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If you're willing to spend $999 for a projector, you've got plenty of choices but not a lot of variety. If you're willing to spend a little more, you can shop around for improved image quality and all the features you may need.
The two projectors in this review serve different areas of the projector marketplace. Sharp has produced an appealing unit for presenters on the go. Hitachi, meanwhile, has introduced a projector that combines visual punch with surprisingly good audio. From brightness to weight, they are two very different models designed to appeal to two very different buyers, though both can be effective for showcasing your projects.
SMALL BUT SERIOUS
Sharp's 3.5 Ib. DLP projector, Notevision XR-1X, is about the same size as two VHS tapes stacked on top of each other. Housed in a black fabric carrying case, the projector and its cables fit easily in a briefcase. MSRP for the Sharp XR-1X is $2,495, though Sharp estimates a more affordable street price of $1,600.
Facing the unit, the 1.16x manual zoom lens is on the right-hand side. Sharp knows quality and chose Zeiss lenses. To the left is a button that releases the single front leg. Both rear legs are screw-mounted, so uneven surfaces aren't an issue.
The right side houses the input connections: USB, computer/component, S-Video, RCA video and a mini audio plug. The resolution of the XR-1X is native XGA (1024x768), while the lesser priced XR-1S offers native SVGA (800x600) resolution.
The remote control, half the size and thickness of a deck of playing cards, allows you to operate most functions on the projector, but it's a little too small for grown-up fingers. Accessing the menu is...