Toshiba drops short-throw EX20U projector

Toshiba this morning unveiled the TDP-EX20U, a DLP front projector targeted equally at home theaters and PCs. Unlike most in its class, the EX20U compensates for screen glare and shadows to cast images at very short distances while maintaining a usable image. A 60-inch image can be projected from as little as three feet away; a smaller picture is visible from as close as 1.9 feet, Toshiba says. The EX20U is also comparatively bright at 2,300 lumens with a 2,000:1 contrast ratio, helping it operate in less than perfect light conditions.

Networking is also integrated with the design, according to the company. Both Ethernet and Wi-Fi are built-in and allow users to remotely control or watch over the projector through a local network; Windows Vista users in particular can transfer JPEG photos and embedded images directly to the projector. Users without a computer can make a presentation directly from a flash drive through a USB port. The EX20U receives video at resolutions up to 1024x768 through two VGA connectors, as well as analog signals through individual RCA or S-video jacks. Toshiba says its newest DLP projector should be available through its channels today for $1,599.