As already described in detail in our review (German only), the Sanyo PLV-Z5 is a revised version of its predecessor. Especially the contrast increasing adaptive iris was improved upon and an adaptive gamma adjustment was introduced.

Thus the projector shows visible advantages with regard to contrast and picture depth, especially regarding the inconspicuousness of the adaptive iris. In this Tuning Special we will examine to what extent the limits of the Z5 can be increased efficiently, without having to make compromises with regard to color reproduction.

Note:
The Cine4Home Tuning introduced here is available in this form with our C4H Innovative Partners, who will gladly advise you. Also:

Cine4Home is looking for Innovative Tuning Partners!

We often receive requests for our Tuning Service from outside Germany. Unfortunately it is not just a matter of the color filter, a large portion of  the Cine4Home Tuning consists of a professional tuning of the device using ColorFacts. This is the reason we are looking for reliable partners from every country in the world:

Do you have experience with ColorFacts, own the software and would like to offer C4H Innovative Tuning as an additional service to your customers? In that case, please contact us about our Glass filters at info@cine4home.de.

1. The starting point

With the Z5, the concept of the different picture modes was maintained. In our review the "Brilliant Cinema" mode was of special interest, because the colors stood out as  being particularly exact for a factory tuning.

In gray tones, the mode shows a good approximation to the 6500K (D65) which is necessary for the adherence to the video standard, as can be seen in the diagram above.  Therefore, the color representation is very natural. However, the gamma distribution of this mode with its value of 2.0 is clearly too flat, making the picture appear a little "washed out" if there is no additional correction.

Gamma curve too flat from factory

With a little additional correction the user will get an appealing picture, which convinces regarding both color representation and contrast. In this mode, the projector will achieve a contrast ratio of up to 3000:1 with adaptive iris and approximately 1000:1 without, in the "Cinema Authentic" mode this will be 1700:1 and/or 800:1 respectively.

2. Tuning

However, the maximum contrast ratio of the projector is indicated in the technical data sheet to be a substantially higher value, 10000:1. Our test showed that this contrast ratio can actually be reached in the "Vivid" mode, however not with an accurate image representation.

Color distribution of Live/Dynamic mode

When using maximum contrast the image representation clearly becomes too cool. There is a lack of red of 40%, which makes an accurate picture reproduction not possible. Also the brightness distribution visibly distorts the picture:

Slightly distorted gamma curve

The picture is shows strong Clipping, so that bright picture elements appear over-saturated and lose their outlines. All in all this mode is not suitable for film representation, despite its high contrast.

In above example pictures the distortions can clearly be seen: Because of the too cool color representation the landscape loses its naturalness, which is particularly visible with the sky and the trees. At the same time, the clouds show less structure, the mountain clearly appears too dark in comparison.

The question remains whether this mode can be trimmed to obtain a correct image representation and thus uses the maximum contrast of the projector. Nevertheless, the projector actually reaches a maximum contrast ratio of approximately 10000:1 here and even without "Iris cheats" reaches up to 1800:1. Especially the latter is an outstanding value, since no disturbing side effects of the adaptive iris can occur here. With the help of our C4H Innovative Tuning we found a method to use these high contrast modes:

In order to adjust the inaccurate color representation at maximum contrast a suitable glass color filter must be inserted, which is determined by high-quality measurement such as Colorfacts. With our example-Z5 this is a middle red filter, it filters the surplus of blue & green down to the red level. With this first step the White Level of the projector is optimized to the 6500K (D65) color temperature.

In the next step, the not homogenous color tone must be adjusted digitally for every gray tone to the necessary D65-color standard by the picture menu. This again is only possible when using high precision measurement equipment. Also, it will be much more difficult to coordinate all picture parameters with high contrast output.

With patience and know-how it is finally possible to reconstruct the accurate color representation:

Example: Color tone after contrast optimization

The desired value of 6500K in neutral gray tones is repaired:

A further problem is the preservation of the accurate gamma curve, and here also the combination of Colorfacts and adjustment parameters is successful:

Above diagram shows the gamma curve of our tuned test machine. With an even rise of 2,26 it lies well within the optimal range. The picture appears evenly illuminated, no details disappears either in the dark one or in the brightness.

