New 18,000-lumen option completes series of DCI-compliant digital cinema projectors, featuring an easy-to-replace laser module with a full range of brightness options that minimize hassle and lower costs

NEC Display Solutions of America, a leading global provider of digital cinema projectors, today announced the release of a new 18,000-lumen digital cinema projector to complete the world’s first series of modular laser projectors, providing exhibitors with a truly versatile and future-proof solution. With the option to replace the laser light module in the projector head, the NC Series delivers breathtaking 2K imagery on small to medium screens while making installation and maintenance simple.

The NEC NC1802ML joins the already successful NC2402ML and NC2002ML, and thanks to the interchangeable laser light sources, exhibitors can enjoy the most advanced laser solutions without the system becoming outdated. Starting with one of three swappable light modules (24,000, 20,000, and 18,000 lumens), cinema operators can easily adapt the projector for various screen sizes up to 72 feet. This functionality allows operators to get more out of their investment and ensures they can always showcase premieres, whether its 2D features or 3D showpieces.

“With the NC1802ML rounding out the series, we’ve created a digital cinema projector without limits,” said Rich McPherson, senior product manager at NEC Display. “We’re looking at the future of laser projection: a single solution that can operate as many. With this revolutionary design, we can alleviate many of the concerns that came with traditional laser projectors and lower the cost of operation as much as we can.”

All three laser lamps are DCI-Certified. The NC1802ML uses blue laser, while the NC2402ML and the NC2002ML feature RB laser and phosphor technology, and all are capable of showing 100 percent of the digital cinema color space (DCI), native 2K (2048x1080), and deliver up to a 50,000-hour lifetime.

“We’ve designed the solution to lower the cost of ownership and deliver true versatility without sacrificing performance,” McPherson said. “We’re dispelling the myth that digital cinema projectors are hard to maintain and only good for one thing. With the modular design, operators are able get more out of their investment by using it in different spaces for different things. Not only can they host Hollywood blockbusters, but also corporate presentations, watch parties, and more—all with one projector.”

The innovative design of this series also extends to its installation: the unit features an internal liquid chiller, removing the need for an external cooling system and thereby making it easier to install into tight spaces. Flexible ownership options are also available: customers are able to lease or purchase the system and its laser light modules as a system or individually.

Other benefits and features of the series include:

• Virtually zero maintenance – The innovative Laser Light engine is lamp-free and filter-free, which means there are no lamp or filter replacement costs, and any service can be done on-site
• Lower TCO – The laser light source delivers the highest available reliability, maintenance-free operation, low power consumption, and up to 50,000-hour lifetime
• Integrated Connectivity – Features a built-in 2TB screen server, 2 x 3G SDI Interfaces, HDMI interface for alternative content, advanced network and built-in GPIO functions with NAS support

The NC1802ML with the 18,000-lumen module is available now, joining the interchangeable 20,000- and 24,000-lumen modules already available. The unit will be on display at CinemaCon 2020, taking place March 30 through April 2 at Caesars Palace Las Vegas in Milano Suite 4 and 8. For more information, contact an NEC Display sales representative, or visit www.necdisplay.com.