Z2 happy owners ??? [Text View]

ArtT

11-30-05, 12:45 PM

Very happy with my two year old z2. Bought it exactly two years ago when it first came out...so mine has the "bad" filter and the balky original firmware. Been running it with component dvd and hd using reciever to switch. Around 1000 hours. Works great. Tiny dustball you only see if you look for it. I'm too lazy and its too small for me to mess with opening the case and blowing it out. Great colors, great picture. Boards like this tend to magnify flaws and underemphasize positives. About four or five people posted about warranty problems. That's four or five in the entire WORLD! At least the same number posted about getting excellent warranty service.
The fact that this thing is still selling two years after its release says something. Could it fail? Could the polarizers die with heavy use (or with normal use)? Could you have a problem with poor custumer service or warranty issues? Sure. And a Panasonic bulb could explode, and you could see rainbows with dlp or have the dlp wheel fail. And we all know that every large corporation has its help lines staffed by highly trained, intelligent speakers of your native language that answer the phone on the second ring and give you exactly what you want!
BUT, the vast majority of the thousands of z2's sold are with owners who are very happy with them. Today would I buy one? No, I'd get a z3 for a little more or a z4. With the rapid pace of progress with projectors the z2 is now "old." However, to do it over again, if this were november of 2003, I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. One of the best purchases I've EVER made. No regrets. If my budget were $1000 today, I'd strongly consider it. My only concern going forward is in a year or two when all hd output from hd dvd players is hdmi with encryption, will the z2 be able to handshake with it. But, for that matter, we don't know for sure if any of todays devices will handshake reliably. I also don't know if the newer z2 firmwares corrected that problem (again, mine is working great so I don't want to chance shipping it in for the bios update as many have done.)
Long and short of it...z2 was a great projector in 2003, capable of projecting a spectacular picture at a huge size in true high def. All of that is still true now, only you can pay less than half what I paid for it two years ago. So it is still a great projector. It will probably be projecting on my home theater screen for another couple years at least. You're not going to get a better high def projector for less money.

ArtT

11-30-05, 12:50 PM

One more thought....I missed thtat you already have 4805. I've not seen 4805, but it's better blacks may make you unhappy with the contrast of the z2 (you didn't mention that in your original post....I imagine you know the whole dlp vs lcd contrast vs color thing...I' wont go there!). If you've got the budget for two projectors, my suggestion would be to step up to z3 or z4. The price you'd get selling your 4805 would cover the difference between z2 and z3, and you'll get both the good contrast and high def.

drz400

11-30-05, 03:36 PM

pixlar

11-30-05, 05:07 PM

Sirquack

11-30-05, 10:17 PM

Yup!

Hmmm very informative Dream1, glad you could provide feedback for the poster. :)

Anyway, like the others have stated, I've had a Z2 for 1.5 years and it is still performing top notch. The filter issue was something that happened early on when the Z2 first came out, and Sanyo quickly sent all new units with the better filter, and replaced it on units already sold if users made a request. The original filter in fact was not that bad, the problem is that people did not follow the procedures for maintenance on their Z2.

The Z2 is an excellant projector. I am using it with a Panny S97S HDMI upconverting DVD player, and the picture is almost HD looking. HD signals are truely amazing and most of my visitors have said, why would anybody want plasma. Because of the higher resolution, SDE is not really an issue, unless you go beyond the recommended throw distance or screen size.

Actually, I also use my Z2 with a Prismasonic H600 anamorphic lens to achieve a true Cinemascope constant height setup. My screen is 10ft wide and 51" tall and is 2.35 aspect ratio. Most DVD's are in either 2.35 or 1.85AR, in my case most of mine are 2.35. I enjoy those full screen with no black bars. When I move to smaller ratios, like Nemo for ex., the height stays the same, and I just draw the curtains in on the sides, just like the theaters.

The Z2 is really a great choice, especially if your going to watch any HD material. Heck, most primetime shows and sports are now broadcast in HD, so for me it makes sense to buy a 720p projector.

Depending on your budget, you might consider a Z3. Since the Z4 was recently introduced, the Z3 has been dropping. I have a friend that just bought a Z1 for about $500 bucks, it is one of the first 1/4HD projectors out there, and does a great job still.

You can't go wrong with Sanyo. If you do decide to get DLP, which is probably what Dream1 was being biased towards, make sure you don't suffer from the Rainbow Effect. If you do, you will hate life.

Peace Out

bedo

12-11-05, 12:53 PM

Can someone pplease refresh my memory and tell me how to get into factory settings? Does anyone have any info for the factory settings?

Just received back my Z2 from service and I would like to go through calibration again. Last did it when I first got my Z2. Any good tweak threads that are not archived? Some of the links from archive are not correct and do not take me where I was hoping to read so I can get back up to snuff.

Thanks for reading, really appreciate any help!

bedo

Legairre

12-11-05, 01:21 PM

Can someone pplease refresh my memory and tell me how to get into factory settings? Does anyone have any info for the factory settings?

To access Service Menu:
hold "menu" + "input" buttons on projector

To access Factory Menu:
hold "select" + "input" on the projector

Of course you know: WRITE DOWN your settings BEFORE you change ANYTHING!!! (you also know: Enter at your own risk)

To check lamp hours:
while Z2 is on, press and HOLD "on/off" button for about 10 secsonds.

Lots of settings through out this thread
http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?postid=3199616#post3199616
http://archive.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=392518

Oh yeah I almost forgot. My Z2 will be 2yrs old next months. I have 2300 hours on the ORIGINAL bulb :eek: and the stem looks great so it may hit 3000 hours before blowing. Still really bright too and we watch it with the lights on in a dedicated theater that is light controlled.

I just sent it to Sanyo Friday, because the corners have been out of focus for a long time and there is a yellow tint on white scenes on the right side of the screen. Sanyo says it needs a cleaning(at least they said that over the phone). I use it with a Momitsu 880 upscalling player and over the air HD(mostly sports).

My Z2 has the original firmware it shipped with(version 105) and the original filter. Sanyo will probably upgrade the firmware to the latest and replace the filter too, at least thats what they always did for other people who sent their Z2 in for service.

Great projector:) that has served me REAL well for the last 2 yrs. :)

wae5

12-11-05, 01:25 PM

You should find out if changing factory settings voids your warranty. At the very least write down all factory settings which came with your machine so you can restore them. Sanyo still may be able to find out you entered an area where you're not authorized to go.

bedo

12-11-05, 02:07 PM

To access Service Menu:
hold "menu" + "input" buttons on projector

To access Factory Menu:
hold "select" + "input" on the projector

Legairre!! Blast from the past! Thank you for helping me with your info. I am so appreciative of the help that comes here so unselfishly. Could have been a little quicker though.... ;)

Mine just came back from SE, and on the up side display looks crispy clean again like new. Nice sharp pixels and white screen is white whereas it did have the yellowish tint just like you described. The bad, the burn in artifacting when going from a static display to display of new picture remains. It eventually fades but I never had that until last couple (several?) months. I had talked in depth with the tech (head tech) about the problem and also the blue blotches showing up. Blue seems to bleed from video now and I will get alternating blue specks that seem to be congregated at center top of display. Mine is mounted upside down. The specks have appearance of blinking in and out like a Xmas display almost. That is new. I need to go through tweaking again, the blacks were really blue, I restored some old service settings I was using and it helped. I had a good mix of no VB and good color balance before, VB is an issue again that needs addressed (again). They kept it 3 $#%#$ weeks. Man! Came back showing CLEANED and no other info. Email request for particulars was not answered

I have a CC20R filter coming from Sainthalo (member here) and I got a 1db video attenuator from partsexpress I saw people here talking about using on the red component rca with filter. I use DVI from my HTPC and HD sat through component. I had a strong purplish tint with component in the past and have not yet hooked component back up since receiving it back. I will check the firware ver once I get into factory settings but the air filter was not changed like I had heard about and had asked the tech when he had just received in the pj. He, at the time, was unaware of any air filter changed from original. I am frustrated with these negatives and expect to return back with request they send it to Sanyo. I was without for 3 WEEKS....3 WEEKS! and I may hold off a bit since I have a full year remaining on warranty. My impression of SE is they are not doing well or at least not caring or not being supported by Sanyo on the Z2/2HD to provide the stellar support that I had heard about and based my buying decision on. I do not want to ride any kind of impending deterioration into and beyond the warranty. Whew, nice vent bedo...

Anyways, for now calibrating it back is my current goal. :)

Legairre

12-12-05, 12:38 PM

No problem Bedo I'm always happy to help. I've been non existant around the projector forum only because my Z2 has been performing so well for so long. Actually the focus has been off in the corners for a long time, but you just couldn't notice it on DVDs. I've been uing my Z2 for HDTV and football games in addition to DVD for about a year now and I noticed the corners out of focus about a year ago, but it never bothered me. Now that the yellow tint showed up on the right side of the screen and the warrenty is 1 yr from being gone I figured I might as well get the focus and tint problems fixed.

Sanyo is notorious for not fixing projectors under warrenty and claims it was user neglect. I wonder if your projector took 3 weeks because SE was fighting with Sanyo to fix the unit. Sounds like Sanyo agreed to clean your projector and get rid of the yellow tint, but refused to do anything else. Also sounds like SE didn't want to say anything about your other problems. Did they say anything about the blue streaks or Christmas light blinking or did they simply ignore it like there wasn't any problem? Also have you had a chance to see if they upgraded the firmware?

Legairre

artika

12-16-05, 08:28 AM

Hi There,

I'v been battling out on which projector i should buy over the last two months. It was between the Optoma H31 and the Sanyo Plv-z2. I finally decided on the Z2 as i would like have native support for higher resolutions as my primary input source will be a PC connected with a DVI cable.

Questions for the knowledgable!

1. Does it matter on the DVI-I cable i use (single or dual)?
2. What resolution and Frequency should i be rnuning my ATI video card at? I have downloaded OMega drivers from omegadrivers website and i can output 1280 x 720.

3. My Image looks good, but i expected my eye popping display at higher resolutions. i find the image grainy and when watching a DVD, alhtough the overall image is impressive, i find i see alot of pixelation and does not look anywhere as good as hooking up my 32 LCD TV Display through the ame interface.
My Goal is to get crystal clear image quality when playing DVDs using Media center at least. if i can;t get DVDs to view clear what makes me think i will get an HD signal through the PC to work any better.

Am i missing something?

Also the DVI cable i'm using is a cable that came with my dell 19" LCD that doens;t have the four small pins around the wide flat pin... does this matter?

any help would be appreciated, i just spent the money on a PJ that i though would display higher resolutions nicely but i'm starting to wonder if i should have just gone with the H31 .

ALSO, I hooke up my XBOX through my xbox Component HD cable box to the component inputs on the Z2 and the image quality blows away the input from my computer through the DVI connection... sin;t this ass backwards?

Thanks,

Mark

Muse

03-03-06, 09:46 PM

Hmmm very informative Dream1, glad you could provide feedback for the poster. :)

Anyway, like the others have stated, I've had a Z2 for 1.5 years and it is still performing top notch. The filter issue was something that happened early on when the Z2 first came out, and Sanyo quickly sent all new units with the better filter, and replaced it on units already sold if users made a request. The original filter in fact was not that bad, the problem is that people did not follow the procedures for maintenance on their Z2.
I bought my Z2 over two years ago, shortly after it came out. I have the original and very first firmware and filter. How can I get the new filter and should I do that?

I had dust blobs that I couldn't blow out no matter what I did. I used compressed air, an air pump, many times and finally gave up. Now I don't notice them probably because I unconsciously don't look for them when the screen goes "black."

