JVC Professional DLA-X90R 4K 3D Projector Preview

JVC came to CEDIA with a sort of braggadocio attitude. They spoke out a little on dynamic iris contrast ratios since they can't do both black levels and high output at the same time. Their answer to this was to demo material on their $11,995 DLA-RS65 reference 3-chip projector with e-shift technology. e-Shift is what JVC is using to accomplish it's pseudo-4K projection, which is intended to upscale 1080p content (which, incidentally, is about the only way anybody is going to see 4K at home in the near future). While Sony's demo utilized an actual 4K panel (albeit rather unimpressively in our instance), JVC uses electronics and video processing to establish 3840 x 2160 4K resolution by shifting the image half a pixel up and to the side at 120Hz. Where JVC might have overextended themselves is that they enhanced the lumen output of the DLA-X90R by using a 127" diagonal Stewart Reflections 170 screen material which provides 1.7 gain. The result were lots of sparkly hot spots on the screen whenever pure white was shown.

Demo material included clips from Legend of Guardians and also a 3D clip of IMAX Under the Sea which showed a beautifully detailed scene of a Potato cod. The footage was originally shot as 4K video footage which was then mastered to Blu-ray and then unconverted by e-shift back to 4K. I have to admit, the e-shift technology does seem to work well. Over-brightness aside, the detail was phenomenal on the displayed picture. I'm certain native technology is going to win out, but for JVC to hit these price points so early in the game and deliver 4K and 3D - that's pretty astounding.

We also loved that all of JVC's new 3D-capable projectors offer the company's 2D-to-3D conversion. This is based on the $30,000 commercial 2D-to-3D converters. It's incredible to see how well the content could be made to work.

Features

• 2D-to-3D Converter – Converts 2D program material to 3D using technology derived from JVC’s professional 2D-to-3D converter. Included are user adjustments for 3D depth and subtitle geometry correction;
• JVC’s 3D anamorphic feature combined with an optional anamorphic lens make it possible to enjoy 3D movies in the popular 2:35 scope format;
• Compatibility with a wider range of 3D broadcasts, including 1080p/24 and 720p side-by-side formats;
• Brighter 3D images than previous models are possible through the use of an improved driver that keeps the shutter on the active shutter 3D glasses open longer, thus allowing more light to enter, while at the same time minimizing cross talk;
• A Cross Talk Canceller further reduces cross talk through analysis of the left eye and right eye signals and applying appropriate correction;
• A parallax adjustment allows the user to tailor the 3D image effect;
• Direct access to 3D formats and settings on the remote control.

In addition to the above features, the DLA-X90R is pending THX 3D certification where 400 laboratory tests are conducted, evaluating color accuracy, cross-talk, viewing angles and video processing. The projector also has ISF certification, and its new e-shift technology produces a 1/16th pixel shift function to precisely tune convergence via 121 adjustment points (11 vertical x 11 horizontal) and an increased number of screen mode preset positions, up to a maximum of 255. On top of that, an upgraded optical engine improves the black level and native contrast of this projector over former models. The JVC DLA-X90R uses three Xenon lamp color modes that is designed to emulate the characteristics of high-end movie projectors. A lens memory function lets the projector store 3 memory settings a custom focus, and zoom and horizontal/vertical lens shift position. What this does - and this was a new trend this year with many projectors - is allow a constant height display of 4:3, 16:9 and 2:35 scope content without the use of an additional anamorphic lens.

For 3D viewing, the DLA-X90R comes with two pairs of 3D glasses and a PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter. The projector also has a 3-year warranty. 

In addition to the JVC PK-AG1 active shutter 3D glasses currently available, JVC announced new glasses – the PK-AG2, which are more compact, lighter and rechargeable. The PK-AG1 glasses remain available and are ideal for use over eyeglasses.  Both models are compatible with the currently available PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter.

For more information please visit www.jvc.com.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.