projector buying guide Advertisement


Sharp PG-A10S-SL / PG-A10X Multimedia Projectors Review

Model: Sharp PG-A10S-SL / PG-A10X
Review Date: 06-18-2003
By: Kevin Olsen

Highlights: Portable Projector weighs just 6.4 lbs, outputs 1500 (10S) 1300 (10X) ANSI lumens, and projects images as small as 40 inches and large as 300 inches (viewable area measured diagonally), One RGB Inputs, S-Video & Video Inputs, RS-232C Serial Control, Up to 35 degrees digital keystone.

Chassis Color: Silver (10S) / White (10X)
Resolution: 800 x 600 SVGA(10S) / 1024 x 768 XGA (10X)
Projection System:Three 0.79" TFT LCD panels. Lens: 1.2x manual zoom lens.
Lens: 1.3x manual zoom lens.
Lamp Life: 3000 - 4500 hrs (10S) / 2000 - 4000 hrs (10X) typical replaced with 165W SHP Lamp.
Model Inception Date:Entered U.S. Market May 2003
Warranty: 3 Years Limited Parts and Labor

INTRODUCTION

This is a good multimedia projector for business use but only typical for home theater use. It supports various NTSC and PAL / Secam video standards for use overseas. Don't forget to take the remote along with you in case you need to access the menu system because the remote is the only way you can access the extra features. The controls on the top of the projector give you access to the Keystone controls, Auto sync and volume. There is no access to the menu system from the projector buttons. The contents of the box contains a CD with the manual in PDF format, I prefer that to another manual to clutter my work area. All the inputs are accessed on the rear of the projector as well as the AC and air intake. In the menu system there are auto setup features for Standard, Presentation, Cinema and Game. I really like this feature and will touch more on this later. The PG-A10 has an extremely quiet fan, outputting just 31dB in Low power mode and 35db in standard mode. The quiet fan will ensure that whether it is placed on a meeting room table or mounted from a conference room ceiling it will allow participants to engage in normal voice level conversations. As with any projector, you need to minimize any internal heat buildup. The cooling fan exhausts the air forward away from the audience. The air filter prevents dust and dirt from getting into the internal components and needs to be cleaned every 300 hours. The OSD (On-Screen Display) for projector control is available in eleven languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Swedish, Portuguese, Korean, Japanese and Chinese.

A low power mode is available on both models and contributes to decreased fan noise, and reduced cost of ownership with increased lamp life and decreased power consumption.


sharp projectors

The PG-A10 has wide input signal compatibility, including composite video, S video and RGB, as well as computer signals up to SXGA+. Keystone distortion of up to ± 35 degrees can be digitally corrected from the On-Screen Display or the supplied remote control unit.

The panel in the rear allows for the following connections:

Home Theater Use A10S / A10X - 87/86

The projectors are HDTV, DVD, VCR, and video game station-compatible. The high brightness despite the compact size is impressive. The 10S is noticeably brighter which is why I give it an 87. Both projectors have a "Cinema" setting that gives greater depth to darker portions of image for more exciting theater experience. When using both these as a home theater projector don't forget to set this setting to "Cinema" there is a difference. Being a computer gaming fan I also thought the "Game" setting was nice. The "Game" setting is for natural color gradation for playing a game. Using this projector for movie watching produced very good skin tones and vibrant colors. High-quality, high-contrast images can be projected even in high ambient light conditions. No adjustment was needed out of the box to have the colors were you want them. Black levels, gray scaling, contrast, and brightness are all outstanding. High pixel density in the 10X made it a little better for less screening effects in that regard but it was not noticeable generally in both these model you could hardly see a difference. These projectors allow you to connect a multitude of video components in various configurations. For example: you can watch TV/Cable/Satellite by connecting a co-axial RF cable to a VCR, and then AV from VCR to the projector. Incorporate the projector into a home theater setup or an audio receiver. Connect a DVD player. The Aspect Ratio is capable of displaying images in standard 4:3, or Widescreen 16:9 formats. This is great for viewing DVD movies in the Widescreen format. These points and the price make this an excellent choice for home theater use. I would defiantly add these projectors to my short list of projectors to consider for my home theater.

Screem Size Minimum Distance Maximum Distance
40" 4'7" 5'7"
60" 6'11" 8'2"
72" 8'2" 10'2"
84" 9'10" 11'10"
92" 10'10" 12'10"
100" 11'6" 14'1"
106" 12'6" 14'9"
133" 15'5" 18'8"
150" 17'5" 21'
200" 23'3" 28'3"
225" 26'3" 31'10"
250" 29'2" 35'1"

Computer Presentation Use A10S / A10X - 91/92

Connect a PC with VGA, SVGA XGA or SXGA video. This projector is compatible with VESA-standard DDC 1/ DDC 2B. This means that these projectors are "plug and play" compatible and the computer and the projectors will communicate setting requirements for quick easy setups. If the computer has this ability, all newer model computers do. Make sure the projector is on first and then turn on the computer while connected to the projector. One of the features I liked and is usually found on more expensive models is the ability to instantly freeze a moving image and enlarge a specific portion of an image with the remote control, great for highlighting charts or graphics. Using these functions, you can explain the image to the audience more effectively. If you remembered to bring along the remote be sure to go in and set the gamma correction to "Presentation" mode. This brightens darker portions of image for more enhanced presentations, a really nice feature that visibly helps the audience production viewing. I pointed the remote at the screen and was able to control it with the reflection of the screen every time. When used with a florescent lamp near by the projectors can cause a remote malfunction.

