Nomvdic's latest addition to the home cinema projector market is the new P2000 triple laser RGB 4K UST Laser TV. The P2000 presents buyers with a commendable set of specifications, including a rated 2,500 ANSI lumens, 4K resolution, HDR10 and HLG support, and 3X Fast input for gaming, and it employs the ALPD 4.0 triple laser RGB light engine to deliver wide gamut coverage, deep contrast, and minimal laser speckle. All of this is wrapped up in Nomvdic's distinctive industrial design, providing users with a cinematic experience and a visual statement even when the unit is turned off. However, it does have some shortcomings when it comes to color accuracy. Let's take a closer look.

Features

Released in July 2023, the Nomvdic P2000, with a current street price of $2,899 at the time of writing, utilizes the ALDP 4.0 RGB laser light engine—a promising start for the brand's entry into the UST market. The ALDP engine performs well, employing its phosphor+laser solution and a 0.47-inch DLP chip with a 1080p native array that uses Texas Instrument's XPR fast pixel shifting to achieve full 3840x2160 UHD resolution on screen. As with other projectors we've tested that utilize this chipset, it produces a sharp image that is challenging to distinguish from native 4K. Additionally, compared to some other triple laser RGB projectors, the P2000 exhibits minimal laser speckle, with only a very mild amount that can be seen in saturated reds and nothing that would likely be distracting for viewers.

Nomvdic lists the P2000 at 2,500 ANSI Lumens, a specification it not only reaches but exceeded in our measurements of the brightest picture mode by 15%. However, the heavy green bias in this mode makes it less usable. In more practical picture modes, the P2000 still manages to exceed the listed spec by 3%. This achievement is noteworthy, considering the P2000 can project a 100-inch to 150-inch diagonal image from as little as 6.7 inches from the wall, thanks to its 0.22:1 throw ratio.

With a native contrast rating of 3,300:1 and dynamic contrast of 5,400:1, coupled with wide gamut coverage, the P2000 establishes itself as a strong contender and throws a decent picture. Its 30,000 hours of laser life ensure extended hours of use without any need for lamp replacements.

While lacking a built-in smart platform, the P2000 compensates with three HDMI 2.1 ports. The absence of on-board streaming services should not be an issue for most users, considering that many will use a third-party media streamer anyway, and for the moment, at least, Nomvdic ships the projector with a Fire TV 4K Max dongle that provides access to all the major services and can be assured to keep you current on the latest app updates. The included HDMI 2.1 ports support 32Gbps bandwidth but do not fully support most HDMI 2.1 features like ALLM or 4K/120Hz, although they do support eARC—a welcome addition if you plan to add an external audio system.

In measuring gamut coverage, the P2000 achieved 100% for Rec.709 and 98.5% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, measured in U.V. However, it fell short with our sample of its claim to reach 100% of BT2020, achieving 84% coverage. Nomvdic reports that up to 90% coverage can be achieved when the Hue controls for red, green, and blue are set to 0. Nonetheless, the P2000's coverage aligns with many other triple laser projectors in this price range, falling just shy of some that cover near-full BT2020. Given that most current HDR content is mastered to DCI-P3, attaining essentially full coverage of that color space is the most critical hurdle.

The P2000 has a 0.22:1 throw ratio lens that projects a 100-inch image with 6.7 inches of clearance from the rear of the projector to the screen. A screen size of 150 inches diagonal will require a rear clearance of about 16.5 inches from the wall. While the P2000's throw ratio is in the average-to-low range among UST projectors, when you account for the nearly 17-inch depth of the projector, the front edge should sit about 24 inches from the screen wall—deeper than many TV credenzas. This is something to keep in mind when planning your installation. You can visit the ProjectorCentral Nomvdic P2000 Throw Calculator to determine distances for your preferred image size.

Weighing in at 23.4 lbs, with dimensions of 23.8 x 6 x 16.7 inches (WHD), the P2000 supports front table and ceiling installation, as well as rear table and ceiling installation. When installing on a tabletop, two adjustment feet are available for proper leveling. The P2000 offers 4-corner keystone in addition to image warping, to ease setup, though with automatic disabling of warping and keystone when using features such as 3X Fast Input. We generally recommend setting the projector up only with careful positioning to avoid these issues and preserve the best image quality.

