Sharp XR-30X DLP Projector

I was looking for a projector to use for a home theater "on the cheap". I've been using the projector for about a month, and all-in-all I'm pretty happy with it. First of all the price is out of this world. These are readily available for about $500 right here on Ebay, which is a fantastic price for a projector with these specs. That price is for a factory refurbished model, but seriously, refurbished is read "new" to me. You get a 90 day warranty, brand new lamp, and everything else is brought up to factory new standards - as good as new to me.

Anyways on to the performance. Originally I wanted to set up the projector using the video composite input for all of my video sources, and the 15 pin VGA for the computer input. Watching DVD's via the composite input was acceptable - if slightly blurry, and computer through the VGA input was also acceptable. When I hooked up cable through the composite input the video was interlaced and unacceptable to me. So what I ended up doing is hooking the cable/DVD player through the VGA input via a component to VGA adapter (I think that cost me about $6 bucks). The video now looks great, but now I am going to have to get a switcher to select manually between computer and video because there is only one VGA input and no actual component input. So in short, the shortage of inputs has been somewhat of a struggle, but it is something that you can overcome - especially if you are able to take advantage of the all digital DVI-D input with either DVI or HDMI. Through this port you can send a full HD signal. I'm running my cables through the wall and about 25 feet - so I just did not want to take on the added expense of the digital cables in my setup.

One of the greatest things about this projector is the fact that you can view it with some ambient lighting in the room. You have to block any light that shines directly onto the screen, but a small lamp or two on is definitely no problem. I always watch in eco mode too, which lowers the lumen output of the lamp. This unit is plenty bright!

Noise is not an issue. I do not even notice the fan while watching even quiet shows or movies, and the projector is about 4 feet over my head (above the couch) while in use.

This unit is what most would not call a home theater projector, but I have been very happy with it, especially considering the price. If you are looking for a budget home theater projector I would recommend this one. I would also very highly recommend this one if you need a projector for business presentations as well. I used to work for an audio/visual rental company, and this projector is definitely up to par for a business application.

I bought this for a school as a backup, substitute and installed it as such but some teacher(s) evidently (heard second-hand) complained the color was off and the Academic Dean who acts more like the President insisted I put the original back as soon as I got a lamp for it. He also insisted he only wanted new projectors and so we went about buying all new Viewsonics which are really also a cheaper brand and model. But the son of one instructor is going to buy it from me to put in his home theater. Evidently he has no problem with the color. I have yet to install it and put it in operation but I do know it works and it looked good to me when I installed it in the classroom.