I used to clean my filter regularly, but the darn thing is so porous I never found any dust on it, so I stopped. I guess I should check it again, but it's something of a hassle to do that - I have to disconnect all the cables. Gotta check and see how many hours are on it. Just guessing, it's 1000, but I'll check and edit this post with the number. So far, other than the blobs and often unsatisfactory contrast ratio, it's worked fine, AFAIK.

Edit: I checked, and it's at 1064 hours... good guess!

So, my questions are:

1. How can I get the new filter and should I do that?

2. Can I get Sanyo to do a BIOS upgrade? Do I have to pay shipping to have them do that (or other charges)?

3. Is there any kind of metafaq for the Z2? I have done no adjustments and wonder what I can do to improve the image.

4. How do you find out your bulb life? I know it's one of the entries in one of the screens but I remember there was a shortcut to get that. Anyone know?

Legairre

03-03-06, 10:19 PM

Muse

03-04-06, 12:29 PM

1. How can I get the new filter and should I do that?

Since you have the "original filter" like I did they may just clean it for free like they did mine. Mine also had a panel alignment problem and they also cleaned the unit because it had a yellow haze on the right side of the image too. While it was there they also upgraded the firmware from 105 to 109, and replaced the filter with the new one.

I'd call the 888 number in this link http://www.sanyo.com/business/projectors/parts_qrp.cfm?showFileID=32 and explain to them that you have the original filter and that the holes are so large everything gets through and see what they say. If the let you send it in they will replace the filter, upgrade the firmware and clean the unit.

2. Can I get Sanyo to do a BIOS upgrade? Do I have to pay shipping to have them do that (or other charges)?

Sanyo pays shipping both ways. They ask you to fill out a form and they give you a FedEx account #. Turnaround time for mine was 5 business days from CT. to CA.

--> I guess you're in CT. I'm in California, north. I think Sanyo is in S. California.

3. Is there any kind of metafaq for the Z2? I have done no adjustments and wonder what I can do to improve the image.

Yep! this links to lots of good tweek threads http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=398693&highlight=z2

--> Thanks! I'll be checking it out. Don't know why, but when I was trying to figure out all the tweaks and adjustments on the Z2 I seemed to be having more trouble than other people figuring out how the remote/access to adjustments worked. The paradigm just didn't click in my head. I suppose if I beat my head against that wall long enough it will sink in. Is it just me or is it a little hard to comprehend?

4. How do you find out your bulb life? I know it's one of the entries in one of the screens but I remember there was a shortcut to get that. Anyone know?

Press and hold the power button for about 30 secs and it wil show up in the upper left corner of the screen.

--->Yep, I finally found that in my database of Z2 issues. Mine's at 1064 right now.

--->I looked for my old blobs last night and sure enough I still have around half dozen. I hope that Sanyo will consent to clean them out for me as well as give me the new filter and do the BIOS upgrade. I have the very first one.

ArtT

03-06-06, 12:27 PM

Muse

03-06-06, 04:22 PM

Allright...I have a question (2 1/2 year old z2 owner with original filter and first firmware)...why would someone want to replace the original filter? Seems that some are having problems with polarizer panels failing, which is a heat related issue. I've got to think sanyo only redesigned the filter when they got complaints about the porous nature of the original. HOWEVER, would it not make sense that this denser filter impedes airflow and could contribute to heat buildup, as although the filter was replaced, the fans and cooling mechanisms of the z2 were designed around the original filter. So, are any of you out there with the failed polarizers using the original filters? If any of you are, I'll change my tune, but given the reputed wonderful warranty support Sanyo is offering, there's no way in heck I'm giving up my old filter which lets lots of nice cool air flow into my projector. We'll just have to see how long it lasts! Oh, and, regarding cleaning this filter, the only time I've gotten dust blobs is when I actually went and cleaned the filter. I'd have been better off not cleaning it!
Again, have any of you who's polarizers failed been using the original z2 filter?
My own feeling (and I too have a 2+ year old Z2 with original filter and the very first firmware) is that if I send in the machine to have them clean out the dust blobs, replace the filter and update firmware I will not include the original filter with the machine - I'll hold onto it in case I want to use it. My room temperatures vary quite considerably between winter and summer, so I would certainly consider using the porous filter when it's really warm/hot and the new one when it's cool. I assume this is feasible. In my case, I had dust blobs practically from day one (maybe actually), and have never succeeded in getting rid of them, and believe me I tried a number of times using just about every strategy I could find suggested in this forum.

bedo

03-08-06, 04:54 PM

Mine had the original filter throughout its life with me. My blue panel went belly up. I wonder if it could be related to the blue background that displays when there is no input. I noticed my replacement pj came with the background set to black. I am going to leave it that way. I had heard some years back that blue warms up the tubes nicely on a crt pj and I always assumed blue was the way to go when there is no input.

Uatatoka

03-08-06, 06:12 PM

In my case, I had dust blobs practically from day one (maybe actually), and have never succeeded in getting rid of them, and believe me I tried a number of times using just about every strategy I could find suggested in this forum.

I had dust blobs since day one as well. I cleaned the air filter regularly and used compressed air to clean the panels on a regular basis as well. This helped, but never cured it. I finally got it rid of it though...here's the secret: Upgrade projectors! As you can tell I'm not too happy with the Z2. Sanyo also refused my warranty service claiming user abuse. They told me I had the latest and greatest filter as well.

It looked great new, but went down hill rapidly. Everlasting dust blobs, yellow blothiness, focus issues, blue panel started burning up too. Only 2 yrs old.

Here's some screenshots of my Z2 on it's last leg compared with my new DLP:
Z2:
http://i48.imagethrust.com/t/268460/z2cheetahs.jpg (http://i48.imagethrust.com/images/17Q0/view-image/z2--cheetahs.html) http://i50.imagethrust.com/t/268461/z2gohawks.jpg (http://i50.imagethrust.com/images/17Q1/view-image/z2--gohawks.html)
HD72:
http://i48.imagethrust.com/t/268400/hd72cheetahs.jpg (http://i48.imagethrust.com/images/17P2/view-image/hd72--cheetahs-16%3A10-htpc-dvi.html) http://i49.imagethrust.com/t/268401/hd72gohawks.jpg (http://i49.imagethrust.com/images/17P3/view-image/hd72--seahawks-not-so-superbowl-hdtv-720p-hr10-250-component.html)

Scary, huh?

Muse

03-08-06, 06:52 PM

Maybe I'm just lucky, but I haven't noticed any particular deterioration of my Z2's image since I got it about November 2003. It's got about 1075 hours on it. The dust blob problem is significant, but I only notice (for the most part) when the screen goes dark for a moment. I do wish very much sometimes that the blacks were deeper in some scenes in some movies. Oftentimes it's just terrible. I intend to work up a new screen, painting it with Misty Evening and see if that improves things much. I also am going to look into adjusting the gamma. I haven't been doing any adjusting of the Z2 for some time. I found the menu system on the remote really confusing. The only real picture adjustment I've been doing is adjusting the contrast on my DVD player. In scenes where the blacks are washed out (generally night scenes), boosting the contrast is generally some help.

Patrick McGuire

03-08-06, 10:14 PM

Wow....good post. Yes I am looking at the Z3 right now. Alomost bought the Z2 but was scared off by all the negitive posts and got the 4805. The 4805 gives an incredible dvd picture for sure. HD is also great but............it does throw out more then 50% of the pixels to produce its image! (1280x720) vrs (854x480). The Z3 right now is priced very nicey. Should get me through next 3 years including inital HD-DVD

Had a Yamaha LPX500, got over 4000 hours on my first lamp. Got a Z3, got 1046 hours before it suddenly lost half its brightness and became unwatchable. This happened after running the lamp in high mode for about ten hours. This may be a fluke, but you may want to run your Z2 or Z3 on low lamp exclusively. Oh, and the component inputs are the pits. You have to use HDMI or VGA for a decent, sharp, properly color balanced image. Good Luck!

Thresher

03-30-06, 06:55 AM

I can't seem to find the thread that discusses the Z2 and sending it in for service. Mine is in need of a bulb and a cleaning ( I have never attempted a cleaning). Who is out there that will dial it in for me?

Thanks guys.

To abe applicable to the post I am a very satisfied Z2 owner. I have been for a long time now. In fact I am on my original bulb and it has 5000 hours on it. I hope I don't jinx myself. I've never put it into full power mode except for 200 total hours. It has been abused under my handling. Lots of moves, lots of smoke, tons of power surges and spikes. Power failures all sorts of crap, and it has been great.

MickeyDora

03-30-06, 10:27 AM

To abe applicable to the post I am a very satisfied Z2 owner. I have been for a long time now. In fact I am on my original bulb and it has 5000 hours on it. I hope I don't jinx myself. I've never put it into full power mode except for 200 total hours. It has been abused under my handling. Lots of moves, lots of smoke, tons of power surges and spikes. Power failures all sorts of crap, and it has been great.

This is so funny...my original Z2 (I have two) has the original bulb and has never ever been cleaned...over 2000 hours...no dust blobs, no vb, nothing wrong.

My second one has tons of dust blobs, horrible vb, has been cleaned, and the first bulb lasted less than 750 hours...

I am beginning to think that the less you mess with a projector the better and longer they last.

ShagnWagon

03-30-06, 11:42 AM

I've had mine for a 2 yrs and 3 months and have loved it every day. I'm still on my original bulb. For what it sells for now it's a great deal. I think I'll upgrade projectors in 1-2 years, till then I'm just gonna enjoy my Z2

Legairre

03-30-06, 10:21 PM

To abe applicable to the post I am a very satisfied Z2 owner. I have been for a long time now. In fact I am on my original bulb and it has 5000 hours on it. I hope I don't jinx myself. I've never put it into full power mode except for 200 total hours. It has been abused under my handling. Lots of moves, lots of smoke, tons of power surges and spikes. Power failures all sorts of crap, and it has been great.

Here's the link to sanyo service.
http://www.sanyo.com/business/projectors/parts_qrp.cfm?showFileID=327

Do you really have 5000 hrs on your Z2 or are you joking?

Thresher

03-31-06, 06:00 AM

Thanks for the links. I am hesistant to send my unit in now. It has worked so well for me that paying these repair people to take it apart doesn;t sound lik much of a bargain. Then again it is common to hear only the bad experiences via forum boards...this one I trust though.

Well guys here it is...

I wanted to update a few posts about hours on bulbs for the z2. Luckily my z2 has lasted over 6000 hours on the original bulb. It still looks solid but we feel that it has lost some punch during sometimes bright periods of the day.

I have been running my PJ on a drywall made screen made with Misty Evening paint and a ton of sanding. Not the setup some of you guys have but it is good. Brightness and colors have always been good.

I have abused my Z2. It has lived in a smoke filled envvironment. The filter has been cleaned 3 total times and I own a beast of a cat. Hair has always been an issue. I have noticed only one dust blob, and I am not even sure that is what the anamoly is. On a pure black screen I see a lighter black drop looking thing.

I live in a hot and humid area. Over 80% humidity all the time. We constantly have power surges, power spikes, amd brownouts.

I have turned on and off my z2 many times in a day. Sometimes I turn it off only to immediatly turn it right back on after it will let me. I know for a fact that today alone it has been turned on and off 5 times.

I use the projector for HD TV, Standard TV, Xbox, Gamecube, DVD playback and as my primary display for my computer. I utilize 1280x720 rez for the pc rez.

Sometimes when the power goes out the PJ shuts right off, I simply turn it back on.

I have never cleaned the lenses, interior or done any sort of bulb replacemnt.

I am not trying to jinx myself or be a snob. Just letting you know how my beloved z2 has handled.

