OK - we know it's not exactly a looker. You half expect there to be a temperature control and for cool air to come out, but it's at least an easy-to-accommodate size, and once you turn it on, all is quickly forgiven.

First things first, it's nice and quiet in operation - as it happens, the size does help it push out plenty of hot air so it only needs a smaller, quieter fan.

Secondly, it's a real cinch to set up. The key to this lies largely in the lens shift joystick on the front of the unit.

The remote control is brilliantly intuitive
It's brilliantly responsive to your commands and, coupled with a wide throw ratio, this Panasonic is a versatile, simple proposition to get up and running. In a similar vein, the remote control is brilliantly clear and intuitive, with the added bonus of a backlight.

Underneath that air-con-esque shell there's a decent level of spec for this price point. It's a 1280 x 720 resolution, LCD design projector, complete with two HDMI inputs as well as component, S-video and composite connections.

There's a claimed contrast ratio of 6000:1, and it can, of course, take 1080/24fps video content. And it's this that we admire first through the Panasonic's lens. It's a vivid, dynamic, exciting picture.

It's on fire!
Watching Ghost Rider, the fiery bike that Nicolas Cage rides throughout looks startling, with the brilliant orange of the flames sat against the impressively dark, solid black levels - often tough for LCD designs to render.

It may not be a native 1080p device, but the Blu-ray of Cars shows this projector is more than capable of delivering insightful, slick action that looks every bit the 'HD experience', regardless of the Panasonic's resolution.

This disc shows that rapid motion isn't a problem for the PT-AX200E either, with objects holding solid amidst most of the fast-moving action.

Switch to the DVD of There Will Be Blood, and not only are those solid dark colours again apparent, but the Panasonic shows superbly drawn edges that are razor sharp.

The crisp picture is helped by bright whites too, though the PT-AX200E is also capable of believable natural hues.

The projector itself may not leave your mates open-mouthed in awe, but the picture performance certainly will. Dynamic, colourful, solid and stable, this is a sub-$2,500 home cinema bargain.