JVC DLA-RS20 Projector: Pros, Cons, and Typical Capabilities

Posted on January 26, 2009 By Art Feierman

JVC DLA-RS20 Projector: Pros

The best black levels of any projector we have worked with, at any price. (Just slightly better than the RS2 it replaces, which was the former black level champ)
Very good color accuracy post calibration in best mode
Significantly brighter than average in “best” modes – not the brightest out there, but plenty of lumens for larger screens
Manual iris allows you to dial down brightness for smaller screen, which in turn increases contrast and black level performance slightly
Very good shadow detail performance
The combination of extremely good color accuracy, and black levels makes for the best overall picture quality of any projector we have reviewed
Two HDMI 1.3b inputs, full support for 24 fps, Deep Color, etc.
Outputs 24 frame per second sources at 96 fps
Three User definable image modes (User 1,2,3) in addition to being able to modify all the predefined modes, except THX (which has limited adjustments available). Plus, three Custom modes each, for Gamma, Color Temp, and CMS
Good layout on the remote control, and a good backlight with easily readable buttons
Excellent placement flexibility due to 2:1 zoom and lens shift
Focus, Zoom and Lens shift all motorized (see special features, first page for fringe benefits)
Very good menus
The price is reasonable for the outstanding performance!

Calibrating the CMS (color management system) is very tricky, as adjusting some controls affects others, something one does not expect to happen in a typical CMS
Slightly below average brightness in “brightest” modes
A third HDMI input would be nice
Slight (but acceptable) pixel misalignment, only partially corrected on this unit by the pixel adjustment feature
Key action on remote control is a bit iffy, range somewhat limited, you need to find the right angle when pointing for a bounce off of your screen
Documentation is typically weak in terms of explaining a number of settings features and modes. Examples include no chart for lens shift offsets, no details about interaction of the CMS settings, no explanations of the different look and feel of the four preset gammas…

Selection of inputs
Just average lamp life – 2000 hours in High lamp power, “Normal lamp mode can increase lamp life”
Average sharpness for a 1080p projector – this can be improved however, with the sharpness and detail enhancement controls, without creating noticeable sharpening artifacts
Documentation (I’m still waiting to see a projector that really does provide good explanations of all the menu functions).