Sharp Notevision 7

The Notevision 7 from Sharp has received high acclaim from reviewers, and is another unique offering among the twenty smallest XGAs. Its primary advantages include its slim design and small size (263 cu.in.), and excellent compatibility with a wide variety of data and video signals, including SXGA, UXGA, component video, and HDTV. It is the only model among the 20 that is HDTV compatible. And a noise rating of 37 db means that is almost silent. The product comes standard with a 3-year warranty with emergency overnight service included. Though it is built on a DLP light engine, Sharp represents that there are no product supply problems at this time.

The 800 ANSI lumen light output is about average for the category, as is its 6.3 lb weight and 1:1.2 zoom lens.

The primary downside is the price. At an MSRP of $8,995, it is one of the most expensive products among the 20. Furthermore, for certain products including the Notevision 7, Sharp does not allow its dealers to quote prices on the Internet. Nor does the company allow Sharp dealers to compete with one another for your business. Depending upon where you are located, a given Sharp dealer who owns that territory has the exclusive right to sell to you. This system ensures that prices are maintained at a higher level than would be the case if free bidding were permitted. Thus Sharp dealers have a strong allegiance to the company because their margins are protected by these policies.

The question then is for what price will your particular dealer sell the Notevision 7? The most attractive competitive option to the Notevision 7 would be the Epson Powerlite 700c, which will probably have an initial Internet price of about $4,600, about half that of the Notevision 7's MSRP.

In a head-to-head comparison, both products put out 800 ANSI lumens, both have 1:1.2 manual zooms, both compress up to UXGA, and they are virtually identical in size. The Epson is lighter by half a pound. Sharp includes a 3-year warranty, and Epson a two-year. The only significant advantage that the Notevision 7 has over the Epson 700c is HDTV compatibility.

Thus the questions are these: How much more than $4,600 would you be willing to pay for HDTV compatibility? And will your Sharp dealer sell for the amount you are willing to pay? We suggest you point out to your Sharp dealer that the Epson looks like a better deal for the money. If the dealer is willing to quote you an attractive price that is substantially less than the MSRP, the Notevision 7 may be a good option for you. And if you do strike such a deal, let us know...we'd like to hear about it!