Menu Options:
Click here for a quick review of the menu options and settings for Toshiba Digital Projectors.

Why do I need a projector?
Projectors have revolutionized the presentation market. Making it easy to integrate video systems with computers, projectors make it possible to display images from both computer and video sources (such as VCRs, DVD players, digital camcorders) onto large screens, directly to large and small audiences alike. Projectors make it possible to deliver high-impact presentations using top-quality video graphics with film-like image quality and text reproduction, making them the ideal tool for numerous applications ranging from business conferences to educational seminars, public displays to private home theater. Today’s projectors interact with a wide range of inputs and standards, including NTSC, PAL and HDTV, ensuring compatibility in even the most complex presentation environment.

What are the most common uses for projectors?
There are literally thousands of applications for projectors. The most common of these applications include sales presentations, HR orientations, business and educational seminars, training classes and trade shows. Practically all companies, regardless of size, need a projector to satisfy a host of these requirements. Companies with the foresight to arm their outside sales forces with portable projectors experience an increase in both sales and customer satisfaction. Hotels and other conference centers rent projectors to their clients since they are constantly in need and provide a huge profit potential to the hotel.

Why can’t I just keep using my old overhead projector?
There are set limitations to the capabilities of older overhead projection devices. Preparing OHP transparencies can be tedious and time-consuming, and there is little or no choice as to the image size. Overhead projection requires that you darken the room – it’s an inconvenience to switch back and forth between transparencies. Finally, there is no opportunity for last minute changes, additions or corrections to the facts and figures of your presentation.

On the other hand, Toshiba’s DLP projectors offer the freedom to make on-the-fly changes to the image resolution, content and source. Switching between data points requires just a tap to the wireless remote control, and the ultra-compact, high-brightness DLP series is powerful enough to present clearly – even with the lights on and the windows open!

Toshiba DLP Projectors have input for connecting to a computer, VCR, DVD Player, or a Digital Camera.

Why are Toshiba DLP projectors superior?
While Toshiba began producing DLP projectors from our strong background in visual technology.  Toshiba has been a leader in delivering dependable, leading-edge technology. Additionally leveraging a dynamic history of technical leadership in the areas of miniaturization and heat management, the expertise and experience of the world’s leading manufacturer of notebook computers continues to drive innovation into the projector marketplace.

Toshiba’s DLP projectors are the perfect presentation tools whether used in conjunction with personal computers, audio-visual equipment or consumer electronic devices. Engineered for compatibility across platforms and operating environments, Toshiba’s DLP projector line is designed for the future of digital technology, while preserving existing legacy hardware investments.

What can be displayed on a projector?
All Toshiba projectors can be used to display computer data (display resolution varies) and video. All DLP projector models support NTSC, PAL and SECAM video formats, while our TDP-P3, TDP-S1, TDP-T1 and TDP-S2 models support the 1080i HDTV format as well. The TDP-S1 and TDP-S2 support true SVGA resolution (800 x 600) for computer information, while the TDP-B1, TDP-P3 and TDP-T1 each support true XGA data resolution (1024 x 768). All models can be used with either Windows (3.1/95/98/00/NT) or Macintosh computers through their specific resolutions. A Macintosh DB-15 to DB-25 adapter is included with all units.

Connect to a computer, VCR, DVD Player, or Digital Camera. Display presentations, slide shows, movies or TV in high definition and maximum resolution. Bigger than a big screen, and more portable than portable TV, your office tool can double as home theatre entertainment.

