TESTED: JVC DLA-HD350 HD Projector

A Great Performer

June 19th, 2009 -- by David Birch-Jones
Source: Playback

CONNECTIVITY

With two HDMI, one component, one S-video and one composite input, the JVC has enough inputs to be sufficient for most users. The lack of a dedicated RGB PC input might be a hindrance for some, however, but as more and more desktop and laptop computers feature digital video outputs, the JVC’s second HDMI input could save the day if you want to use the projector as a big-screen PC monitor.
Do take note that the input and power connections are along one side of the JVC’s slender cabinet, instead of being around back as is almost always the case with other projectors. Side-mounted connections might be more convenient for some installations, but might also expose wiring that would otherwise be less visible with back panel connections.

USER INTERFACE

On Screen Display

Well-designed and logically laid out, the OSD features a raft of adjustments, including the ability to adjust on-screen timing; it also provides single pixel graphics to check for exact focus, as well as color bars to aid in color and tint adjustment.

Remote Control

Slim, slender and black, the JVC’s remote is well-designed and features amber backlighting, the best choice for legibility in a darkened theater room. Discrete power on and off buttons are helpful for setting up macros with a system remote or external controller, and most of the important adjustments and options feature dedicated buttons, including the three user-defined picture memories. I would have preferred discrete input buttons as opposed to the single toggling source button provided here, but that’s my only gripe with the JVC’s remote. In all other respects, it’s one of the better-designed projector remote’s I’ve seen.

RECOMMENDED SETTINGS

Color: -3
Tint: 0
Sharpness: 0
Picture Mode: Natural
Color Temperature: 6500°
HD size (1:1 pixel-to-pixel): 16:9
Gamma: Custom 1 (2.2)

VIDEO PERFORMANCE

Blu-ray Evaluation: Iron Man

Detail: Even before the movie began, I could see the graphics in the disc’s menu featured some single pixel lines, which the JVC showed sharply and cleanly, with no color fringing, even toward the screen edges.

Comments

Steven Stone -- Fri, 06/19/2009 - 12:55

You mention the color is "dialed up to 11" in Spinal Tap-speak.

Is it correctable with the projector's controls or do you need to use other means to bring it into a more standard color space?

On page two I notice that your setting have the color set to -3. Was this enough to lower the color saturation to a more correct level?

Steven Stone
Contributor to The Absolute Sound, EnjoytheMusic.com, Vintage Guitar Magazine, and other fine publications

Zenbob (not verified) -- Tue, 06/30/2009 - 00:50

As a former JVC Engineer in Pro-Video, I have long respected their commitment to innovation and high quality at realistic prices. I did not see mention in your excellent review of this model's specifications, life expectancy and cost for replacement bulbs -- potentially a deal breaker for many otherwise excellent projectors. Could you follow up with some of these specs from JVC?
As a second comment, I wish to underscore your wonderful understanding of black level/contrast and detail, vis-a-vis the cost to value relationship of a top quality projection or in fact, any video display. Many movies, especially action or thriller type movies seem to have a great percentage of their action shots captured in relatively dark or shadowy surroundings -- and lesser quality products reduce this to simply a washed out dark gray mumble that reveals no details whatsoever -- very disappointing. Many products can look quite stunning displaying a full daylight park or seaside resort, but move the action to a dimly lit gothic thriller and -- woosh -- the film may as well have been shot in a cave, at night, during an eclipse, whilst wearing welding goggles -- but worst of all -- the picture is still not actually black but dark gray with artifacts. Your comments were very astute and clearly identified benchmarks for consumers to compare performance in a realistic manner without the need for technical test gear. Thank You!

Brian Boru (not verified) -- Wed, 07/08/2009 - 01:57

The article describes this JVC as the most affordable 1080p LCOS-based projector yet, at $4500 list. But, the

Sony BRAVIA VPL-HW10 1920 x 1080 SXRD projector uses LCOS-based chips and lists for $3500, a full $1,000 less than the JVC. Hence, the article was incorrect on this point.