NEC NP216 DLP Multimedia Projector Review

NEC NP216 Projector Highlights

NEC NP216 Projector Overview

The NEC NP216 projector is a portable XGA (1024 X 768) DLP multimedia projector that should be at home in any setting.  While many projectors in the NP216’s class offer brightness rating in the 2000-3000 lumen range, few actually achieve those ratings, even at full wide zoom.  As you will see in the “Performance” section of this review, the NEC NP216 had no problem achieving its 2500 lumen rating, even at mid-zoom.  However, if price, portability and excellent color rendition in any image mode are your primary criteria for purchase, then the NP216 would be a great choice.

NEC has made an effort to be energy conscious and that is reflected in some of the design considerations of the NP216.  It has a carbon meter that displays the reduction in CO2 when in Eco mode and if set for Power Saving in Standby mode, draws only 0.49 watts compared to the 2-3 watts drawn by some projectors.  While the claimed 5000-hour lamp life in Eco mode is nice, few projectors are used in Eco mode due to the typically huge drop in lumen output.  However, with the NP216 most users will be able to take advantage of the longer lamp life as the drop in lumen output from Normal to Eco lamp mode is only slightly more than 10%.

Other features include, Auto Power On and Off, as well as instant off.  It also has features that enhance video presentation use, like good contrast ratio, Brilliant ColorTM and is 3-D ready.

As you might expect from a projector the size and weight of the NP216, it is extremely portable.  Unlike some of the competition, it does not come with a travel bag, but it could easily fit into a soft-side briefcase.