This DLA-RS60 projector is the first JVC we're reviewing using the new, larger box. The projector is definitely a size larger than last year's RS35, or, for that matter, all previous RS projectors which have shared the same case. We presume the larger box is there for the 3D design, and to provide a quieter, cooler solution than trying to stuff it all in the older design.
JVC offers up a new variation of last year's remote, for the JVC DLA-RS60 and its siblings, the RS50, RS40, X3, X7, and X9. I'll have a picture up as soon as another JVC arrives.
This year's remote has some different functions, although the actual physical remote is the same, but some buttons doing different jobs than last year's version.
Two power buttons near the top. On on the right, and Off to the left.
Then come two rows with six discrete inputs, including the 2 HDMIs.
The next row has some new functions. There is still the main lens function, but to its right, in the center, is now the Lens Aperture control instead of aspect ratio. On the right is a button to control the CFI - smooth motion - they call Clear Motion Drive.
Next row - two small round buttons, one is a Hide feature, the other is the backlight button.
Then comes the arrow keys and navigation in a round configuration, with a center OK (Enter) button. Below the ring, are Menu and Back, two more small round buttons.
Further down, are nine more buttons in 3 rows, each sporting a different Picture preset like THX, User, or Cinema.
That leaves only the last four buttons at the bottom of the JVC DLA-RS60, and, from left to right, they provide direct access to controls for:
Gamma, Color Temperature, Color Profiles, and Picture Adjust which toggles you through all the usual controls like brightness, contrast, sharpness...
Despite the claim of only 7 meters (about 22 feet) max range, We found last year's version to be a good deal more robust than that. Expect the same this year.
DLA-RS60 Lens Throw
The JVC RS60's 2:1 aspect ratio zoom lens provides plenty of placement flexibility to either ceiling or shelf mount. To fill a 100 inch diagonal, 16:9 aspect ratio screen, the front of the projector can be as close as 9 feet, 11 inches, or as far back as 20 feet, 1 inches. Using these measurements for 100 inches, you can figure out the range for any other screen size. These are the same as with last year's JVC projectors.
DLA-RS60 Lens Shift
The RS60 has lots of lens shift too, and it's motorized. For that same 100 inch screen, the projector can be placed anywhere between 15 inches above the top of your screen surface, to 15 inches below the bottom of the screen surface. Those are approximates, JVC doesn't have exact numbers in its manual, but likely it's 14 inches and change above and below.
There are some projectors with a bit more lens shift, but that's pretty good flexibility. The horizontal lens shift allows a maximum of about 30 inches to the left or right of the center point.
Remember, that the two "work together" the more vertical you use, the less horizontal is available, and vice versa. If you have maximum vertical, there is no horizontal lens shift, and so on.
Anamorphic Lens
JVC offers an anamorphic lens and motorized sled for the JVC DLA-RS60, and X9. JVC uses a Panamorph lens, and sled. If you buy it from JVC, instead of Panamorph (through your dealer, either way), you'll get a custom mounting plate for the sled, instead of a "universal" one with lots of different holes to support many projectors. It's your call. It's possible you can save money using the generic. If you are going through a local dealer, you'll spend less money on the mounting, with the JVC custom version, which might offset the higher cost. If you are doing it yourself, well, a custom plate is easier, obviously, but if you have talent with such things, I'm sure the generic plate will serve you just as well, even if it takes a bit longer.
A motorized sled is optional as there is a second anamorphic mode designed to let you watch 16:9 and 4:3, with the anamorphic lens set permanently in front of the lens.
