My Favorite LCD Projector

NEC LT170 - SMALL IS COOL WITH LIFE ON THE ROAD
I’m all about small and light when it comes to presenting on the road.  There are simply too many things you have to remember when you’re travelling these days – and with the new airport weight restrictions and security screenings – dealing with a bulky projector is more than I want to deal with.

For the last couple of years or so, I’ve been using this road warrior – the NEC LT170. 

And I must tell you, it’s been a reliable trustworthy lcd projector.  I believe I picked it up at Best Buy – but it might have been Fry’s Superstore here in San Diego.  This unit covers just about everything I need for life on the road.  Attendees in my presentations marvel at its lightweight appearance and general good lucks.   And they love the quality of the projected image.
Let me walk you through a few of the features:

The unit comes included with a 15pin-15pin signal cable.  That goes from the projector to the laptop.   When you connect the supplied power cable and plug it in, the projector goes into standby mode and you get an orange standby light.  You must then turn the projector on, and hold down the on button for a couple of seconds – and pretty soon you’re in business.

On the top of the unit, cabinet buttons include “projector and lamp conditions and usage”; a rotating dial for menu selections, power on/off, and a source button that will confirm for you where the signal is originating from.  Keystone settings allow you control angle between 30 degrees upward and 30 degrees downward of projector tilt – assuming you’re starting from a flat level.

This projector fits perfectly into one of those soft-sided briefcases – like the one I use which I just uploaded for this article.  It comes complete with a nifty and durable soft travel case.   It’s easily removed for inspection when you get to the airport.  If you do decide to pack it in a larger carry-on – keep it near the top.  Most security checkpoints I go through these days – they want you to remove any projectors before going through.

NEC includes a “Focus ring” and a “Zoom ring” at the front for easy access.  RGB images are optimized automatically when you press the menu button.  After pressing the menu button – you select “auto adjust execute”, press enter – and voila – the RGB image is optimized automatically.

I also like the tilt legs. Since I find myself in all kinds of presentation environments - I’m often challenged with projection surfaces ranging from dark walls to beautiful, larger-than-life screens custom fitted for executive boardrooms.   The tilt legs are yet another example of how this little projector “rises to the occasion” and enhances your overall professional look and feel.
MSRP on the NEC LT170 is $2450 but you can probably find it much cheaper on the used market.   Brightness 1500 ASNI.  Take it from me – if you can find one of these gems on Ebay at a good price – grab it.  You won’t be disappointed.  It’s been perfect for my…life on the road.