JVC's Three New Projector Models Feature 4K e-shift5 and Upgraded HDR Performance

JVC's Three New Projector Models Feature 4K e-shift5 and Upgraded HDR Performance​

(AV NIRVANA) JVC's new RS640K e-shift5 projector(September 6, 2017) Many had speculated that 2016 would mark the end of JVC’s highly effective e-shift technology. And while JVC does offer one (prohibitively expensive) true 4K laser model, the company’s new line of sub-$8,000 projectors features an upgrade to e-shift, enhanced HDR functionality, and slight improvements to image brightness.

Before we dive into specifics and a demo impression, let’s talk e-shift, true 4K, and JVC. For those of you frustrated by JVC’s apparent e-shift stubbornness across its bulb-based projector offerings, it’s important to understand the company isn’t purposefully ignoring true 4K. In fact, JVC continues to experiment with 4K imagers, but the costs associated with using them would cause MSRPs to skyrocket well beyond reasonable levels.

At the end of the day, JVC’s biggest concern is delivering the best image performance for the money. And while the 4K badge is alluring, the company is more concerned with pouring its resources into technologies that deliver industry leading black levels, contrast, wide color, and high dynamic range (all key image factors). As for those added pixels associated with 4K, JVC believes its e-shift solution more than adequately delivers exceptional resolution beyond that of 1080p. For some, the lack of “true 4K,” a term that JVC’s biggest competitor proudly trumpets, is a deal breaker (but, it shouldn’t be).

JVC’s 2018 projector lineup offers three new models and a special limited-edition design meant to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the D-ILA device. Much like years past, the company has two lines (consumer and custom installer), both of which carry unique model numbers despite being the same projector. Here’s a look at the new model designations and pricing:

• DLA-X990RBK and RS640K: $7,999.95
• DLA-X790RBK and RS540K: $5,999.95
• DLA-X590RBK and RS440K: $3,999.95
• DLA-20LTD: price to be determined

JVC says it has radically improved its e-shift technology for the first time in years, with its new “e-shift5” running the pixel shifting show. The algorithm now analyzes 100% of 4K source content to create e-shift frames (past versions used roughly 70%). This means fine details and edge sharpness are more defined and crisp. The company has also installed a new Active Intelligent Lens Aperture and improved brightness by about 10% for better HDR performance. In addition, the RS640K and RS540K both offer two HDR picture modes (one prioritizing brightness and the other prioritizing color) to suit different viewing environments.

Other features include HDCP2.2 on all HDMI inputs, THX 3D certification (RS640K and RS540K), six-axis color management, auto calibration, a screen adjustment mode that accommodates screens from an expanded list of manufacturers, and two memory settings for pixel adjustment functionality.

(AV NIRVANA) The anniversary edition DLA-20LTD
The DLA-20LTD anniversary model comes with an eye catching red body. According to JVC, this model offers a 200,000:1 native contrast ratio (trumping the RS640K’s 160,000:1 spec). Availability of this model will be announced at a later time.

JVC’s CEDIA 2017 demo room features a calibrated RS640K in a total light controlled environment. I watched portions of The Great Wall and found the image to be gorgeous and stunning. Color saturation, HDR, black levels, contrast and – yes – resolution were all noteworthy. Considering price, JVC appears to have another high-performance class of projectors that shouldn’t be ignored.

 

[tripplej]

I do like their statement below..

"And while the 4K badge is alluring, the company is more concerned with pouring its resources into technologies that deliver industry leading black levels, contrast, wide color, and high dynamic range (all key image factors)."

 

[Todd Anderson]

It's exactly what's happening.

JVC isn't as large of an operation as a company like Sony. Sony has the latitude to develop and market a lower-cost projector that carries 4k imagers to the detriment of other picture quality attributes... if sales bonk, they have more of ability to absorb and move forward.

JVC is telling me that they're doing everything they can to stay the course of best possible picture quality, and they realize their margin for error is much smaller.

It's nearly impossible to see a resolution difference between e-shift and true 4K on typical screen sizes and proper seating distances. Sure, if you're talking about a 14ft wide screen, then you're eye might start to resolve differences. But in most cases, e-shift is a brilliant and visually stunning solution.

 

[tripplej]

good to hear..

 

[mechman]

Get me one to review! LOL!

Actually, my theater isn't ready for 4K HDR reviews yet. I don't think my HDMI cable will be compatible as it's quite old. And I have no more room in the conduit so I have to take the ceiling down (sounds harder than it is) and run a new cable and probably a new conduit,