JVC has announced three new D-ILA home theater projector models. The JVC DLA-NZ9 is an HDR home theater projector that delivers true 4K resolution (4096 x 2160). It is the replacement for the award-winning DLA-NX9/RS3000 which we reviewed a while back. These JVC models all utilize their BLU-Escent laser light source, include 8K e-shift technology and they are the world's first projectors to offer 48Gbps 8K/60p inputs.

With a retail price of $25,999, the DLA-NZ9 sits at the higher end of JVC's D-ILA FPJ lineup but its high native contrast combined with 4K resolution results in exceptional performance. 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.

While there are several 8K flat panels available on the market today but there are very few projectors that can display 8K content. JVC was the first company to offer a projector that could display resolutions higher than 4K. However, JVC's proprietary 8K e-shift feature which shifts each pixel diagonally 0.5 pixel to increase projected resolution was only available on the higher end NX9/RS3000 ($17,999 SRP). This year 8K e-shift is available on the DLA-NZ7/RS2100 which retails for just $10,999.

In addition, the DLA-NZ9/RS4100 or DLA-NZ8/RS3100 are equipped with the new and improved 8K/e-shiftX which can now shift the image in four directions (up, down, left, and right) to produce over 35.3 million addressable pixels, which is enough to display 8K resolution onscreen. The D-ILA drive device was improved, and it is now possible to display images at a speed equivalent to 240Hz. Faster pixel shifting makes it even more difficult to visually differentiate native 8K from pixel-shited 8K.

The unit's BLU-Escent laser light source technology can produce brightness up to 3,000lm for 20,000 hours of nearly maintenance-free operation. The NZ9's high native contrast ratio of 100,000:1 (1,000,000:1 Dynamic) combined with 4K resolution and JVC's industry-leading black levels result in exceptional picture quality.

OVERVIEW

JVC is one of the premium manufacturers of Home Theater Projectors. Over the years due to their high contrast, great black level, and native 4K resolution, their projectors have won numerous awards.

JVC offers two different series of D-ILA Home Theater Projectors which differ mainly in their cosmetic appearance. Both series are designed for home theater customers and production facilities but sell through different sales channels. For example, NZ (Procision) Series projectors are sold through retailers like BestBuy and Crutchfield, while the RS (Reference) Series models are available through the custom installation dealer network.

The three new JVC laser projectors are in both the Procision Series and Reference Series lines. The new Procision Series models are the DLA-NZ9, DLA-NZ8, and DLA-NZ7, and the Reference Series equivalents are the DLA-RS4100, DLA-RS3100, and the DLA-RS2100.

Model	Price (SRP)	Displayed Resolution	Brightness	Native Contrast	Lens
NZ9 / RS4100	$25,999.95	8K/e-shiftX	3,000lm	100,000:1	100mm All Glass
NZ8 / RS3100	$15,999.95	8K/e-shiftX	2,500lm	80,000:1	65mm All Glass
NZ7 / RS2100	$10,999,95	8K/e-shift	2,200lm	40,000:1	65mm All glass
NP5 / RS1100	$6999.95	4K	1,900lm	40,000:1	65mm All glass

At a retail price of $25,999, the JVC DLA-NZ9 / RS4100 is at the top end of the JVC 4K projector lineup. It uses the same 18 Element, 16 Group, All-Glass 100mm Diameter Zoom Lens found in DLA NX9 /RS3000. However, the bulb found in the previous model has been replaced with a BLU-Escent™ (Laser Diode/Phosphor) light source which can deliver higher brightness (3,000 ANSI lumens).

JVC claims the NZ9 has a native contrast ratio of 100,000:1 (Dynamic Contrast Ratio 1,000,000:1) which is exceptional. Laser dimming gives the NZ9 a nearly infinite dynamic contrast ratio. In addition, the NZ9 can also deliver rich vibrant colors. JVC also claims that with the Cinema Filter engaged, the NZ9 can reproduce 100% of the DCI-P3 color space.

