Sharp Notevision XR-10X

In our performance tests (at standard default settings), the XR-10X scored near the average on most of our still-image tests, helping it garner an overall rating of Good. It displayed sharp, readable text in an Excel spreadsheet screen, and it rendered good tonal shades at the light and dark ends of a grayscale color ramp. Our judges gave the XR-10X very high marks in our motion tests, which include DVD movie and computer game playback; of the models we tested for our April 2006 issue roundup, only the NEC LT35 scored higher on that test.

The 6.8-pound XR-10X is a bit heavier than most competing portables. But its heavier weight and size accommodate a wider range of connectivity options. For example, it includes three computer terminals for connecting two different PCs and an external monitor, making it a good fit for a classroom, lecture hall, or collaborative meeting place. (Sharp also offers an RJ-45 connection for the XR-10X via an optional ethernet-to-RS-232C adapter.)

Like most other DLP models in our test group, the XR-10X uses a four-segment color wheel and has an array of preset picture modes (standard, presentation, movie, game, sRGB) for optimizing the projected image. The menus are well organized and include a handy help menu that offers clear advice for correcting problems. The remote has backlighting (always a plus) and a handy picture mode button, but it lacks a pointer and full mouse control. Though the remote does include page up and page down buttons, you'll need an add-on accessory (remote receiver) to use that feature.

Upshot: The low-priced Sharp XR-10X is a good value as a dual-use projector, but it's a bit heavier to lug around than most competing models.

Richard Jantz