Panasonic PT-LB30NTU - Review

Posted on May 27, 2005 by Art Feierman

Specs Preview

❮ ❯

Panasonic PT-LB30NTU Specs
Price
Technology	3LCD
Native Resolution	XGA (1024x768)
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	3000
Contrast
Zoom Lens Ratio	1.20:1
Lens Shift	No
Lamp Life
Weight	5.7
Warranty	3 years

Panasonic's PT-LB30NTU and PT-LB30U Projector Review and Advice: These projectors offer just about everything you could want in a small projector plus networking (NTU only)!

Projector Overview and Physical Tour

Panasonic claims that these are the first two portable projectors with 3000 lumen projectors to weigh in at less than 6 pounds! And that means large audience horsepower in a truly small, light package.

First, These two data and video projectors are identical, except that the LB30NTU adds wireless networking. We received the NTU version for review, so the comments primarily apply to the LB30NTU. It's hard to decide where to start with Panasonic's newest and smallest high power projector. So I'll start by letting you know it has earned a Hot Product Award (which it will share with the non-networked LB30U.). Going forward, I will not mention the "U" version again, until the summary.

The Panasonic PT-LB30NTU, first of all, is a small, microportable sized, XGA resolution LCD projector, with 3000 lumens and weighing only 5.8 lbs. (The LB30U is slightly lighter, at 5.7 lbs.). That in its own right is impressive enough, but this Panasonic projector is loaded with features for such a small projector, including:

Two computer inputs (one can be assigned to be a monitor out, instead).
Component video can be brought in through either RGB (computer) inputs
Wireless networking - high speed - supporting the newer 802.11g as well as 802.11b
The ability to split the screen into 4 or 16 windows - depending on how many wireless computers you want to display at once
Blackboard mode, for projecting on colored or dark surfaces
Daylight mode (more on this - in depth - later)
Fast power-on, power-off, only seconds to power up, and it can be immediately unplugged when you are done
Auto setup, including auto keystone correction and image adjustment to lighting conditions
Extensive audio inputs, and a stereo audio output
An exceptional warranty