Sanyo XF10 Projector

[johnnypalmer]

Hi All,

 

I am looking at buying a set of Sanyo XF10 projectors. They have been used quite a lot, so new lamps might be in order...

 

Just wondering is anyone has had much general experience and any comments on these projectors. My specific questions are:

Are they reliable?

Is their 3000 lumen power enough for projecting onto a 12 x 9 in a conference (reasonably well lit) room?

Can I get hold of differnt lenses easily?

As I might buy a few, how difficult is double stacking? Does it work? What is the quality of image like?

 

Thanks in advance!

[Pete McCrea]

The XF10 is quite an old model. I remember one company buying the 9005, which is the same unit near as damn it at least 4 years ago.

 

Personally I'd stay clear, as they are likely to need a really good internal clean of the LCD panels, which is a fidely and time consuming job. They are good in that the lamps are seperated from the optics more than compared to the smaller XP range, so the optics can last a bit longer as there is less heat gets to them. They are however quite big and bulky for the light output they give.

 

Double stacking is a pain in the ass to do. It requires a lot of time to get the image looking good. If your running tight get in schedules for corporate jobs then I'd get a machine that can give the required light output from 1 unit. If the lenses aren't set up correctly then you can get softness where the images don't line up correcty.

 

I'd sit down and do the maths on the cost of these machines, new lamps, new lenses (If they come without, expect to pay in the region of £1750/lens ex VAT for new ones), time to strip and clean them. Then also factor in the time taken to double stack them at the events, and the additional transport costs. Plus the fact that they are unlikely to have a warranty.

 

3500 might be a bit low for the brighter rooms onto a 12'x9' screen. I'd be considering a brighter machine onto that size.

 

A new Christie LX34 3500 Lumen projector RRP's for £3195 ex VAT and comes with a 'Standard' Zoom Lens (1.6-2.1:1 or there abouts). That comes with a three year warranty, with the first year being a swap out, the next two being return to base.

 

Personally, If you need these as Gig critical projectors, be wary of which way you go, and do the maths before you spend.

 

(We are a Christie Dealer- other makes are available!)

[ampcats]

one AV company I do stuff for replace the bulbs at 1000 hours (2000 rated lamp life) due to the increased risk of losing bubble mid show from all the lugging about they get / back of trucks / freelancers not waiting for cool down before boxing them up... more of a 'users choice' thing, but being at that weight where 'one man can...' all projectors in those ranges (the LC-X, XF style) do get abused a bit more than something weighing either 8 or 80Kg

 

the trick to doubling them up is to almost sit them ontop of each other (use a board - the cases aren't shaped for stacking, and a shelf diverts away the heat) just below and above centre screen position

[lukemh]

I suggest you try to keep to DLP as they will last much longer and actually keep your longer term costs down

[sjbvision]

We have a Xf10 and yes it has had a hard life, but I still rate it as a projector. Yes there are new cheaper models out there and if you have the money that would be the way to go. Although we still find there is a market for the XF10. @ £200/day.

 

Lenses there are a multitude of rental houses that have them avaliable, and the prices are reasonable £60/lens/day. They also fit a variety of the machines in the sanyo range also XF60, etc.

 

If the price is right way not? But I would demo them in a room as close to the conditions that you are going to use them in. That way you see what you are paying for. Double stacking is a pain in the arse, but with the right racking system it can be done easily.

 

Pm if more info needed.

[timperrett]

FILTERS: I have had issues with Sanyo filters not being as good as the Christie ones, so I might consider changing them over.

 

LAMPS: Are about £250 a pop, but quick and easy to change.

 

BRIGHTNESS: 3000 lumens on a 12' screen I would have thought may be pushing it slightly, but really does depend on ambient light.

 

LCD/DLP: If you are projecting in a conference centre, I presume most of the media will be computer graphics at data resolution, and therefore LCD may be preferable, although this is a wider debate.

 

LENSES: Sanyo lenses are available from a wide range of companies all over the country. I tend to use Quadrant (many branches nationwide) who have a fair few, as do QED in London who have stack loads of Sanyo lenses and are most helpful (although no trade discount if you are just taking lenses out from them).

 

DOUBLE STACK: Is possible, especially with the help of the lens shift function, although if you are doing graphics with the audience close to the screen, you want it to be dead on, this can be difficult and can lead to a soft image.

 

Hope that helps

TTFN

[SeanT]

It'll last forever, but you'd be better off getting something bigger and not stacking :)

For a boggo conference centre a high output DLP is a better bet anyway.