Sharp XV-Z30000

State-of-the-art 3D performance ; Very good 2D picture quality ; Good set-up flexibility ; Useful 3D-to-2D setting on 3D glasses

No frame interpolation motion smoothing, for those who like such things ; No 2D-to-3D conversion, for those who like such things

The Sharp XV-Z30000 is a pretty good all-round projector at a reasonable price, and simply state-of-the-art 3D.

A just above average measured lumens in "best" mode, is enough for standard screens up to 110" or a bit larger, no problem, for movie viewing in best mode. (In a proper darkened environment, of course) ; Very good overall color, and also skin tones,...

Definitely could use more lumens for 3D viewing ; Lamp life shorter than average. Sharp rates 3000 hours in eco-mode no rating (figure 2000 hours) at full power ; Black level performance could definitely be a bit better (though rather good) ; Fair...

The rest of the competition is more different - primarily those really bright 3LCD projectors: Epson's 5010 and 6010, and the Panasonic PT-AE7000. Those guys have the big advantages of being able to move out into the family room with lots of lumens,...