Did I mention it has been moved in 4 major moves by FedEx and UPS?

I am ordering a new blub ASAP for the Xbox 360 that I am about to buy. I hope it will restore some of the daytime abilities of the projector.

You'll notice in the picture below that I have run the projector in Bright mode only 490 total hours. I do however run a high gain mode on low lamp mode when playing xbox and gamecube during the day, this normally kicks the fan into high gear. I assume that an adjustment to brightness to such an extreme is similar to running the lamp in high mode.

http://thecomputerace.com/cc/sanyoz2.jpg

MickeyDora

03-31-06, 08:52 AM

I wanted to update a few posts about hours on bulbs for the z2. Luckily my z2 has lasted over 6000 hours on the original bulb. It still looks solid but we feel that it has lost some punch during sometimes bright periods of the day.

I have abused my Z2. It has lived in a smoke filled envvironment. The filter has been cleaned 3 total times and I own a beast of a cat. Hair has always been an issue.

http://thecomputerace.com/cc/sanyoz2.jpg

LOL!!! This is proving my theory about abusing your projector and it will last longer...over 6200 hours has to be an all-time record for the Z2.

Scott Simmons

08-01-06, 08:04 PM

Legairre

08-01-06, 09:40 PM

I'm curious with Thresher well over 6000 hrs, Scott at 2200 and I'm at 3500 hrs, how about some more Z2 owners? What are other owners getting?

Come on guys show your hrs

Muse

08-01-06, 09:59 PM

2 year old Z2 - Love it! Around 1200 hrs on lamp. Have Bravo D1, & Samsung DVD players. We also watch OTA HDTV Awesome - especially football & NASCAR. I clean out the dust via instructions found on this forum. I haven't posted in about a year 'cause "no problems". I am projecting onto a diy "super-plex" screen which I found instructions for on this forum.

Pixlar
Mine is approaching 3 years (Nov.). Finally managed to blow the blobs out a few days ago. So now my only issue is contrast. I often am quite unhappy with it. Maybe I can adjust out some of that, but it's more than anything just that black for this thing isn't black. IOW, a lot of light comes out to the portions of the screen where you wouldn't want light (with perfect contrast, were it possible). It could be (it's certain, really) that although I have the blobs out, there's a coating of micro dust on the optics, which would degrade contrast. How good the contrast will be when I take it apart and thoroughly clean the optics will tell me something:

Sanyo PLV-Z2 Ultra cleaning (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=689661)

I plan on doing something about my screen, too, hoping that will improve my contrast a lot. I'll paint one side of my Gatorboard screen with Misty Evening (is that what it's called?). I already bought the paint, I just haven't gotten around to it. What's "superplex"????

Thresher

08-01-06, 11:00 PM

My total is up to 7120 hours, with 490 of them being at High range. I am totally shocked and stoked that it has held up. Literally it still gets turned on and off 3 to 5 times a day. My cat still decides to walk on it from time to time too, fat bastard.

As of the last post we noticed minor issues with the bulb, it often times needed a pretty dark room where as in the beginning we could suffice with some light leak and even no screen hitting daylight.

As of right now the bulb is on it's last legs and even minor light leak creates contrast issues. I noticed a major decline about two weeks ago.

I still have not touched any of the optics, not even the front of the lens on the outside of the PJ. When I get the new bulb in a few weeks I will do a thorough cleaning with hopes to not destory the LCD's or other optical membranes. I bet I could do a major cleaning and see great results right now but I am only going to do that whole procedure one time with the bulb change out.

I was heading to 'projector people' for the bulb. Can ebay sellers be trusted for the bulbs? Am I looking for an OEM or after market bulb?

Muse, so many screens so little time....

From the top of my head the superplex is plexiglass with a reflective paint on the backside with a white layer on the front. I have never tried it, a member of this forum posted a huge test on multiple screens to show various difference. You gotta do a little reading but it is totally worth it.

I had used Misty Evening when I first got the Sanyo. Since then I have gone to 1/4 inch thick whiteboard with a Killz Primer on it. To be honest it looks great. I am saving up for the screen goo though as I hear it really does a great job and takes a lot of the guess work out of it.

I found a wonderful black out cloth at my local yarn store. It is similar to pleather, it is fake leather on one side and a white cotton type material on the other. It ran me about 5.99 a yard. It now is sewn into my draperies, cute enough for the little lady on the inside, black from the outside and it doesn't let light through in the least. Of course draperies aren't perfect so some light bleeds through.

Can anyone tell me where to find 8 foot tall sliding doors in cherry color that I can create a multiple rolling blackout door with? They often use them in hotels. They often have louvers in them that are non-moveable and don't allow much light through. I would simply wood fill and restain the gaps...

As always love the comraderie on this board!

ShagnWagon

08-01-06, 11:29 PM

I've had mine for almost three years now and it's still going. I need to check the bulb counter but I'm out of town. I would guess I'm in the 2500 range but it could be way more...

Sirquack

08-01-06, 11:56 PM

2 years and not a single problem on my Z2, knock on wood. :)

Muse

08-02-06, 06:29 PM

http://thecomputerace.com/cc/sanyoz2.jpgHow do you get this display? I know you can press your power button for 30 seconds and it shows (briefly) the total hours. How do you get the split of normal and low bulb? TIA.

Scott Simmons

08-02-06, 07:48 PM

How do you get this display? I know you can press your power button for 30 seconds and it shows (briefly) the total hours. How do you get the split of normal and low bulb? TIA.

It should show up on that "briefly" displayed screen. Perhaps you have only ever used it in eco mode? (So it would only show the eco hours?)

Scott.

Scott Simmons

08-02-06, 07:52 PM

My total is up to 7120 hours, with 490 of them being at High range. I am totally shocked and stoked that it has held up. Literally it still gets turned on and off 3 to 5 times a day.

Oh My God - that is unreal! Shocked and stoked is an understatement. You should send your screenshot to Sanyo and see if they'll send you a new bulb just for the positive publicity this gives them ;)

I'm starting to think the whole abuse thing extends the life of the bulb - you could be on to something there.

Scott.

Muse

08-03-06, 01:25 PM

It should show up on that "briefly" displayed screen. Perhaps you have only ever used it in eco mode? (So it would only show the eco hours?)

Scott.
Maybe I just didn't notice. I will take a look tonight (keep forgetting!). I think I'm around 1250 hours (?). Last time I looked (2 or so months ago), it was 1000 or so hours. I never purposely put the fan in high mode (is there a way?), but I have run hot a few times and heard the faster fan speeds kick in.

Tonight I'll see if I can snap it with my digicam.

akm3

08-03-06, 06:44 PM

Well, I had a Z2 and *loved* it, however the gentlemen I sold it to (good friend of mine) has had nothing but problems.

Since I've sold it it started doing weird power things and blew it's bulb (bulb had like 700 hours on it).

Now, one of the LCD panels is gone and it is out of warantee and they want $900 to fix it.

My buddy is kind of screwed, and I am left wondering just how reliable my little Z2 was.

Hope that helps!

-Allen

Thresher

08-03-06, 09:14 PM

Allen - Since I moved to Kauai the power seemed very dirty. I had a neighbor (hooked into our panel) that would use an arc welder while I was watching or playing on the projector. Seriously it would dim the light by a lot and it would freak me out. It withstood a lot of welding to say the least. Maybe mine is special because it says, "Made in China"

:)

Thresher

11-06-06, 03:00 AM

Just an update for any Z2 readers out there.

My bulb hit 8022 hours today during some Sunday Night Football.

Rich Gibson

11-06-06, 09:39 AM

Wow, now I am depressed. I am on my third bulb, the last one dropped off line last week after approximately 8 months use. My replace bulb light glows dimly constantly even after I replaced it and if I try to run the device on full light the high speed mode of the fan comes on and after thirty seconds or so the projector shuts down.

I have never been able to get HDMI to work reliably with my Denon 4306.

Despite sounding like a Grinch, I would really appreciate a suggestion or two to help me achieve the high reliability others are achieving. This is a very early unit and has never had any new bios upgrades or filters replaced. Yes, I blow it out, when its cooled down, with compressed air about every 6 months. I'll spend more time reading this thread again to find out about the new filter.

I'm very glad I've found this thread!
Rich

crb667

11-07-06, 10:30 PM

I'm within 10 days of the 3-year warranty and am sending it in for its first real cleaning (and corner to corner defocus issue and filter upgrade). It has around 2600 hours on it. I just hope that shipping the darn thing won't be the kiss of death for the bulb.

It's good to hear other success stories on this projector. It was a great first projector purchase.

Chris

Chris Gerhard

11-08-06, 08:51 AM

Just an update for any Z2 readers out there.

My bulb hit 8022 hours today during some Sunday Night Football.

Now that is amazing.

Chris

Legairre

11-08-06, 01:08 PM

Just an update for any Z2 readers out there.

My bulb hit 8022 hours today during some Sunday Night Football.

Dude, I just can't catch up with you. I just hit 4000 hrs on my original lamp and it still looks great.

LoStrings

11-08-06, 07:48 PM

I have had my Z2 about a year now (purchased new) and I have about 120 hours on it. I love this projector! Eventually I plan a 1080p upgrade, but untill then I'm enjoying my Z2.

maf

11-24-06, 03:53 PM

Lots of settings through out this thread

Hi guys

The forum archive is currently offline and the links for those threads show nothing. Can anyone recall the Z2 image settings? Thanks a lot.

Scott Simmons

12-03-06, 01:58 PM

Dude, I just can't catch up with you. I just hit 4000 hrs on my original lamp and it still looks great.

Nice.

I'm also still trailing by a mile - and that's including the time spent when my wife leaves the projector on overnight on several occasions! I've yet to crack the 3000 mark, but should be there soon.

I've actually pulled the original bill out to find my purchase date today (Jan 2004 for the record). Thought I might be smart to send it in prior to the 3 year mark to get it cleaned, upgrade the firmware and hopefully have it come back with the bulb still intact.

Are there any Canadians out here that have had experience in dealing with Sanyo Canada - will they except a couple dust blobs/firmware update as a reason for warranty service? I haven't called yet, but thought I should be careful with how I state my case...

Scott.

Legairre

12-04-06, 10:34 AM

xj8

12-04-06, 01:56 PM

In regards to Sanyo Canada service, nothing but good for me. Sent in my projector (with the blue polarizer problem). They completely overhauled the machine including the other panels without any fights or delays. Turn around time was a week and a half. Didn't have to say a word to them.

When this machine goes - although I have had it for 2.5 years - definitely going Sanyo again.
In regards to the lamp life - the first lasted about 1.5 years with 2800 hours on it.

Scott Simmons

12-05-06, 10:23 PM

Scott, I have no experience with Sanyo Canada, but if you have the original filter that let in all the dust. they will more than likely clean the blobs and upgrade the firmware as well.

Hey mine will be 3 yrs old in January too. I sent mine in at the 2 yr mark for a cleaning, filter change, panel alignment, and firmware update. When I got it back my first reaction was WOW it looks great.

