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Five Projecting Tips for Presenting Pros

Try to make the projector throw a level image: Although all projectors offer keystone adjustments, using as little keystone correction as possible will help you achieve a "square" image. Using digital scaling to correct keystoned images results in a loss of resolution, and can degrade the image at extreme angles.

Verify that your PC or notebook's video settings match the native resolution of the projector: This way, you'll get the optimal image without the blurring effects of digital scaling. If you have to change your notebook's native resolution--for example, if you have a wide-screen notebook--we recommend disabling your notebook's display during the presentation and looking at the projected image of your video or slides. Images shown on the notebook's display might be cut off or fuzzy in their temporary resolution--an unnecessary distraction when you are giving a presentation.

Know your projector vendor's support policies: Some vendors--Dell, HP, and NEC, among the vendors represented in our chart--provide warranties with quicker repair turnarounds than others (some vendors even offer a replacement unit sent by overnight delivery). These policies could be lifesavers if your projector suddenly dies while you're in the middle of a three-week road show.

Connect a progressive-scan DVD player to your projector's PC VGA port for great DVD video playback: Unlike full-size and home theater projectors, the ultraportable models we reviewed lack good video processing. You can bypass the projector's video circuitry entirely by connecting a progressive-scan DVD player with a component-video-to-15-pin-VGA gender-changing cable (about a $25 investment). This connection takes advantage of the DVD player's internal video de-interlacing.

Bring a portable speaker system: If your presentation includes sound, don't rely on the puny, monaural speaker in your ultraportable projector (assuming it even has one--the NEC, Optoma, and Xerox units we saw all lack a speaker). We suggest getting a portable speaker system, such as RCA's $40 FSP200, which folds into the size of a paperback book.