JVC Unveils 2014 UHD D-ILA Projector Lines
Denver — JVC unveiled at CEDIA Expo 2013 here Thursday the next iterations of its Ultra HD home-theater projectors incorporating the next phase in its E-shift up-scaling technology, E-shift3, which offers substantial improvements in image quality, according to the company.
JVC said the overall picture-quality performance boost is also driven by a new D-ILA imaging device and a user-selectable Intelligent Lens Aperture, which combine to produce some of the industry’s highest dynamic contrast and black levels.
The 2014 models will all ship to dealers in November and include the Procision Series DLA-X900R ($11,999 suggested retail), DLA-X700R ($7,999) and DLA-X500R ($4,999), marketed by JVC’s consumer A/V group, and the Reference-series DLA-RS6710 ($12,499 suggested retail), DLA-RS67 ($11,999), DLA-RS57 ($7,999), DLA-RS4910 ($5,199) and DLA-RS49 ($4,999), available through JVC’s professional products company division.
All of the new units now are compatible with native Ultra HD signal sources and can process 4K signals for a smoother, more 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 up-conversion process by detecting the frequency of each pixel.
The models include a 4K signal input (60p) so that now both 4K and 2K sources can be displayed as 3,840 by 2,160 Ultra HD resolution images.
Each projector is equipped with three sixth-generation JVC D-ILA imaging devices that feature 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 listed as the following: DLA-X900R/RS67/RS6710 models are said to produce a native contrast ratio of 150,000:1; models DLA-X700R/RS57 produce a 120,000:1 native contrast ratio, and models DLA-X500R/RS49/RS4910 produce 60,000:1 contrast ratio images.
A user-selectable Intelligent Lens Aperture produces deeper black levels while maintaining white levels that JVC said are superior to those produced by projectors equipped with a dynamic iris. Dynamic contrast ratios for the new models were measured at the following: models LA-X900R/RS67/RS6710 (1,500,000:1); models DLA-X700R/RS57 (1,200,000:1); and models DLA-X500R/RS49/RS4910 (600,000:1).
Picture quality is also enhanced through a new Clear Black feature that provides local area contrast enhancement, and improved Clear Motion Drive (CMD 3), which uses a new LSI and algorithm to clean up motion artifacts on diagonal lines on 4K and 2K 2D content and 2K 3D content.
Other new enhancements for 2014 include two memory settings for pixel convergence to store correction settings for external lenses; a new smartphone app that provides remote control functionality for the projector; and Adobe RGB picture mode on the top five models.
This year, 3D-compatible models offer RF rather than IR connected active-shutter glasses to limit interference. They have lens memory settings to store custom focus, and zoom and horizontal/vertical lens shift positions to provide a constant height on 4:3, 16:9, and 2.35:1 aspect ratio material without an anamorphic lens.
The flagship DLA-X900R and DLA-RS67/6710 are built using hand-selected, hand-tested components and offer 3D capability. They ship 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 vs. a three-year warranty on the DLA-X900R and DLA-RS67.
The DLA-X700R and DLA-RS57 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 pass the 400-plus tests necessary to achieve THX 3D Certification (pending). All JVC THX Certified Projectors include THX 2D and 3D Cinema viewing modes to provide accurate color reproduction through a pre-calibrated setting.
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, remain in the line for 2014.