JVC DLA-HD100 First Look

JVC's latest high-end LCOS projector sports an unprecedented (claimed) native contrast ratio of 30,000:1, an industry first and a number they say is achieved without the use of a dynamic iris. The DLA-HD100 is to be marketed by JVC’s consumer group, JVC Company of America and is positioned to complement the recently launched DLA-HD1.

To attain their native contrast ratio of 30,000:1, the projector employs proprietary technology via the 0.7-inch full HD D-ILA devices and optical engine. Three D-ILA devices are used, one each for red, green and blue. The D-ILA devices reduce stray light caused by the dispersion and diffraction of reflected light. JVC also decreased orientation irregularities by reducing the gaps between pixels and adopting improved liquid crystals. The device itself is said to be theoretically capable of achieving a contrast ratio of 40,000 to 1.

The projector also offers dual HDMI 1.3 inputs with Deep Color support and even a motorized Fujinon 2x zoom lens. Gennum’s VXP deinterlacing and scaling technology is used for handing all video processing as well as noise reduction.

This should be enough inputs for most people

The DLA-HD100’s high performance 2x zoom lens is made by Fujinon Corporation and features a large-diameter, all-glass lens assembly with 16 elements in 13 groups. This lens minimizes chromatic aberration and provides a high-resolution picture by ensuring that individual pixels remain perfectly focused on the screen. In terms of placement flexibility, the DLA-HD100 delivers, with +/- 80 percent vertical and +/- 34 percent horizontal lens shift. The projectors can easily be ceiling mounted (preferred) or placed on a tabletop or rear shelf.

A V-Stretch function is available which allows for a more efficient projection of 2.35:1 anamorphic movies. These film images are normally viewed with letterbox black bands at the top and bottom of the screen. With V-Stretch, the image is expanded vertically so that every part of the D-ILA device is utilized to create the image, increasing brightness and sharpness. For a small *cough* price, a third party anamorphic lens can then be used to stretch the image to its full extra wide 2.35:1 image ratio, just as seen in motion picture theaters.

The DLA-HD100 will be available through JVC Company of America in November for less than $8,000. It will be part of the company’s new "Procision" series of premium-level products, along with the current DLA-HD1 and JVC’s new Clear Motion Drive II LCD TVs. JVC Procision products will only be marketed through a select group of dealers.

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