When shopping for projectors & screens, the key choice is whether you want a portable movie-night setup that keeps the extras simple or a more configurable unit for a room with several placement and connection needs. The Alvar RV400A and NEC P401W take those different routes. The useful payoff is straightforward: match Alvar to convenience-led viewing, or match NEC to a room where setup flexibility matters.
Quick verdict
Alvar is the simpler bundled choice; NEC is the configurable room choice. If your priority is a self-contained movie night, start with Alvar. If your priority is adapting projector placement and source equipment, start with NEC. Prices are far apart, so match the features to your room before paying for capabilities you may not use.
At-a-glance comparison
| Detail | Alvar RV400A | NEC P401W |
|---|---|---|
| Listed price | USD 21.89 | USD 134.83 |
| Difference between listed prices | - | $112.94 |
| Condition | New | Used |
| Display detail | 3000:1 contrast ratio | 4000:1 contrast ratio; 3LCD; 4000 ANSI Lumens |
Where each product wins
Alvar RV400A wins on a portable route to movie nights. Bluetooth, a built-in screen, and portable design give it a clear appeal when you want fewer separate pieces around the viewing setup.
NEC P401W wins on room flexibility. Ceiling projection, table-top projection, rear projection, tilt, and geometric correction provide several listed ways to configure the image. Its much broader input panel also suits shoppers connecting varied equipment.
Product notes
Alvar RV400A Bluetooth Projector
Alvar RV400A Bluetooth Projector is a sensible pick when a 100-inch screen is part of the desired setup. It pairs that screen with a universal remote and Bluetooth, plus HDMI, USB, and VGA/SVGA connections. That gives it a concrete use case for backyard parties, movie nights, or travel. The limitation is its more compact connection menu compared with NEC P401W: shoppers who specifically need LAN/RJ-45, RS232, RCA, S-Video, or HDMI x 2 should select NEC instead. Its condition is new, but the deciding question remains whether the included screen and simpler connection lineup cover the way you plan to watch.
NEC P401W 3LCD Projector
NEC P401W 3LCD Projector fits a room with varied source equipment. Its connection panel includes HDMI x 2, USB, VGA/SVGA, LAN/RJ-45, RS232, RCA, and S-Video, giving it a concrete reason to choose it for a more involved wired setup. The tradeoff is its used condition, so shoppers specifically seeking a new unit should choose Alvar. The lamp-based design and the California Prop 65 warning about projector lamps containing mercury are also details to weigh alongside its connection flexibility. This is the more suitable direction when input variety matters more than a compact movie-night package.
Final choice by use case
- Backyard parties, travel, or straightforward movie nights: choose Alvar RV400A, whose stated use cases align with those occasions.
- A room installation with flexible positioning: choose NEC P401W when its placement options are the deciding attribute.
- A price-led decision: the listed prices differ by $112.94. Select Alvar when its bundled format covers your needs; select NEC when its room flexibility and broader inputs justify the larger outlay.
