Well we all do it, we skim down for a quick peek at the conclusion to see what the bottom line is, right? So let me save you the trouble and get right to it...

LG's latest entry into the burgeoning micro-portable niche, the HS200, is nothing short of amazing. Besides its array of innovative features that include embedded DivX, USB inputs, and wireless FM for your audio feed, you get user-friendly ergonomics and a 30,000 hour lamp life. This highly adaptable LED-based miniature projector boasts a lumen output between 20 to 100% greater than the most recent projectors in its genre. What does that mean in real life? Well, in the old days I was very content using a Dream Vision DL 500 rated at 400 lumens that sold for $6,000. Comparatively, this teeny weensy HS200 blows its doors off. If this is but a hint of what is to come using LED lamp technology, what can I say, LIFE IS GOOD.

Lamp Life - Green with Envy: With LG's 30,000 hour LED (Light Emitting Diode) lamp there is little need to ever have to replace it. That represents quite a value considering the price of the projector is not much more than some projectors' replacement lamp cost. The HS200 will produce a very respectable picture quality for let's say 20-40 years depending on your daily usage! Not only that, by consuming less electricity and not containing any mercury, it's greener too.

Portability: While it won't fit in your pocket, the HS200 is very portable. The unit itself weighs 1.7 lbs; fully accessorized it tips the scales at a scant 4 pounds. It measures 2.0 inches high x 4.6 inches deep x 6.1 inches wide, about the size of a good novel. As an alternative to lugging around DVD players and even laptops, you can use its USB flash drive and its embedded FM transmitter for a genuine portable projection experience.

Connectivity: This is where the HS200 excels. It has practically every connection you could possibly need: USB, RGB/component, HDMI, composite, and a 1/8 audio output jack. It also includes a USB device that is a snap to set up and operate. Once attached it automatically activates a DivX Home Menu. Then sit back and watch your slide show, perhaps add some mood music, play a game, or even share you favorite flick. It's really that simple.

Control: Another attribute is how much adjustability is available on this mini sized projector. The advanced control in the picture section was especially advantageous in dialing in just the right picture quality for theater reproduction, as is the blank mode for presentation applications. I found the full screen mode in the photo section using the USB interface to be exceptionally beneficial. Even the LED mode options allowed for three levels of brightness. The menus were easy to navigate and utilize.

Image Quality: While not a behemoth in lumen output compared to conventional projectors, at 200 lumens it represents an improvement over other micro-portables. So how does this translate to real world applications? On a 90-inch screen in a light controlled environment it produces a high quality picture with decent punch, color saturation, and clarity. Where there is ambient light, if you limit your image size to 35 - 50 inches maximum, you can still expect reasonable performance.

Surprisingly Quiet: A typical issue with miniature projectors is fan noise. This is not as bothersome with the HS200. Even when it is on full light output (presentation mode) fan noise is tolerable. On lower output settings (movie mode) it is barely perceptible.

Security: The unit comes with a Kensington security system connector if you plan to leave it somewhere unattended.

Limitations

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