Toshiba TDP-SW8OU

A Wireless Projector that won't Bust your Wallet

By David English

May 1, 2005    Source: Studio Monthly

Wireless video projection? Seems like it’s always just around the corner, or too expensive for mere mortals. Fortunately, two trends are making this a real possibility. Prices have fallen dramatically for projectors with a brightness rating of 2000 ANSI lumens, which is the minimum needed to withstand moderate amounts of ambient light. And low-cost wireless LAN adapters have smoothed the transition from the 11 Mbps throughput of the 802.11b standard to the 54 Mbps throughput of the 802.11g standard. In theory, you can now send video from your computer to your projector without a physical connection.

As a result, we’re starting to see inexpensive projectors that accept 802.11g cards, just as we’re seeing new notebook computers equipped with built-in 802.11g capabilities. It’s a good match for video professionals because video playback requires speeds fast enough to support a steady flow of frames. Dropped frames are unacceptable, so it’s essential there’s enough headroom to handle any errors or pauses in transmission. Otherwise, you’ll have to reduce the size of the video window, which reduces the impact on the viewer.

Toshiba’s wireless-equipped TDP-SW80U projector doesn’t have spectacular specifications. It does, however, offer a good mix of features for a modest $1,499 street price. The 2000 ANSI lumen DLP-based projection engine isn’t that unusual given the projector’s 6.4-pound weight. And its SVGA resolution, which is more than sufficient for handling NTSC video, helps Toshiba keep the price down. A second model (the $1,299 TDP-S80) is available without the wireless features.

The TDP-SW80U ships with an 802.11b PC card, though the manual states the projector is compatible with 802.11g. The manual also indicates that only a Toshiba brand (or Toshiba recommended) wireless LAN PC card will work in the projector’s PC card slot. I couldn’t find an 802.11g card that would work in the projector—a pretty big problem, actually—so I was unable to test its video at the higher speeds. The supplied 802.11b card performed as expected. I was able to successfully send a PowerPoint presentation with a 30-fps video clip in a 160 x 120 pixel window without dropping frames. With a 802.11g card, you should be able to increase the size of the video window, but don’t count on being able to transmit standard-definition video.

Channel Surfing

Configuring the projector for wireless transmissions is relatively straightforward. The projector menus let you designate a channel for WiFi communications, toggle encryption on and off and select whether the projector can be controlled by your computer. You can also specify an e-mail address for error notification, such as a blown lamp. It’s good to see e-mail notification working its way down to less expensive wireless projectors, which you might mount on the ceiling for an unobstructed view of the screen or for a reduction in the noise generated by the projector’s cooling system. With this model, noise wasn’t an issue. At 35dB, the TDP-SW80U is reasonably quiet for a low-cost projector.

In most respects, the TDP-SW80U is thoughtfully designed and well constructed. The outer casing feels sturdy enough to withstand minor bumps and drops. At 11.7 x 10.8 x 4.0 inches, it’s somewhat box-like and bulky. The controls are recessed into the top of the unit, which offers some protection when traveling. That’s mitigated by the eject lever for the PC card slot, which protrudes from the back of the projector. If you leave the slot vacant, the lever won’t stick out as much, but you’ll have a gaping hole for dust and dirt to enter.

The manual zoom lens has a limited 1.2x range. With focus variations, that works out to a projection distance of 3.9 feet to 32.8 feet. When combined with the digital keystone adjustment of plus or minus 15 degrees, that gave me ample flexibility for positioning the projector. There’s also a separate VGA output you could use to feed a small monitor if and when the presenter faces the audience instead of the projection screen.

Toshiba claims its new Natural Color Enhancer color-correction circuitry produces sharper images with superior color saturation. In addition, the TDP-SW80U’s DLP chipset sports an impressive 2000:1 contrast ratio. I found the projected images to be unusually sharp throughout the various lens settings; the colors were also well saturated, even to the point of being slightly unrealistic. If you prefer your projected video to be a bit richer than normal, you’ll love the default settings. If you prefer more natural hues, you’ll want to tone down the colors a bit.

In an ideal world, every projector would offer the best in portability, power and price. In the real world, we have to settle for a compromise across the three variables. Toshiba’s TDP-SW80U is relatively powerful for its price and weight. It’s a good pick if you’re shopping for a wireless projector on a tight budget.

Smart Advice

• With an 802.11g card, you should be able to increase the size of the video window, but don't count on being able to transmit standard-definition video.
• The projector menus let you you designate a channel for WiFi communications, toggle encryption on and off and select whether the projector can be controlled by your computer.