6. The Picture

The Z4 came out of our test-pattern battery with flying colors, with exceptional colorimetry, superb sharpness, and blacks that were very close to what mono DLP can offer. Associated with a DVD player that can upscale a 576p signal properly - like the Denon 3910, for example - the picture was impressive indeed; it was hard to believe we were looking at a unit that sells for less than $2,000. (And don't hesitate to do some shopping around, because you can find the Z4 at less than $1,900 on the Web.)

The image was irreproachable, and the same goes for the noise level; noise was all but non-existent and the fan shuts off automatically once the lamp has cooled. In short, this tri-LCD is a real revelation in its price range, delivering a superb picture. The only thing you might criticize is the complexity of the adjustments, but then they really do work if you want the ability to completely control all the fine tuning.

Characteristics

Technology: 3 0.7" LCD panels, 1280x720 Video Formats: 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1035i, 1080i PC Compatibility: max. 1280 x 1024 Brightness: 1,000 ANSI lumens Contrast ratio: max. 7,000:1 Fan noise: 22 dB Lamp life: 3,000 hours Guarantee: 3 years Price: $2,000