Legairre - When you sent yours in last year, did you send it in for a specific issue and got the cleaning, upgrade and alignment as the result, or did you request those things without a corresponding problem? The reason I ask is that I took the plunge and dropped off my projector at Sanyo Canada up in Concord, ON. My initial complaint was the 6 dust blobs on the optics that are very apparent in all but the bright scenes now. The initial discussion I had over the phone was that they would not clean the projector under the warranty but that I could have it done at $120/hour and to expect about a 3 hour job. After picking my jaw off the ground, I let them know that I had the original firmware and had experienced vertical banding. This is not a big issue for me, but it was the only way to get the projector in the door to get the firmware upgraded. They had asked why I was coming to them, besides the dust blobs that were not covered. I drove out to the Sanyo location myself since it was only 20 minutes from my home (hoping to extend my bulb life with a safe car trip rather than an unknown UPS - throw my projector around trip - When I got there in person, I took the time to explain that the original filter sucked and that I was able to drive a small car through it and therefore it was a flaw in the design - conceded when Sanyo developed a new filter to replace the old one for this very reason. The tech noted the "old technology filter" but said the new filter was not a good idea because it would cause the projector to overheat if used as a TV and not just for quick viewing sessions. God forbid I actually use my projector, lest it overheat. Hmmmm....this sounding oddly familiar to anyone?

At this point I explained that I had had a discussion with my lawyer around the wording in the manual and the fact that dust blobs were a result of the faulty filter and therefore should be covered. Before I finished my lawyer story, the tech explained that he was "just the service guy" and that he would pass my concerns up the line and that there was no need to go any further with respect to my complaints until they tested my projector. So at this point they are definitely upgrading the firmware but are only looking into cleaning it under warranty. They anticipate about a 1 week turn around...I will update you guys when I hear back. Cross your fingers for me....I have a feeling the lawyer speech may have worked, but that remains to be seen. I wonder if Sanyo realizes they have a future 1080p Z6 owner hanging in the balance...

Scott.

Scott Simmons

12-05-06, 10:25 PM

Legairre

12-06-06, 12:19 AM

Scott,
I had sent mine in for two things. First it had a yellow tint on the left side of the screen and second the left side was out of focus if you focused the center. When I called they said the yellow tint sounded like it required a cleaning and that the focus issue was a focus uniformity problem. The first thing they wanted to know was if I had the original filter and how many hours I run the projector between cleaning the filter. I told them I clean the filter every 50 hrs(and I really did even though the original filter caught nothing) .

So yes they cleaned my unit for free and even told me it needed a cleaning before I sent it in because I had the crappy original filter. While it was there they realigned the LCD panels(to fix the focus issue), cleaned the unit(to get rid of the yellow tint, and upgraded the firmware all under warranty.

While I like my Z2 I'll never buy another product from Sanyo no matter what it is because they know the problems with the Z2 and still try to stick it to the customer. A 3 year Sanyo warranty is only there as a selling point, once you buy the product you're rolling the dice whether or not they will honor it.

xj8

12-07-06, 06:34 PM

Scott - yes it was Eric.
Again, I just outlined the problem to Eric as well as the advise I received from my vendor on what the problem was. On the follow up call Eric just stated all of the work he was doing to the projector and it was shipped out same day.

Feel sorry for the guys that are fighting Sanyo, but based on my experience, this was a breeze. Actually - truth be known I am a little disappointed as I had my wife convinced that if we had to pay for service - we should just upgrade to a new projector rather then throwing it on older technology. No such luck!

Also, you probably want to take care of some common sense stuff before you send it in. Clean the filter thoroughly, wipe the outside of the machine, ensure all of the vents have been vacuumed etc. Apparently this does not always happen

TexusLexus

12-09-06, 05:44 PM

Because my bulb went out last night with only about 1500 hrs on it. Now I've got to decide (quickly) whether to upgrade or spend $350-ish on a bulb. :(

The Z5 and the Panasonic AX-100U are both getting pretty great reviews but both have the same 720P resolution as my Z2 though with improvements across the board.

What would you do?

unixpilot

12-09-06, 08:52 PM

$350ish?? I replaced my lamp on my Z3 for $270 with $16 shipping from myprojectorlamps..

Granted its not a drop-in replacement but its very easy to mount the new bulb in the old housing. Connect two wires and your in business.

BTW, my original bulb on the Z3 lasted over 5000+ hours.

Legairre

12-09-06, 11:15 PM

TexusLexus

12-10-06, 07:00 PM

Why bother connecting wires for $270 when you can get the drop in replacement for a Z2 & z3 both for $288 each. Shipping is pretty cheap too.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=306641&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=product.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&shs=plv-z3

BTW I'd get the new lamp for $288 that's a lot less than a new projector especially with 1080P units showing up at a resonable price soon.

That's my conclusion as well. With 1080P projectors already coming down below $5K I expect that with a new lamp I'll be able to get another good 18 months out of my Z2 then look at a really sweet upgrade....

Z7 or Z8 with 1080P and 2000+ lumens anyone? :)

And thanks Legairre for the BH Photo link. I missed them on my earlier research.

FrancescoP

12-10-06, 11:18 PM

My Z2 is still working great after two years!
The only problem so far is a strange shadowing of the text in Windows via DVI. The font characters are like doubled, they seem to drop blue shadows. The effect is more pronunced on the right of the screen. Text on the extreme right is fine.

Anyone experienced the same?

Favelle

12-10-06, 11:34 PM

Only had mine for 2 months, but its working awesome! Only catch is that I can't get my Geforce 5500FX to recognize it at 1280 x 720 over DVI. VGA works great, but not DVI. It maxes out at 1024 x 768.

Other than that, its a pretty sweeet projector for the price. We really do live in an amazing time for home theater VALUE!

Scott Simmons

12-14-06, 08:05 PM

Scott,

So yes they cleaned my unit for free and even told me it needed a cleaning before I sent it in because I had the crappy original filter. While it was there they realigned the LCD panels(to fix the focus issue), cleaned the unit(to get rid of the yellow tint, and upgraded the firmware all under warranty.

Good News!

I just got my projector back and the dust blobs are gone, firmware is up to date and it looks great! I got into a huge argument over nothing apparently - they refused to open the optical block to do the cleaning under warranty, but it turns out when they did the routine blow with an air compressor it got rid of all the dust issues. I'm sure the dust will come back given the drive through capable filter, but hey, I got 3 years out of it without dust issues so I guess that's as good as one could expect. Now to chase down Legairre on his hours....oh...I hope I didn't just jinx myself by saying that...

Scott.

supacoopa

12-15-06, 05:50 AM

Having my Z2 for about a year now, bought it second-hand from a friend but it was in as new condition. It's my first projector and for the price I think it's a solid performer.

Getting close to 500 hours now, image quality is suberb in bright scenes but leaves much to be desired in dark ones. Using a HTPC @ 1280x720 helps things a lot, but I wish there was a way to eliminate all that VB.

I have two big dustblobs and a handful of smaller ones, being a heavy smoker I can't say I didn't expected that...

Recently I got a dead pixel in the middle of the panel and that really irritates me.
It's stuck on green and my screen is about 60" so it's fairly noticeable.

A friend of mine has a Z3 and it's overall a better projector but not by far.

So, what's better with the "new" firmware for Z2?

Legairre

12-15-06, 11:45 AM

Good News!

I just got my projector back and the dust blobs are gone, firmware is up to date and it looks great! I got into a huge argument over nothing apparently - they refused to open the optical block to do the cleaning under warranty, but it turns out when they did the routine blow with an air compressor it got rid of all the dust issues. I'm sure the dust will come back given the drive through capable filter, but hey, I got 3 years out of it without dust issues so I guess that's as good as one could expect. Now to chase down Legairre on his hours....oh...I hope I didn't just jinx myself by saying that...

Scott.

Scott did they replace your filter too? My filter was replaced at about 2500 hrs when it went in for service and I'm over 4000 hrs now and haven't had a single blob since the replacement. The new filter does keep the dust a LOT better than the original one. With the original I had a blob every 500 hrs.

Legairre

12-15-06, 11:51 AM

So, what's better with the "new" firmware for Z2?
Firmware 109 fixes a HDCP handshake issue and from what I've read a few other issues, but I don't remember the other issues :o .

HorrorScope

12-15-06, 07:58 PM

I got it when it came out (3 years now?). Had initial problems in my first month that was cleared up and smooth sailing and one bulb since.

Scott Simmons

12-16-06, 10:31 AM

Scott did they replace your filter too? My filter was replaced at about 2500 hrs when it went in for service and I'm over 4000 hrs now and haven't had a single blob since the replacement. The new filter does keep the dust a LOT better than the original one. With the original I had a blob every 500 hrs.

Nope - they didn't replace the filter - they said that it was causing overheating in some units that were used for long periods of time. Poor excuse, but I figure since I got this far on the old filter, I'd be happy with another 3000 hours on the old one. Given that my warranty is days from expiration, I'd rather deal with dust - which I can clean out if need be - than deal with fried chips outside of the warranty.

Scott.

alive in Him

12-19-06, 09:36 PM

First of all, thanks to all (especially Legairre) for the tips on getting the warranty work done on my Z2. I would have certainly been shut out otherwise. They had to replace my blue LCD panel and the blue polarizer lens. They did this under warranty after a lot of persistence from me. At first they wanted to charge me $600 for the work. Then when they finally agreed to do the repair for free they said I would have to pay for a the cleaning and the return shipping. At $125 it sounded like a bargain compared to the $600 they tried to get me for at the start. I now have it back, looking fantastic, no burn-in, and quite bright!

I have the following questions though:

1) I still seem to have an LCD panel misalignment of a pixel or two. Is this adjustable through a service menu, or only by opening up the machine? Or am I better off just trying to forget that it's there?

2) Where can I get the upgraded dust filter Legairre mentioned? I'm pretty sure they sent the Z2 back with the original filter installed, and I'd like to avoid additional problems. I'll look at any aftermarket filter as well, if I could just find one. TrueBlue's web site is down, and they don't return my calls.

3) I'm at 3800+ hours (in three years) on the original bulb, but I fear it will soon finally stop working. Are there any tricks to making sure I have this good o' luck on my second bulb? What's the best price anyone has seen on replacement lamps?

Again, Thanks to all for the help! This Forum Rocks!

Legairre

12-20-06, 12:11 AM

Alive thanks for the kind words. Every few months someone post about trouble dealing with Sanyo. Then I post that long explanation of how to handle things with Sanyo I start to wonder if people are getting sick of me posting it. It's nice to know it's helped someone.

1) I still seem to have an LCD panel misalignment of a pixel or two. Is this adjustable through a service menu, or only by opening up the machine? Or am I better off just trying to forget that it's there?In the factory menu:

7,8,9 - R,G,B Horizontal position
15,16,17 - R,G,B Vertical position.

Make sure you record the original values prior to changing anything.

To access the factory menu:

Press and hold "input + select" buttons at the same time on the projector for about 20 secs.

To exit press power "one time" hopefully you don't have the unit setup to power off on one press.

2) Where can I get the upgraded dust filter Legairre mentioned? I'm pretty sure they sent the Z2 back with the original filter installed, and I'd like to avoid additional problems. I'll look at any aftermarket filter as well, if I could just find one. TrueBlue's web site is down, and they don't return my calls.Order the one labeled "complete filter" from here:Replacement filter (http://www.partstore.com/ModelDetail.aspx?MfgId=84&ModelID=383190&close=0&exact=1) The one labeled "air filter" is part number 6103120249. Page 43 of the owners manual says the filter part number is 6103120249 and the one labeled "complete filter" is a replacement for part number 6103120249 so it must be the new one.

3) I'm at 3800+ hours (in three years) on the original bulb, but I fear it will soon finally stop working. Are there any tricks to making sure I have this good o' luck on my second bulb? What's the best price anyone has seen on replacement lamps?I'd say whatever you're doing keep doing it. I'm closing in on 5000 hrs on the original lamp (will be 3 yrs old Jan 07) and Whenever I turn mine on I leave it on for at least 4 or 5 hrs at a clip. Also if I'm leaving or plan on using it in two hours I'll just leave it on. The less on off cycles the better.