What is the difference between true resolution and interpolated resolution?
True resolution has the exact number of required horizontal and vertical pixels per image, where interpolated resolution has less pixels per screen image. For a true resolution of 800 x 600 to occur, 800 horizontal pixel need to be displayed and 600 vertical pixels need to be displayed. In an interpolated resolution form, the image gets scanned the same way as a true resolution, except certain lines of information (both horizontally and vertically) will be eliminated in order for the image to fit into a smaller space. For example, if the true resolution of the projector’s imaging surface (either DLP or TFT) is 800 x 600, an interpolated resolution of 1024 x 768 can be achieved as long as the image is compressed by 22%. In order to compress the 1024 x 768 image to fit into the 800 x 600 space, approximately every fifth line of horizontal and vertical information will be eliminated. The displayed image will not be as clean as a true resolution, but it will allow a user to present a presentation that was built for a higher resolution without redoing the presentation in the 11^th hour. Large text in the interpolated presentation will have a "bit-mapped" look to it, while smaller text may be very hard to read, so using this resolution is not intended for standard use, but it does serve as a backup solution in most situations. Usually, the number of lines deleted is the same for both dimensions, but this is not always true. If the standard resolution is 1024 x 768 and the interpolated resolution is 1280 x 1024, then the horizontal lines will be compressed by 20% (1 in 5 deleted), while the vertical lines will be compressed by 25% (1 in 4 deleted).

Click here for "Understanding Resolution"

What resolutions do Toshiba DLP projectors support?
The following table indicates the image resolution capability by model:

What is "compression?"
Compression is the process by which 1024 x 768 pixel XGA signals are converted into 800 x 600 SVGA images (i.e. Tecra NB is running an XGA display, TDP-S1 projector supports SVGA output). In the simplest terms, pixels of data are removed at sporadic intervals (in this case, 224 lines of horizontal data and 168 lines of vertical data), with algorithmic conversion circuits engaged to ensure smooth transitions across the missing lines.

What is "aspect ratio?"
The aspect ratio is the ratio between the horizontal and vertical dimensions of a screen image. Normal television broadcast has an aspect ration of 4:3, while the newer HDTV (high definition) broadcast and motion picture screen images are in an aspect ration of 16:9, also known as Widescreen. Most standard computer screens typically have an aspect ration of 4:3, including VGA, SVGA and UGH. XGA has an aspect ratio of 5:3, while SXGA utilizes a 5:4 aspect ratio. For the most part, a 4:3, 5:4 or even a 5:3 aspect ratio is squarer in shape, while a 16:9 aspect ratio is easily defined as a rectangle.

How do I connect my computer or video source to a Toshiba projector?
By including all necessary cables with all Toshiba projectors, connection to a computer or a video source is very easy. For connecting to a Windows-based computer, simply use the supplied computer video cable and connect it to the computer video in terminal on your projector and connect the other end to your computer’s video card terminal (or computer video out terminal on a notebook PC). For Macintosh users who have DB-25 connectors on their Macintosh video output, a DB-15 to DB-25 adapter (included) will be placed between the Macintosh video output and the supplied computer video cable. If sound is required, then a 1/8" phone plug to 1/8" phone plug audio cable is used for a connection to a computer, or a RCA to 1/8" phone plug is used for a connection to a standard video source (VCR, DVD, etc.). Both of these cords are supplied with Toshiba projectors. On models equipped with RCA audio inputs (TDP-S1 & TDP-T1), a RCA to RCA cord is used for a connection to a standard video source. These cords may be eliminated if you are using your computer’s integrated speakers or an external audio system instead of the projector’s built-in speaker. Connecting video can be achieved through either the composite video-in RCA jack or the S-Video input. Both of these connections carry video signals only, so audio must be connected separately as previously described.

For more information Click here for "Understanding Resolution"

Can I use my Toshiba projector with my Apple Macintosh?
Yes! A Macintosh DB-15 to DB-25 adapter is included with all units for use with all G3 and older systems, while the G4, and newer G3 PowerBooks can be connected directly to the projector without using the adapter. Due to a lack of video output on earlier iMac models, only DV-equipped iMacs can be connected to a projector.

