JVC 2014 Projector Lineup Preview

JVC's 2014 projector lineup sports a new imaging device, upgraded e-shift technology, 4K HDMI inputs and a user-selectable Intelligent Lens Aperture.

Their 2014 lineup consists of the Procision Series DLA-X900R, DLA-X700R, and DLA-X500R, marketed by JVC’s Consumer AV Group, and the Reference Series DLA-RS6710, DLA-RS67, DLA-RS57, DLA-RS4910, and DLA-RS49, available through JVC Professional Products Company. All are 3D-enabled and offer 4K e-shift3.

The new JVC projectors use three sixth generation JVC D-ILA imaging devices. This new device features a pixel gap that’s 40 percent narrower than the previous chip for a smoother picture, a 10 percent improvement in light efficiency for a light output of 1,300 lumens, and improved native contrast, which is also enhanced by a new, third generation wire grid optical engine. As a result, native contrast ratios for the new projectors are:

DLA-X900R/RS67/RS6710: 150,000:1

DLA-X700R/RS57: 120,000:1

DLA-X500R/RS49/RS4910: 60,000:1

To further boost contrast, JVC has developed a user-selectable Intelligent Lens Aperture. When engaged, JVC’s Intelligent Lens Aperture is claimed to produce deeper black levels while maintaining white levels superior to what’s delivered by projectors using a dynamic iris. As a result, the new projectors achieve the industry’s highest dynamic contrast ratios (but remember, these numbers mean next to nothing since there is no industry standard):

DLA-X900R/RS67/RS6710: 1,500,000:1

DLA-X700R/RS57: 1,200,000:1

DLA-X500R/RS49/RS4910: 600,000:1

JVC DLA-X500R

JVC’s 4K e-shift technology was first developed to upconvert and scale 2D HD content to a 4K signal. With 4K inputs, the new JVC projectors can now process 4K signals as well as deliver a smooth, detailed image. Picture performance is further optimized by a new Multiple Pixel Control (MPC) processor with eight-band detection. The MPC processor offers four presets plus an Auto setting that automatically selects the best upconversion process by detecting the frequency of each pixel.

Picture quality is also enhanced through a new Clear Black feature that provides local area contrast enhancement, and improved Clear Motion Drive (CMD 3). CMD 3 uses a new LSI and new algorithm to deliver an improvement in motion artifacts on diagonal lines on 4K and 2K 2D content and 2K 3D content.

Other new enhancements for 2014 are:

• Two memory settings for pixel convergence that can be used to store correction settings for external lenses
• New smartphone app that provides remote control of the projector, including picture settings.
  
• Adobe RGB picture mode on the top five models.

Key features carried over from the 2013 line include:

• Active shutter glasses for 3D viewing use RF instead of IR

• Lens memory settings – Ten for the DLA-X900R, DLA-X700R, DLA-RS6710, DLA-RS67 and DLA-RS57, and five for the DLA-X500R, DLA-RS49, and DLA-RS4910. These store custom focus, zoom and horizontal/vertical lens shift position. This allows a constant height display of 4:3, 16:9, 2.35:1 or any other scope content without an additional anamorphic lens.

The flagship DLA-X900R and DLA-RS67/6710 have a 150,000:1 native contrast ratio and 1,500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. They come with two pairs of PK-AG3 RF 3D glasses and a PK-EM2 3D Signal Emitter.  The DLA-RS6710 also includes a spare lamp and comes with a five-year warranty versus a three-year warranty on the DLA-X900R and DLA-RS67.

JVC DLA-X55RBU Rear

The DLA-X700R and DLA-RS57 have a native contrast of 120,000:1, dynamic contrast ratio of 1,200,000:1, and come with a two-year warranty.

The DLA-X900R, DLA-X700R, DLA-RS6710, DLA-RS67 and DLA-RS57 offer ISF certification and are designed to achieve THX® 3D Certification (pending). All JVC THX Certified Projectors include THX 2D and 3D Cinema viewing.

The DLA-X500R, DLA-RS49 and DLA-RS4910 each have a native contrast ratio of 60,000:1 and have dynamic contrast ratio of 600,000:1. The DLA-RS4910 provides ISF certification and three-year warranty, while the DLA-X500R and DLA-RS67 come with a two-year warranty.

Two current models, the DLA-X35 and the DLA-RS46, are carried over from 2013 and will remain in the 2014 lineup.

The new JVC D-ILA home theater projectors will be available November with the following MSRPs:

DLA-RS6710: $12,499

DLA-X900R/DLA-RS67: $11,999

DLA-X700R/DLA-RS57: $7,999

DLA-RS4910: $5,199

DLA-X500R/DLA-RS49: $4,999

On Site Impressions

We we able to sit down and watch a demo of the DLA-X900R and it was ... less than memorable. The picture was fine, but every video clip was in slow motion so there was no way to determine if there would be any motion artifacts in real world use. And we only saw native 4k content. Next year we hope the demo will give us more time (or any time) to ask questions and really learn about and test out the gear and the new features.

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