SharpVision XV-Z20000

Image looks great even at arm’s length. Separate picture-setting memory for each input, of which there are plenty. Remarkably quiet

Overly simplistic remote buries basic functions beneath several menus. Similar-quality LCD light-thrower costs much less

Solid color decoding, excellent black level performance; good shadow detail and accurate gamma, comprehensive feature package with numerous picture adjustments; great connectivity with two HDMI and one DVI input.

Primary and secondary colors are off; all lens adjustments are physical rather than electronic.

Sharp's XV-Z20000 is a top performer among 1080p projectors, and delivers a solid feature package and sleek design to boot.

With such a strong track record in front projectors, it's really no surprise that Sharp's latest effort is so exceptional. Once it's calibrated, detail and color are sensational, and blacks are sublime. The only shortcoming is shadow detail, and even...

Excellent overall image quality in "best" modes ; Excellent black levels, and extremely good shadow detail ; High contrast, without relying on a dynamic iris ; Extremely sharp image ; Excellent Color Management Controls - a hobbiest's delight, offers...

Noisy - loudest projector in class, is noisier in low power (eco) mode than most projectors are in full power (bright) modes. This will deter some buyers ; Best modes are not overly bright ; Limited zoom range ; Falls a bit short of it's brightness...

If you've got the bucks to spend, the XV-Z20000 is a serious product, for serious viewers. Equally at home for watching movies, or TV/HDTV/Sports, the Sharp produces vibrant images within the limits of its average brightness. Overall picture quality...

So, what's the big difference? Well, to put it bluntly: more wrinkles. Other than hair, wrinkles are some of the finest details on a person. Close-ups are where you'll notice the extra resolution the most, and, for better or worse, this is how you can...