The premise behind this unusual product, according to Optoma, is that projectors generally have an image of being too complicated and fussy about setup to appeal to first time users.

The DV10 addresses this in various ways - the most obvious that it is, in effect, a complete one-box playback system for DVDs. Add a screen or a painted wall, and you're in business. Plug in, switch on, insert a disc, focus and play - and Bob's your projectionist.

The unit is taller than many projectors, and it has too much shiny white in the plastic, moulded carcass to be completely inconspicuous on your table top. Yet this is where it will have to be placed - the lens has a narrow zoom range and incredibly short throw optics (screen distance: picture width) of 1.27:1, so it can't be used behind the viewing plane.

The DV10's footprint is compact, however, and despite the absence of a built-in handle, it is light in weight and easy to carry - a carry case is supplied. Internally, the DVD player talks to the projector using an 'optimised' digital connection said to be related to DVI.

The DV10 design continues with a minimalist set of inputs and outputs. The only externally accessible video inputs are composite, S-Video and a 15-pin D-Sub VGA input. In addition there is a pair of phono audio input sockets so that external sources can be played through internal stereo speakers, and a 3.5mm audio output sockets so that an extra analogue audio system can be connected, though you'll need a 3.5mm phono adaptor lead as none is supplied. An oversight, surely? There is also the option of a TOSLINK digital output for multichannel audio from the DVD player, which has no on board surround decoders of its own.