Toshiba TDP-TW90

One of the benefits of DLP (digital light processing) projectors is that they aren’t as bulky as traditional LCD models. But in this instance, DLP doesn’t seem to have much impact on the Toshiba TDP-TW90’s size and weight.

At 2.9kg, this business projector is heavier than many comparable LCD projectors, which could make it a drag to lug to and from presentations. It also generates a fair amount of heat.

On the positive side, the projector is well served in terms of connections. On the rear sit two VGA inputs and one output.

With the appropriate adaptor (not supplied), a VGA input can be converted to a component input for high-definition video.

While the TDP-TW90 isn’t primarily a video projector, there are inputs for both composite and S-video as well as corresponding audio. The unit’s speaker is mono only, and doesn’t provide a particularly inspiring aural experience.

More notable is the sharp, bright image with good contrast levels. The projector can switch between 4:3 and 16:9 aspect ratios, which is particularly useful when watching movies.

It isn’t intended for home cinema use, but when connected to a DVD player it looks pretty impressive, apart from the slight rainbow effect common to DLP projectors.

By far the most remarkable aspect of the TDP-TW90, however, is that it comes with a PCMCIA slot and 802.11b Wifi card.

In conjunction with a small software utility, the projector can display either the entire desktop of a notebook PC or specific application windows, such as Microsoft Powerpoint, without the need for cables.

It also allows for remote control of the projector from the PC. The wireless system works well, although we did notice some lag in the response time between our test computer and the network display, as well as some minor blockiness in the image.

Overall, it’s an expensive projector but includes some useful business f eatures.