JVC DLA-X95R and RS66 Projectors: Physical Tour

Posted on June 26, 2013 by Art Feierman

JVC DLA-X95R Physical Appearance

This DLA-X95R projector, and its identical twin, the DLA-RS66 projector (except for the color of the trim ring around the lens, etc.), is the third generation in this larger box. The projector is definitely a full size larger than my own JVC RS20, and most other under $10,000 projectors with only the Sony's coming close in size.

As is the usual story with JVC, all lens features are motorized; zoom, lens shift and focus. The 2:1 zoom lens is center mounted, and recessed, The black finish of the projector is only interrupted by the trim ring around the lens, and some different textures on different surfaces. . Respectable looking, though large compared to most projectors that pass through here.

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This DLA-X95R projector, and its identical twin, the DLA-RS66 projector (except for the color of the trim ring around the lens, etc.), is the third generation in this larger box. The projector is definitely a full size larger than my own JVC RS20, and most other under $10,000 projectors with only the Sony's coming close in size.

As is the usual story with JVC, all lens features are motorized; zoom, lens shift and focus. The 2:1 zoom lens is center mounted, and recessed, The black finish of the projector is only interrupted by the trim ring around the lens, and some different textures on different surfaces. . Respectable looking, though large compared to most projectors that pass through here.

The control panel on the JVC projector is located on the back in the center, as you can see in these images. We're seeing more and more projectors moving the control panel off the top, including most Epson projectors, the Sonys, JVC has placed the control panel for the DLA-X95R (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 keep an eye on your the DLA-X95's remote control.

Control Panel

At the top, is the Power button, with the usual press once for On, press twice for Off. Note: The JVC also has a hard power switch by the power cord.

The Input - source selection is next, followed by the OK, the Enter key.

Then comes the four arrow buttons in a diamond shaped arrangement. It would have been nice to have the OK button in the center, instead of above.

Lastly, side by side, are the Menu, and (menu) Back buttons. Pretty standard stuff. Of course, we all primarily rely on the remote control, and probably only use the control panel during initial setup, if at all. Especially buried on the back.

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JVC DLA-X95R and DLA-RS66 Projector Input/Output

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 possible updates and other uses.

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 external 3D sync device. 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).

Missing are the usual S-video and composite video inputs.

Just a couple years ago, that would have been limiting to many. It's less of a challenge today. I can feed an HDMI signal MacBook right in through one of the HDMI ports. HDMI is used more and more. The PC input, it should be noted can handle more than one type of source.

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