The P2000 provides robust connectivity options with its I/O, including the three previously mentioned HDMI 2.1 ports supporting 32 Gbps bandwidth, HDCP 2.3 and FRL (Fixed Rate Link) 8Gbps @ 4 lanes, with eARC supported on HDMI input 1. There are two USB 2.0 ports with power delivery of 5v/1.5a, an integrated media reader, Bluetooth input and output, SPDIF optical digital and 3.5mm stereo analog audio outs, built-in Wi-Fi 5Ghz radio, wireless screen mirroring, and an RJ45 LAN port. The HDMI EDID can be changed to improve device compatibility with older, legacy HDMI devices.

The P2000 allows for casual gaming with 3X Fast Input when using the Gaming picture mode, which reduces input lag to a measured 18 milliseconds with 60 Hz signals at 1080p or 2160p resolution. However, latency is high when a 30Hz or 120Hz signal is sent, making it unsuitable for gaming in those frame-rates. Fortunately, most games have a 60Hz mode, either native or at a lower resolution, allowing users to take advantage of this feature on consoles and PC.

Integrated into the P2000 is a stereo speaker system designed by Harman Kardon, consisting of two 25W cube speakers. While the speakers deliver a substantial amount of output and would serve well as a viewer's sound system, it is generally recommended to use an external solution, especially since eARC is provided on HDMI input 1 to deliver high quality lossless audio up to Dolby Atmos quality. Overall, though, the audio performance is good, with no absolute need for an external solution except for lower bass extension, as expected for speakers of this size.

Included with the P2000 is a basic remote that can operate either via IR or Bluetooth. The remote, responsive once paired via Bluetooth, speaks to a narrow IR window located in the lower right corner of the unit. The remote includes everything a user needs, and if desired, you can utilize the Nomvdic Report Control App as a substitute.

Performance

Color Modes. The P2000 offers eight picture modes referred to as Color Modes, with six dedicated to SDR and two to HDR. These modes include Brightest, TV, Movie, Gaming, Low Blue Light, and User. The HDR Color Modes consist of TV-HDR and Movie-HDR. Among these, Brightest and TV stand out as the brightest picture modes, with Brightest exhibiting a green bias and TV having a blue bias. The other modes generally adopt a cooler color temperature in the 7,500 or 9,500 temp range, appearing very blue. Movie mode, despite using a 6,500K color temperature, still leans towards the bluer side.

The P2000 provides users with a color temperature adjustment for fine-tuning. Standard controls like Contrast, Brightness, Saturation, Tint, and Gamma are present. An interesting aspect of the P2000 is that adjusting certain settings within a Color Mode, like Color Temp, maintains the user within that Color Mode. However, changes to other settings, such as Contrast or Brightness, lead to the Color Mode switching to User. This inconsistency in behavior may make it more convenient to stick to the User Color Mode rather than trying to modify pre-defined modes. Moreover, when transitioning between HDR and SDR dynamic ranges, the menu reflects the change in color mode naming conventions, but the image occasionally remains in the previous picture mode visually.

Gamma controls come with pre-defined values like 2.2, 2.3, 2.35, etc., and they accurately correspond to their menu selection. Nevertheless, there were instances where altering gamma in one picture mode applied the same change to others, introducing another inconsistency in the controls provided.

Initial viewing of the out-of-the-box (OOTB) picture modes yielded mixed results depending on the content. If a user isn't overly concerned with accuracy, the P2000 may deliver a visually pleasing image, even with some oversaturation and incorrect hue to colors. Simply reducing Saturation and adjusting the Color Temperature to a warmer setting, such as 6,500K, improved the image, though it became clear that the P2000 would benefit from calibration.

Calibration began by measuring the User Color Mode with default values, using Calman Ultimate calibration software from Portrait Displays, a Colorimetry Research CR-250 Spectroradiometer, a Colorimetry Research CR-100 Colorimeter, and a Murideo 8K Seven Generator. Calibration was performed on a 103-inch diagonal Elite Screens Aeon CLR Ambient Light Rejecting screen.

Pre-calibration measurements revealed significant dE (DeltaE) errors. (DeltaE is the metric used to determine visible error, with anything over 3 being visible, anything over 2.3 a just-noticeable difference for trained eyes, and anything below 2.3 ideally not visible.) Grayscale pre-calibration measurements of the SDR User mode had dE errors all over 5 at 25% stimulus and brighter, ranging up to about dE 10, easily visible to the eye. Color gamut color points for the Rec. 709 color space also exhibited high dE errors, up to 15.5, due to inaccurate hue and saturation. [Editor's Note: During our factcheck, Nomvdic indicated that they are working on a future firmware update to address these high out-of-box color inaccuracies.—Rob Sabin]

Using the Color Temperature control, adjustments targeted the production industry standard D65 neutral gray white point, utilizing available Gain and Offset controls, along with standard picture controls and CMS.

