NEC P506QL 4K LASER BUSINESS PROJECTOR REVIEW

Posted on February 8, 2021 by Art Feierman

The NEC P506QL is a laser light engine equipped installation class DLP projector capable of displaying 4K resolution with a current street price of $4,299. Its laser/phosphor wheel light engine can deliver 5,000 ANSI lumens and has a rated life of 20,000 hours.

It is suitable for use in conference rooms, museums, and classrooms. The P506QL delivers high resolution along with the benefits of a low maintenance laser light source. The P506QL also included network control features.

The P506QL can simultaneously display content from multiple sources, such as four separate 1080p images at once, which is excellent for collaboration.

While the P506QL is missing some features found on more expensive installation class projectors, including interchangeable motorized lenses, edge blending, and projection mapping, due to its 4K resolution and laser light source, the NEC P506QL is still a great value.

NEC NP-506QL Specs
Price	$4299
Technology	DLP Laser
Native Resolution	1920x1080x4
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	5,000 lumens (5,200 center lumens)
Contrast	500,000:1 with Light Adjust
Zoom Lens Ratio	1.5:1
Lens Shift	Yes
Lamp Life	20,000 hours (Laser Light Engine)
Weight	25.4 lb
Warranty	5 years

Overview

A year or so ago, I reviewed the NEC 525UL, a midsize 5,000-lumen installation projector that delivers excellent performance for around $4,300 retail.

The P506QL is a step up from that model and it offers all the features found on most NEC/Sharp business performance with the addition of 4K resolution. The P506QL can accept 4K@60P content via HDMI or HDBaseT and it is capable of reproducing the increased clarity and detail found in 4K content. For example, the P506QL projector would be an excellent option for displaying detailed CAD images in an architectural firm's meeting room or a classroom at an architecture school.

The unit's laser/phosphor light source is rated for 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation. There is also a Constant Brightness mode to ensure that the P506QL delivers consistent looking imagery over the projector's life.

Like other NEC P Series projectors, the P506QL has manual horizontal and vertical lens shift, 1.5x zoom lens, dual HDMI inputs, and an HDBaseT input. It also features USB 2.0A support to power third-party devices and a LAN port for network control and asset management.

Highlights

5,000 lumens
$4299 List Price
Laser Light Engine – Light engine life of up to 20,000 hours
4K UHD Resolution (3840x2160)
DLP (.47" DMD)
500,000:1 Contrast Ratio
Vertical and horizontal lens shift provides excellent mounting flexibility
Will work vertically and at any angle
PIP (Picture in picture) capability
Digital image zoom to enlarge an area of an image up to four times
Apps and software for supporting tablets, phones, and more -- projecting up to four sources at once
Advanced Networking is standard, wireless is optional
Wired and optional wireless networking support along with extensive software support available for control and management of multiple projector installations
HDBaseT for running HDMI long distances over low cost CAT6
Integrated support for Crestron Roomview, AMX Beacon and PJ Link allow for complete interactivity and control
5-year limited warranty with NEC's InstaCare rapid replacement service included