The Sharp XV-Z20000 is the second of the 1080p projectors reviewed, that actually for their color temperture adjustments, label them using the Kelvin temperatures, instead of warm, medium, cool, or Movie, TV.... What is amusing about that, is neither of the projectors was particularly close in terms of measurments. In this case, the Sharp projector was definitely a bit cool (bluish) on the 6500K setting that is ideal for movies.
| 100IRE (white) |
7103K |
| 80IRE: 6620K |
6802K |
| 50IRE: 6664K |
6889K |
| 30IRE: 6690K |
6849K |
|
That's a pretty tight grouping, with only white about 300K cooler than the others. I then tried moving the Color Temp setting to 5500K, figuring that might be closer, and it was, a little, for example, 100IRE measured 6091K with the various grays about 100K-200K cooler.
I figured that was a better place to start, and tried adjusting it from there, but kept running into a slightly heavy green content, that was difficult to remove. I finally went back to the 6500K setting and worked from there. I was able to get the 30, 50, and 80 IRE settings down right in the 6500-6600K range, but white was rather stubborn, I gave up without getting it under 6900K.
Still, all in all, that is more than satisfactory results. Few would notice the difference in the "before" and "after". (Personally, if I'm off a little I prefer cooler - the tiny shift to blue.)
The important point, is that the overall image quality with these settings was beautiful.
| Dynamic |
8020K |
| Natural |
8063K |
| Standard |
8074K |
|
This pretty much confirms that the primary differences between the bright modes are more gamma related (rather than temperature).
Overall, the Sharp does favor green slightly, and that may be partially responsible for the projector seeming a touch brighter than it should be. This of course, is adjustable. It can manifest itself, most readily visible in skin tones in shadow areas, what I like to refer to as "green around the gills".
One last note, the Brilliant Color option managed to significantly change the color temperature when measured. Engaging it in Movie 1 mode added more than 300K to the already cool white (100IRE). For those so inclined, to keep skin tones from being too thin on red (or too strong on blue), you might want different color settings with Brilliant Color engaged.
XV-Z20000 Image Noise
As is typical the Sharp projector has several noise filters with multiple settings. However, all considered, not once in probably 15 hours of movie watching, did anything jump out at me, and say "filter needed". Those that like to stand 3 feet from the screen to look for noise and artifacts, and other flaws, however, will enjoy having lots of control over different types of noise. (Have fun - I prefer to watch content.)
Time to move on, next is the warranty page - it takes a minute to read, and this time, there is something really important, worth considering!
Sharp XV-Z20000 Projector Review - Warranty
The Sharp XV-Z20000 comes with a one year parts and labor warranty. This is a shorter than typical warranty, especially for 1080p resolution home theater projectors.
On the other hand, the XV-Z20000's one year warranty comes with "In-home" service, and that makes it unique of all the 1080p projectors reviewed so far.
And I believe that will be considered a valuable benefit for many.
There do seem to be some restrictions. Not covered are additional costs associated with some installations: If you projector is mounted high enough that it cannot be properly accessed from an 8 foot ladder, or if the ceiling is more than 12 feet high, additional costs can be incurred.
Of the 10 1080p projectors reviewed to date, this Sharp, the Panasonic PT-AE1000U, the lower cost BenQ (W9000) offer only a one year warranty. By comparison, Epson offers 2 years (Home Cinema 1080) and 3 years (Pro Cinema 1080), both with overnight replacement programs for all years of warranty coverage. Mitsubishi offers 2 years, as does Sony on the VW50 Pearl, and JVC on their RS1. Optoma offers 3 years on their HD81 projector, and BenQ offers 3 years with a first year replacement, on their W10000 home theater projector.
Basically, the Sharp XV-Z20000 is the only 1080p projector selling for over $4000 with only a one year warranty. But it does have that "In-home" service, instead of it being your responsibility to take down the projector, pack it up, and ship it, or take it to an authorized warranty repair facility.
3rd party extended warranties are available from some dealers - a very good idea in this case, I would think. Most of those will be parts and labor only, and not offer "in-home" service.
Overall, the warranty on the Sharp XV-Z20000 would have to be considered inferior, in terms of duration, compared to the closest competition.
