The "before" color temperature measurements for each projector reflect its performance before high and low red, green, and blue adjustments using test equipment to optimize grayscale tracking. Each projector delivered a relatively accurate grayscale after only basic tweaking, although the Sharp displayed a reddish bias at the low end of its grayscale, along with a bump toward blue near the top. After calibration, each projector's grayscale tracking was within approximately ±200 degrees kelvin of the 6,500 K standard from 30 to 90 IRE — very good performance. The Epson proved to be a standout here, tracking within a ±207-degree window from 20 to 100 IRE.

Color decoder tests showed 0% error for HDMI on all models and only a –5% green error on the component-video input for the Sharp. Measurements taken of the red, green, and blue primary color points showed both the Epson and the Sharp to have oversaturated reds and slightly oversaturated greens. The Panasonic's primary colors measured closer to the SMPTE HD specification, although both red and green were slightly oversaturated on that model as well. Fortunately, all three models provide advanced adjustments to help compensate for color imbalances.

Post-calibration brightness for each projector proved adequate for dark-room viewing. Setup considerations put the Sharp at a slight disadvantage here; the projector's lens had to be zoomed to the maximum setting to fill the screen from the same 13-foot distance as that for the other models. A smaller screen or closer positioning will likely yield better brightness from this projector. Best-case contrast-ratio measurements were as follows: Sharp, 1,840:1 (in High Contrast mode); Epson, 3,880:1 (with iris on); Panasonic, 2,120:1 (in Cinema 2 mode with iris on). Each projector displayed high-def images with zero overscan — meaning, without any picture information lost beyond the edges of the visible image. And they all fully resolved 1080i/p and 720p test patterns via HDMI inputs, although high-def signals on each model looked noticeably softer via a component-video connection. Screen uniformity for all three projectors was excellent, though a slight amount of color fringing could be seen on the Panasonic. Test patterns viewed from the standard- and high-def Silicon Optix HQV discs posed challenges to the Epson and the Sharp, with the Epson failing the DVD "jaggies" tests and the Sharp failing the 2:3 film pulldown test from the same disc. The Sharp didn't have any problems recognizing a 2:3 cadence on regular movie discs, however.

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