The JVC DLA-RS1100 is a 1,900 lumen native 4K home theater that retails for $6,999. The RS1100’s high contrast ratio of 40,000:1 combined with true 4K (4096x2160) resolution and JVC’s industry-leading best black levels delivers exceptional picture quality at a reasonable price.

The RS1100 is part of JVC’s new D-ILA home theater projector models. These models all include 48Gbps HDMI inputs, which can accept 4K@120fps signals. While higher-end 8K e-Shift models are equipped with BLU-Escent laser light sources, the RS1100 is a lamp-based unit.

All JVC D-ILA projectors, including the RS1100, utilize JVC’s new 3^rd generation 0.69-inch native 4K D-ILA devices. Since this is a native 4K unit, unlike a 2K pixel shifting projector, it can faithfully reproduce all 8.8 million pixels found in 4K content.

Due to its D-ILA imagers, the RS1100 has a native contrast ratio of 40,000:1 (Dynamic Contrast Ratio 400,000:1), which is exceptional compared to 4K DLP projectors in its price point.

The DLA-RS1100 includes two JVC proprietary technologies to maximize HDR performance. First is the Frame Adapt HDR feature enables dynamic scene-by-scene and frame-by-frame HDR tone mapping of HDR10 content. The goal is to display highlight details while maintaining good screen brightness.

The brightness of a projected image can change depending on the screen size, screen gain, throw distance, and light source life. To precisely tone map, the projector’s processor needs to account for its exact brightness capability in your specific system.

The second feature, called the Theater Optimizer, combines information provided by the user, like screen size and gain, with the unit's current status, like lens zoom position and lamp condition to provide a more accurate baseline on which to apply dynamic tone mapping.

The projector can automatically and precisely adjust itself for optimum tone mapping and brightness by utilizing that user-inputted information and default projector information.

Theater Optimizer combined with Frame Adapt HDR results in great-looking HDR10 content while eliminating the hassle of having to constantly make manual Brightness and Contrast adjustments from bright to dark scenes or from movie to movie. The RS1100 also supports Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) to ensure that users are ready for live future HDR broadcasts.

JVC offers two different series of 4K D-ILA Projectors, which differ mainly in their cosmetic appearance. Both series can be found in home theaters and production facilities but are sold through different sales channels.

For example, the JVC Procision Series projectors are sold through retailers like Best Buy and Crutchfield, while the Reference Series models are available through the custom installation dealer network. I reviewed the JVC DLA-RS1100 from their Reference lineup, however, the nearly identical Procision Series version is the DLA-NP5.

With a retail price of $6,999, the JVC DLA-RS1100 is the least expensive model in the new JVC’s 4K D-ILA projector lineup. The RS1100 is very similar to the RS1000 it is replacing, but the new model is 100 lumens brighter and includes two 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 inputs to accept and display 4K@120fps signals.

Currently, there isn't a lot of high frame rate 4K video content available, but 4K@120fps can help deliver a smooth high-quality gaming experience from a high-end gaming computer as well as the latest PlayStation and XBOX gaming consoles.

While HDR10 and Dolby Vision are the main ways HDR content is distributed, Amazon Prime Video has announced support for HDR10+. There is also a limited number of 4K UHD Blu-ray discs available and a select number of UHD BD players from companies like Panasonic that support it.

The RS1100 supports 3D, which is great news for movie enthusiasts who have libraries containing 3D Blu-ray discs because users can still take advantage of the content they paid for.

Four new JVC laser projectors exist in both the Procision Series and Reference Series lines. The new Procision Series includes the DLA-NZ9, DLA-NZ8, DLA-NZ7, and DLA-NP5, while the Reference Series equivalents are the DLA-RS4100, DLA-RS3100, and the DLA-RS2100 and RS1100.

