NEC LT-380

Full Review

The NEC LT380 is rather unique in that it performs equally well with text documents, Powerpoint-type slideshows, photography, and even video.

The LT380 had the most connections of all, compared to any other mainstream business projector in our Top 5. It’s also the biggest projector in the Top 5, and it needs to be, since at the rear are included connectors for nearly every conceivable input source, ranging from composite video and component video to DVI.

The LT380 had the most connections of all, compared to any other mainstream business projector in our Top 5.

Beyond the standard methods of connection, this was also the only projector to have both wired and wireless networking options. With standard wired networking, the projector can be remotely controlled, and it can also use a networked computer as a source with the use of included software. To enable wireless networking, you need to plug in an optional 802.11g wireless card to the PC card slot. Then, if you have a wireless network (or even just a wireless-enabled computer), the projector can accomplish all of the same tasks as it can when connected to a wired network.

In the objective tests, the LT380 did exceptionally well. The picture is very bright and it also scored highly on color quality and color temperature. In the Display Mate tests though, we noticed some issues with moiré and scaled fonts. The flaws were not very noticeable, but given that this projector did so well in everything else, they stood out in sharp contrast. Unfortunately, all these features come at a very high price. This is the priciest projector in our top five, and that took it down a few places. The features are no doubt unique, and those who need these features will perhaps not mind the high price.

Bottom Line

Extremely bright, loads of features, but maybe a little too expensive for what it offers.