Don't let the entry-level price fool you. The Optoma TX542 has features that put it in the big leagues. Its 2800 lumens and 3000:1 contrast ratio give it the projector power for medium sized classrooms, boardrooms and living rooms.
It can accept video from 15 NTSC, PAL and SECAM variations (including the US one) and seven SDTV, EDTV and HDTV standards, right up to 1080p. It's also compatible with 41 Mac and PC resolution/sync standards. It's network ready for LAN or Internet administration and it has an international 100 to 240 volt auto-switching power supply. For its onscreen display (OSD) you can choose from 23 different languages.
Convenience features haven't been forgotten either. Hook it up to your computer with the included USB cable and the wireless remote doubles as a wireless mouse. With the touch of a button you can use the remote as a laser pointer too.
And with its whisper quiet fan noise as low as 29 dB the two five-watt stereo speakers should prove more than adequate in most applications. If not, you'll appreciate the audio in and audio out jacks that will enable you to use external speakers.