Post-calibration errors for Rec. 709 SDR significantly improved compared to the initial state. Running an extensive color checker of 150+ patterns resulted in an average of 2.7dE, with a maximum of 11.2dE attributed mainly to Red being anchored far outside the target gamut. Blue and Magenta also contributed to higher dE values. Skin tones, fortunately, were accurately rendered. (The Calman ColorChecker measures accuracy on a wide range of color swatches corresponding to skin tones, blue sky, etc.)

Unfortunately, with HDR, the CMS proved to be very ineffective. Regardless of adjustments made to any color point to bring it on target, anything below that point would become too heavily desaturated. So outside of some minor touch up on Hue, the CMS is best left untouched as utilizing it will likely make the HDR picture worse.

An AppleTV 4K media player was used for sourcing all post-calibration content.

1080p/SDR Viewing. I initiated the content review in SDR, considering it the most accurate post-calibration mode. The P2000 lived up to expectations. I watched the movie 2012 via Apple TV 4K. From the movie's opening scene in space to zooming in on solar flares from the sun, there was no posterization, and the contrast held up exceptionally well. The shadow detail was commendable, especially in dimly lit rooms, portraying accurate skin tones. Despite oversaturated reds beyond the 75% saturation point, and heavily oversaturated color points for the 100% targets, the P2000 did a great job with SDR.

Next, I viewed Oblivion in SDR. The P2000 excelled in accurately reproducing skin tones, clean whites, and subtle details in Jack's (Tom Cruise) bubble ship and aerial skytower home. The movie was presented well, with minimal faults in its overall presentation. The only noticeable aspect was the oversaturation of red in scenes involving thermal goggles or drone scans, such as when Jack repaired the downed drone at the stadium. However, this oversaturation was not offensive, and the overall natural look overshadowed this minor discrepancy.

UHD/HDR Viewing. I commenced HDR viewing with The Super Mario Bros. Movie, a colorful, animated and film with relatively high Average Picture Level (APL). As expected based on post-calibration measurements, the movie exhibited heavy oversaturation, with many colors appearing incorrect. This was attributed to the color space mapping for HDR. Red colors occasionally had an orange hue, and colors like Peach's dress were excessively dark and saturated. The oversaturation was noticeable right from the beginning of the movie, when Bowser heads to the ice castle to retrieve the star. Although some may appreciate the heavy saturation, especially for an animated feature like this, those valuing real color accuracy would observe the color reproduction discrepancy.

For the final content, I chose to view Rings of Power, Season 1 Ep 5, featuring the Orc's night attack on the village. The P2000 demonstrated good shadow detail, presenting the fire set to trap the orcs exceptionally well. Unlike many projectors that render fire almost white due to clipping from low luminance and inability to reach wider gamut coverage, the P2000 avoided this issue. In this lower APL scene with few bright colors, the oversaturation didn't stand out much, except for a few close-up shots of characters' faces illuminated by the fire's glow, resulting in overly red faces.

Conclusion

The Nomvdic P2000 UST is an interesting unit and has potential to be a crowd favorite in the UST space with its triple laser ALPD 4.0 light engine and attractive styling. It provides users with substantial connectivity options and solid performance in the audio department thanks to its capable 25-watt Harman Kardon sound system. Not having a built-in smart platform isn't really a dealbreaker for most, especially since the unit ships with a 4K Fire TV stick and has a sufficient number of HDMI ports.

The projector has overall good contrast, solid lumen output, and adequate gaming performance. Where it struggles is in its out-of-box color accuracy. It requires calibration for an accurate SDR image, and unfortunately, its color adjustments are ineffective for achieving an accurate HDR image despite its impressive coverage of DCI-P3 gamut. That will put it out of contention for many, though some may be willing to overlook this weakness.

With the UST laser TV market seeing new units appear on a regular basis, it's getting more difficult for brands to differentiate from the competition. Overall, the P2000 does some things well, and could use improvement in other areas. It offers a striking design and attractive price for a triple laser projector, but ultimately falls short of scoring a full home run.

For more detailed specifications and connections, check out our NOMVDIC P2000UST-RGB projector page.

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