Best price I've seen on lamp is:BH Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?ci=1&sb=ps&pn=1&sq=desc&InitialSearch=yes&O=productlist.jsp&A=search&Q=*&bhs=t&shs=z2+lamp)

Also if I can help further just let me know.

Legairre

alive in Him

12-20-06, 01:26 PM

Thanks Leggaire, for more words of wisdom! I just ordered the filter (I hope it turns out to be the upgraded design) and I can't wait to get home tonight and try the service menu for panel alignment.

Another question - I assume the HDCP handshake that is corrected by the new firmware (see your note below) has something to do with the HDMI/DVI connection from DVD player to the PJ. I don't know if they upgraded my firmware last week or not. Regardless, I've never had problems with the HDMI connection before now. Since I received my projector back from Sanyo I haven't been able to get my Panasonic S77 to successfully send out an HDMI signal to the Sanyo. Has anyone figured out the ideal order for turning on the pieces of equipment and turning on the HDMI function in order to initiate the handshake? It worked before the repair, so I must have just gotten lucky. I haven't been so lucky this time around. Any help would be great!

jason4207

12-20-06, 02:09 PM

There is an option somewhere in there for selecting the type of DVI input. If it is set to PC then it won't accept anything except 4:3 PC resolutions (i.e. 1024x768). It may have gotten reset by the factory.

It seems odd to me that this has anything to do with HDCP. If it worked before when the pj didn't have HDCP then it should work fine now. Someone enlighten me if I'm wrong...not exactly sure.

I have 3800+ hrs on the Z2, and it is noticeably dimmer. I had to watch it with the lights completely out whereas before I'd watch it with 1 lamp on. I've got the Z4 now (since September), and I love it. The VB was the main reason for upgrading instead of getting a new bulb. The funny thing is I didn't notice it until I read about it on the forum.

jason4207

12-20-06, 03:38 PM

alive in Him

12-21-06, 08:44 PM

Panel alignment through the service menu was a piece of cake! What a great tool, and what a great picture. Also, the setting for the HDMI had been switched to the default, just as Jason suggested. All is well [finally] in my theater. I'm still a happy Z2 owner. We're showing "Cars" tonight for my wife's 5th graders and the picture is stunning. Thanks for the help guys!

Legairre

12-21-06, 10:54 PM

My Z2 has the focus problem. If the center is in focus the upper-right corner and lower left corner are out of focus. Is this covered under the warranty?

Also, my Z2 came with the 106 firmware. Is it worth it to get it upgraded, and what are the benefits?Mine went in for the same problem as yours and was covered under warranty. You have a focus uniformity problem. They'll also upgrade your firmware for free to just ask.

Legairre

12-21-06, 10:55 PM

ariza

04-01-07, 06:45 PM

To access Service Menu:
hold "menu" + "input" buttons on projector

To access Factory Menu:
hold "select" + "input" on the projector

Of course you know: WRITE DOWN your settings BEFORE you change ANYTHING!!! (you also know: Enter at your own risk)

To check lamp hours:
while Z2 is on, press and HOLD "on/off" button for about 10 secsonds.

I cant check the lamp hours on my Z2
The projector is on - as soon as I press and hold the "on/off' button it either turns the projector off or it puts up the warning window asking if I am sure I want to turn it off.

I have tried the on/off button on the remote and the actual projector.

what am I doing wrong?

Legairre

04-01-07, 07:46 PM

It should be asking you if you want to turn it off. If you press it once and HOLD it for about 30 secs the lamp hours will show up. If you press it twice it will shut off.

ariza

04-01-07, 08:09 PM

It should be asking you if you want to turn it off. If you press it once and HOLD it for about 30 secs the lamp hours will show up. If you press it twice it will shut off.

Thanks - I got it to show up now, I wasnt holding it down for long enough :)

Legairre

04-01-07, 08:39 PM

Anytime glad to help.

sprec000

06-28-07, 03:09 PM

The first HD-LCD below 2000 $, the Sanyo Z2, has quite often been "misused" as TV-Screen and/or PC-Display:
http://z2freak.lima-city.de/LampenlaufzeitenSanyoZ2/Beamer.html

As you can see there is still quite an awesome picture on the screen :-)

This particular Z2 has now exceeded 5500 total hours since december 2003, all with the first lamp...

bedo

06-28-07, 06:54 PM

That is great! My wife just nodded her approval as well. We have been enjoying ours in a big way as well since it's original release. What the hell year is that any way!? I can't recall. I bought mine in February and they first hit the market approx the prior November...

One failed at a 1.5 year old, the blue panel went. I still wonder if using the blue screen as the default screen background was why. I didn't ask them! ;) It was replaced and I am running along since then. I have bought one bulb between the two and I still love it!!!

Your pictures are really terrific. Cheers!!

wthrman2

06-28-07, 07:19 PM

Hi everyone,

I owned the Z1 until just a few months ago, and this projector worked PERFECTLY!! I have never replaced the bulb, never had any problems with dust blobs or anything like that! Now I haven't had the chance to calibrate my Z5 but I am convinced that my Z1 looked better when I took it out than my current Z5 so I am not overly excited about that! That being said, I am trying to be fair to the Z5 and give it 100h burn in period and then have a calibration done to it and HOPEFULLY it will look better. But it just goes to show that sometime, newer is not always better!

jason4207

06-28-07, 08:22 PM

I went from the Z2 to the Z4, and I thought the difference was night and day. No vertical banding, better black levels, better contrast. Even though my Z2 was tweaked, and the Z4 was out-of-the-box the Z4 look much better to me. After some time & tweaking the picture has only gotten better! I still have the Z2...well my mom has it. It's probably getting close to 4000 hrs now. It still looks great, but the Z4 looks a lot better IMHO.

wthrman2 - what kind of source are you feeding the projectors that you are basing your opinion on?

Favelle

06-28-07, 10:01 PM

Holy crap, 6 months ago called......it wants its thread back!

Great to see Z2 owners still toiling out there! Truly great machine for its time. I still got mine. Won't be upgrading until 1080p's come down a little bit more. Great times for home theater!!!

Legairre

06-28-07, 10:04 PM

My Z2 now has 5800 hrs on the original lamp and the picture is still bright like the ones posted in the link above. I now use it for Blu-ray playback with my PS3 and the picture is stunning. I really wish the lamp would die so I'd have a reason to upgrade to a Mitsu HD1000U, but with the picture looking this good and the lamp still going strong I just can't justify buying a new projector until the lamp goes.

wthrman2

06-29-07, 03:16 AM

Jason4207.....I am using my DVD player (standard definition) through component video although I haven't tested my HD receiver yet. That being said, I am still comparing apples to apples in the sense that the same DVD player was hooked up in the same fashion to my Z1 and comparing it based on the same DVDs themselves. Like I said, it may just need some tweaking.

sprec000

06-29-07, 06:35 AM

Quote:
1) I still seem to have an LCD panel misalignment of a pixel or two. Is this adjustable through a service menu, or only by opening up the machine? Or am I better off just trying to forget that it's there?

I adjusted my Z2 yesterday and documeted the event with a digital camera:
http://sprec000.lima-city.de/colors/3Chip.html
( It´s in german, but the pictures speak for themselves... )

Time: about 15 minutes
Effect: AWESOME

I highly recommend this to every 3-chip-projector-owner!

Thresher

06-29-07, 06:34 PM

I had dust blobs since day one as well. I cleaned the air filter regularly and used compressed air to clean the panels on a regular basis as well. This helped, but never cured it. I finally got it rid of it though...here's the secret: Upgrade projectors! As you can tell I'm not too happy with the Z2. Sanyo also refused my warranty service claiming user abuse. They told me I had the latest and greatest filter as well.

It looked great new, but went down hill rapidly. Everlasting dust blobs, yellow blothiness, focus issues, blue panel started burning up too. Only 2 yrs old.

Here's some screenshots of my Z2 on it's last leg compared with my new DLP:
Z2:
http://i48.imagethrust.com/t/268460/z2cheetahs.jpg (http://i48.imagethrust.com/images/17Q0/view-image/z2--cheetahs.html) http://i50.imagethrust.com/t/268461/z2gohawks.jpg (http://i50.imagethrust.com/images/17Q1/view-image/z2--gohawks.html)
HD72:
http://i48.imagethrust.com/t/268400/hd72cheetahs.jpg (http://i48.imagethrust.com/images/17P2/view-image/hd72--cheetahs-16%3A10-htpc-dvi.html) http://i49.imagethrust.com/t/268401/hd72gohawks.jpg (http://i49.imagethrust.com/images/17P3/view-image/hd72--seahawks-not-so-superbowl-hdtv-720p-hr10-250-component.html)

Scary, huh?

Can you fix these images?

raymondeast

07-01-07, 02:29 AM

i also have a z2 with firmware 106 i believe how can i check? and if the new firmware is 109 can i update it myself?

Scott Simmons

07-07-07, 08:10 PM

Great to see the same names posting - and with continued success with their Z2's. I too have had luck with my z2 - picture is still stunning and the bulb is still plugging along. I'm just over 4000 hours now with increased usage due to a PS3 purchase back in January. Like Legaire, I'm awaiting the justification to upgrade...I don't want to jinx it though! Maybe I'll get one more generation of projector lines out of it....worth every dollar spent already though.

Scott.

Randy Mathis

07-07-07, 08:43 PM

I am still using mine with the original bulb. It still looks great. I will upgrade to 1080p if we see pj's of that nature in the sub $2,500 range this year. I really want HDMI inputs.

Thresher

08-19-07, 08:10 PM

10,060 hours on my ORIGINAL PLV-Z2 Sanyo PJ BULB!

The bar has been set, as I can find no other users with more hours on their original bulb...

I'm sure I will make this post in a few threads today (sue me) but I am proud and sad at the same time today!

Last night I figured I had eclipsed the 10,000 hour point on my plv-z2 bulb, I held down the power button for 30 seconds and WA-LAAA 10,060 hours.

I tried to snap a picture or two of it but apparently I have lost so many lumens that my Sony digicam just couldn't get it done.

I woke this morning to play Track & Field on my Xbox 360, I turned on the PJ and about 20 seconds after the warm up screen disappeared I heard a pop. The bulb went down :(.

I don't have the money to upgrade to a new unit. I am taking a chance (I guess) by buying a new bulb and hoping that I don't lose my blue panel or something lame.

Since I have only cleaned the filter a few times can someone refer me to an 'ultimate home user cleaning guide' to this thing so I can clean my lenses and the unit? I literally have never even wiped the front lens of the unit...

Suggestions or comments on my upcoming bulb replacement?

http://thecomputerace.com/sanyoz2a.jpg[/QUOTE]

Legairre

08-21-07, 12:20 AM

I've been trying to catch you but I'm only at 6000 on my original lamp. Still nice and bright too. Sorry I don'y have anything to help all I do is blow out my filter I don't mess with the panels.

All hail the king with 10060 hours on the original lamp:eek:

Legairre

08-21-07, 09:25 PM

Thresher, I mean your majesty:) I found a couple of links that might help.

Let me know if I can help.

http://archive2.avsforum.com/avs-vb/...d.php?t=339154
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=572889

Scott Simmons

09-09-07, 12:35 PM

I may have jinxed myself with my post a couple months ago - looks like my projector is heading the way of the upgrage soon. I'm around 4500 hours on the projector (still original buld with little or no change in lumens - not that I would even notice given the slow change over 3 years) but the screen is leaving serious residual image - especially when going from SD to HD, you can clearly see the previously black bars from the SD remaining for 20-30 minutes on the HD screens. Everything is starting to have a blue hue, so much so that I've turned the blue down to -4 now to keep it relatively neutral. Is this the death of my Z2? I'll keep you posted...

