(January 11, 2023) JVC launched a new gaming and home theater projector at CES 2023. Promising to be a viable option for big screen gaming, the LX-NZ30 offers support for high frame rates and high brightness for use in rooms with higher ambient light levels. Available in March 2023 ($3499), the NZ30 4K/HDR projector boasts low latency and support for frame rates up to 1080p/240Hz. What’s more, it uses a new high power BLU-Escent laser light source that delivers 3,300 lumens and is rated for 20,000 hours of operation. Both HDR10 and HLG formats are supported, with automatic picture mode selection. These features and capabilities make the new LX-NZ30 an ideal projector for high frame rate gaming and home theater, in either a dedicated environment or in rooms with higher ambient light.
We caught up with JVC at the Venetian during CES 2023 and got a look at a prototype version of the NZ30. Despite low light conditions, we still managed to pull together a video detailing the projector's new technologies!
From JVC:
Main Features
1. High efficiency BLU-Escent laser light source delivers 3,300 lumens and 20,000 hour long life
A new 105W blue laser diode assembly replaces the previous 95W design, making it possible to achieve higher brightness of 3,300 lumens. This is an improvement of 10 percent over the previous model (LX-NZ3). High brightness allows for use in rooms with higher ambient lighting, while increasing the peak brightness during HDR projection, allowing users to enjoy images with a wider dynamic range.
2. Supports HDR (High Dynamic Range) with rich video content
The new LX-NZ30 projects HDR content with sharp, higher-quality, dynamic images. In addition to HDR 10 used in the ULTRA HD Blu-ray format, the projector also supports HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) used in broadcasting. The projector detects the signal and automatically switches to the best quality mode so HDR content can be enjoyed without having to adjust individual settings.
3. Smooth video and low latency with support for high frame rate (up to 1080P/240Hz)
The new projector supports up to 1080P/240Hz input with latency as low as 6.25ms (1.5 frames). This allows users to enjoy game content with a frame rate much higher than what conventional projectors offer, and delivers the absolute smoothest motion on the largest projection screens.
4. New connectivity options
In addition to dual HDMI Inputs (HDCP 2.3, the LX-NZ30 offers a variety of new connectivity options:
· The DisplayPort 1.2a input terminal allows direct connection from a PC equipped with that terminal and supports a wide range of resolutions and refresh rates;
· USB* Direct Connect;
· Both RS232C and LAN Control Ports;
· 12V Trigger Port.
5. Equipped with a lens shift of ± 60 percent vertical, ± 23 percent horizontal, and 1.6X zoom for installation flexibility
In addition to a lens shift with a wide range of movement (up and down ± 60 percent, left and right ± 23 percent), the 1.6x zoom enables a projection distance of approximately 9.8 feet to 15.7 feet using a 100-inch screen. This allows flexibility for a variety of installation environments.
6. Extensive geometric distortion correction for ease of installation
In addition to the keystone correction function that adjusts horizontal, vertical, and tilt, the projector is equipped with other new adjustment functions. Corner adjustment adjusts all four corners, while warping corrects distortion for each area. In combination with lens shift, these features offer a high degree of installation flexibility.
7. High performance Dynamic Dimming Control
The laser light source controls the light output instantaneously, providing dynamic brightness adjustment with less delay compared to a conventional mechanical aperture. By controlling the output of the laser according to the brightness of the scene, black levels are improved and the projector reproduces images closer to human visual perception.
8. 0.47inch DMDTM enables high-definition 4K display
Equipped with the 0.47-inch DMD device and four-way e-shift, the LX-NZ30 offers a high-resolution 4K display with over 8 million addressable pixels.
9. Compact cabinet available in two colors
The projector’s compact size (15 7/8 inches wide, 13 1/16 inches deep) allows for versatile installation, and it is available in either black or white. The black cabinet is ideal for a home theater room, while the white cabinet works well in multi-purpose room applications that typically have higher ambient lighting.
