NEC LT30 Portable DLP Video Projector Review and Buying Guide

*The NEC LT30 has since been replaced by the NP50 Portable DLP Video Projector

LT30 Rear Panel View
(click for larger image)

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

The first thing you’ll notice about the LT-30 is how good it looks. It’s a 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 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

Brightness  33
Contrast  31
Sharpness  5
Color  40
Hue  16
Gamma: Black Detail
Color Temp  9300
White Peaking  4 

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 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.

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