Sharp is one of the few companies in this country that has split its projector range between the smaller and lighter DLP machines and the larger but cost-conscious LCD technology. With the release of the PG-A10S-SL (£1145 inc. VAT), Sharp has introduced an entry-level projector with all-round usability.
The use of LCD technology and its larger lamp size results in a bigger chassis but at 2.9kg, the PG-A10S-SL is portable. Due to its bulky size - it measures 297 x 81 x 229mm - it is ideally used for sharing between a number of rooms and not as a mobile unit.
Under test, we found that the 1500 ANSI lumens rating was more than sufficient, producing bright images in all but the lightest of conditions. However, we found that best results were created in a room with exterior light excluded. The downside to the use of LCD is that the technology does not offer the same degree of contrast as the latest DLP machines. This became evident with the PGA10S-SL, especially during rolling videos, as areas of white often looked paler than those cast by the DLP machines, such as the Mitsubishi XD50U. For presentations, such as PowerPoint, we found the unit's quality to be acceptable, if not outstanding.
The PG-A10S-SL has a 31dB rating and in use we found it a very quiet projector. The larger size of LCD machines also means that heat can be dissipated far easier, resulting in a cooler projector. As an entry-level data projector, the Sharp PG-A10S-SL offers good all-round usability.
RATING: 7
PRICE: £975/£1145 (EX/INC. VAT) BRIGHTNESS: 1500 ANSI LUMENS CONTRAST: 400:1 NATIVE RESOLUTION: 1024 X 768 PIXELS THROW RANGE: 1.5-8M DIMENSIONS (W X H X D): 297 X 81 X 229MM WEIGHT: 2.9KG 0800 262958 WWW.SHARP.CO.UK
