JVC DLA-X3 3D D-ILA Projector (TPV 99)

Eschewing the passive glasses route, JVC opts instead for active shutter glasses technology in their new line of 3D front projectors

January 26th, 2011 -- by David Birch-Jones
Source: The Perfect Vision

Broadcast HDTV Evaluation: The Last Word With Lawrence O’Donnell (MSBNC via Dish Network)

Detail
As tested with 2D 1080p single pixel test patterns, the JVC excels at delivering a super-sharp picture across the entire screen, even out to the screen corners. There’s no overscan in the default 16:9 mode, and Mr. O’Donnell’s suit is rendered with very fine detail, with no “screen door” aperture aberrations visible at all at a proper viewing distance.

Color
Although the DLA-X3 doesn’t come with THX certification as the two step-up models in JVC’s line do, you’d never know it as the projector delivers very realistic flesh tones when set to the Standard color space.

Blacks
The JVC includes multiple gamma adjustments, but the default Normal choice is the one to use, as it doesn’t crush blacks as do the other four choices (but they do so only mildly).

Shadow Detail
The set behind Mr. O’Donnell is clearly visible, especially on the right, where a flat screen TV is in the shadows and the set’s black bezel clearly shows some dim reflections.

Artifacts/Noise
None noted.

BOTTOM LINE

JVC’s highly refined D-ILA imaging technology seems ideal for 3D, as this reasonably-priced entry level model delivers an enticing 3D image, along with excellent 2D high resolution imagery. The feature set isn’t as broad as the model’s two much more expensive siblings, but the projector still incorporates just about all most users will ever need.

The 3D image quality is comparable to that provided by the best 3D plasma HDTV flat panel sets out there (and better than what you’d experience in a commercial movie theater with typical passive polarized 3D glasses), and the automatic activation of the 3D glasses is a nice convenience. There’s plenty of light output in the dimmed Normal mode, and the multi-step aperture allows for further light output tweaking.

SPECS & PRICING

JVC DLA-X3
Practical Screen Size Upper Limit (10 Foot-Lamberts, 1.0 gain screen): 154” diagonal 16:9
Pixel resolution: 1920 x 1080
1:1 Mode: Yes
Has Mode 1 Scaling (vertical stretch for external anamorphic lens compatibility)? Yes
Has Mode 2 Scaling (horizontal squeeze for fixed external anamorphic lens compatibility)? Yes
Video inputs: 2 HDMI, 1 component
Other connections: 1 12V trigger output, 1 IR output, 1 RS-232C serial port, 1 USB port for firmware upgrade
Dimensions (W x H x D): 17.9” x 7.1” x 18.6”
Weight: 32.4 lbs
Warranty: 2 years parts & labor (90 days lamp)
Price: $4500

JVC
(800) 252-5722
www.dila.jvc.com

Comments

rodolfo@hdtvmag... -- Fri, 01/28/2011 - 16:27

Thanks for the review. One thing that is important to mention is that JVC has decided not to suit their new 3D projectors with the stretch for Cinemascope viewing anymore when the projector displays 3D images, due to cost reasons. The stretch for 2D viewing is still offered.

Over the past few years most good quality projectors such as the JVC embraced the idea of CinemaScope viewing with anamorphic lenses, and most company demos on shows promoted the concept, but now JVC is saying CinemaScope is no longer important is you watch 3D, which is against what 3D is about (the larger the image the more immerse the viewer would be in the content, especially in 3D).

This is the only reason I would not consider switching to JVC for 3D, unless the stretch feature can be performed externally by a 3D Blu-ray player (such as the OPPO 93, if eventually is fitted with it), or a scaler if you already have it. Sony has the same problem.

I consider this feature a must to have feature at least on the pricey top of the line model, but they have decided that the internal processing required for both 3D and the stretch together would require a price increase that they prefer not to have, not even on the top-of-the line model. A mistake in my opinion.

I would rather have JVC removing the whole video processing capability off the projector (including 3D and stretch) and drop the price accordingly so a consumer could invest on a good quality scaler with those features (like Lumagen), rather than buying the scaler anyway for mostly duplicated video functionality (and pay twice for it).

Best Regards,

Rodolfo La Maestra