hey guys,

I purchased a used Sanyo Z4 (500 hours, 1 yr old + New extra bulb) less than a week ago.
I tried to research the Z4 as much as I could during the 3 day buying process.
I have owned an Infocus for 4 years and have been a member/lurker in this forum for about the same time. While I always liked the DLP projectors (cause I owned one and liked it) I did read the Panny/Sanyo threads over the years.
Coming from a Native 4:3 800X600 projector, I figured any 720P projector, LCD or DLP, woudl be FAR better than my X1. SO as soon as I found a good deal on the Z4, I jumped on it.
Since than, I have been on this page may be 3 hours a day, reading the tweak threads and anything related to Sanyo Projectors.
I must admit, that the very vocal threads regarding Warranty issues with Sanyo have me seriously questioning my purchase. I am beginning to have serious buyers remourse which, as some of you may know, is a pretty crappy feeling.
I seem to keep focusing on the negative like more appearent pixels on the Sanyo vs the panny, threads and reviews regarding Z4 not having the same blacks as the Pannys and no way near the DLPs haveme seriously down.
What do you guys say?

I do the exact same thing with all of my major purhcases.

In fact, I immediately rediscover all those negative threads, reviews, etc. about the item in question and work my self up into a frenzy.

But, in the end, I realize the decision I made three days ago isn't any more or less correct...it's just my attitude/perception has changed. Wait until you pull it out of the box, fire it up and sit back to enjoy it. A lot of that feeling will go away.

Yes, Sanyo has warranty issues. But I've also had similiar problems with many, many other companies.

Again, just concentrate on enjoying your purchase. I find a lot of people on this site over-critique everything to the point of eliminating almost all the enjoyment of A/V. Constant LCD/DLP/CRT bickering. Horror stories. Tales of bulbs blowing in 10 seconds.

I find AVS is great for the first few weeks while you are learning about new technologies and determining the top 5 projectors, etc. After that, you dig deeper and deeper into the height (or depth) of consumer over-analysis.

By the time you leave...no purchase seems warranted.

Enjoy you new toy. Worry when you have to.

Everything you said is right on.
Even though I know all of that in the back of my mind, I couldnt help but feel the way I did.
The more I read the forums, the more I see a tendency of mostly praise and positive reviews when the product is originally introduced to about 6-8 months later. Then, as soon as a newer model of the same brand, or a another brand comes out, the older becaomes dated. If you read reviews of these products, the persons reviewing them would state how that product is good enough to be enjoyed for years to come, like when the "cheaper" generation od LCD/DLP based 720P projectors came out.
Its only natural that the manufacturers will continue to improve their products, otherwise they woudl have no reason for an R&D dept, all the engineers and not to mention lack of sales and repeat customers.
I bought my X1 4 years ago, had 2 back to back kids and with all those distractions, forgot to clean the bulb for 600 hours. the bulb cooked and even though it didnt crack or explode, the brightness is now way down. If the X1 still performed the way it did when it had a newer bulb, I woudl still be able to enjoy it just by reducing the size of my screen from 106" to 72" (like right now while I wait for teh Z4). Even with the cooked bulb, HD and DVDs still look pretty damn good.
So, I am using this example to feel comfortabel about the Z4. It may not be the Z5, or teh panny A100u, but its still a native 720P projector and I shoudl nto have to buy another for good 3-5 years since I am not the kinda guy who has to have teh newest thing as soon as it comes out.
Thank you for your post.

No matter what you purchase, there is always something better. I'll bet after you hook up your Z4 you'll be all smiles.

Enjoy 720p and dont look back.

