NEC Display Solutions of America announced the world’s first digital cinema projector with a replaceable filter-free laser light engine. The NEC NC2402ML is a 3-chip DLP projector that features RB laser technology and a dust and smoke-proof sealed optical engine. The NC2402ML is geared towards theaters, museums, higher education lecture halls, corporate auditoriums, and even high-end home theaters where DCI content will be delivered.

The NC2402ML offers exhibitors a flexible new cinema projection solution with interchangeable laser light sources. Starting with one (24,000 lumens) of three swappable light modules (24,000, 20,000, and 18,000 lumens), cinema operators can adapt the projector for different needs and screen sizes, up to 72 feet. The interchangeable modules are also 2D and 3D capable.

The NC2402ML is a DCI-Certified projector and features RB laser and phosphor technology capable of showing 100 percent of the digital cinema color space (DCI), native 2K (2048×1080), and a 30,000-hour lifetime. The NC2402ML features an internal liquid chiller that does not need an external cooling system, making placement of the projector more flexible and adaptable. The NC2402ML also features easy maintenance and can be serviced on-site. The interchangeable laser modules can be purchased separately or leased for even more flexibility.

The NC2402ML offers integrated connectivity with a built-in 2TB screen server, Dual 3G SDI Interfaces, an HDMI interface for alternative content, and advanced network and built-in GPIO functions with NAS support The NC2402ML is available August 2019 with the 24,000-lumen brightness module, and the 20,000-lumen and 18,000-lumen modules will be available soon after.

Projector analyst firm PMA Research tracks the Digital Cinema market and their Worldwide Census and Forecast reports show an uptick in the popularity of laser projectors for Digital Cinema.