What is a lumen? What is an ANSI Lumen?
A lumen us a measure of brightness. "Luminance" is what the human eye sees. It is defined as the light that is reflected off the surface of the item being viewed. In ancient times, in order to measure brightness, the candle was a standard of measurement (the amount of light a candle projects in any one direction) and a lumen was defined as one candle light per square meter. Since candle light can vary depending on wick length, reflective nature of the surface and the temperature of the flame, a more scientific standard of measurement need to be defined. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) developed a stringent set of light measuring rules that more precisely defines the amount of luminance a projector gives off. Typically when this standard is used an ANSI Lumen is .8333 lumens or .8333 Candela/Square meter. An ANSI rating of 1,000 ANSI Lumens is 1,200 Candela/Square meter. Another part of the ANSI rating states that the projected image must be measured at 9 points within the screen and the final ANSI rating is the average of these 9 measured points.

What is DLP?
DLP stands for Digital Light Processing. Developed by Texas Instruments, DLP is a solid state device that contains hundreds of thousands of microscopic hinged mirrors that reflect light. Since each mirror is equal to one pixel, a DLP projector with a true resolution of 1024 x 768 contains 786,432 mirrors on the DLP chip’s surface! As the world’s first 100% digital projection technology, DLP stands out of the crowd by support a higher contrast ratio. This higher contrast ratio (typically 400:1 vs. 250:1 or 300:1) allows a DLP projector to appear brighter.

Besides being 100% digital and supporting a higher contrast rating, DLP technology produces clearer images. It’s resolution is much more defined and it eliminates the "screen door" effect caused by viewing a wide gapped screen image from a severe side angle. It allows images to be seen even when projected in rooms where bright light, or even direct sunlight in many cases, is shining directly on the screen. It’s color is much more lifelike and the DLP chip tends to be much more rugged and smaller/lighter than glass panels. All of this means that a DLP-based projector can be made to be smaller, lighter and tougher, while still projecting film-like images that totally impress the audience, not just illustrate to them.

DLP projectors use digital micro-mirror devices (DDS) to reflect light. There is no drop in brightness due to the smaller aperture required as native resolution increases. DLP projectors are superior for displaying still images and text-based content.

What are NTSC signals?
NTSC is an abbreviation for "National Television System Committee." NTSC is the system for transmitting television signals used in Japan, the United States, Canada and some other countries. France and Russia use the SECAM system, while West Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand and others use the PAL method. NTSC signals are TV signals based on the NTSC method. They have a horizontal frequency of 15.75 kHz, a vertical frequency of 60Hz, and a horizontal scanning resolution of 525 lines (interlaced). Toshiba DLP projectors support NTSC signals.

What are HDTV signals?
HDTV is an abbreviation for "high-definition television." HDTV signals provide sharp, high-resolution images. Several different HDTV systems have been proposed. Toshiba DLP projectors support the emerging standard for HDTV in the United States, HDTV 1080i.

What is the keystone effect?
All projectors are subject to the keystone effect - the common trapezoidal skewing of a projected image where the bottom of the image is smaller than the top. This wedge-shaped picture results from the projector being set at an angle to project the image up onto a distant screen (i.e. when the projector’s base is lower than the center of the screen).

What is proportional Digital Keystone Correction?
There are two methods of correcting the keystone problem, Mechanical Angle Compensation (MAC) and Digital Keystone Correction (DKC). All TAIS projectors implement the MAC method, in which the image is pre-skewed a counter 11° to compensate for the typical 11° projection angle. This method is very effective in minimizing the Keystone effect, but it does not completely solve the problem for projection angles above or much below the typical 11°.