With a little adjusting the Z4 will look great. HD and HD-Dvd's look fantastic! so relax! remember that the majority of people that have this unit never even post and are very happy, you only get to read about the ones that are having problems! Just be sure to keep the filters clean...

hey guys,

I purchased a used Sanyo Z4 (500 hours, 1 yr old + New extra bulb) less than a week ago.
I tried to research the Z4 as much as I could during the 3 day buying process.
I have owned an Infocus for 4 years and have been a member/lurker in this forum for about the same time. While I always liked the DLP projectors (cause I owned one and liked it) I did read the Panny/Sanyo threads over the years.
Coming from a Native 4:3 800X600 projector, I figured any 720P projector, LCD or DLP, woudl be FAR better than my X1. SO as soon as I found a good deal on the Z4, I jumped on it.
Since than, I have been on this page may be 3 hours a day, reading the tweak threads and anything related to Sanyo Projectors.
I must admit, that the very vocal threads regarding Warranty issues with Sanyo have me seriously questioning my purchase. I am beginning to have serious buyers remourse which, as some of you may know, is a pretty crappy feeling.
I seem to keep focusing on the negative like more appearent pixels on the Sanyo vs the panny, threads and reviews regarding Z4 not having the same blacks as the Pannys and no way near the DLPs haveme seriously down.
What do you guys say?

The only thing I would be concerned about is the price you paid vs the price of a new projector. Ie you can get the best value out there in the Mits HD 1000 for about $850. Better picture, better reliability than the Z4.

If you got the Sanyo for $600 or less, I think you got a good deal.

The only thing I would be concerned about is the price you paid vs the price of a new projector. Ie you can get the best value out there in the Mits HD 1000 for about $850. Better picture, better reliability than the Z4.

If you got the Sanyo for $600 or less, I think you got a good deal.
I paid a little more for the Z4 than I woudl have for a new Mitsu, but it came with an extra bulb and the original owner did not get the bulb FREE like some folks did in late 2006. This was bought late 05-early 06 when the bulb was not free.
2ndly and most importantly, non of the Mitsu's fit my theater room. From my throw distance (18.4 feet) they throw a smallest 130" picture. I have a 106" screen and because of the wall/window layout there isnt even any sapce for a 120" screen let alone a 130" screen.
I woudl have loved to stay with a DLP but none of the DLP in my price range "fit" my room, the Z4 is just so darn flexible.

Most of us probably go through what you are! I have had my Mitsi HD1000 not quite a month and although I love it I find myself thinking "this is great BUT I wonder how much better a good 1080p pic would look????!!!!"

Well...at least you were able to MAKE A DECISION!! That's the hardest part. Look at it this way...anytime you're buying something with as many GOOD/GREAT choices and as many different factors to judge as a projector, there is bound to be a lot of buyer's remorse when you finally decide. Me...I haven't gotten to a decision yet...but I have at various times been absolutely, without a doubt, 1000% sure that the PERFECT PROJECTOR for me is:


the Mits HD1000, no Sharp DT-500, no the Sanyo Z5, no the Panny AX100, no AE900, oh wait, I really want the Espon 400, no I mean the Mits HC3000, wait, what about that super cheap IN72, holy cow I should get that Epson TW700 from overseas, no wait I really want the Optoma HD70, or maybe the OPTOMA HD72 OR HD73 or HD7100 and on and on and on...

When I finally DO make a decision, will I have buyer's remorse? FOR EVERY SINGLE SECOND until I finally get my pj, pull down the old X1 and fire up the new one...then I'm pretty sure I'll be too busy going "Wow" to have any buyer's remorse. I'm guessing it will be the same for you.

Well...at least you were able to MAKE A DECISION!! That's the hardest part

So true...I've been undecided for weeks. Still don't have a clue.

Yes analysis paralysis is very debilitating.

I paid a little more for the Z4 than I woudl have for a new Mitsu, but it came with an extra bulb and the original owner did not get the bulb FREE like some folks did in late 2006. This was bought late 05-early 06 when the bulb was not free.
2ndly and most importantly, non of the Mitsu's fit my theater room. From my throw distance (18.4 feet) they throw a smallest 130" picture. I have a 106" screen and because of the wall/window layout there isnt even any sapce for a 120" screen let alone a 130" screen.
I woudl have loved to stay with a DLP but none of the DLP in my price range "fit" my room, the Z4 is just so darn flexible.

