Test Drive: TLP-S30 LCD Multimedia LCD Projector

By David McQuin -- School Library Journal, 3/1/2004

Toshiba America Corporation, 1251 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 4110, New York, NY 10020. (800) 631-3811. www.toshiba.com. $1,199.95.

The TLP-S30 multimedia projector from Toshiba is a handy tool for maximizing your presentations. This affordable, entry-level model will project the monitor image from your laptop or desktop computer, video from a VCR or DVD player, or even images from a video camera onto a ceiling or wall screen, making lessons easy to see from anywhere in the classroom.

The highly portable TLP-S30 weighs less than five pounds, yet the compact unit puts out a clear, bright projection. Toshiba rates the S30 at 1400 ANSI lumens (the more lumens, the brighter the projected image), so it performs well in all but the brightest classrooms, even with the room lights on. Resolution—a measure of screen sharpness—should always be a consideration in choosing a projector. The S30's native resolution of 800 x 600 pixels produces a clear image for PowerPoint presentations and movies, and will fulfill most basic classroom needs.

The S30 has many convenient features. The unit's anti-keystone function automatically squares up the projected image, even if the projector is aimed up at a ceiling or wall screen. The manual zoom and focus rings are conveniently located on the lens and make simple work of adjusting the size and clarity of the picture. The connections on the back of the projector include an RGB input for your computer, composite and S-video inputs for your VCR or DVD player, and a single audio input. There is also a monitor output jack for plugging in an external monitor or a second projector.

To keep the price down, Toshiba did omit a few features. The cooling fan runs hard in full-power mode, making the S30 a bit noisy. However, the fan noise drops significantly in low-power mode, albeit with a corresponding drop in lumen output. As is often the case with small projectors, the built-in speakers sound a bit tinny and weak. So if you are planning to show a video or add sound to your presentations, you'll definitely want to purchase auxiliary speakers. Component video, the highest quality video from a DVD player, and RGB video share a single input port instead of each having one of their own. And finally, the S30's remote cannot be used as a wireless mouse or to adjust the projector's focus or zoom option.

There are projectors that are lighter, brighter, and ones with more features or more inputs on the market. Nevertheless, the S30 is a bright, portable projector with most of the important features users want. The Toshiba S30 is a good all-around performer, and it's a great buy at $1,199.