In addition to the new laser light source-equipped 8K e-shift models, JVC also offers the DLA-NP5 /DLA-RS1100. These two native 4K D-ILA models are lamp-based units and do not include 8K e-shift. This helps keep the cost down compared to its laser-equipped big brothers. JVC is offering each of these projectors for $6,999 MSRP.

All the new DILA projectors in JVC's lineup including the NP5 /RS1100 are equipped with dual 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 inputs designed to accept 8K/60fps and 4K/120fps signals. While the DLA-NP5/DLA-RS1100 can not display 8K, they are a great match with the latest gaming consoles like a PlayStation5 or Xbox Series X. The new 8K-shift equipped projectors like the NZ9 can not only accept but they can display both 8K/60fps and 4K/120fps content.

The NZ9 uses an all-glass 18 element lens in order to ensure that all the resolution provided by these 4K imagers reach the screen. This lens assembly is one finest offered on a Home Theater projector and they are a big reason why the NZ9 commands a premium price over the NZ7.

To maximize the HDR performance of the NZ9, it includes a couple of JVC proprietary technologies. First is Frame Adapt HDR which is dynamic scene-by-scene and frame-by-frame HDR tone mapping of HDR10 content. Next is Theater Optimizer which combines information provided by the user with the unit's current status to provide a more accurate baseline on which to apply their dynamic tone mapping.

In addition, to supporting the HDR10 format used in UHD Blu-ray and streaming, along with the HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) format used in broadcasting, the NZ9 also supports HDR10+.

Combining 8K e-shift X, laser light source accurate colors, custom install feature with D-ILA's industry-leading contrast and black level put the NZ9 / RS4100 puts these models head and shoulders above the competition.

A rather exciting evolution of home theater projectors was revealed at CEDIA 2018, held last month in San Diego. We learned of the first home theater projector to support 8K resolution – something we’ve been waiting for ever since 4K became a thing. Always looking to the future here, the next best thing. When JVC announced the DLA-RS3000 – they announced the next best thing. In this First Look Review, we will explore the features of the JVC DLA-RS3000 and see what this addition to the world of home theater has in store for us!

Before we get into it – what is a First Look Review? Our First Look Reviews are one-page, simple reviews based on the projector’s specs, features, and our thoughts based on those aspects, before we get the projector in for review – these First Looks are a mixture of insight and common sense. We won’t know if the projector lives up to our expectations until we get it in for testing, but we can make assumptions from what we know about similar projectors from the manufacturers, in addition to those specs/features. Now, on with our First Look Review of the JVC DLA-RS3000!

JVC Specs
Price
Technology	D-ILA-3
Native Resolution	4,096 x 2,160
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	2200
Contrast	1,000,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
Lens Shift	No
Lamp Life
Weight
Warranty

Overview

The JVC DLA-RS3000 is a $1,7999 home theater projector with true 4K resolution (4096 x 2160). Wait, what about 8K? Though this JVC is not native 8K, it is 8K in the same sense that those lower-cost 4K UHD projectors are 4K. That is, it’s a pixel shifter that takes a true 4K image and shifts the pixels, overlapping them, to reach the new “standard” for 8K resolution (8192 x 4320). Guys, 8K is so new that there’s barely even a standard for it yet. JVC is calling their new pixel shifting technology “8K eShift.” This builds off the brand’s 4K eShift, which has been around for a while.

This new JVC claims 2,200 lumens, which is quite respectable. Lamp life is 4,500 hours in Low Mode, which will reduce lumen output, but in a dedicated home theater, this projector will be nicely bright. That’ll give you a couple years of heavy use, watching for several hours a night, every day of the year. It has a high contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 – add to that JVC’s reputation of having the best black levels around, and you’ve got one heck of a home theater projector.

The DLA-RS3000 is a hefty projector, with the usual long, rectangular shape. It’s 19.6” wide, 20.4” long, and 9.3” high. In addition to its 8K capabilities, this JVC has a few other special features which make it even more useful in a home theater environment. We’ll get into that in the Special Features section on this page, after we talk about the Highlights of the JVC DLA-RS3000 projector.

