NEC NP-PE401H DLP Multimedia Projector Review

Posted on September 4, 2013 by Mike Cherichetti

NEC NP-PE401H BUSINESS PROJECTOR: A serious, small commercial projector with 1080p resolution, networking, superior color and 4000 lumens!

Specs Preview

❮ ❯

NEC PE401H Specs
Price	2999
Technology	DLP
Native Resolution	1920x1080
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	4000
Contrast	2,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio	1.10:1
Lens Shift	No
Lamp Life	2500
Weight	10.1
Warranty	3 years

NEC NP-PE401H Projector Highlights

Very High Brightness – 4000 lumens
Built-in 8 + 8 watt stereo speakers
HD (1080P) resolution
3D projection from an HDMI source with optional 3D glasses
Quick start up and shutdown
Two HDMI inputs

NEC NP-PE401H Projector Overview

As people get more used to the typical 16:9 widescreen resolution used in HDTV, manufacturers of multimedia projectors are starting to move away from the 16:10 resolution that is more of a computer standard. NEC has taken this approach with the NP-PE401H, their new 1080P (1920 X 1080) DLP projector. This projector features two HDMI inputs to cover both computer and video sources, and is capable of displaying 3D video from an HDMI source. For your conference room or classroom presentation with audio, the NP-PE401H also features stereo, 8-watt per channel built-in speakers. This audio output is more than sufficient for most presentations, without the need for powered external speakers (but there is an audio output jack for that purpose if needed). The NP-PE401H can be connected to a computer or video source via a standard VGA cable, composite and S-video, as well as the aforementioned HDMI inputs. The NP-PE401H has a rated output of 4000 lumens and a 1.7X zoom lens, as well as 10-step digital zooming.

The NEC NP-PE401H is labeled as an “entry level” installation projector, indicating it’s targeted at those looking for a budget projector for permanent installation. However, it can easily be used with a portable cart. It is relatively quick to set up, as it displays an image in 4 seconds and features adjustable feet in both rear corners to speed up the process of matching it to the screen. Its instant shutdown feature also allows the presenter to immediately unplug the projector upon shutdown, with no cooling time required. It does not have network presentation capability, but does offer full network control and monitoring.

Click Image to Enlarge

The NP-PE401H is first of NEC’s new “PE” class, but for those looking for similar features in traditional XGA and WXGA resolutions, NEC offers their “P” series, comprised of 7 projectors of varying brightness. In addition to the NP-PE401H’s competitive feature set and pricing, NEC is currently offering a free warranty upgrade from 3 to 5 years, along with 3 years of their InstaCare program. Houses of worship also get a free replacement lamp.

This projector review is included in our 2014-2015 Best Classroom Projectors Report, which is sponsored by Epson America.