For this reason, the TDP-P3, TDP-T1 and TDP-S2 include proportional DKC, a digitally controlled method of skewing the projection image by eight 1.5° increments, providing keystone correction up to a projection angle of 23° (11° + (8 x 1.5°)). Previously, standard DKC technology would simply "stretch" the bottom part of the screen to vertically match the larger top edge. The result was a squarer image, but hard to read text and blurry images, particularly toward the bottom 1/3 of the screen. Our proportional DKC technique is different from most competing products in that it utilizes a screen scanning algorithm which corrects the keystone effect in sectors. The screen is divided into 9 sectors, with each sector modified in direct proportion to those sectors that are adjacent to it. The result is a far cleaner and focused screen image. Text, line art and photography alike retain their visual integrity with Toshiba’s implementation of proportional DKC.

Which projector should I buy?
When choosing a projector, it is important to understand what you will be using the unit for and what will be driving it. More than likely, you will be using a computer, so it is important to know what the resolution is of the computer’s video output. If the computer is a notebook that only emits a resolution of 800 x 600 (also known as SVGA – Super Video Graphics Array), then you could get by with a TDP-S1 projector, as long as you don’t also require the smallest and lightest solution available. If the computer’s resolution is XGA (extended Graphics Array – 1024 x 768), then a projector with a true XGA output will allow you to get the most out of your system.

Key questions for comparisons, or "What matters most to you?"

• Portable: Toshiba DLP projectors are all low weight. Some are smaller, taking less space and less weight.

• Bright: If you will use your Toshiba Digital Projector in bright rooms, shows, displays, or well lit office environments, look for the Toshiba Digital projector models with the highest lumen ratings.

• Resolution: If your presentations sparkle with colors and definition, or if they display vivid details, select a Toshiba Digital Projector with XGA resolution.

• Connections: All Toshiba Digital Projectors have data input ports for connecting to computers and USB remote mouse. All Toshiba Digital Projectors have video input jacks for standard RCA (VCR) and S-Video (high definition, DVD). Toshiba Digital Projectors also have Audio input jacks, with a built-in speaker.

• Ceiling Mount / Rear Projection: If your Toshiba Digital Projector will be mounted to the ceiling or placed behind a transclucent screen, be sure to select the appropriate model to accomodate your setting.

• Price: Toshiba Digital Projectors are competitively priced, with Toshiba quality and support. When comparing price, be sure to compare features with your personal needs to insure maximum satisfaction from your investment.

How do I prevent my Toshiba projector from getting stolen?
Just like our notebook PCs, all Toshiba projectors are equipped with a Kensington-compatible locking port.

Where can I use my Projector?
All Toshiba projectors are capable of being used anywhere in the world. The auto-sensing power supply will accept AC current rated between 100-240VAC and 50-60Hz. The video input will accept NTSC (National Television Standards Committee – used in the United States, Canada and Japan), PAL (Phase Alternate Line – used in United Kingdom and most of Europe) and SECAM (France and most of Eastern Europe) television signals. The Toshiba DLP projectors can detect and adjust to the appropriate signal.

If you are planning to travel, please be sure to review the list of Power Cords provided from Toshiba. These power cords are specifically designed for use in the designated country, and for the appropriate current rating of Toshiba Digital Projectors. Use the appropriate power cord and travel with confidence.

Does my Toshiba projector need to be cooled-down?
No. A cool-down time is not necessary on any of Toshiba’s DLP projectors. The projector may be turned off and packed-up as soon as the presentation is over without any loss of lamp life.

What is the average useful lamp life?
Under normal operating conditions, the estimated lamp life of any of our projectors is 1000 hours. While extreme conditions (below 32 F/0 C, above 95 F/35 C, high moister areas, areas where exposure to oils or dirt occurs, etc.) could decrease the lamp life, most users will find the lamp lasting longer than the conservative 1000-hour estimate. For TDP-T1 and TDP-S2, under normal operating conditions, the estimated lamp life is longer than 2000-hours.

What is the remote control used for?
The remote control can be used to control both projector functions and the computer mouse functions. The remote allows the user to select which import source is required (computer data or video), make adjustments to the screen’s color or brightness, or a host of other projector functions while also allowing the user to control the mouse via pointing, clicking, double-clicking, etc.