Projectors EFFORTS FOR PROJECTOR QUALITY Projectors require a strong power of expression to build effective communication in business. We envision all circumstances from a wide range of installation methods and environments, and then carry out thorough evaluation tests at each process. To produce high-performance products that can always be used with ease, we strive to improve image quality, as well as reliability and safety. quality assurance that only NEC can provide Image Quality Reliability Safety 1
Image Quality To expand the high brightness and high quality cultivated through cinema-quality technology to a wide range of models Projecting high-brightness and highresolution images at large-scale facilities Extending cinema quality to standard models We collect the know-how cultivated through our development of cinema projectors and apply their image quality and colour reproduction technology to mass-market projectors. Furthermore, image-design staff members compose the image of the projectors and aim for image quality that combines faithful reproduction of images and the expressive power to fascinate users. They also carry out various tests to achieve stable image display. Strictly checking the accuracy of screen quality Image-Quality Validation Test This test evaluates and checks mainly image quality while simulating various environments, including a 10 m wide screen. The optimal conditions for image quality are configured, including sharpness, harmony, colour reproduction, and contrast. Evaluating screen colour-spotting (colour-mura) numerically Colour-Spotting Evaluation This evaluation carefully configures parts to equalize the colours of the projected image. Furthermore, the screen to be projected is captured by a camera, data is collected, and everything is adjusted with the goal of optimization. Comprehensively checking the standard values for screen brightness Measuring Projection Screen Brightness Brightness (in ANSI lumens), a basic capability of projectors, is comprehensively measured before shipping to make sure that the prescribed brightness is guaranteed. Measuring the transmittance of optical parts Spectral Characteristics To reproduce the target brightness and colours, we measure the transmittance for the wavelengths of the lenses and other optical parts that make up the projector, with the goal of optimization. Designing invisible light by computer Optical Simulation Because the projector light is invisible, projector brightness and colours from the light source to the screen are established by optical simulations using computers, and then checked against actual displays. 2
Reliability To project images stably during various environmental changes We carry out tests assuming use in various harsh situations, including high altitude areas with low atmospheric pressure, under high and low temperatures, and in dusty environments. In addition, we carry out detailed testing to check for the durability and solidity necessary to withstand accidents, not only during use, but also during transport and installation. Guaranteeing the precision of original parts Digitizer Many lens parts are used inside projectors. There are various curved surfaces on the parts that hold these lens parts. Using a digitizer to check the location and shape of curved surfaces guarantees the precision of parts. Evaluating durability in harsh environments Thermostatic-Chamber Test This test checks that products can be operated stably in high and low temperature environments. This test confirms that there are no problems with performance, operability, and operation while various loads are applied, including repeatedly switching the power on and off and changing the resolution and frequency of the incoming signal. Confirming stable operation even in dusty environments Dusty-Environment Testing This test simulates a dusty, harsh environment and investigates whether products operate normally without issue even under such conditions. Products are operated under conditions in which dust was scattered constantly, and any effects due to dust and dirt are observed and identified. Confirming the reliability of transport packaging under vibration Vibration and Drop Tests In these tests, packaged products are shaken and dropped to make sure that transportation does not affect the performance, functioning, and exterior of products. Confirming the reliability of transport packaging against impacts Continuous-Impact Test We make sure that our packaging can withstand even the continuous impacts that may occur during transport. Sudden drops are repeated hundreds of times to apply impact, and then we make sure there are no problems with the packaging conditions and no effects on the performance, functioning, and exterior of the projector. 3
Safety To promise peace of mind and safety in conceivable installation situations and environments Safety is the most important requirement for projectors attached to ceilings, walls, and other high locations or installed in halls. We repeatedly carry out tests under conditions much stricter than those of international standards so that our products can always be used with peace of mind no matter the conditions. Evaluating exhaust temperatures in consideration of the safety of equipment surroundings Heat Evaluation A thermal camera is used to continually measure the temperature of the exhaust vents of projectors, which can reach high temperatures. A determination is made using contact temperature standards, which are stricter than usual safety standards. Confirming safety after lamp damage Lamp-Rupture Test In rare cases, lamps of projectors may rupture, accompanied by sounds and smoke. Lamp-rupture simulation tests are performed repeatedly using standards stricter than national standards. Products are designed to minimize the effects on customers in these rare cases. Making sure there are no effects from static electricity Static-Electricity Surge Test Static electricity causes malfunctions and abnormal operations in electronic devices. This simulation test is carried out to guarantee resistance to its effects. The test is carried out using standards stricter than international standards to determine that there are no problems. Confirming the safety of the equipment surroundings during a lightning strike Lightning Surge Test We investigate the effects that abnormal voltage generated by lightning strikes (inductive lightning) has on projectors. We carry out tests with the power both on and off and check not only for smoke and fire, but that the area around the projector is safe. Evaluating the durability of long-term suspension installations Suspension Load Test To ensure that there are no problems even when products are suspended from the ceiling, we test products by adding a weight several times that of the product. We then make sure that there are no problems at that load for a long time under conditions that are stricter than international standards. 4
To ensure that our customers can always use reliable products with peace of mind From product planning to design, production, shipping, and after-sales service, we always keep quality at a high level and constantly work to improve quality. Product Planning and Design To deliver world-class products, we always examine our component appraisal standards and test procedures from the planning and design stages. By establishing strict regulations and repeatedly carrying out thorough reviews of products that affect long-term reliability, we inspect and improve our products over and over until we achieve our standards. Component Acceptance Each component part must be high quality so that our products can be used stably for longer. To achieve this, we use only components from reliable suppliers that meet our standards. We maintain these strict standards even when selecting the smallest components. Consistent quality control from the start of development We have established a Quality-innovation department specializing in design and evaluation separate from the standard quality-assurance department that manages quality. The Quality-innovation department works on quality control from the product-planning stage by checking function and performance and evaluating reliability. Employing high-quality electrolytic condensers To ensure the reliability of the power supply and other parts, we established temperature resistance standards about 20 C higher than general consumer standards. By using electrolytic condensers that meet these standards, we can provide stable image reproduction even in high-temperature environments. NEC QUALITY ASSURANCE After-sales Service For products that have started shipping, we continue life tests even after production starts and check the product quality status in the market. In the unlikely event that a defect is found, we quickly identify the problem and devise countermeasures and improvements. In addition, we prepare support packs and other systems so that our products can be used with peace of mind. Establishment of a repair centre at the development centre We have established a repair centre jointly with the Shonan technical centre, which carries out product research and development. Received information is quickly deployed in the Development and Production control departments and is useful for producing high-quality products. Production and Shipping We dispatch Japanese supervisors to production facilities outside Japan to continually support quality-improvement activities. Standardizing problem-solving activities improves the quality-control structure, and we strive to prevent problems and their reoccurrence. Furthermore, on top of sharing quality information with suppliers and making efforts to improve components, we carry out system tests before shipping and adjust images on each cinema and medical-use monitor to produce high-quality products. Using highly flame-retardant plastic In consideration of safety, circuits are covered by metal (steel plates) to prevent fires from spreading externally in the unlikely event of a fire. We use high-grade, self-extinguishing flame-retardant material (94-V01) for the cabinet to protect against fire from external sources. This excellent durability makes deterioration less likely even when products are used long term in high-temperature environments and contributes to a long service life for the product. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. The images in this document are samples. All specifications are subject to change without notice. September 2016 NEC Display Solutions, Ltd. http://www.nec-display.com/ap/ Cat.No. WGEN-1609-0021N