NEC LT20

The LT20 is fully clad in gray magnesium with an easy-grip finish. The top panel features a power button and a set of buttons for navigating the projector’s onscreen menu. This menu, by the way, is more difficult than most in that it requires you to press an Enter button to adjust a given parameter. The back panel features the standard set of video inputs (VGA, composite, and S-video).

The LT20’s remote offers limited functionality. It can be used to adjust various projector features such as anti-keystoning and manual source selection, but you can’t page through a slideshow. The most noteworthy feature is the video mute function, which allows you to temporarily blank your presentation without having to power down the projector.

In our performance tests, the LT20 had an amazing contrast ratio of 740:1, the second best ratio we have ever recorded. Its brightness was not quite as high as its peer projectors and fell a few lumens below its advertised value. The brightness uniformity score was an impressive 86 percent. NEC claims that the projector uses VORTEX Technology Plus to improve white balance, color accuracy, and dynamic range. We clocked the white balance at a near perfect 6100 K.

The black nylon carrying case comes in two parts: one for the projector and one for the various cables. These two parts can be zippered together for general around-the-town use or kept apart to make it easier to cram them into an overstuffed carry-on bag. Speaking of cables, the LT20 comes with a fairly good assortment, including the standard AC and VGA cables, as well as composite video and S-video cables.

The NEC LT20 has a list price of $1,495 and is covered by a two-year limited parts and labor warranty. The first year is covered by the company’s InstaCare program, which provides the original owner either limited three-business day repair/return or next business day exchange. The lamp is covered for 500 hours or three months, whichever comes first. In Standard mode, the lamp is estimated to last 2,000 hours; in Eco-Mode, 3,000. The price of the lamp was not available at press time.

We recommend the NEC LT20 for presenters who want a great-looking image from corner to corner, an easy way to carry their projector around, and the peace of mind of having the best rapid exchange program. We only wish it were a bit brighter and came with a better remote.