What the original purchaser paid for something is immaterial. But, since very few projectors meet your install requirements it appears the used z4 is probably your best bet. Pity you could not get a better price for a used projector. If you have the skill to calibrate the z4 which I understand is a must, it should serve you very well on your 106" screen.

Yeah, I had a chance to pick up a New in box for a little less but decided to go with this one with the Xtra lamp. If I had an extra lamp for my X1 right now, I prob woudl not be buying a projector just yet. I am not one to keep upgrading every year or 2, I am sure in 2-3 years when I am done with the first bulb (we used 1200 hours in 4 years on the X1) the 1080P projector woudl be in the sub $1200 range, but having the extra bulb woudl really help me keep that 1200 in my pocket and continue to enjoy a 720P projector.
I remember that before my X1 bulb got "cooked", I was fine with the image quality from 18 feet viewing distance on a 106" HP screen. HD looked very nice and DVD s were as nice as I wanted them to be especially the bright ones.
So going from a 800X600 projector that prob used 80% or less of pixels in 16:9 mode, to a 1280X720 native projector, I dont think I really can be disappointed.
I think the Psuedo remourse comes from not being sure between the LCD/DLP picture quality, contrast and brightness....
Guess I will know by monday when its supposed to be here.

I do the exact same thing with all of my major purhcases.

In fact, I immediately rediscover all those negative threads, reviews, etc. about the item in question and work my self up into a frenzy.

But, in the end, I realize the decision I made three days ago isn't any more or less correct...it's just my attitude/perception has changed. Wait until you pull it out of the box, fire it up and sit back to enjoy it. A lot of that feeling will go away.

Yes, Sanyo has warranty issues. But I've also had similiar problems with many, many other companies.

Again, just concentrate on enjoying your purchase. I find a lot of people on this site over-critique everything to the point of eliminating almost all the enjoyment of A/V. Constant LCD/DLP/CRT bickering. Horror stories. Tales of bulbs blowing in 10 seconds.

I find AVS is great for the first few weeks while you are learning about new technologies and determining the top 5 projectors, etc. After that, you dig deeper and deeper into the height (or depth) of consumer over-analysis.

By the time you leave...no purchase seems warranted.

Enjoy you new toy. Worry when you have to.

Very good advice.

Regards

Ditto on being undecided for weeks. I have considered the full list mentioned above.

Any of you that are considering the ax100:

Do you have any thoughts or know the history of panny rebates? Specifically I am wondering if after Feb 28th when the current $400 rebate expires, do you think there should be another one available soon....



So true...I've been undecided for weeks. Still don't have a clue.

Kam,
Couple things...
1. You just learned the cardinal rule of internet research...once you pull the trigger, DO NOT repeat DO NOT keep researching or looking at prices for a few months. You'll always find your tech purchase better and cheaper a week after you buy. Just stop reading. Go read amps or speakers or dvd players to pair with your new z4.
2. The Sanyo warranty problems stink if you get nailed...no way around it. The reality is that, at the end of the day, after a year or two your z4 is probably more likely to be working than a Panny 900 (just my opinion after reading the boards). And, if your sanyo goes after 18 months, and sanyo pulls their warranty denied trick, you can still fight. And, even if you lose, you still are right where you'd be with a panny one year warranty...with no coverage. You should also note that there seems to be some hanky panky going on now with panasonic denying warranties for overuse, too. All big corporations are a**holes...thats how they got to be big corporations.
3. Enjoy your z4. It is a step up from what you have and should be terrific. You got a good projector at a good price...a year and a half ago it was a $2500 projector. It will throw the same nice picture that those $2500 payers are watching. So, enjoy!
ArtT

...once you pull the trigger, DO NOT repeat DO NOT keep researching or looking at prices for a few months.

That is excellent advice. Dead on.

I don't own a Z4, but from everything I read when I was researching (ultimately bought an AE700) the Z4 is a great unit. I'm sure you'll love it, and it should certainly last you until 1080p units drop into this forum in a year or two.

