The JVC LX-NZ3 is an HDR-compatible DLP home theater projector that can deliver true 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160). With a retail price of $3,699, its 4K resolution combined with its laser light engine results in a great amount of performance at a reasonable price.
JVC claims it has 3,000 lumens, which is quite respectable. The laser engine is rated for 20,000 hours in HIGH POWER Mode, allowing for several hours a day, every day for a decade.
While all JVC NX Series projectors utilize JVC’s new 3rd generation 0.69-inch native 4K D-ILA devices, the NZ3 is a DLP based projector. By utilizing a DLP chip, JVC can deliver 4K resolution with a laser light engine's low maintenance at a price point below their NX Series models. While NX Series projectors offer deeper blacks and higher contrast, the LX-NZ3 is noticeable brighter, which probably makes it a better solution for a room with higher ambient light. We reviewed the JVC LX-NZ3W, which is the white model. However, there is an identical black unit available called the JVC LX-NZ3B.
The most notable features of this projector are:
- Laser Light Engine - The LX-NZ3 utilizes JVC’s BLU-Escent™ technology, a blue laser diode array that provides the blue light and excites a yellow phosphor color wheel. The yellow light is then combined with the blue light to create white light. JVC rates its laser light engine at 20,000 hours (in High Power Mode). This provides years of worry-free operation
- 4K UHD Resolution - The LX-NZ3 utilizes a Texas Instruments 2nd generation DLP (0.47” DMD) chip. Rapid pixel shifting gives the DLP chip the ability to deliver a perceived resolution of 8.3 million pixels. This system works so well that it would be difficult for any viewer to notice a difference in resolution from a native 4K UHD (8.3 megapixels) imager.
- HDR Compatible - The LX-NZ3 supports both HDR10 and HLG. Since most HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content is either backward compatible with or available in HDR10, you can enjoy 99% of HDR content available on the market now and in the future.
- Auto HDR Tone Mapping - The LX-NZ3 automatically adjusts the projector’s HDR settings (tone mapping) to optimize HDR10 image quality. The LX-NZ3 uses the static HDR metadata to determine which of the five different preset PQ curves to apply. The goal is to utilize better the LX-NZ3’s brightness capabilities based on the content being shown.
JVC has also added a couple of 4K DLP-based projectors to their lineup, starting with the LX-UH1 and now the new LX-NZ3. Now, JVC offers two different 4K projection options that fit different price points and the needs of a wider variety of consumers. Except for the DLA-RS4500K, which retails for $29,999, the LX-NZ3 is the only laser projector in JVC’s current lineup.
Another notable thing about the LX-NZ3 is its HDR performance. On a lot of projectors, HDR video can appear dull due to a lack of brightness. The LX-NZ3’s AUTO TONE MAPPING feature tries to eliminate this problem by automatically adjusting the LX-NZ3’s settings to deliver the best HDR picture possible.
Overall, we were pleased with the picture the LX-NZ3 delivered in my media room. If you are looking for a bright, compact 4K projector with the worry-free operation provided by laser illumination, the LX-NZ3 should be on your shortlist.