Now time to research the Z2000....

Scott.

sprec000

09-24-07, 11:28 AM

You can see the lamp-unit (Sanyo Z2) with 5800 h up close here:
http://sprec000.lima-city.de/Beamer.html

Impressive... It still looks like new... and is still running...

Chris Gerhard

09-24-07, 03:26 PM

Wow, some really impressive lamp stories here. I am at 1,950 hours with the very similar Panasonic PT-AE500U thinking I am doing well.

Chris

Genius74

10-03-07, 11:40 PM

Hello everyone

I've had my Z2 for 2 1/2 great years, and I'm now encountering something I've never seen before. The Power & Warning lights will start blinking (screen goes black) then it cools down. I have to hard reset to get it to come on.

I have 1200+ hours on the bulb

Just recently changed the filter
Non-smoking environment
Plenty of room for the projector to breathe

Any thoughts on what's causing this? Sorry for not searching the thread(s) thoroughly.

Thanks

sprec000

11-16-07, 07:04 PM

"The Power & Warning lights will start blinking (screen goes black) then it cools down. I have to hard reset to get it to come on."

****

That is no news to me...

Had to pull the plug for about ten minutes to get the Z2 going again at app. 1400 h and again at app. 1800 h.
Since then no problems at all.

Lamp now at 5999 h !

I am intending to break the 6000 h barrier just today :-)

Greetings from the "Lucky One" :-)

imuesmail

11-18-07, 10:37 AM

Summa

11-19-07, 01:26 AM

I bought my Z2 in the Fall of '05 with the intention of buying an outdated pj for my first go-round. I paid right around $1k for it new, and I intended to run it into the ground until I learned enough about projectors to buy a current model. Well, as of today, it's still running just like a champ!

My original lamp went for over 5000 hours, and I still have it. It never failed, but I did change it out because I could tell the image wasn't quite what it was with fewer hours on the lamp. I did have some dust blob issues, but Sanyo helped me resolve them in a timely fashion. I've toyed with the idea of upgrading, but things still look so good that I haven't been able to pull the trigger. Other upgrades have taken over in terms of priority.

All hail the Z2!!! :D

sprec000

11-19-07, 06:55 AM

Breaking the 6000h-Barrier:
http://sprec000.lima-city.de/Beamer.html

Sanyo Z2 in action, Video 82 MB (!) along with Phil Collins from Genesis, Tour 2007, Germany HD 720p:
http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=l5gWBqA9m5A

Tadelli

11-21-07, 08:29 AM

imuesmail

11-30-07, 12:21 PM

Legairre

11-30-07, 02:00 PM

does anyone have a copy of the service menu or know what the settings are for? I tried to change settings in 13, 15, 16 to correct vertical banding but didn't make much difference.
I have them all set to 95 but can\t remember what the factory setting was. I beleive I have the 107 or 109 firmware upgrade any advice would be most appreciative,There's a copy of the service manual under th e "LINKS" menu on my site http://pages.cthome.net/lradden/ht/theater.htm I can get you my setting when I get home tonight.

Bernard Black

12-02-07, 05:31 AM

I know I am a Johnie Come Lately on this but just picked up a Z2 on Ebay this week. I have been researching for months on setting up a HTPC on a tiny budget just to prove that it can be done. I set up plenty for work ( I am an Apple tech and just finished a system for a customer last week for over Aus$25k).

I hooked this up to my G5 1.8 Dual ( XT800T Card ), fiddled with it a tad and bingo... totally blown away with the resolution. Watching Pitch Black now and all I can say that while I have customers that think they need to spend a fortune this is living proof that you can have your cake and eat it.

Muse

12-05-07, 05:26 PM

I have owned the Z2 for several years: since buying this PJ I have bought several receivers, DVD players and speakers. Not once have I felt a need to upgrade my PJ. Maybe, in 2008 I will pick up a Z5 for less than $1000 or a Z2000 for $1500.

The Z2 has brought immense pleasure to all in my circle!!! I am on my original lamp and dust filter. Do I have 'blobs'---Yes, I do!! The PS3 and Sanyo Z2 have been a fantastic combo: the money I have saved by not going to movie theaters for the most part. I only go to theaters with the kids for Harry Potter.

I bought my Z2 for $1800!!! It was a great deal then, and may pick up a Z2000 for about the same next year. Maybe, as my Z2 is still great on a 100" DIY screen 16ft away.

gasdocThis pretty much sums up my experience, except that I view my Z2 from ~9' from my 7x5 foot screen, using about 5 feet of width for widescreen images. Always use low lamp, so far, squeezed iris. View DVD (720p upscaled) and HDTV. On my original bulb, running v. 1.0 firmware and the original porous filter. Main problem is blobs (I'm due for a blow-out), and insufficient contrast, which I don't notice as much as I used to. I use a can of Dust-Off with a straw sealed at the end and a couple of pin-holes on opposite sides to blow out blobs (as described by another AVS Forums member). Unfortunately, the archived Z2 blobs thread no longer features the pictures (when I checked a month or so ago). Other than the blob removal (which doesn't always work too well, it's a crapshoot), I've cleaned the filter occasionally and passed a camel-hair brush over the lens, that's it.

I for some reason had difficulty getting into the menu system, found it confusing. So, I don't do much in the way of adjustments. I adjust contrast on my Momitsu V880, not the Z2. I should figure out how to adjust gamma, could like the image more.

Would Sanyo charge me for the improved filter? I'm beyond 3 years now, having bought just about when it came out.

I'm wondering about upgrading to something with significantly better contrast and maybe 1020p support, but I'm not chafing at the bit. Someday, I suppose. Haven't been looking into it. Right now, I'm happy enough with the Z2.

sdub

03-04-08, 12:18 AM

I was happy with my Sanyo PLV-Z2 for several years. We used it very regularly as the main TV in our living room since 2004. The display has been very nice and the 100" screen always impressed my friends. The black levels were always a bit lacking, but I overlooked it for the economy price and other features.

Unfortunately, about 6 months ago it started getting a blue tinge to the side of the screen. It started off faintly and just got worse and worse. The blue carries an after image and is quite prominent after switching from SD to HD. I'm only on my second bulb (always used in economy mode), but I guess the LCD is shot. It has gotten to be too much to cope and it's time for an upgrade.

I pulled the trigger on a Mitsubishi HC4900 last week and am patiently waiting for it to arrive. I'm looking forward to see the difference with true 1080P!

http://images35.fotki.com/v1128/photos/4/44291/5976075/IMG_3663-vi.jpg

http://images33.fotki.com/v1116/photos/4/44291/5976075/IMG_3667-vi.jpg

http://images34.fotki.com/v1122/photos/4/44291/5976075/IMG_3670-vi.jpg

Thresher

03-04-08, 03:20 AM

Are the new projectors far brighter or only marginally brighter in daylight versus the Z2?

sdub

03-04-08, 10:53 AM

I haven't seen them in action, but the specs show they are a bit brighter and have a much better contrast ratio. The Z2 is rated at 800 lumens with a 1300:1 contrast ratio. The HC4900 is 1000 lumens with a 7500:1 contrast ratio.

RoboRay

03-04-08, 07:05 PM

I've been a happy Z2 owner for four years. The Z2000 is starting to tempt me to upgrade, though.

Uther

03-04-08, 08:59 PM

I also have a Z2 that was already on its last legs before lightning took out my entire HT two weeks ago (pj, 7 channel amp, receiver, dvd player...the works :( ). Anyway, do any of you remember what the measured lumens were on the Z2 when calibrated? I too am wondering how this stacks up against some of the newer PJs that are running in the 450 - 500 calibrated lumens range (e.g., VW40, 1080UB, etc.).

raymondeast

03-19-08, 09:11 PM

Legairre

03-19-08, 10:16 PM

From projector central Z2 review
In point of fact, when we were done calibrating these two units for optimum video performance, we had several lumen readings as follows: the PLV-Z2 measured 615 lumens in high power mode with the aperture wide open. Closing the aperture to its minimum position (to obtain maximum contrast) dropped the lumen reading to 396. Low lamp mode reduces lumen output on the Z2 by about 20%. So the lumen readings in low lamp mode with maximum aperture was 497, and with minimum aperture was 315.

From projectorreviews review of HC1500

Using Cinema's default settings - Color at 2, Brilliant Color at 3, etc., the HC1500 cranked out a most impressive 1218 lumens with the lamp on full power.Dropping into low power (eco-mode as many call it), lumens decreased to 964, a drop of almost 21%. That 21% difference should be consistant regardless of which Picture mode you are using. Even in low power, that makes the HC1500 very bright. My own JVC is one of the brightest 1080p projectors and only puts out about 800 lumens in full lamp mode, and many home theater projectors, in their best modes, only do 250-500 lumens.

So a Z2 put 497 lumnes and an HC1500 put out 964 lumens. That's pretty much makes the HC1500 twice as bright as a Z2. I upgraded from a 4 yr old Z2 and the difference was night and day.

raymondeast

03-20-08, 12:22 AM

iam not to concerned about brightness just picture quality (sharpness)...

Legairre

03-20-08, 02:19 PM

iam not to concerned about brightness just picture quality (sharpness)...The HC1500 is a really sharp projector. This is one of the things I like best about the 1500. That and the color balance and shadow detail.

raymondeast

03-20-08, 04:08 PM

the hc1500..i was asking for the hc 4900,is there a difference between the 2?

thermos

04-08-08, 08:03 AM

I see that many posts have been for lamp life of over 3000 Hours.

Does this mean that the lamp replace light has not come on or has the projector continued to be used regardless?

Thanks
Thermos

jason4207

04-08-08, 10:04 AM

Yes, the lamp replace light comes on. You can turn it off by resetting the lamp counter, but there is no real reason to do so unless you don't like the little yellow light. My bulb finally blew at close to 4000hrs. The projector is in my mom's possession now as I have a Z4, but she bought a new bulb, and I replaced it for her...good as new!

thermos

04-09-08, 06:08 AM

thermos

04-13-08, 05:29 AM

Anyone else?

Randy Mathis

04-14-08, 01:06 AM

My z2 is still rolling on the original bulb. I don't know how many hours but I bought it about a month or less after the initial release.

DaveInBerlinNJ

04-14-08, 09:49 AM

Fours years later... my Z2 based theater is still THE place where family and friends want to go to see DVD movies and HDTV events.

Still with original bulb. I don't fiddle with the settings anymore... I probably haven't even touched basic user settings in a couple years now. I just turn it on and watch.

Haven't been here in a long while. No troubles to report. Love my Z2. Gotta check my hours tonight and report back.

Time to start researching for a 1080p projector and BD player soon though... <g>

OK... checked... a little over 2000 hours on the bulb. (4 hours on normal)

Muse

04-14-08, 01:20 PM

I've been a happy Z2 owner for four years. The Z2000 is starting to tempt me to upgrade, though.Is the contrast ratio majorly better? That's my chief problem. I'm thinking of painting at least half my ceiling black and maybe a portion of a side wall. However, I figure that would only marginally improve the CR, as well as painting my screen with Misty Evening (which I have already bought).

Also problematical are the dust blobs. I have the original Z2 filter, and I always seem to need to blast out the dust blobs, and usually one session doesn't get them all. Last time I blasted, I didn't go back in, and have been living with a couple of nasties for a couple of months. I don't know if they are red or green because I'm green blind.

I also have vertical banding, but that comes in third in my list of grievances. I also for some reason found it hard to get into the menu system and never mess with it, or nearly so.

thermos

04-17-08, 07:10 AM

I have just obtained a Z2 from Ebay.
It has done 3024 hours in ECO mode and the lamp replace light is on.
I have two thoughts, either replace the globe via priceja*an (A$305 delivered) or run the globe to it blows. I am tending towards the second option but would be annoyed if the projector was damaged after paying for a replacement globe.

thermos

04-22-08, 07:15 AM

Does anyone have a spare globe they would like to sell?