Highlights

• $17,999 List Price
• Native 4K (4096 x 2160) Resolution – With 8K Pixel Shifting Technology
• 2,200 Lumens – Bright Enough to Handle Some Modest Ambient Light
• D-ILA-3 Technology
• Lamp Life of 4,500 Hours (Low Mode)
• 100,000:1 Native Contrast Ratio – Up to 1,000,000:1
• 100mm All Glass Lens
• Reaches 100% of the P3/BT.2020 Expanded Color Space
• HDR with Auto Tone Mapping
• Two 18Gbps HDMI/HDCP 2.2 Compatible Inputs
• Anamorphic Ready
• Motorized Lens with Lens Memory
• CFI
• Full HD 3D
• Low Latency Mode improves picture, speeds operation, and reduces gaming/PC frame delays
• Up to 10 Customizable Picture Preferences
• Control4 Compatible
• 3 Year Advanced Replacement Warranty

Special Features

As mentioned, the JVC DLA-RS3000 has native true 4K resolution, and pixel shifts to get up to 8K resolution. This is but one of the features that make it a truly high end projector for a dedicated home theater. Have one of those widescreens? No problem – this JVC is ready for your Anamorphic Lens, and has Lens Memory (with a motorized lens) so that you can easily shift from widescreen to a regular 16:9 aspect ratio, for when you want to venture back into watching your favorite TV shows.

JVC claims that this, and their other lower end models in the line, can reach up to 100% of the expanded P3/BT.2020 color space. This, for me, is one of those when-I-see-it-I’ll-believe-it claims. No home theater projector has come close to reaching 100% of P3/BT.2020, but there is always a first for everything. If it is true, prepare yourself for some of the best color you’ve ever seen in your home theater! I am hoping we do get one of these in for review so that we can find out if it does indeed hit that claim.

The DLA-RS3000 does HDR – I would hope so – for regular UHD Blu-ray disks. It also has support for HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) content adopted in broadcasting, so you can get that extra pop and wow factor on your regular streaming or TV content when it’s available. Auto Tone Mapping is a new feature to hit JVCs, which used the mastering information embedded in the HDR content to automatically adjust settings, so that you’re always getting the best possible picture.

Got game? This projector does. It has a specific mode for it, Low Latency Mode, which improves picture, speeds operation, and reduces gaming/PC frame delays. We won’t know how significantly it reduces input lag until we measure the lag. For those of you who don’t know, acceptable input lag speeds range from 16ms (very good) to 50ms, with most projectors falling halfway between that range. That 33ms to 40ms range translates to being just over 1 frame behind on a 30fps game, or two frames behind on a 60 fps game – not something that will be noticed by any but the most hard-core, competitive gamers.

The JVC DLA-RS3000 has 3D compatibility so you can watch your favorite 3D Blu-ray disks. It has CFI for sports viewing. Ten customizable color modes make it so you will always have the best color. If you’ve got Control4 in your home, you can use it for command and control of this JVC. The DLA-RS3000 has a 3-year Advanced Replacement Warranty – that’s quite excellent!

Hardware

The JVC DLA-RS3000 features the new 0.69 inch native 4K D-ILA Devices (x3).

The JVC DLA-RS3000 (and its lower priced counterparts, the DLA-RS2000 and DLA RS1000) has a 100mm, all glass lens.

❮ ❯

JVCs tend to have rather simple input and connector panels, and the DLA-RS3000 is no exception. It does have two 18Gbps HDMI/HDCP 2.2 compatible inputs for accepting 4K content – many projectors only have one. Besides those, it has a 3D Sync input, a Remote Trigger connector, an RJ-45 LAN port, and an RS-232C connector for old school command and control.

The Bottom Line

The JVC DLA-RS3000, though not native 8K, is of the first home theater projectors that can produce an 8K image. It does so by pixel shifting, which is how those 4K UHD projectors get up to the 4K standard. This is the beginning of the evolution of 8K, and we’re ready for the ride! If it does, in fact, reach that 100% of P3/BT.2020 claim, it should have some of the best color available. Add to that fact that JVCs generally have the best black levels around, I am willing to bet that this will be one superb projector.