JVC's Three New Projector Models Feature 4K e-shift5 and Upgraded HDR Performance
(AV NIRVANA) JVC's new RS640K e-shift5 projector(September 6, 2017) Many had speculated that 2016 would mark the end of JVC’s highly effective e-shift technology. And while JVC does offer one (prohibitively expensive) true 4K laser model, the company’s new line of sub-$8,000 projectors features an upgrade to e-shift, enhanced HDR functionality, and slight improvements to image brightness.
Before we dive into specifics and a demo impression, let’s talk e-shift, true 4K, and JVC. For those of you frustrated by JVC’s apparent e-shift stubbornness across its bulb-based projector offerings, it’s important to understand the company isn’t purposefully ignoring true 4K. In fact, JVC continues to experiment with 4K imagers, but the costs associated with using them would cause MSRPs to skyrocket well beyond reasonable levels.
At the end of the day, JVC’s biggest concern is delivering the best image performance for the money. And while the 4K badge is alluring, the company is more concerned with pouring its resources into technologies that deliver industry leading black levels, contrast, wide color, and high dynamic range (all key image factors). As for those added pixels associated with 4K, JVC believes its e-shift solution more than adequately delivers exceptional resolution beyond that of 1080p. For some, the lack of “true 4K,” a term that JVC’s biggest competitor proudly trumpets, is a deal breaker (but, it shouldn’t be).
JVC’s 2018 projector lineup offers three new models and a special limited-edition design meant to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the D-ILA device. Much like years past, the company has two lines (consumer and custom installer), both of which carry unique model numbers despite being the same projector. Here’s a look at the new model designations and pricing:
- DLA-X990RBK and RS640K: $7,999.95
- DLA-X790RBK and RS540K: $5,999.95
- DLA-X590RBK and RS440K: $3,999.95
- DLA-20LTD: price to be determined
Other features include HDCP2.2 on all HDMI inputs, THX 3D certification (RS640K and RS540K), six-axis color management, auto calibration, a screen adjustment mode that accommodates screens from an expanded list of manufacturers, and two memory settings for pixel adjustment functionality.
(AV NIRVANA) The anniversary edition DLA-20LTD
The DLA-20LTD anniversary model comes with an eye catching red body. According to JVC, this model offers a 200,000:1 native contrast ratio (trumping the RS640K’s 160,000:1 spec). Availability of this model will be announced at a later time.
JVC’s CEDIA 2017 demo room features a calibrated RS640K in a total light controlled environment. I watched portions of The Great Wall and found the image to be gorgeous and stunning. Color saturation, HDR, black levels, contrast and – yes – resolution were all noteworthy. Considering price, JVC appears to have another high-performance class of projectors that shouldn’t be ignored.