Muse

04-22-08, 11:39 AM

Muse

04-22-08, 11:44 AM

Does anyone have a spare globe they would like to sell?
No, but I've seen a number of posts by people who ran their Z2 way way past where the replace bulb light went on and have never heard of any of them regretting it. FWIW.

My m.o. is to leave the PJ on rather than shut it down if I'm taking a break. I've heard that turning the PJ on has more impact on bulb life than leaving it on for a 20 minute break etc. So, I put the movie or HDTV recording in pause, leave the PJ on.

Does anyone know if it matters if it's a bright or dim scene in this scenario?

txmetabaron

04-24-08, 01:34 PM

And so far was really happy with the Z2 (I've had it for over 4 years now).
i just ordered a brand new bulb,replaced it and..

it worked! as soon as I figured I forgot to put the lamp cover back on and there's a switch that prevents the PJ frompowering up when the cover screw is not screwed in.
SO 100% satisfied,4 years later. Hard to find a better deal!

thermos

04-24-08, 02:08 PM

And so far was really happy with the Z2 (I've had it for over 4 years now).
i just ordered a brand new bulb,replaced it and..

How many hours did it have on the bulb?

sprec000

04-28-08, 01:40 PM

Hi.

First light on this Z2 was Dez. 2003:
http://sprec000.lima-city.de/Beamer.html

Has passed 6800 hours yesterday on the original bulb.
HD-Signals since 2003, mainly Home Theatre PC, HDTV-Twin-Harddisc-Receiver since Jan. 2008 (Humax iCord)
Was never away for service.
Dust filter cleaned only two times.
The original bulb is still working fine.

Upgrade to 1080p only when Z2 doesn´t work any more.
Any guesses when this will be... ?

I really don´t know... :-)

thermos

04-30-08, 01:21 AM

rover2002

05-13-08, 09:38 AM

I'm of to test a Z2 tomorrow, can owners let me know what issues i should be looking for?
Thanks

RoboRay

05-13-08, 05:50 PM

The buggy HDCP implementation, for one. You might want to actually bring your HDMI source devices with you to make sure the Z2 will accept them.

Uther

05-13-08, 10:40 PM

Or even to make sure that the DVI port works. Per Dan at Sanyo after I recently sent mine in for service "it's working just fine here for us with the test signal." I got it back and guess what? No signal from any DVI connected device be it PC just displaying a windows desktop, DVD using HDMI to DVI adapter, or DirecTV box. Oh, and while it was in, I asked Dan if they could upgrade the firmware "sure, no problem, that will just take a couple of minutes." Guess what, I got it back and I'm still on 1.06. I can't say enough bad things about Dan, Sanyo, or their customer service. Hey, I only spent $300 shipping it back and forth across the country and paying for their "inspection".

All things you might consider before going with a Sanyo FP product, FWIW.

rover2002

05-16-08, 10:35 AM

Hi, Just picked it up for $250 bucks (Z2) and like to know if there is a list of the default settings for the service menu? Id like to check and see if the previous owner has adjusted them.
Many Thanks

rover2002

05-16-08, 02:54 PM

Also is there eny documentation or guide on how to clean the inside of the lens or has enyone here had a go and could give me a few tips?
Thanks

chuckvb

05-22-08, 12:08 PM

My Z2 is on its original lamp, firmware and filter. It just went out of warranty--3 months ago. I have had a few dust blobs almost soon after purchase, but not bothersome at all. How do I go about getting things 'fixed', cost?, and is it worthwhile since the pj will now be out of warranty?
What would you do? I am contemplating Z2000 mid 2008.

thanks,
gasdoc

If you bought it with a Visa or AMEX credit card the odds are you have a extra year of warrenty with them. I used my AMEX and got sent a check for $600 to cover the Max repair price that Sanyo charges. All I needed was a copy of the purchase (got from AMEX), Warrenty, and repair estimate. They even paid the shipping and repair estimate cost. Ya baby.

sprec000

06-02-08, 04:59 PM

Passing the 7000h-Barrier tonight:
http://sprec000.lima-city.de/Beamer.html
(to view the lamp up close click on the images on the right, these are with 6000h on the bulb)

Still on the first first lamp, shining bright :-)

Pity most of the manufacturers today don`t even think about lamp-warrenty, but you can still get lucky, see pictures above...

Andy_Central_NY

06-02-08, 08:46 PM

I just pulled the plug on my Z2. Still works great, but needs a new bulb after 4 years. I'll probably put it on Ebay. I was looking for a brighter PJ, and switched to the EPSON 720. It doesn't owe me anything.

Betaguy001

08-20-08, 10:30 PM

I got nervous when my Z2 hit 2000 hours on the bulb - and instead of waiting til we had friends over watching a movie and haviing a bulb blow, I bought a replacement bulb.

But I never got around to replacing it until last night -- many months later!! The PJ had 3126 hours on it - original bulb. The new one has returned it to that bright, rich, colorful state that amazed me when I first bought it --- this is great!!!

BTW -- all 3000+ hours were on low bulb illumination setting. Now the old bulb is the spare.....

This Z2 was the best money ever spent - the entire family has thoroughly enjoyed it since we got it 4 years ago.

Thresher

08-21-08, 05:26 AM

at 7000 hours my blue panel began hazing. at 12,500 hours (all low illume) the Sanyo is unable to produce blue on 3/4 of the screen. Now I am debating on what is next At your usage you have at least 2 years to go!

jfaustus

11-11-08, 03:51 PM

Ah, I loved me mah Z2. Bought December '04, first PJ I owned. Almost 4 full years later, and AT LEAST 5k hours on the original bulb and original filter, it's time to upgrade. The PJ still rocks, it's just that the bulb burned out so I used the $300 replacement cost to up the WAF for an Epson 1080 UB.

Can't wait for the new PJ, 106" 16:9 DaLite High Power, and PS3 combo.

But I'll always have a soft spot for the ol' Z2.

Nordo

12-08-08, 04:27 PM

I've just bought a Panasonic BD35 BD player to team up with my Onkyo 805 receiver and my Z2 pj. After hours of trying to get a good picture I've now found out that the Z2 has HDCP issues.:(

Has anyone found a workaround or firmware upgrade for this problem?

I originally bought the Z2 because it was advertised as HDCP compliant, and I thought it would be future-proof.:mad:

Legairre

12-08-08, 05:14 PM

Nordo

12-08-08, 07:03 PM

Firmware 109 is supposed to fix an HDCD handshack issue. You can check the firmware in one of these menus. Can't remember which one since I no longer have a Z2.

Firmware is displayed in upper left corner:

To access Service Menu:
hold "menu" + "input" buttons on projector

To access Factory Menu:
hold "select" + "input" on the projector
Is there anyway we can updated the firmware ourselves?:)

As much as I would love a new pj, convincing the wife is a task that will take months or years.:( How can I convince her that HD is a great thing if I can't even show off the new HD player.:o

Legairre

12-08-08, 09:57 PM

As far as I know you had to have Sanyo do the upgrade. mine was a 1 week turn around and it was free. Also there's no guarantee the upgrade will solve your problem since the 109 firmware was the last version released from about 3 yrs ago. Back then a lot of the HDCP stuff was still in flux and the Z2 may still not work with current players. There's just no way to know if it will work.

Nordo

12-09-08, 07:07 AM

From both the Service Mode and Factory Mode, my firmware is 1.08.

I can change the various settings in both modes, but I have no idea what I am doing.:o

Legairre

12-09-08, 10:50 AM

ArtT

12-09-08, 10:59 AM

Ahhhh...still loving my Z2. In addition to being a great projecter, she is now actually a money saver. With all the black friday and holiday $199 Blueray players out there, the lack of compatability has kept me from buying one, and also saved me the $20 bucks per disc purchase. I estimate I've probably saved hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in this way. Realistically, when you buy a disk (dvd or bd), how often do you watch it again? I had cut way back on my dvd purchases about two years ago for this reason. Been watching hd via component over my comcast dvr since '04, plenty of high def programming and on demand available, so I still see no pressing need to upgrade. Of course, today is my birthday, and I took the day off, and I'm itching to buy myself something. And top gun on blueray would be reallly cool. Hmmmm. Nah.
Maybe next year.
ArtT

Nordo

12-09-08, 04:25 PM

:eek:No no whatever you do don't change any of the settings unless you write down the original values first. Every Z2 has different settings and once you change them there's no way to get them back to their original value unless you wrote down the original values.

I can't stress this enough, don't mess with them unless you copy them down first.
I clicked the right arrow once and realised the numbers changed. So then I clicked the left arrow to move the numbers back to where they were.
So hopefully, no harm done.

I've been trying to contact Sanyo in Australia to find out if there is anything that can be done.

Wraith72

12-17-08, 11:35 AM

I've been a very happy Z2 owner since late '04. I'm still running on the factory bulb with approximately 3600 hours on it. The bulb change light has been on for a while now, and it's still going strong (it's still whisper quiet in ECO mode :D).

I'm hoping to get a BD source this Xmas, so I'm gonna upgrade the PJ too. I'm lookin' at a Panny 3000U or possibly the new Epson 6500UB.

It's been a great little PJ, and I've put it through many hours of video games, movies, and TV (mostly gaming ;)) It was well worth the money. Once I've got the new PJ, I'll be using the Z2 for a slide show at my wedding this spring and then possibly for some outdoor football parties next fall.

Thresher

12-17-08, 04:54 PM

I am happy it has worked out well for you. It would be fun to have a kick around Z2 but mine looks like absolute Roseanne Barr ass at 15,000 hours.

rmccormack

12-17-08, 05:12 PM

haha my z3 started to diahrea around 6000 hrs had the lcd panel replaced under warranty and then sold it

Thresher

12-17-08, 05:17 PM

Can anyone tell me why I can't get my lap hours displayed? I am holding the power button on the unit for ten seconds but getting nothing, am I in the wrong input or something?

Thresher

12-17-08, 05:56 PM

Do all 3 panel LCD pjs have this problem in the upper hours? Particularly the pannasonic ax200 720p?

sprec000

12-29-08, 07:22 AM

8000 hours, first bulb:
http://sprec000.lima-city.de/Beamer.html

In service since 2003 and still running with lamp no. 1

:-)

Thresher

12-30-08, 09:16 PM

Randy Mathis

12-31-08, 10:22 AM

Randy Mathis

12-31-08, 10:24 AM

Can anyone tell me why I can't get my lap hours displayed? I am holding the power button on the unit for ten seconds but getting nothing, am I in the wrong input or something?

Mine won't show either. Everything looks great though. I don't have as many hours on mine as the rest of you do. I also have my cooling fans running 10% faster than normal to keep the PJ cool. I bought mine December 2003 and it is still on the original bulb. If it gets me past the next Superbowl I will be happy.

sprec000

01-02-09, 06:49 AM

Just updated:
http://sprec000.lima-city.de/Beamer.html

8031 hours, first bulb. You still can enjoy the picture, esp. if the broadcast is in HD :-)

Pity they don´t show the wildcardgames (NFL-playoffs) in german free-tv. And there is (legally) no superbowl available in HD at this time in germany.

Sometimes I envy you guys in the united states...anyway, they are going to broadcast the inauguration of president obama in HD via BBC-HD...

mcbk1452

01-09-09, 02:44 PM

Sprec that looks good. I have a feeling the high humidity levels indoors and out attribute to the decline of my Z2.

