JVC DLA-HD2K - Summary, Pros, Cons

Overview
Layout
Image Quality
General Performance
Setup
Warranty
Summary, Pros, Cons

The JVC HD2K produces a phenomenal image. For your $30,000, first of all you get a true Hi-Def projector with a native resolution of 1920x1080. The competition out there right now at that price point are almost all 3 chip DLP projectors with only 1280x720 resolution. You immediately see the difference in sharpness off of your Hi-Def sources from cable, satellite, or over the air. It doesn't stop there, either, when watching DVD's you can see the difference there as well, although less noticeable, since the source material is lower resolution.

Now if this was simply the sharpest image quality available, that would be impressive, but what really makes my heart beat fast is the color handling. The richness of the colors is superior to any other projector I have seen. The accuracy seems near impeccable. In my two attempts to calibrate, I ended up with no significant changes. (Since calibrating is done by "eye", and there is wiggle room, when things aren't perfect, I jotted down my settings, and then started over.) Truth is, calibrating was hardly worth the time put in, when I consider how slight the changes were.

The contrast ratio, rated 2000:1 does not tell the true story. In comparing the HD2K against my reference BenQ 8700+ (claiming 2500:1 contrast) I achieved darker black levels on the JVC. This may be in part due to the JVC being pre-calibrated to the D65 standard, which would produce a lower measured contrast ratio, than measuring the projector at maximum

brightness (where the "color temperature" is more like 10,000 kelvin, than 6500K). Bottom line - the black levels were excellent. There are projectors that can do better but the JVC more than makes up for any slight loss, by virtue of outstanding image quality in all other areas.
If you have the budget, if your screen isn't too large (I'd say that 126" diagonal is about as wide as you would want to go, although, if your room has dark walls, etc., you might be able to stretch it to 140" diagonal (which is about what JVC says is maximum), you can't beat this projector. So line up your contractors, place your order, and enjoy home theater - as good as it gets!

Pro's:

• Clearest image thanks to true 2K resolution
• Separate processor box, puts most wiring with the rest of your equipment, simplifying installation
• Digital Video Processor box also makes it easier to upgrade your other equipment
• Rich dynamic colors
• Excellent color accuracy
• Remote is well laid out
• Lens has fairly long throw - conceivably can be shelf mounted in back of some rooms
• Wide angle adapter lens for shorter throw environments
• Pre-calibrated, near perfect out of the box
• Despite high price, the 2K resolution makes it a relative bargain
• Warranty is longer than most Home Theater projectors
• Faroufja's top of the line? video processing, with color matrixing
• Lamp can be changed without unmounting the projector

Con's:

• No variable lens shift
• No keystone correction (minor - shouldn't be used anyway)
• Interchangeable lenses not available, unknown if image quality degrades with wide angle attachment. Lens has limited 1.3:1 zoom ratio, fairly long throw
• Vents out the rear, could require extra ventilation if shelf mounting
• Noise level is higher than many, but should not pose a problem
• Could be a bit brighter, for very large screens (I found it acceptable at 120" diagonal)

Typical:

• Styling, the JVC is your basic box, although it is black with silver speckles
• Ease of use
• Lamp life: 2000 hours

Overview
Layout
Image Quality
General Performance
Setup
Warranty
Summary, Pros, Cons