How are the Tuning improvements visible in the final picture? First, the balanced color representation would be worth mentioning here, which benefits reconstruction of the cinema original. The colors appear accurately on the screen, as far as the LCD technology allows. In addition, the adjusted brightness distribution ensures that all parts of the picture appear as bright as they should, nothing is over-saturated or under-emphasized.

Vivid and accurate colors and brightness by measurement

These results are also possible with a conventional calibration. However, the additional use of the glass filter permits a further improvement of the Black Level, without maximal brightness being affected (due to a special anti-reflective coating of the glass). Dark scenes thus lose part of the disturbing "grey veil" and appear more deep and more believable. A well-known main deficiency of digital projection is clearly reduced this way.

After the Tuning is the complete we once again measure the maximum contrast ratio: approximately 10000:1, and astonishing this corresponds exactly to the factory specification. This contrast value is reached with the help of the variable iris. It can still be switched off. With adaptive iris switched off a contrast ratio of up to 1750:1 is reached with our test machine. After the Tuning the projector offers a clearly increased contrast ratio without using the variable iris. Thus the user has the choice between outstanding Black Level with adaptive iris and good contrast completely without. In addition the brightness adjustment remains adjustable by the iris in the optics (in 64 steps). With it the balance between Black Level and maximum brightness can be adjusted to ones own needs.


In order to allow even more flexibility, the C4H Innovative Tuning at the same time also optimizes the "Dynamic" mode. The "Dynamic" mode is offered as an addition, since it also offers an increased contrast ratio but appears even more inconspicuous because of its less aggressive programming of the iris. The additional Tuning mode allows for a contrast ratio of 3400:1, which is saved in an additional memory bank.

With C4H Innovative Tuning, the user has the following advantages compared to normal factory setting:

- Maximum contrast of approximately 10000:1 with adaptive iris
- Alternatively 3400:1 with less iris activity
- High contrast even completely without adaptive iris, up to 1700:1
- Accurate colors
- Accurate brightness distribution
- Clearly improved Black Level

All of this lifts the Sanyo PLV-Z5 even higher in its picture performance, the result that shows on the screen is more than impresses in this price range.

3. Fitting the Glass filter

New compared to conventional Tunings is the use of a glass filter. It is made especially for the PLV-Z5 in its individually corresponding color filter  value, and can easily be attached to the optics.

The finished color filter with aluminum ring

The filter is fitted on the optics quite easily. Also the Zoom lever can still be used.

All functions of the projector remain intact, including the automatically closing of the dust shield. Also the warranty of the projector is not voided, since no adjustments are made on the inside of the machine!

Glass filters are substantially more insensitive than comparable polyester variants. Here is an overview of the most important characteristics:

- More durable and less sensitive to scratches

- Maximum luminous efficiency because of special surface coating

- No scattered light in the optical path, no streaks

- No reduction of the ANSI (in picture) contrast

So that you can see at first sight whether it acts with around one the new special C4H Innovative Tuning glass filter, either a "C4H Innovative Tuning" is lasered into the glass, or an aluminum emblem that is added to your tuned projector.

C4H Innovative Tuning filter can be recognized at first sight

Pay attention to the C4H seal of approval!

rther information about glass filters you can find in our large Special: New optimization service: "Cine4Home Innovative Tuning" (German only / english version coming soon).

4. Sources of supply

The Tuning presented here is only feasible with appropriate measuring tools. Therefore, please inquire within your friend/dealer circle whether someone has the appropriate measuring equipment.

Cine4Home uses the "Colorfacts" system

Besides by the optically elegant Glass filter, Cine4Home-tuned projectors can be recognized by the emblem on the housing or filters:

Pay attention to the C4H seal, either on the projector or on the filter

For die-hard "DIY-ers", a quick look in our know-how and projector tuning sections is recommended, you can find more information about color filter optimization here.

Cine4Home is looking for Innovative Tuning Partners!

We often receive requests for our Tuning Service from outside Germany. Unfortunately it is not just a matter of the color filter, a large portion of  the Cine4Home Tuning consists of a professional tuning of the device using ColorFacts. This is the reason we are looking for reliable partners from every country in the world:

Do you have experience with ColorFacts, own the software and would like to offer C4H Innovative Tuning as an additional service to your customers? In that case, please contact us about our Glass filters at info@cine4home.de.

Your Cine4Home Team