Sanyo PLC-WU3800 Compact Projector Preview

The problem for business-focused projectors is not style, it isn't portability, it isn't even weight. It's that they don't get any respect. No one wants to turn down the lights or close the blinds. They expect a viewable image in a well-lit room. How else can they show off their expensive suits or allow their attendees to take notes? 

Sanyo has recently announced a projector designed to excel in lighted environments. The PLC-WU3800 Compact Projector boasts 3800 lumens, the highest in its class. This should allow a viewable image not only in dimmed environments, but even well-lit offices and classrooms.

The Sanyo PLC-WU3800 is not compact in name, but it is small in stature. The projector measures just 13.2 x 3.1 x 10.1 inches and comes in at a featherweight 7.9 lbs. This makes it a great choice for the on-the-go businessperson who may not have much control over where he or she must give their presentation. It is also a great choice for educational venues where you have to keep the lights on for note taking and to keep those slackers in the back from catching a quick nap.

The PLC-WU3800 is a 1280x800 True WXGA native resolution projector with a high aperture ratio LCD panel and a high magnification 1.6x zoom lens (which allows a throw distance from between 3.25 feet to over 39.7 feet). It has Picture in Picture and Picture by Picture functionality, a high output 275 watt lamp, and a 16:10 native aspect ratio. While home theater buffs may be more familiar with the 16:9 aspect ratio, 16:10 is the same as many notebook and laptop computers. The Picture in Picture feature allows images from multiple sources to be displayed. Picture by Picture, ideal for teleconferencing, allows both the active presentation and the live view of other participants to be displayed side-by-side.

The PLC-WU3800's “Auto Setup Function” makes setup quick and easy, even for inexperienced operators unfamiliar with the projector’s controls. The projector automatically searches for the active video source and selects the correct input, while an “Auto Keystone Correction” function applies the appropriate correction when it detects that the projector is not level. Once presentations are finished, the “Power-off and Go” function allows the power cord to be unplugged without requiring a cool down cycle, preventing potential damage to the projector. This can be particularly important when you are giving a presentation and are asked to step out while the participants discuss whether or not to hire you. You don't want to have to leave your projector behind or unplugging it before it completes its cool down cycle and risking damage. 

There are a number of inputs on the back of the PLC-WU3800 including an HDMI 1.3b connection, dual D-Sub15 inputs (can be used for analogue component video or RBG signals) and S-video and composite video inputs. For audio there is a mini-1/8" and a pair of RCA jacks. If your business/school has a control system, there is an RS-232 serial input as well as a RJ45 network connector. There is an internal speaker (a whopping 1 watt) for emergency or on-the-road use. One thing I often worry about with business projectors is noise. Sanyo lists the output of the PLC-WU3800 at 31dB in eco mode. That's pretty good. At just under $2k, the PLC-WU3800 isn't the least expensive option, but it very well may be the brightest for the price.

Conclusion

If you want bright, the Sanyo PLC-WU3800 has got what you need. At 3800 lumens brightness, this compact projector will give you a usable image even in the least hospitable environments. With tons of options for the inexperienced (auto setup, auto keystone, power-off and go) and the power users (Picture in Picture, Picture and Picture), there is something for everyone. With plenty of inputs (including HDMI 1.3b) and even a built-in speaker, there isn't a lot this projector can't do in a business setting.

For more information, please visit http://us.sanyo.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.