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NEC LT30 Portable DLP Video Projector Review

Manufacturer: www.necdisplay.com

MSRP: $1,999

Basic Specifications

• 2600 ANSI lumens
• XGA 1024x768 native resolution
• 1600:1 contrast ratio
• World's first automatic projector
• Quick set up and cool down
• Automatic focus and keystone correction

Projector Review

The first thing you’ll notice about the NEC LT-30 video projector is how good it looks. It’s sculpted white that really stands out in a presentation. The second thing you’ll notice is how incredibly easy it is to set up, doing nothing more than pushing a few buttons (using the automatic features). The third thing is how great the image quality is.

Set up with the LT-30 projector can be very simple – point it at a wall and turn it on. Adjust the lens throw for image size and you’ll hear the Auto Focus doing it’s job. NEC’s Square Shot will set your keystone levels with the push of a button.

Using Digital Video Essentials by Joe Kane Productions, we calibrated the unit using the following settings

The white peaking feature was especially interesting. We were able to improve the “punch quality” of the white levels, very handy for the occasional hockey game (no more grey ice). Combined with really good color processing and decent black levels, over all image quality was very impressive.

A calling card of NEC displays are great skin tones and the LT30 was no exception. With minor tweaking we improved image quality to rival that of several HT models we’ve used in the past. That, combined with the ease of set-up, makes for a very strong projector at a very reasonable price.

Input options are limited to a single VGA, S-Video, and composite. We tested using a VGA to Component break-out cable for 480P and HD feeds. The user interface is primitive, but casual users will probably never need to even look at menu, given the level of assistance provided by the projector.

It’s small size and light weight make it very easy to transport. It’s also relatively quiet (33 dB econo mode) for a projector in this class.

The LT30 projector costs a little more than it’s direct competition. The extra money is immediately apparent as soon as you actually use it. We recommend this unit highly.

Pros and Cons

PROS

• Sleek and stylish
• Exceptional image quality
• Ridiculously easy to use
• Small and quiet

CONS

• While the blacks are good, they could be better
• Limited inputs
• Primitive user interface

Summary:

Excellent choice for business, although it can be used for casual home theater use.

Specifications