The PG-A10 is durable, compact and light if you are going to travel much with it I would recommend purchasing the optional carrying case (AN-C400CC) since they do not have any type carrying handle built into the projector case. The PG-A10 also adds style to any presentation, with its sleek and elegant chassis. If you do most of your presentations in offices, conference rooms and hotels you will need at least 1000-1500 lumens. If most of the time you have a projection screen than this will do fine. The brightness of projectors is measured in units called ANSI lumens. The requirement for brightness is dependent on three factors: Throw distance, which is the distance between the projector and the display screen. The ambient light in the room, brighter rooms require a brighter projected image. Desired projected image size, the larger capacity rooms obviously require a larger image and hence a brighter projector. This projector will do the job quite effectively. I put this on a brown colored wall with the lights on and it did a nice job. On a projection screen both Sharp PG-A10's are remarkable. Mnemonics are crisp and clear with no blur white or black. Screening effect was noticeable a little bit more on the 10S (less pixels) that is why I gave it a 91 but in this application it does not really matter at least to me.

Value Series projectors are designed with Sharp's PresenterPAK feature set, including a friendly graphical user interface (GUI) menu screen that is icon-based and uses common terminology rather than technical jargon. Menu system is the same in both models colorful and user friendly. Computer and video inputs are color-coded to simplify setup for users when connecting cables to a PC, Mac or Workstation.

Screem Size Minimum Distance Maximum Distance
40" 4'3" 4'11"
60" 6'3" 7'7"
72" 7'7"" 9'2"
84" 8'10" 10'10"
100" 10'6" 12'10"
150" 16'1" 19'4"
200" 21'4" 25'11"
250" 26'11" 32'2"
300" 32'2" 38'9"

VALUE A10S/ A10X - 93 / 86

The 10S is an excellent value for those who are looking for an above average projector. If you have an extra $1000 dollars to spend than go with the 10X. You would not be gaining a $1000 dollars worth of features in my opinion with the 10X, so save your money and go with the 10S. The human eyes can not see the $1000 difference at least this pair didn't. The features you would be getting are as follows: 700 TV lines verses 520 in the 10S, XGA (786,432 x 3 pixels) verses SVGA (480,000 x 3 pixels) in the 10S, 450:1 contrast ratio compared to the 400:1 in the 10S. You would be gaining 500 - 1000 extra lamp hours and 200 more ANSI Lumens with the 10S, which eventually my pocket book would notice and my eyes did notice now. These are very well built and durable projectors. The 10S is one of the best projectors in this price range the 10X is a little high however. They both use the same manual it is very complete and informative for the projector beginner. Most business executives looking for an impressive display presentation for that important client would be happy with both these. As far as maintenance this projector comes with an extra Air filter which looks easy to clean and use again. To replace the bulb it was easy and the price is around $400. A built in lamp timer in the menu system gives you a count down to when it is time to carry around a spare. The specifications of the projectors call for some possible inactive pixels or dots on the picture screen. I noticed none on either of these projectors I reviewed which indicates either I was lucky or sharp is getting high quality components.

I have always been one who values customer service and Sharps warranty on both projectors are backed by a three-year parts and labor limited warranty and include two years of Sharp's "ER" Service, a 24-hour turnaround express repair program. This is notable.

STRENGTHS

WEAKNESSES

OVERALL RATING A10S/ A10X - 90/88

Model Number Home Theater Computer Presentation Value Overall
Sharp A10S/A10X 87/86 91/92 93/86 90/88

Recommended Resellers
© Copyright Notice
This column is distributed by the ProjectorBuyingGuide Company, 5590 SW Cherry Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005. This column may not be resold, reprinted, resyndicated or redistributed without written permission from PBG or its affiliated editors. For more information please read our full copyright disclosure.

| Epson | Infocus | NEC | Optoma | Panasonic | Proxima | Sanyo | Sharp | Sony |

| Home | Projector Reviews | Top 10 Projectors | Advertise | Add Site |
| Buying Tips | Current Models | Where to Buy | About Us | Industry Links |



Visit other Premier Sites from the Buying Guide Network
Plasma TV Buying Guide Buying Guide LCD TV Buying Guide
Plasma TV Buying Guide LCD TV Buying Guide


Please Support our Sponsors:



Home Page Buying Tips Product Reviews