I am at 15,400 hours. 5,000 hours in on my second bulb. It isn't pretty.

http://thecomputerace.com/cc/ht/DSC03323small.png

http://thecomputerace.com/cc/ht/DSC03325small.png

HOW you get rid of that "blob" on the screen? Is it dust on the LCD panel or the LCD going bad? :mad: Or blue polarizer?
I cleaned the mirror and lens inside my system yesterday and still has that problem. I examined my blue polarizer under a magnify glass and it looks fine (as far as I can tell, I'm not an expert).:confused:

Let me further explain what I saw under the magnifying glass, I was able to see through to the other side of the polarizer. I didn't notice anything in the glass that's blocking my view (deterioration, etc etc). No dust or etc, just plain view through the blue polarizer. So, I figured it was good. Again, this is my first time dealing with polarizers and I could be 100% wrong about it.

However, I forgot to dust can the 3 individual LCD panels. I'm hoping that will do the trick to get rid of that "blob"...

Other info will be greatly appreciated.:)

sprec000

01-10-09, 04:03 PM

LCD going bad? Or blue polarizer?

***

15.400 hours !!! You are totaly nuts ;-)

Try the blue polarizer first, then settle for the complete LCD-block..

Maybe you should send the whole thing to Sanyo USA and demand a new free Sanyo Z3000 for being the first one on the planet to reach 15.000 hours with a Z2...

Regards from germany,
Christoph

mcbk1452

01-10-09, 07:02 PM

I think I found the problem...blue LCD panel...take a look at the picture below..
I tried to use dust can and a brush but nothing works. So I have to assume it's the actual LCD element is defective...

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/mcbk1452/PLV-Z2/DSC09103.jpg

which produces this big blue blob image....
http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l178/mcbk1452/PLV-Z2/DSC09111.jpg

I guess, it's time to get a new projector...is this a common thing for LCD panels to degrade this bad? ( I don't think the first owner had it for more than 3 years).

I've owned a DLP projector (Optoma H31 for a year) and upgraded to a LCD 720p last year (Mitsu HC1600). I had to get rid of it to pay for an engagement ring.

Then I saw this used PLV-Z2 on ebay 3 weeks ago and bought it for ~$150.

Should I stick with an LCD projector or go back to DLP when I choose my next projector (720p)? :confused:

I will definitely buy a brand new one with a warranty.

I will probably keep this projector for 1-2 years and plan on upgrading whenever the 1080p becomes a bit more affordable.

So, I guess LCD degradation over a 1.5 year period shouldn't be noticeable( assuming that I'm keeping it as originally planned).

Criteria on choosing LCD vs DLP:

Bright..I need the projector to be at least 1200 ANSI lumens
Maintenance free...(I guess new one with a warranty)
affordable replacement lamp

or buy another Sanyo model that uses the same lamp from the PLV-Z2?
(Since I have a practically brand new bulb).

Thanks for any opinion.

RTPBob

01-12-09, 08:21 AM

I've had a Z2 (actually the Studio Experience version of it) since it first came out and it had been running great. Two weeks ago the RGB (component) input went out. I tried to drive it with 3 different devices with no luck. It had been working fine up until then. Didn't change anything, it just quit. So, I'm starting to look for a new projector.

But, it was a great projector. Never changed the bulb.

Bob

Wraith72

01-12-09, 10:32 AM

Legairre

01-12-09, 11:22 AM

I think I found the problem...blue LCD panel...take a look at the picture below..
I tried to use dust can and a brush but nothing works. So I have to assume it's the actual LCD element is defective...

I guess, it's time to get a new projector...is this a common thing for LCD panels to degrade this bad? ( I don't think the first owner had it for more than 3 years).

I've owned a DLP projector (Optoma H31 for a year) and upgraded to a LCD 720p last year (Mitsu HC1600). I had to get rid of it to pay for an engagement ring.

Then I saw this used PLV-Z2 on ebay 3 weeks ago and bought it for ~$150.

Should I stick with an LCD projector or go back to DLP when I choose my next projector (720p)? :confused:
I will definitely buy a brand new one with a warranty.

I will probably keep this projector for 1-2 years and plan on upgrading whenever the 1080p becomes a bit more affordable.So, I guess LCD degradation over a 1.5 year period shouldn't be noticeable( assuming that I'm keeping it as originally planned).

Criteria on choosing LCD vs DLP:

Bright..I need the projector to be at least 1200 ANSI lumens
Maintenance free...(I guess new one with a warranty)
affordable replacement lamp

or buy another Sanyo model that uses the same lamp from the PLV-Z2?
(Since I have a practically brand new bulb).

Thanks for any opinion.Wow:eek: that looks REALLY bad. Looks like the panel is fried. My Z2 had around 6500 hrs over 4 yrs on it and looked fine. Sure it was dim as all heck but a new lamp would have fixed that.

Since you bought it used can you return it and get your money back? I remember you saying the seller said it needed a good cleaning. I'd tell him it requires a panel replacement not a cleaning and return it.

Also I'd go DLP and get another HC1600 or another bright DLP with sealed optics and no filter to clean or replace.

Legairre

RTPBob

01-13-09, 01:35 PM

Wraith72, looks like I have about 2,700+ on the unit. It has the original bulb and I don't remember ever resetting the counter.

Bob

Wraith72

01-13-09, 11:13 PM

Wraith72, looks like I have about 2,700+ on the unit. It has the original bulb and I don't remember ever resetting the counter.

Bob

That's a cryin' shame! Knowing the Z2's reputation, at 2700+ hrs, it shouldn't have even broke a sweat yet.

Do you have any idea which projector you'd like to get?

RTPBob

01-14-09, 02:48 PM

Wraith, probably either a Z60 (like the dust removal feature) or an Epson Z720. Still working on getting the money. Got laid off recently. Don't have any 1080 inputs...yet.

Bob

sprec000

01-15-09, 10:54 AM

***
That's a cryin' shame! Knowing the Z2's reputation, at 2700+ hrs, it shouldn't have even broke a sweat yet.
***

Yep, mine didn´t:
http://sprec000.lima-city.de/Beamer.html
(has now passed 8100 hours, first bulb)

I recently calculated the power consumption over the 5+ years of ownership. And, you won´t believe it... The total costs for electricity alone are exceeding the cost for a new bulb!

sprec000

04-22-09, 11:11 AM

Sanyo PLV Z2 has now reached 8550 hours (since 12.12.2003), still first bulb:
http://sprec000.lima-city.de/Beamer.html

Picture still bright (250x140cm):
http://sprec000.xardas.lima-city.de/technik.html

But shading (little light red clouds) is visible in certain cases, but the picture is still enjoyable.

Only the dropping prices for new Full-HD-projectors may result in buying a new one in the near future. But only to relocate the good, old Z2 as a second projector to another room for background illumination...

One could only hope the lamplife of the new device will ermerge as similar... I am faily certain that this Z2 will reach threefold the designed lamplife which is boasted to be 3000 hours.

Thresher

04-22-09, 03:43 PM

My Z2 sits on dresser unused right now. I moved over to 1080p Epson 6100.

In comparison to the Z2, well there is no comparison. The lumen output, color saturation, black levels are all so superior that I encourage any of you that are "on the fence" or nearing the end of their Z2 lifecycle to move on and upgrade. Your eyes will thank you.

I think my final tally before I moved on was 14,500 hours with 10,000 on the original bulb I do believe.

My Espon was purchased on 1/20/09 and it now has 799 hours on it. Burnin' it up.

Legairre

04-22-09, 04:18 PM

Same here, I moved on from a 4 year old Z2 with over 6300 hrs, to a Mitsubishi HC1500 last year. My eyes couldn't be happier. I had no idea how bad the Z2 had started to look until getting the new unit.

gmad188

06-29-09, 08:53 PM

How do check the hrs. on a Z2.

gmad188

06-29-09, 08:55 PM

Did someone say you can't use a Bluray player with a Z2.

RoboRay

06-30-09, 01:32 AM

Did someone say you can't use a Bluray player with a Z2.

The Pioneer BDP-51 and Samsung BD-1200 BluRay players both worked fine with the Z2 for me, using an HDMI>DVI adapter cable.

Jeff Edwards

06-30-09, 04:46 PM

I have used a Samsung 1000, Samsung 2550, and Oppo Blu-ray players successfully with a Z2 and a DVI-HDMI cable.

RoboRay

06-30-09, 09:52 PM

Oh, and I had forgotten because I returned it after only a couple of days of trying to get it working, but the LG BH100 (BluRay & HD-DVD combo player) did NOT work with the Z2 due to HDCP errors.

sprec000

07-01-09, 06:20 AM

Playstation 3 and Sanyo Z2: no problem at all :-)

sprec000

07-20-09, 10:21 AM

Screenshots 2003 - 2009 , passed 9000 hours last week:
http://sprec000.lima-city.de/Beamer2.html

dawziecat

07-20-09, 01:39 PM

Did someone say you can't use a Bluray player with a Z2.
My Z2 is going on to 6 years old. Not home right now and not sure of the hours. On my second bulb although I swapped out the original "just because it seemed time," not on account of any noticible dimming or deterioration.
It still looks darned good. I use a Sylvania BD player with it through component.

While I look forward to a 1080P machine I am unsure of how much better it can possibly look. There just seems no reason at all to throw my Z2 on some scrap heap yet and, yes, I DO consider myself a pretty demanding viewer.

My only real complaint is some vertical banding that still shows up on some darker material. Of course the contrast ratio colud be a lot better too.

Muse

10-30-09, 06:52 PM

My apologies if this is documented, widely known, etc. but my PLV-Z2 (bought very early on, still with version 1.0 firmware) has very recently (last 2 weeks or so) started being evidently permanently in high speed fan mode. I believe there are two speeds, normal and high speed, and somehow mine has decided to do high speed constantly. I just turned it on and it was in low speed about a second or two and switched to high speed. The room is cool (lower 60s), and I cleaned the filter only a week or so ago (the original notoriouly porous filter that gives rise to dust balls very readily, although for some reason I haven't noticed any dust balls displayed on the screen for quite a while). What could be the matter?

sprec000

11-09-09, 07:52 AM

The permanent high fan mode is related to the heat-situation. Sometimes my Z2 respondes to such situations with the noisy high lamp mode.

You have to switch throug the lamp-modes to ecomode and the noise is gone :-)
If that doesn´t work just press some of the "image"-buttons a few times and start cycling through the lampmodes again. It almost always works!

If not try to switch to another Input-source (Component, S-Video etc.) and back.

That should do the trick...repeat if necessary.

Happy Z2, I just exeeded 9600 hours, still first lamp :-)

Muse

11-09-09, 09:55 AM

I think I may have hit the Lamp button by mistake. Your posts seems to suggest that the PJ can go into non-Eco mode by virtue of high heat. I'm familiar with the Z2 going into high fan from ambient temperature being too high, it goes in and out. But it was staying High. I think it was an inadvertant tap of the lamp button. Using that button I tabbed down to Eco mode and it's OK now. I'm at something like ~2800 hours, maybe 3000 now. Been a couple of years since I even checked. Looks OK to me at low lamp, projecting on a white screen from less than 10 feet. I rue the insufficient contrast in many scenes, though (I should play with the gamma, am tired of messing with the contrast on my DVD player). Bought the paint for my screen but haven't gotten around to opening the can. What's it called, Misty Evening ?(?) from Home Depot.

A high contrast 1080p projector isn't in the cards right now, so I'm sticking with my Z2. IMO it beats a flat panel, especially from the excessive distances most people observe them. The vertical banding doesn't bother me (I don't think about it), nor the screen door effect (don't look for that either!).