The DVD player accepts standard DVDs and CDs, including recording formats and discs carrying MP3 music and DivX compressed video files. There's even a full 5.1 mini-speaker system integrated with Dolby Pro Logic II processing that attempts to create surround sound -- although not effectively.
The DLP design uses only a 480p chipset with a relatively low widescreen resolution of 854x480 pixels -- although Toshiba is promising a 720p version later in the year.
This means that even standard-definition DVDs are slightly downscaled to fit using advanced HQV Teranex image processing, which is the same technology used by film studios to convert films for TV and which claims to compensate for motion defects caused by deinterlacing. The projector will accept 720p and 1080i high-definition signals but they will be downscaled even further, which almost defeats the object.
Unlike typical projectors, the ET20 sits at the front of the room and that in itself makes it easier to install and control. Placed on a coffee table you can alter the size of the image by moving the projector closer to or further away from the screen and then use keystone adjustment to correct the edges. A dedicated screen does make a lot of difference to image quality, but you can get by using a sheet or even a white wall.
The attractive menu system features a fairly extensive range of settings without getting involved in the specialist settings that often confuse projector setups. There are some advanced options, but adjusting the picture and sound is as simple as using your TV, with similar preset modes and custom settings.
Performance
If you're going to use this projector as an all-in-one home cinema you'll be impressed by the size of the screen but disappointed by the sound performance.
The sound is in constant conflict with the noisy cooling fan and even at the highest volume you have to strain to hear dialogue. Surround sound using tiny speakers all in front of you is just not effective and soundtracks are more audible using the stereo mode. The sound just about gets by as a quick-fix solution but if you really want to enjoy a film then you need to connect the system to an external amplifier.
Leaving sound to one side, the unit's image quality is reasonably impressive, although you can get better performance for your money if you buy a dedicated projector. Pictures from the on-board DVD player are detailed and evenly balanced with sumptuous colours. There is some occasional noise, inconsistent gradations and stuttered movement, but this system is more about space-saving convenience than ultimate image quality.
Edited by Mary Lojkine
Additional editing by Kate Macefield
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sarak74 28 January 2009
Good: Got it for a GREAT price & creates fantastic atmosphere even with a home made screen!
Bad: Volume control can be a bit low on some DVDs.
Comment: I saw this item & immediately had that "girl sees pair of shoes that she loves but can't think of an occasion she would wear them to", meaning that I fell in love with it but couldn't put my finger on why. I know you can get HUGE screen tvs that will probably give you much better pictures & infinitely more volume control, but the flexibility of this machine sparked a "must have it" moment (& surprisingly enough for a female I don't have them THAT often, HONEST!). The price at which I had seen the item advertised did give me a moment's pause though, so I did what I usually do in these cases, bookmarked the item on Pricerunner.co.uk & went away to obsess about it quietly, occasionally checking back.
On the off chance, I typed the name into Play.com & to my surprise up it popped, but still at a high (to my mind) price of around £800. A few weeks later, obsessing about it again in my lunch hour, I typed it in to Play.com again & it came up at £399, thinking this must be a typ-o, I refreshed the page but no there it was, as bold as brass at £399!!! Well I'm sure you can guess the rest...
Having received it & tested it that first evening (projecting The Incredibles onto the kitchen ceiling as I hadn't rigged up my screen yet) I was amazed at the size of image it could go up to & retain clarity. Yes the fan can be a bit of a background drone, but surely this is nothing compared to the incessant drone of teenagers whispering & texting each other during an evening at the cinema, & unless you all know something I don't know the option to take your dog into the cinema to watch a movie isn't available whereas with the ET20 there is (sad but true, he loves animations!).
The only real downside is the volume, but this doesn't make itself a nuisance on ALL DVDs. We watched Wall-E last night & it was perfect, but on some it does seem a bit low even on maximum. I'm sure this could be easily remedied by hooking it up to a surround sound system, for which there MUST be a socket amonst the many on the front (nicely concealed by a cover which appealed to my woman's aesthetic requirements too!!!).
I can recommend this item WITHOUT reservation to anyone who takes note of it's (to me) insignificant faults & would add that, before shelling out on an expensive 100" projector screen, try making one out of a wooden frame & a stretched white bed sheet (make sure there is something backing it to prevent light bleeding through), it sounds kooky but it's cheap & it works!
I can't wait until the summer so I can take it outside & have screenings in the garden of Star Wars with all my nerdy mates after a barbeque on a nice warm day, hmmmmm, Han Solo...
If you can get one for a good price, buy & enjoy!!!
May the force be with you, coz I'm hoping it will be with me this summer...
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