a projector and came across the Sanyo Z3. It seems that is now discontinued. Is it OK to buy a discontinued product?

The price seems reasonable and the reviews and specs all look good, but the "discontinued" status makes me a bit wary.

Alternatively, are there any other projects with similar specs and price range that are still currently being sold?

I was originally looking at the Optoma H31, but it's only 480p.

The Z3 was replaced by the Z4. It is an outstanding projector. Even better now that the price is SO LOW!