The Sharp Z20000 DLP projector is one a number of projectors released recently which have full 1080p high-definition display capability provided by a 0.95” (1,920 x 1,080 pixels) version of the DarkChip3 DLP Chip by Texas Instruments.

The Z20000 DLP projector has a home theater suited brightness level of 1,000 ANSI lumens and an impressive contrast ratio of 12000:1.

Features

Dual-Iris Mechanism with Three Modes

The XV-Z20000 (XV-Z21000, and DT-5000 also) have a Dual-Iris Mechanism for their optical engines. One iris is for projecting images and the other for adjusting illuminating conditions. Also, the remote control can be used to select from the Quick set modes (via remote control) high-contrast, middle, and high-brightness are available adjust for screen conditions for watching movies, sports, or other video feeds.

7 Segment 5x-Speed Colour Wheel

The Darkchip3 allows manufacturers some flexibility in designing their color wheel. Sharp have gone for a 7-segment color wheel capable of x5 speed. The higher speed and large number of segments greatly reduces the possibility of viewers noticing any rainbow effects associated with single chip/color wheel DLP projection systems.

Sealed Optics

Sharp make a point of emphasizing in their literature that the optical mechanism for their DLP projectors is sealed preventing dust, dirt and smoke from entering core parts of the optics.

Projection Setup Flexibility

Sharp have obviously given thought to providing home theatre setup flexibility with a combination of a short throw lens and lens shift . The newly developed short throw lens can project a 100 inch image from only 4.1m. The 1.35x zoom lens adds to available flexibility. The lens shift function adjusts the projection angle (height on screen) without distorting the projected image.

Video Scaling

The Z20000 uses Sharp’s proprietary CV-IC III Video Scaling Circuitry, which up-converts standard resolution signals to the native resolution of the projector.

Inputs

The projector has all major input types including, notably, two HDMI terminals.

Lamp Life

Lamp life is given as 3,000 hours for the economy/quiet setting.

Comparison

Other projectors in the Sharp high definition home theatre range include the XV-Z12000 and the XV-Z10000.

The XV-Z12000 is a lower specification projector with the major differences from the XV-Z20000 being:

• lower resolution of 720p
• lower 7000:1 contrast ratio
• no HDMI inputs

The XV-Z10000 is a lower specification projector with the major differences from the XV-Z12000 being:

• lower resolution of 720p
• lower 2600:1 contrast ratio
• lower brightness of 800 ANSI lumens

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

SharpVision XV-Z20000 - DLP projector - 1000 ANSI lumens - 1920 x 1080 - widescreen - High Definition 1080p

Sharp XV-Z20000 Projector Ceiling Mount Kit

Further Reading

Sharp AQuos LC-46D62U and LC-52D62U LCD Televisions Review

Sharp XG-C330X and XG-C430X LCD Projectors Review