I'm in the same boat...Just last week I pulled the trigger on a brand new Z4. My first projector was the X1, and currently own the NEC Ht1000. After experiencing 2 really good DLp projectors, I find myself wondering if the Z4 will live up to my expectations! I own the Toshiba HD-A1 HD-DVD player, and ever since I bought it, I've wondered how much better a HD-DVD movie will look on a high def projector? I can't afford 1080p so I got the next best thing. My purchase was based on the same criteria I followed for the X1 and HT1000...It made the HIGHLY RECOMMENDED PROJECTOR list over at projectorcentral....I am somewhat at ease because of that, but then I come here and read the Z4 tweak thread to get ideas on settings and and read about the difficulty alot of the owners have had tweaking it, and how the contrast is this or that...or how some have had convergence problems that Sanyo deems to be ok and will not do anything about it or how some are experiencing whites that are reddish... and on and on...its enough to keep me awake at night! My projector is due to arrive on Tuesday and hope that all will be good...but trust me bro, I feel your anxiety!

I don't blame you for having buyers remorse at the price you paid for a used Sanyo. You could have got a brand new PTAE900U for a thousand bucks.....better blacks, better lense shift, no screen door effect. Look at the bright side, you can always find someone to buy it....I mean after all.... you did!...LOL!.... :D

I'd say you got a heckuva deal! And yeah, making a decision is good- I'm one of those guys sitting here watching 480P with the money burning a hole in my pocket because I can't decide what to get. :o

No need to worry that you should have waited for 1080, not at the price you paid. 720P looks very good, and just think how good football on Fox will look!

I don't blame you for having buyers remorse at the price you paid for a used Sanyo. You could have got a brand new PTAE900U for a thousand bucks.....better blacks, better lense shift, no screen door effect. Look at the bright side, you can always find someone to buy it....I mean after all.... you did!...LOL!.... :D
Dont know about better lense shift, also the SDE is a non issue from my 18 plus feet
viewing distance.
To all others, especially ArtT, GREAT advice and I plan to follow it.
Its the same story with cars, mtorcycles and especially with any piece of electronic.
The way I see it is the same proj was atleast $2200-$2500 just a year or so ago and its not like the 1080P are in the $1500 range. To pay $1500-$2000 for the newest 720P didnt make much sense keeping in mind my limited FP use and the way technology keep getting cheaper. 2 years form now I think the 1080Ps shoudl be in the sub $1500 range..Ofcourse by then the Ultra HD will be on the horizon ..and on and on and on..
For my needs, the 720P is the BEST balance of PQ and price. For me to pay substantially more there woudl have to be another breakthrough just like the 720P was a few years ago. 1080P isnt as big a jump as much as 720P is 480P or shoudl I say its less obvious of a jump.
Thank you all for your help..

hey guys,

I purchased a used Sanyo Z4 (500 hours, 1 yr old + New extra bulb) less than a week ago.

I must admit, that the very vocal threads regarding Warranty issues with Sanyo have me seriously questioning my purchase.

What do you guys say?

I say that since Sanyo's warranties are not transferrable you should have no expectation of a warranty when purchasing a used unit. Unless, of course, you have purchased from an authorized dealer.

htr

I say that since Sanyo's warranties are not transferrable you should have no expectation of a warranty when purchasing a used unit. Unless, of course, you have purchased from an authorized dealer.

htr

Ah..well I did not know that..But like many have said..IF I bought a used Panny it would have been outta warranty as well..
All I can do is hope that it will last a couple of years

SNIP
When I finally DO make a decision, will I have buyer's remorse? FOR EVERY SINGLE SECOND until I finally get my pj, pull down the old X1 and fire up the new one...then I'm pretty sure I'll be too busy going "Wow" to have any buyer's remorse. I'm guessing it will be the same for you.

Flooper: Get the Optoma HD70 - you won't be disappointed.
PS: Nice to see your nic again. I haven't been around all that much either after buying the X1 way back in 2002.