Toshiba TDP-D1

Ultra-portable projectors are getting more sophisticated, with wireless connectivity the latest big thing. But Toshiba's TDP-D1 focuses on two less elaborate essentials for on-the-hoof presentations: simple setup and a punchy, bright image. It's a projector designed for occasions when you don't have the luxury of preparation time or blackout conditions.

Though small and light, the TDP-D1 feels rugged enough in its magnesium and aluminium alloy casing. There are two fixed rubber feet on the underside at the rear, while a quick-release single foot, with screw-adjustable height, is fitted towards the front. For simplicity, zoom and image focus are adjusted manually using plastic rings around the lens. This is the kind of projector you just plug in, point in the right direction and twist into focus, whereupon you're ready to start the show.

All power and connectivity ports are located together at the rear. You can feed simultaneous VGA, S-Video and composite (RCA jack) video lines into the device and switch between them on-screen with a single toggle button. A VGA-out lets you hook up an external monitor, while the audio-out port allows you to attach external speakers, making up for the scratchy built-in mono speaker. The only notable omission is a DVI connector.

The remote control is about average in terms of usability. It can take control of your mouse on-screen, scroll pages up and down, freeze the action and conduct a limited digital zoom, but the buttons are spongy and imprecise. One benefit, though, is the integrated laser pointer.

The projected image from the TDP-D1 is unusually bright for such a small device. It performed brilliantly (literally) even when most of the room lights were left on. In fact, once the ambient light was dimmed, I had to switch to the projector's low-power setting otherwise the image was too bright for my eyes.

Despite a generally crisp image at its native XGA resolution and some respectable results at other emulated resolutions, there are minor quality problems. In addition to some ghosting, the projector suffers from pronounced 'excited' moire visual noise when showing dotty patterns and tight vertical lines, but there are no phase or clock controls to correct this. Also, image clarity suffers the moment you apply any digital keystone correction. That said, it's a good projector for showing small text and detail, making it ideal for software training.

Thanks partly to DLP technology, the unit never gets too hot to touch, and the cooldown sequence is short. In fact, you can unplug the projector before cooldown without causing the bulb to pop, which is useful if you want the fan noise to stop as soon as the show is over. You shouldn't find the fan noise too distracting during presentations, but in terms of noise the TDP-D1 is only slightly better than average.

As such, this is a device well-matched for the business traveller or jobbing trainer who needs to get in and out with the minimum of setup and clear-up, and who has to deal with difficult lighting conditions. It's not the best in terms of image quality, but that punchy brightness and competitive price make it worthwhile.

Author: Alistair Dabbs