JVC intros first laser projectors with 8k e-shift

JVC has announced a trio of new high-end laser projectors, the first to offer 48Gbps 8k inputs.

The new laser projectors employ new LSIs and proprietary 8k/e-shift technology that enables the input and display of up to 8k resolution images. Providing the light source is the brand’s BLU-Escent laser light source, originally available only in JVC’s flagship model, the DLA-RS4500.

The three new JVC laser projectors are available in both the Procision Series and Reference Series lines. They are the Procision Series DLA-NZ9, DLA-NZ8, and DLA-NZ7, and the Reference Series DLA-RS4100, DLA-RS3100, and the DLA-RS2100.

This latest evolution of JVC’s 0.69-inch native 4k D-ILA device promises close to native 8k resolution, achieved by shifting pixels in four directions rather than two, as in the earlier version of e-shift.

The BLU-Escent laser light source boasts a high brightness of 3,000lm and 20,000 hours lifespan. The increased brightness makes it compatible with larger screens, and significantly increases the peak brightness during HDR playback.

The original 8k/e-shift technology doubles resolution by shifting one pixel diagonally by 0.5 pixels. The new 8k/e-shiftX uses a 240Hz driver to shift in four diagonal directions (up, down, left, and right).

The top-of-the-line DLA-NZ9/RS4100 is equipped with a premium 100mm diameter all-glass lens, Ultra-High Contrast Optics for outstanding contrast, and 8k e-shiftX. The 100mm diameter lens has a wide shift range of 100 per cent up/down and 43 per cent left/right, and uses five special low-dispersion lenses that consider the differences in refractive indices between R, G, and B to project high resolution to every corner of the screen, reproducing 8k resolution.

Other models feature a 65mm diameter all-glass lens with 17 elements in 15 groups to deliver high-resolution images that are in focus all the way to the periphery of the screen.

The new models also support a 4k120p input using a new LSI. A Cinema filter enables 100 percent of the wide DCI-P3 color gamut.
HDR support includes HDR10+, HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma). JVC uses Frame Adapt HDR technology to perform dynamic tone mapping, either frame by frame, or scene by scene, based on analysis of HDR10 content. Theater Optimizer automatically performs optimal tone mapping according to the installation environment. 18-bit level gamma processing is used to control tonal gradations in bright areas and blacks in dark areas.

The DLA-NZ8/RS3100 shares most of the NZ9/RS4100 features, with a 65mm diameter all-glass lens. The DLA-NZ7/RS2100 is a high value model, offering a laser light source, 8k input, and 8k/e-shift at more budget-friendly pricing.

Dual 48Gbps HDMI inputs, with HDCP 2.3, provide as near to future proof connectivity as is currently possible.

Native contrast is quoted at 100,000:1 for the DLA-NZ9/RS4100. For the DLA-NZ8/RS3100, it’s 80,000:1, and for the DLA-NZ7/RS2100 it’s 40,000:1.

All models are ISF-certified. The Installation Settings function allows up to 10 types of installation adjustments to be saved and recalled. These include lens memory, pixel adjustment, and screen masks. Screen size and gain, and aspect ratios can also be set.

An auto-calibration function is provided to optimise the optical characteristics that vary depending on installation and usage conditions, while a Screen Correction Mode corrects colour imbalance caused by screen characteristics.