JVC DLA-X3 DLA-X7 and DLA-X9 D-ILA Projectors First Look

We stopped by JVC's booth today and saw their six new 3D-enabled D-ILA projectors. All six have impressive native contrast ratios, and the top model is spec'd at 100,000:1. The new projectors are the Reference Series DLA-RS60, DLA-RS50 and DLA-RS40, to be marketed by JVC’s Professional Products Group, and the Procision Series DLA-X9, DLA-X7 and DLA-X3, to be available through JVC’s Consumer Electronics Group.

"3D has recently become a major box office draw. Now, with 3D broadcast channels emerging, and a growing number of 3D Blu-ray titles available, consumers want the immersive 3D experience in their homes. Our new line of D-ILA projectors sets a new standard for home cinema. It’s an immersive home 3D viewing experience."

- Gary Klasmeier, product engineering manager, D-ILA Systems, JVC Professional Products

For 3D content, each projector includes two HDMI 1.4a ports and supports side-by-side (broadcast), frame series (Blu-ray), and above-below 3D transmissions. An (optional) external 3D Signal Emitter (PK-EM1) syncs the projected image with JVC’s Active Shutter 3D Glasses (PK-AG1). The system is designed to be flexible and universal - which is good considering JVC's penchant for being OEM'd by other manufacturers (simply because their technology looks so good).

With technology this good, we wondered why the company showed off its new technology on an SI Screens system. The gray screen technology artificially inflated the perceived black - great if you think yu can ool everyone, but for those of us who wanted native and real numbers, we'd have to wait to see it later. The other thing we thought was funny was that the first 5 minutes or so of the resentation was a multimedia "me show" of Epson's history and technology.

The new flagship projectors, the DLA-RS60 and DLA-X9, are - according to JVC - built using hand-selected, hand-tested components and provide a 100,000:1 native contrast ratio. For 3D display, both models come with two pairs of 3D glasses along with a PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter. Both projectors also have a three-year warranty.

The DLA-RS50 and DLA-X7 offer 70,000:1 native contrast ratio, while the DLA-RS40 and DLA-X3 offer 50,000:1 native contrast ratio. All four projectors come with a two-year warranty and are compatible with JVC’s PK-AG1 Active Shutter 3D Glasses and PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter (sold separately) for 3D presentations.

All six new projectors feature three 0.7" 1920 x 1080 D-ILA devices and are designed around JVC's third generation D-ILA High Dynamic Range optical engine that is optimized to provide exceptional native contrast ratios without a dynamic iris to artificially enhance contrast specifications.  A directed light integration system and wire grid polarizer ensures optimum light uniformity and minimal crosstalk in the light path.  In the top four models (DLA-RS60, DLA-RS50, DLA-X9, DLA-X7) a 16-step lamp aperture system matches the 16-step lens aperture to optimize the f-number (relative aperture) of the optics system in all steps. The DLA-RS40 and DLA-X3 just feature the 16-step lens aperture.

With a new short arc gap, lamp brightness has been increased from earlier JVC models to 1,300 ANSI lumens.  To reduce motion blur, JVC’s double-speed 120Hz Clear Motion Drive technology uses a newly developed LSI for frame interpolation black frame insertion.

The four top models – DLA-X7/DLA-RS50 and DLA-X9/DLA-RS60 – have been designed to achieve THX certification (Pending) and are in the process of being tested by THX. They are also licensed by ISF to carry their certification and will include an ISF C3 mode for professional calibration.

These same four models also include a new seven-axis color management system (R, G, B, C, M, Y and orange) that allows precise color tuning, especially in skin tones, and a choice of color profiles, including Adobe RGB, DCI and sRGB/HDTV.  Ninety-nine screen correction modes help to maximize viewing environments.

All six models share a completely new design, with a center-mounted lens and rear power, signal and control connectors for improved cable management and more versatile positioning and mounting options. Rear-to-front airflow also allows more placement flexibility while reducing thermal concerns.

The new JVC D-ILA projectors will be available in late November at the following prices:

• DLA-RS60/DLA-X9        $11,995
• DLA-RS50/DLA-X7        $7,995
• DLA-RS40/DLA-X3        $4,495

JVC’s PK-AG1 3D glasses ($179) and PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter ($79) will also be available in late November.

About JVC U.S.A.
Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, JVC U.S.A. is a division of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Victor Company of Japan Ltd. JVC distributes a complete line of video and audio equipment for the consumer and professional markets. For further product information, visit JVC’s website.

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