SIM2 Nero 3D-2 Projector - Performance

Posted on July 19, 2013 by Art Feierman

On this page we take a look at the Nero 3D-2 projector's brightness, sharpness, and image noise. We'll discuss brightness in conjunction with 3D usage, as well. Also considered here are the physical attributes of light leakage and audible noise.

Pre-calibration Settings
Contrast (47)	66
Brightness (50)	53
Color (50)	49

Settings for measurements (default values are in parenthesis):

These setting were applied to each of the color temps, when measured
All other settings at default (untouched)
Measurements taken with lamp at 280 (max) power setting unless otherwise noted..

SIM2 Nero 3D-2 Brightness

Lumen Output and Color Temp at 100 IRE (mid zoom)
Standard	666 @ 7223
High	675 @ 10601
Medium	772 @ 8702
Low	637 @ 7456
Native	825 @ 8437
D75	729 @ 8726
D65	669 @ 7134
D50	586 @ 5603
C	610 @ 7817
User	637 @ 7448

We'll start of with Mike's results measuring each of the many "preset modes". Also included was the measured color temp for white, for each mode.

I didn't really view the 3D-2 projector before Mike calibrated it, although I've flipped through the various Color Temp modes.

There isn't a huge difference between calibrated results, and the brightest mode (Native), about 35%. Native mode was not bad looking at all, but definitely cool, with reds definitely a bit thin.

SIM2 Nero 3D-2 Brightness: Calibrated (zoom at mid-point): 605

SIM2 Nero 3D-2 Brightness: " Brightest" mode - Native mode: 825

It is important to note that which lens is chosen does affect brightness. The T-2 lens provided to me, is not their brightest.

Effect of zoom on lumen output (Native)
Zoom out	881
Mid-zoom	825
Zoom in	749

The lens does not drop significantly in brightness, between wide and tele.

Lumen Output at each lamp power setting (Native)
280 watt	825
270 watt	786
260 watt	741
250 watt	666
240 watt	622
230 watt	587

The projector can be run in any of these six brightness settings. The fan pitch changes and the projector gets quieter as you lower the brightness.

Color Temp over IRE Range, Best mode (D65)
30 IRE	7049
50 IRE	7060
80 IRE	7099
100 IRE	7134

Not surprising for a premium projector, even the default grayscale is exceptionally consistent, although the measurements all hover right around 7100K, rather than the ideal 6500K.

Effect of iris on lumen output (Native mode)
Iris on 100 (fully open)	825
Iris on 50 (mid range)	750
Iris 0n 0 (smallest opening)	644

I was unable to ascertain if the effect of the manual closing of the iris, maintains or reduces the dynamic range of the image.

SIM2 Nero 3D-2 Projector - Post Calibration Greyscale

Color Temp over IRE Range (User mode)
20 IRE	6522
30 IRE	6519
40 IRE	6552
50 IRE	6496
60 IRE	6550
70 IRE	6502
80 IRE	6491
90 IRE	6488
100 IRE	6461

Average gamma = 2.27

Lumens at 100 IRE: 605

Mike's Notes: Grayscale calibration affects the full IRE range, but the RGB balance is so consistent across the range that excellent results can be achieved. The color temperature choices and white point adjustments are listed as color management, but there is no true color management available, at least not in the menu. The Rec. 709 CIE chart shows accurate primary colors, while the secondaries are slightly off.

The Calibration page provides the settings we used. That includes basic settings as well as gain and offset.