When buying a new home theater projector, this price point is where you really start to see a difference in performance, picture, quality, noise level, and clarity. If you are able to spend between $5,000-$10,000, you will be able to get an outstanding projector that will give you many years of high-quality entertainment.
When designing the XW5000ES, Sony did a great job finding the right balance of performance, features, and value. Not only is the XW5000ES the least expensive 4K model in Sony’s home theater lineup it is also the least expensive native 4K home theater laser projector on the market.
The XW5000ES is like a base model sports car. When compared to the fully loaded model like the XW7000ES, it may not have all the bells and whistles of the higher-end model, but the XW5000ES will still outperform most products in its class. This is because the XW5000ES includes several Sony technologies that were previously only found in Sony projectors priced 3-times more.
The XW5000ES produced close to its rated brightness of 2000 ANSI lumens even in its most accurate picture modes. Many projectors deliver significantly less than their rated brightness when placed in their most accurate picture mode. It is not uncommon to see the brightness cut in half. The 2000-lumen XW5000ES measured brighter than many calibrated 3000-lumen DLP projectors once they were calibrated.
Due to its projector-optimized X1 Ultimate processor that combines signal HDR analysis and precise modulation of its 2000-lumen laser source, The XW5000ES produces a stunning HDR picture.
While some projectors struggle with a lack of brightness and produce dull HDR video, Sony’s new Dynamic HDR Enhancer works to eliminate this problem. Powered by the X1 Ultimate Processor, this feature measures the average and peak brightness of HDR10 content, and then precisely it adjusts the signal levels in the light/dark areas and laser light intensity automatically to optimize the HDR contrast according to a scene. So, whether viewing HD, 4K or HDR content, the picture quality delivered by the Sony XW5000ES was outstanding right out of the box.
When it comes to native contrast and black level, very few home theater projectors, except for JVC DILA projectors, can match/beat the XW5000ES. I have not come across a single-chip DLP home theater projector that can even come close.
The XW5000ES is equipped with a manual lens with a good amount of zoom and horizontal/vertical lens shift capability, which simplifies installation, especially when trying to replace an older, previously mounted unit.
Sony did a great job choosing the most important performance features to deliver the best bang for the buck from the XW5000ES. With a retail price of $6000, the XW5000ES is more expensive than a DLP-based laser home theater projector, but if you truly care about picture quality and can fit the XW5000ES into your budget, it should be at the top of your list.
Due to its outstanding SDR and HDR picture quality and feature set, the XW5000ES is an amazing value. The XW5000ES is highly recommended.
JVC offers two different series of 4K D-ILA Projectors, which differ mainly in their cosmetic appearance. Both series can be found in home theaters and production facilities but are sold through different sales channels. For example, the JVC Procision Series projectors are sold through retailers like Best Buy and Crutchfield, while the Reference Series models are available through the custom installation dealer network. I reviewed the JVC DLA-RS1100 from their Reference lineup; however, the nearly identical Procision Series version is the DLA-NP5. But we will be referencing the RS1100, since that is the one we reviewed.
The DLA-RS1100 can deliver 1,900 Lumens with a high native contrast ratio of 40,000:1. JVC is offering each of these projectors for $6,999 MSRP, which means a much broader range of buyers will soon be able to purchase a JVC 4K D-ILA projector at a more approachable price.
PROJECTOR SPECS
Specification
Description
Price
$6,999
Technology
Native 4K DILA
Native Resolution
4096x2160
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
1900
Contrast
40000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
2.00:1
Lens Shift
Yes
Lamp Life
4,500 Hours (Low Mode)
Weight
42.3 lbs
Warranty
3 years
The DLA-RS1100 is equipped with a 65 mm diameter lens which adopts an all-glass design with 17 elements in 15 groups to ensure sharp focus across the entire screen. The motorized 2.0:1 zoom lens assembly also offer tons of horizontal and vertical lens shift to maximize installation flexibility.
In addition, the RS1100 includes dual 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 inputs that can accept 4K@120fps signals. While there is a lot of video content shot at this frame rate, the fact that the RS1100 can accept a 4K/120P signal makes it a good match with the latest gaming consoles.
While RS1100 does not include the laser light sources found in JVC models above it, the JVC RS1100 includes many of the award-winning technologies found on JVC’s more expensive models. Labeling the JVC DLA-RS1100 as an entry-level projector would be a disservice. This projector will probably outperform many manufacturers’ flagship models based on its features and performance. This makes it an excellent option for a home theater enthusiast with a smaller budget that desires a native 4K JVC D-ILA projector.
The JVC DLA-NX7 is an HDR home theater projector that can deliver true 4K resolution (4096 x 2160). Its high native contrast, combined with 4K resolution, results in a great performance at a reasonable price.
All JVC NX series projectors utilize JVC’s new 3rd generation 0.69-inch native 4K D-ILA devices. 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.
JVC claims the NX7 can produce 1,900 lumens with a high contrast ratio of 800,000:1. It can also deliver rich, vibrant colors. JVC also claims that with the Cinema Filter engaged, the NX-7 can reproduce to 100% of the DCI-P3 color space.
The NX7’s high contrast ratio combined with 4K resolution and JVC’s industry-leading best black levels results in exceptional picture quality.
JVC offers both Consumer and Professional versions of their projectors. The main difference between the two lines is mostly cosmetic. I reviewed the JVC DLA-NX7 from their consumer lineup. The nearly identical Reference Series (professional) version is the DLA RS2000.
Compared to the competition, I have yet to find a single-chip consumer 4K DLP projector that could come anywhere close to the color fidelity, contrast, and black level of the DLA-NX7. Due to its Dynamic Tone Mapping capabilities, the HDR picture quality is outstanding as well. If you are looking for a projector at this price point, the NX7 so be at the top of your list.
