JVC DLA-X55R and RS48 Projectors – Physical Tour

This DLA-X55R projector, and its essentially identical twin (but for some trim), the DLA-RS48 projector , is the third generation in this larger box (and sporting 3D). The projector is definitely a size larger than my own JVC RS20, and is at least as large as just about any other under $10,000 projectors.

Everything is motorized, which means zoom, lens shift and focus. The 2:1 zoom lens is center mounted, and recessed, The otherwise shiny black piano finish of the projector is only interrupted by the gold trim ring around the lens, gold lettering, etc. Elegant looking, though large compared to most projectors that pass through here.

The JVC DLA-X55R’s indicator lights are on the top front to the left of the lens (if you are facing the projector). In addition to the lens, the front also houses the front Infra-red sensor for the remote control. (There’s a second one in the back.)

Four screw thread adjustable feet are located on the bottom of both the X55R and DLA-RS48 projectors.

As to connectors, there’s a pair of HDMI 1.4a inputs, and a LAN connector on the top row. Below is an RS232 serial port for command and control. Next over, three color coded RCA jacks for component video, and then a DIN S-video jack. On the third row, the left hand side has the Din connector for the provided 3D emitter. An analog PC input (HD15) is next. (The lower cost X30 and RS45 lack a dedicated standard computer input.) Further over are a screen trigger, and a jack for hard wiring the remote control. That’s it but for the power receptacle.

There is, of course, a control panel on the projector. Instead of on top, where a majority of projectors have their control panels, JVC has placed the control panel for the DLA-X55R (and the other new RS and X series projectors) in the center of the back panel of the projector. That’s right next to the inputs and other connectors. For most, that’s just fine. If you are shelf mounting, however, with minimum rear space on your shelf, getting to the control panel will be essentially impossible, so don’t misplace the JVC X55R’s remote control.

All of the JVC projector’s connectors are located on the back left side. The top row starts with a pair of HDMI 1.4a connectors. There’s also a LAN connector, and an RS-232 serial port for system control for whole room or whole home systems such as Crestron, Control4, etc.Updates can be accomplished through the LAN port as well.

Next up, are three RCA connectors for the component video input. There are no composite or S-Video inputs. The rear IR sensor for the remote, is to the right of the component video (and hard to see in the image above.)

The bottom row has the sync port (a DIN connector) for the 3D emitter.  This year it the emitter itself just plugs in, as seen in this photo.  You can, however, use last year’s emitter by plugging in its cable instead. I can’t think of why, however, you would want to. Finally, there is a 12 volt screen trigger for controlling a motorized screen or masking system, and a hard wire for the remote control should the projector be where it can’t “see” the IR signal from the remote (usually a rear screen setup).

If there’s one really missed input, that would be a traditional analog computer input (HD15 connector) to connect to most computers.

A few years ago, that could have been a big headache for many.  It’s less of a challenge today, as many people can output an HDMI signal from their computer, as I do with my MacBook Pro.  There are work arounds, of course, for those lacking an HDMI port (on their computer) but most will cost you some money, and, of course life would be simpler if the analog port was included.  Since the X55R lacks the computer input, it sure would have been a nice touch if there was a 3rd HDMI input.