TECHWEEK
JVC has introduced two junior models in its current line of 4K laser projectors – DLA – NZ 700 and DLA – NZ 500. The company’s model range is headed by the DLA-NZ900 and DLA-NZ800 projectors , introduced in the spring . A distinctive feature of the new products is that they are much more compact than the older models (and previous generation 4K projectors too). In other words, these are the smallest D-ILA 4K projectors, which greatly simplifies their installation. The JVC DLA-NZ700 and DLA-NZ500 projectors will go on sale at the end of November 2024.
According to JVC, the DLA-NZ700 and DLA-NZ500 projectors have achieved a 35% reduction in body volume compared to the previous generation JVC DLA-NZ7. This significant reduction in size is the result of painstaking redesign of the optical block, lens and circuit board, which allows the new projectors to fit into smaller bodies without sacrificing performance.
The ventilation system has also been redesigned. Hot air is now exhausted from the rear and drawn in from the front. This, according to the manufacturer, eliminates the possibility of hot air affecting the projection screen, providing greater flexibility when installing new projectors.
Both models are equipped with the third generation of the proprietary 0.69-inch D-ILA 4K matrices. The JVC DLA-NZ700 projector achieves a static contrast ratio of 80,000: 1, and the DLA-NZ500 offers a static contrast ratio of 40,000: 1. Let us remind you that the older models DLA-NZ900 and DLA-NZ800 have static contrast ratios of 150,000: 1 and 100,000: 1, respectively. Also, one of the main differences between the new products and the older models is the lack of an 8K/e-shiftX pixel shift system, which does not allow them to display content with 8K resolution on the screen.
Both models feature JVC’s proprietary BLU-Escent laser light source, which uses blue laser diodes to achieve high levels of brightness and a long lifespan. The DLA-NZ700 delivers 2,300 lumens of brightness, while the DLA-NZ500 delivers 2,000 lumens. The BLU-Escent laser light source has a lifespan of approximately 20,000 hours.
The BLU-Escent laser light source is also capable of dynamic brightness control, allowing light output to change with minimal lag compared to conventional dynamic irises. This feature delivers a dynamic contrast ratio approaching infinity (∞:1) in completely black scenes, creating deeper blacks and improving the overall dynamic range of the image.
JVC has equipped both models with second-generation Frame Adapt HDR technology, which uses a proprietary algorithm to analyze the peak brightness of each frame in HDR10 content. This technology optimizes dynamic range in real time to deliver brighter, more colorful HDR images. In addition, Deep Black Tone Control maximizes dark tones, enhancing the realism of shadow detail and, again, expanding the dynamic range.
For SDR content, Vivid mode delivers rich color reproduction, making standard dynamic range media look more appealing. Both models also include Filmmaker mode, a picture setting developed by the UHD Alliance. Filmmaker mode disables certain processing controls and sets the color temperature to D65, with the goal of presenting films as close as possible to the director’s original intent.
The JVC DLA-NZ700 and DLA-NZ500 projectors feature new, fully motorised 4K lenses with an 80mm aperture, 15 elements in 11 groups. These lenses deliver full 4K resolution across the entire screen and are fully motorised, with zoom, focus and image shift capabilities – vertically up to 70% and horizontally up to 28%. This flexibility simplifies installation and makes it easy to adapt the projectors to a range of screen sizes and room configurations.
The JVC DLA-NZ700 and DLA-NZ500 projectors also feature an auto-calibration feature that further enhances ease of use by optimizing key picture settings such as color balance, gamma, and color space. To perform the calibration procedure, you will need an external optical sensor and proprietary software.
The two new models are positioned as successors to JVC’s DLA-NZ7 and DLA-NZ5 projectors, respectively, and are designed to offer a more compact and versatile solution for home cinema enthusiasts who want native 4K resolution in a projector with a much smaller footprint than higher-end models.
The new JVC DLA-NZ700 and DLA-NZ500 4K laser projectors will be available in late November 2024. In the US, the JVC DLA-NZ700 will have a suggested retail price of $8,999 , while the JVC DLA – NZ500 will have a suggested retail price of $5,999 .
