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If you were to imagine a 3000-lumen projector, what would it be like? Would it be a luggable desktop model that weighs about 9-10lbs.? Or would it be a larger fixed-install model, with dual lamps and a whole lot more settings options than most people will ever use? Would the increased brightness wash out the colors?
Panasonic's answer to all of those questions is, simply, no. At 5.5lbs., the new XGA-resolution, LCD-based PT-LB30U is advanced in terms of lumens per pound, but that's just a start. The LB30 also makes sure you have a good-looking image, regardless of ambient light conditions, and it does so automatically. The LB30 is a projector that just works, without much setup, without fanfare, and certainly without hassle. And, by the way, it boots up in two seconds.
On the surface the LB30 is an unassuming microportable with a fairly generic silver box chassis and only three buttons on top. There's one for Power, an "A" button for automatic setup, and an "IN" button for input selection. That's in case you need to toggle between two inputs (it auto-senses individual inputs, of course). It does have an obligatory menu button for access to onscreen settings, but it's hidden in the back on the connection panel. There's a good chance you'll rarely use it, because the LB30 does most things automatically.
Picture this: a presenter walks into a room and puts the LB30 on a table, plugs it in, connects a computer source, then boots the computer and hits the power button on the LB30. The projector lamp turns on quickly enough to see the computer's first BIOS start-up screen (it's at not full brightness, but on and displaying). While the computer is...