We tested the Sim2 Nero 3D-2 home theater projector!

We Tested the Sim2 Nero 3D-2 Home Theater Projector!

Sim2, an Italian company founded in 1995, is renowned for its innovative video and audio solutions, combining cutting-edge performance with striking design. Headquartered in Pordenone, Italy, the brand has earned numerous industry awards and a strong reputation among home cinema enthusiasts worldwide.

Now, let’s take a look at the features of the Nero 3D-2 DLP projector.

The Sim2 Nero 3D-2 is a single-chip Full HD 3D projector that delivers outstanding visual performance. It incorporates advanced Pure Motion and Pure Movie image enhancement technologies, ensuring minimal noise, smooth motion, and a highly efficient cooling system.

Equipped with a 280-watt dimmable lamp, the projector delivers up to 2,000 lumens of brightness, depending on the lens used. With Dynamic Black enabled, it achieves a 30,000:1 contrast ratio, creating vivid blacks and strong image depth. The unit features two HDMI 1.4 inputs, is compatible with Live Colour Calibration 2 software, and has a compact footprint measuring 459 x 210 x 455 mm with a weight of 11 kg.

So far, three models have been released in the Nero series: the Nero 3D-2, the more affordable Nero 3D-1, and the Nero 3D HB, all of which support 3D playback. The 3D-1 serves as the entry-level option, offering 1,600 lumens of brightness and a 10,000:1 contrast ratio. All models in the Nero line utilize single-chip DLP technology, a notable shift from Sim2’s earlier three-chip projector lineup.

The Nero 3D-2 is purpose-built for dedicated home theater environments. Its sleek Italian design features a matte black, curved housing, which is both stylish and practical for darkened cinema rooms. Sim2 used high-quality components throughout, and it’s evident that their engineers meticulously refined every detail. Thanks to its relatively compact size, the projector can be easily placed—whether mounted on a shelf or set up using its three adjustable feet.

Exceptional Glass Lens and Optics

The Nero 3D-2 projector is equipped with an exceptionally high-quality glass lens, which significantly contributes to its premium price. Positioned on the right side of the front panel, the lens forms a crucial part of the projector’s optical excellence. The Nero 3D-2 uses Texas Instruments’ 0.95-inch 1080p DMD technology, and the UHP lamp can reach a maximum brightness of 2,000 lumens.

While the projector does not support horizontal lens shift, it features a manual vertical lens shift of up to 50%, allowing flexible placement in height. The shift is adjusted using an Allen key over the lens housing. In addition, the projector supports motorized zoom and focus, ensuring easy setup and image adjustment.

Sim2 provides the projector with a standard, high-grade glass lens, and also offers two optional premium glass lenses—available in both fixed and motorized versions. An infrared receiver is located directly beneath the lens, with a second receiver and the power socket placed at the rear.

The Nero 3D-2 operates on 200–240 volts at 48–62 Hz, and comes with a 2-meter power cable. All inputs and outputs are situated at the rear of the unit, including an analog composite video input, RCA connector, component input, RS232 and USB ports, and three Trigger outputs. The device is controlled using a standard Sim2 2005 remote, which is intuitive and user-friendly, although not particularly ergonomic.

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Settings and Image Calibration

The Live Colour Calibration 2.0 software allows for precise color coordinate adjustments and accurate white level calibration. Image optimization is largely automated, making setup straightforward. The Pure Movie and Pure Motion 3D features deliver a cinema-quality viewing experience, characterized by crisp contrast and stunning image clarity without sacrificing sharpness.

Near-Perfect 3D Performance and Settings Overview

The 3D functionality of the Sim2 Nero 3D-2 is nearly flawless. The projector uses an infrared emitter to synchronize seamlessly with compatible 3D glasses, ensuring a smooth and immersive experience.

While navigating the on-screen menus can be a bit confusing at first, using the remote control makes the process significantly easier. Within the Picture menu, users can select aspect ratios and resolutions, as well as access the Gamma Correction submenu. This submenu offers two modes: Dynamic and Parametric. The Parametric mode provides a range of gamma settings, allowing users to fine-tune image brightness and contrast according to their preferences.

The Settings menu also includes a Color Management System, along with options for ceiling or floor mounting, a digital keystone correction feature (though it’s not recommended, as it can degrade image resolution), and controls for the variable iris, test patterns, and initial setup configurations.

Users have full access to standard adjustments such as:

• Brightness
• Contrast
• Sharpness
• Noise reduction

Additionally, through the Color Management submenu, users can precisely control the color gamut and color temperature, enabling highly customizable image calibration.

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Sim2 Nero 3D-2 Movie Test

We chose the exciting and twisted thriller Black Butterfly for testing the projector. The tests were performed in a fairly large home theatre room. It is a room of about 30 square meters, with acoustic sound absorbers and diffusers mounted on the walls and ceiling, so the sound system in place in the home theatre also provided a perfect sound. To complete the cinema experience, thick, densely woven, sound-absorbing and at the same time darkening acoustic curtains in front of the windows ensured complete darkness.

After calibration with LCC software, we found incredible colour accuracy, contrast ratio, resolution. In a nutshell the projector performance was truly impressive. Even in moving scenes, the images remained sharp without any blur. Pure Motion mode offers adaptive motion processing, but since DLP projectors are generally said to handle motion very well, you don’t really need to use it. Dynamic Black is only available in Movie mode and is designed to increase the black level of the projected image.

The 2-dimensional image performance was excellent, the colour gamut accurate, we were absolutely happy with the natural colours and smooth transitions. It should be noted, however, that Nero 3D-2 had a really great, incredibly detailed picture for high-definition content. Otherwise, one of the main advantages of single-chip DLP projectors is sharpness. Lenses of exceptional quality and performance are also to be commended because they have delivered a truly impressive performance. Another strength of DLP projectors is the motion control, and this projector excelled at it. We had dynamic and amazing colours, the brightness was also really stunning. Thanks to its high brightness, the Nero 3D-2 is perfect for use in a room with a white wall or ceiling, possibly a brighter one. During the projection of the images, we discovered that the black level was low.

However, the 3D image performance was incredible, and thanks to the high brightness, this model also eliminates the problem that usually occurs when using 3D glasses ( i.e. a significant reduction in light, which can reduce light output by 50-75 percent on most projectors, and thus the image becomes blurred), but in the case of the Sim2 Nero 3D-2, the high-performance bulb produced bright and clear, sharp 3D images even when using glasses. Sim2 has optimised the new brand XpanD glasses, and these glasses did not disappoint us during the tests, although they were a bit heavy and not very comfortable to wear for a long time. There was no disturbing rainbow effect on the 3D content either.

Verdict

The Sim2 Nero 3D-2 projector clearly belongs in the premium category—both in terms of design and build quality. Its exceptionally high brightness enables outstanding image performance in both 2D and 3D formats. The grayscale accuracy and color reproduction reach reference-level standards, especially after calibration. With the aid of Sim2’s color calibration software, the projector delivers incredibly vivid and lifelike colors, elevating the cinematic experience.

However, black levels fell slightly short of expectations, and the remote control could benefit from a more intuitive layout and improved ergonomics. In terms of pricing, the Nero 3D-2 sits between mid-range and high-end models, positioning itself as a premium choice—but not without competition.

When compared to a JVC projector in the same category, we found that the JVC offered superior overall performance and richer, more nuanced image quality. That said, the Nero 3D-2 remains a strong contender for those seeking a sleek design, excellent 3D capabilities, and impressive color accuracy in a dedicated home cinema setup.