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Now hear this: Toshiba's new TLP-X200U projector is first with voice guidance

A small but strong niche has built up around using projectors (either of the LCD or DLP variety) as the cornerstone of home theater setups instead of an HDTV. For those thinking about making the switch, Toshiba is attempting to idiot-proof the move with its new TLP-X200U projector, which comes with voice instructions that cover how to operate the device as well as announce to the user when lamps and air filters need to be checked.
Written by Sean Portnoy, Contributor

A small but strong niche has built up around using projectors (either of the LCD or DLP variety) as the cornerstone of home theater setups instead of an HDTV. For those thinking about making the switch, Toshiba is attempting to idiot-proof the move with its new TLP-X200U projector, which comes with voice instructions that cover how to operate the device as well as announce to the user when lamps and air filters need to be checked.

The $1,739 unit uses 3LCD technology and offers a resolution of 1024x768. Sure, it's not 1080p resolution, but the projector does give you a maximum screen size of 300 inches—even a more reasonable 100-inch projection size is far more screen than you'll get from any TV under $10,000. It comes with an HDMI port to hook up high-def sources like a set top box, upconverting DVD player, video game console, and the like.

The TLP-X200U also features built-in 802.11g Wi-Fi, ostensibly to let laptops connect wirelessly to the unit to show presentations, but which theoretically could also be used to stream video content from your notebook instead. There are 1080p projectors at similar price points that may be better options for a home theater environment, but if you need its compact size to take on the road as well as use at home, or you really like having your electronics tell you what to do, the TLP-X200U could be worth a look (and a listen).

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