	NP5/RS1100	NZ7/RS2100	NZ8/RS3100	NZ9/RS4100
Price	$6999.95	$10,999.95	$15,999.95	$25,999.95
Resolution	4K	8K/e-shift	8K/e-shiftX	8K/e-shiftX
Light Source	Lamp	BLU-Escent laser	BLU-Escent laser	BLU-Escent laser
Brightness	1900lm	2,200lm	2,500lm	3,000lm
Native Contrast	40,000:1	40,000:1	80,000:1	100,000:1
Lens Assembly	65mm All glass	65mm All glass	65mm All glass	100mm All Glass
Cinema Filter	NO	NO	YES	YES

Spending $4,000 more to step up from the DLA-RS1100 to the DLA-RS2100 ($10,999 SRP) adds 8K/eshift and BLU-Escent light source, which is 300 lumens brighter. Like most JVC D-ILA projectors, the RS1100 utilizes a 17-element all-glass 65mm lens assembly to ensure that all the resolution provided by these 4K imagers reaches the screen. While JVC does offer a higher-end 100mm lens assembly on the DLA-NZ9 / DLA-RS4100, the image from the RS1100 was crisp and clear.

The lens assembly of the RS1100 is motorized with lens memories. You can quickly change between different zoom and shift preset settings to display content in different aspect ratios on a fixed 2.35:1 aspect projection screen.

The RS1100 is also equipped with a new “Installation Mode” that saves and recalls up to 9 different combinations of settings, including Lens Control, Pixel Adjustment, Mask, Anamorphic on or off, Screen Adjust, Installation Style, Keystone, Pincushion of lens settings, different aspect ratios, lens presets, convergence and screen masking positions. This RS1100 is compatible with commercially available anamorphic lenses and ultra-wide format screens for an immersive movie theater experience.

The RS1100 is targeted at serious home theater enthusiasts who desire JVC's legendary picture quality, black levels, along with tons of installation features at an approachable price.

HIGHLIGHTS

• $6,999 List Price
• Three Chip 4K D-ILA (4,096 x 2,160)
• Native 4K (4,096 x 2,160) Resolution
• 1,900 Lumens – Bright Enough to Handle Some Modest Ambient Light
• Lamp Life of 4,500 Hours (Low Mode)
• 40,000:1 Native Contrast Ratio (400,000:1 Dynamic)
• All-glass 17-element 65mm Lens
• Precise Dynamic HDR Tone Mapping
• HDR10+ and HLG Support
• Two 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 (HDCP 2.3) inputs support 8K/60P & 4K/120P
• Anamorphic Lens Compatible
• Motorized Lens with Lens Memory
  • Motorized zoom, focus, and lens shift
• Full HD 3D
• Full calibration controls
• Control4 Compatible
• 3-Year Advanced Replacement Warranty

The JVC DLA-NX7 is a HDR home theater projector that can deliver true 4K resolution (4096 x 2160). With a retail price of $8,999 it fits in the middle of the JVC 4K FPJ lineup and its high native contrast combined with 4K resolution results in a great amount of performance at a reasonable price. Since this is a native 4K unit, unlike a 2K pixel shifting projector, it can faithfully reproduce all 8.8 million pixels found in 4K content.

JVC claims the NX7 can produce 1,900 lumens, which is quite respectable. Lamp life is 4,500 hours in Low Mode which would allow use for several hours a day, every day for a couple years. Even with the Low Mode’s reduced lumen output, the NX7 is still capable of producing more than enough light for a dedicated home theater. All JVC NX series projectors utilize JVC’s new 3rd generation 0.69-inch native 4K D-ILA devices. These new panels offer a noticeable contrast improvement over previous generation 4K panels found in their flagship RS4500 laser projector. The NX7’s high contrast ratio of 800,000:1 combined with 4K resolution and JVC’s industry leading best black levels results in exceptional picture quality.

JVC offers both Consumer and Professional versions of their projectors. The main difference between the two lines are mostly cosmetic. I reviewed the JVC DLA-NX7 from their consumer lineup, however the nearly identical Reference Series (professional) version is the DLA RS2000.

JVC JVC DLA-NX7 Specs
Price	$8,999
Technology	DILA, 3Chip
Native Resolution	4096x2160
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	1900
Contrast	80000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio	2:00:1
Lens Shift	Yes
Lamp Life	4,500 hours
Weight	43.6lbs
Warranty	3 Years

Overview

JVC D-ILA projectors have always offered great native contrast and black levels but now they bring native 4K resolution to the table. I have witnessed many heated debates about what is more important – contrast or resolution. Now you don’t have to choose one over the other because JVC’s latest lineup of native 4K projectors delivers both. The new 0.69 inch 4K D-ILA devices used in this year’s JVC lineup offer a noticeable improvement in native contrast compared to the previous generation 4K panels found in their flagship RS4500 laser projector.

