About.com Rating



At an MSRP of $5,999 (not including the lens), the NEC NP4001 is not for the bargain hunter, but is a great value for the high-end home theater enthusiast. With a native pixel resolution of 1280x768 (720p), and dual lamp output of 3,600 to 4,500 lumens this projector provides excellent image brightness and resolution, especially in large room settings.

In addition, features include powered focus and zoom, as well as powered horizontal and vertical lens shift.


This is truly an impressive video projector. After reading this review, also check out even more details and close-up look at my NEC NP4001 Photo Gallery

Product Overview

1. Home Theater DLP Video Projector using 0.65-inch DMD (Dark Chip 3) from Texas Instruments, with BrilliantColor Technology, and Dual Lamp illumination.

2. Resolution: WXGA (1280 x 768) 720p - 768p; Brightness: 4500 lumens (standard) 3,600 lumens (Economy); Contrast Ratio 2100:1.

3. Aspect Ratio: 16x9 native, switchable to 4x3.

4. Lamp Life: 2000 hrs standard (2,500 hrs economy). Lamp Cost $545 each.

5. 4 segment and 6 segment color wheel options included

6. Data Signal Input Resolutions: WXGA (1280 x 768) Supports: VGA, SVGA, XGA, SXGA, SXGA+, UXGA. WXGA PC and MAC compatible.

7. Video Input Resolutions: 1080i, 720p, 575p, 575i, 480p, 480i, NTSC, NTSC4.43, PAL, PAL-60, PAL-M, PAL-N, SECAM.

8. Inputs: Component, Composite, S-Video, DVI-HDCP (HDMI compatible), Ethernet, RGBHV, VGA, RS-232, Analog Audio RCA and Mini-Stereo.

9. Outputs: VGA, Stereo RCA and Stereo Mini-Jack (3.5 mm).

Built-in Audio 3 Watts x 2 speakers.

10. Power Focus, Zoom, and Lens Shift Functions. Keystone Correction via Menu.

11. Lens is optional: Prices range from $2,000 to $3,000. Choices include one fixed throw and five 4 zoom lenses (see mext section for details).

13. Wireless Remote Control with built-in Laser Pointer included.

14. Network Enabled via Ethernet Port.

12. Can be wall front, rear, table, or ceiling mounted. Remote Control Included. Power consumption: 260 Watts.

15. Dimensions 19.88-inches x 8.23-inches x 15.16-inches (W x H x D) Weight 36.4 lbs.

Lens Options

The NP4001 does not come with a lens. However, NEC offers five lens options for use with different size screens and projector-to-screen distances.

The lens options are:

1. NP06FL: Fixed Throw (no zoom) Power focus, Throw ratio 0.77:1, F2.0, f=11.4 mm - Listed Price: $2,999.

2. NP07ZL: Power zoom/focus, Throw ratio 1.33-1.79:1, F1.8-2.3, f=19.3-25.8 mm - Price: $2,499.

3. NP08ZL: Power zoom/focus, Throw ratio 1.78-2.35:1, F1.7-1.9, f=26-34 mm - Price: $1,999.

4. NP09ZL: Power zoom/focus, Throw ratio 2.22-4.43:1, F2.1-2.9, f=32-63 mm - Price: $2,499.

5. NP10ZL: Power zoom/focus, Throw ratio 4.43-8.3:1, F2.2- 3.1, f=63.5-117.4 mm - Price: $2,499.

To put the above in simpler terms, the NP06FL lens can used for sizes from 50 to 200 inches (measured diagonally - 16x9 aspect ratio), while the NP07ZL, NP08ZL, NP09ZL, and NP10ZL can be used from screen sizes from 40 to 500 inches (also measured diagonally -16x9 aspect ratio).

The choice of lens depends on the screen distance needed to produce an image within the listed size ranges. A detailed chart to assist is provided in the NP4001 User Manual, which can be downloaded from the NEC Display Solutions Website.

The lenses provided by NEC for this review were the NP08ZL (See Photo) and NP09ZL (See Photo).

The NP08ZL was used to project a 145-inch diagonal image from about 18 feet projector-screen distance, while the NP09ZL was used to project a 145-inch diagonal image from about 30 feet projector-screen distance.

Hardware Used

Additional components used in the review of the included:

1. Blu-ray Disc/HD-DVD/DVD Player: LG BH100 Blu-ray/HD-DVD Combo player. Set to 1080i output via Component video connection interface to the NP4001.

2. Projection Screen: Da-Lite 16x9 aspect ratio glass beaded screen, 145-inch diagonal (126-inches Wide/71-inches High). Note: The room is used for both 16mm film and video projection.

3.Outlaw Audio Model 950 Preamp/Surround Processor paired with a Butler Audio 5150 5-channel power amplifier. Crown 2-channel amplifier used for Surround Back Channels.

4. Loudspeakers: Left, Center, and Main speakers: Electrovoice two-way Horn Loaded speakers with 12-inch woofers; two KLH powered subwoofers all installed under the stage area, below the screen.(see photo). Four wall mounted Klipsch S-2 Dipole Surrounds.

5. Connections made with Accell, Cobalt, and AR Interconnect cables.

Software Used for Review

Movie titles used included scenes from the following:

1. Blu-ray Discs used included: Blood Diamond, Flight Plan, Hostel, The Prestige, and Ratatouille

2. HD-DVD Discs used included: Bourne Identity, Hot Fuzz, Phantom of the Opera, Transformers, U571

3. Pre-recorded standard DVDs used included scenes from the following: Serenity, Kill Bill - Vol1/2, Moulin Rouge, and Master and Commander.

4. The Silicon Optix HQV Benchmark DVD video test disc was also used for more precise video performance measurements. Check out some of the NP4001 HQV Benchmark DVD Test Results.

Setup

Despite its large size, physically setting up the NP4001 is not difficult, if you are placing it on a table or in a projection booth. However, make sure you have inserted the lens of your choosing before you settle on your final spot.

After setting up a screen, position the unit at the optimal distance from the screen. I chose first to place the unit on a cart about 18 feet away from the screen to test the NP08ZL lens, and later in a booth about 30 feet from the screen to test the NP09ZL lens.

Starting up the projector is easy. First, plug in your source (such as a DVD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD player) to the proper video input (Component or DVI via HDMI/DVI adapter). Then plug in the power and turn on the main power switch on the projector's side panel. Now, turn on the single power button on the top of the projector or the remote control. When you see the NEC logo projected on your screen, you are set.

At this point, you can raise or lower the front of the projector using the adjustable feet, in conjunction with the lens horizontal/vertical shift controls. You can also use the Keystone Correction function (this adjusts the "squareness" of the image), and/or Zoom the lens to get the image to fill the screen properly. After this, use the power zoom and focus to further align and sharpen the image.

When you turn on your source, the NP4001 will automatically search for the input that the source is using and project the image onto the screen. Besides the automatic input detection function, you can also select the input via the remote or the projector's buttons.

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