JVC’s flagship DLA-RS4500 4K home theater projector has achieved THX 4K Display Certification, making it the world’s only THX Certified 4K projector, according to the company.
The new JVC DLA-RS4500 features a new native 4K D-ILA device and a laser light source with dynamic light control to deliver high brightness and high contrast images. To achieve THX Certification, the projector had to pass hundreds of THX lab tests designed to ensure that it meets the rigorous performance standards and can render content as its creator intended. As part of THX Certification, the projector features THX viewing modes to deliver cinema performance right out of the box.
The DLA-RS4500 combines a JVC-developed native 4K D-ILA device with the company’s proprietary BLU-Escent laser phosphor light source to deliver a brightness level of 3,000 lumens and 20,000 hours of operational life. In addition, the new laser light source offers dynamic light source control for infinite dynamic contrast. To further ensure that the projector delivers bright, high-quality 4K images, it features HDR compatibility, a new high-resolution lens developed specifically for 4K applications, and a new Cinema Filter for a wide color gamut.
The new 4K D-ILA device used in the DLA-RS4500 is JVC’s latest and smallest 4K D-ILA device. The 0.69-inch device has a pixel gap of 3.8 nanometers, 31 percent narrower than the gap in earlier devices. Also, by using both vertical orientation technology and planarization technique, scattering and light diffraction have been decreased, which enhances contrast. The result is a smooth, detailed image with no visible pixel structure, even when using large screens. The DLA-RS4500 uses three of these new 4K D-ILA devices, one each for red, green, and blue, and delivers 4096×2160 resolution.
The light source for the DLA-RS4500 is JVC’s proprietary second-generation BLU-Escent laser phosphor light engine, which uses blue laser diodes to offer a brightness level of 3,000 lumens and 20,000 hours of operational life. The laser unit employs six banks of eight laser diodes to achieve its high brightness levels, and a stationary emissive phosphor, which reduces mechanical noise and enhances reliability. The high brightness allows the projector to be used with screen sizes greater than 200 inches and makes the most of HDR to deliver an image with depth and richness.
With its laser light source, the DLA-RS4500 can control laser output dynamically, adjusting output instantly based on the scene to provide bright whites, deep blacks, and brilliant colors.
The combination of a laser light source and a new Cinema Filter allow the DLA-RS4500 to achieve a wide color gamut of 100 percent DCI P3 and over 80 percent coverage of BT.2020. This allows subtle gradations, such as of the sky or the sea, to be vividly reproduced.
Developed in conjunction with the new 4K D-ILA device was a new 18-element, 16-group all-glass lens with full aluminum lens barrel. A new 100mm diameter lens is used for best light efficiency and to project 4K resolution to every corner of the screen. This compares to 65mm diameter designs used in other JVC projectors. The new lens offers an expanded shift range of ±100 percent vertical and ±43 percent horizontal. In addition, by adopting five anomalous dispersion lenses, JVC was able to reduce chromatic aberration and color fringing to deliver precise projection of 4K resolution graphics.
HDR content offers an extended brightness range, 10-bit gradation, and wide BT.2020 color gamut, which place high demands on display devices. With its high contrast ratio, 80 percent BT.2020 coverage, dynamic light source control, and high brightness, the DLA-RS4500 gets the most out of HDR images. When the projector detects an HDR signal, it automatically selects the correct picture mode preset based on HDR10. The DLA-RS4500 also offers Hybrid Log-Gamma, a new HDR standard for broadcasts and streaming services.
The DLA-RS4500 features an all-new cosmetic design, with a symmetrical cabinet that combines aluminum and matte black paint for a high-end appearance while also reducing reflections. The center-mounted lens is set off from the black body by a gold alumite ring. For cooling, the rear intake/front exhaust fan adapts to the installation environment to maximize its effectiveness, and it employs a professional-level air filter that can withstand severe conditions.
The DLA-RS4500 features two full-speed, full-spec 18Gbps HDMI inputs with HDR and HDCP2.2., and Low Latency Mode, which decreases input lag from the source. JVC’s Multiple Pixel Control employs a new algorithm optimized for the new 4K device to produce detailed images even when converted from Full HD images.
The DLA-RS4500 features JVC’s original blur reduction technology, Clear Motion Drive, which is compatible with 4K60p (4:4:4), and Motion Enhance, which minimizes motion blur by optimizing the D-ILA driver. These two technologies, working together, result in a smooth and detailed image.
Ten preset installation modes that combine settings for Lens Memory, Pixel Adjust, Screen Mask, and other parameters to tailor settings to each installation.
The JVC DLA-RS4500 Reference Series projector will be available in January for $34,999.95.