At a retail price of $8,999, the JVC DLA-NX7 falls right in the middle of the JVC’s 4K projector lineup. The JVC DLA-NX7 I reviewed is nearly identical to Reference series (professional) version called the DLA RS2000.

JVC claims the NX7 has a native contrast ratio of 80,000:1 (Dynamic Contrast Ratio 800,000:1) which is exceptional compared to other native 4K projectors in its price point. This high contrast ratio and deep blacks was a very noticeable improvement over my older Sony 4K projector.

The NX-7 is rated to output 1,900 lumens which is more than enough to produce a good HDR picture on screens up to 120” and an excellent SDR image on screens that are much larger.

The NX-7 can also deliver rich vibrant colors. JVC also claims that with the Cinema Filter engaged, the NX-7 can reproduce 100% of the DCI-P3 color space.
To further improve the NX7’s HDR performance, JVC has introduced a new Auto Tone Mapping feature which uses the Max CLL and Max FALL metadata to automatically adjust dark/bright levels to try to optimize the HDR viewing experience. You can fine tune the look of HDR to fit your taste by using the Mapping Level adjustment. The NX-7 also has a new HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) picture mode to ensure that users are ready for live future HDR broadcast.

The NX-7 utilizes the all glass 17 element lens in order to ensure that all the resolution provided by these 4K imagers reach the screen. While JVC does offer a higher-end lens assembly on the DLA-NX9 and DLA-RS4500K, the image from the NX-7 was crisp and clear.

Highlights

• $8,999 List Price
• Native 4K (4096 x 2160) Resolution 
• 1,900 Lumens – Bright Enough to Handle Some Modest Ambient Light
• D-ILA-3 Technology
• Lamp Life of 4,500 Hours (Low Mode)
• 80,000:1 Native Contrast Ratio (800,000:1 Dynamic)
• All-glass 7-element, 15-group 65mm Lens
• Wide Color Gamut exceeds DCI-P3 (over 77% BT.2020 Color Space)
• HDR with Auto Tone Mapping
• Two 18Gbps HDMI/HDCP 2.2 Compatible Inputs
• Anamorphic Ready
• Motorized Lens with Lens Memory
  • Motorized zoom, focus, and lens shift
• Full HD 3D
• Low Latency Mode improves picture, speeds operation, and reduces gaming/PC frame delays
• Up to 10 Customizable Picture Preferences
• Full calibration controls
• Control4 Compatible
• 3 Year Advanced Replacement Warranty

The DLA-RS600U and the virtually identical DLA-X950R are JVC's flagship models for the US Market (called the DLA-X9000 in Europe) and replace the DLA-RS67U, RS6710U and X900R models, that we had reviewed in April 2015 (HERE) and received our "Best in Class" award.   Although these new JVC projectors now accept 4K/UHD signals using the latest standards (i.e., HDMI 2.0a and HDCP 2.2) and offer wide color gamut and support for High Dynamic Range (HDR) video, they do not display the picture at full, native 4K resolution.  Rather, as with last year's models, JVC uses 1080p display chips along with a 4th generation of their pixel shifting technology (that JVC calls e-Shift4) to project a pseudo 4K image. A true full resolution 4K/UHD image contains approx. 8 million (8M) pixels while a 1080p HD image contains approx. 2M pixels.  These JVC projectors will take a 8M pixel image and sub-sample it to produce 4 million unique pixels that are then displayed as two sequential 2M frames that are offset diagonally from each other by 1/2 pixel.  The resulting image does contain twice as much information as a 1080p image but only one half of the information as a true 4K (i.e., 2160p) image.  The bottom line result is that a high quality 4K/UHD display or native 4K projector, when displaying a high quality native 4K video, can show a little more fine details than what is possible with these JVC projectors.  Usually the difference in resolution will be very subtle while other differences in picture quality may be more noticeable.   This will be discussed in more detail later in this review. NOTE:  See the May 2016 update to this review that addresses 4K/UHD performance - HERE Update 9/17:  JVC has announced the RS640 the latest in the series, to ship by year end. The newest iteration has HDR - both HDR10, and HLG (for streaming), plus improved e-shift pixel shifting.  We hope to review the new model in the next few months once they start shipping.