JVC today released additional technical information and revised specifications for four recently announced D-ILA home theater projectors to be available this fall. Among the four new full high-definition front projectors are two THX® Certified* models that offer a native contrast ratio of 50,000:1. The other two models achieve native contrast ratios of 32,000:1 and 30,000:1. Like current JVC projectors, all four new models achieve contrast ratio without the use of an auto iris.

The new projectors are the DLA-HD750 and DLA-HD350, to be marketed by JVC's consumer group, JVC Company of America, and the DLA-RS20 and DLA-RS10 from JVC's professional group, JVC Professional Products Company. All four projectors were first announced earlier this month with lower contrast ratio specifications.

Contributing to the projectors' native contrast ratio is a newly developed lens with a 16-step fixed aperture in the DLA-HD750 and DLA-RS20 that helps eliminate extraneous light and allows adjustment of brightness to suit user preferences. The DLA-HD350 and DLA-RS10 feature a three-step aperture. In addition, changing the structural design of the optical section from a conventional L-shape with a mirror to a straight configuration reduced light leakage. Combining this new structure with an efficient lamp allows the new projectors to achieve a brightness of 900 (DLA-HD750/DLA-HD20) and 1,000 (DLA-HD350/DLA-RS10) lumens.

The DLA-HD750 and DLA-RS20 are both THX Certified for picture quality.

Core technologies and many of the features of earlier JVC projectors are also incorporated into the new projectors, with some improvements in several key areas. JVC has also engineered an all-new chassis that is both smaller and more cost-efficient to manufacture.

Critical carried over technologies include JVC's proprietary 0.7-inch full HD D-ILA devices and the company's wire-grid optical engine, which eliminate the dynamic iris that can artificially inflate contrast specifications, according to the company. As a result, the projectors deliver native contrast ratios of 50,000:1 (DLA-HD750/DLA-RS20), 32,000:1(DLA-RS10) and 30,000:1 (DLA-HD350).

JVC-developed D-ILA technology employs three (RGB) devices to process rapid movement in the image. In addition, the optical engine with wire grid polarizers
ensures light polarization without light leakage for black level reproduction.

Among key new developments is the use of the HQV Reon-VX video processor developed by Silicon Optix to improve image reproduction with I/P conversion and scaling. In addition, the DLA-HD750 and DLA-RS20 feature color management that allows control of colors individually by R, G, B, C, Y, or M, in three separate axes of color phase, chroma saturation and brightness. Up to three customized color settings can be stored for future use.

Also unique to the DLA-HD750 and DLA-RS20 is THX Certification. With a focus on image quality and signal processing performance, THX certification promises that the HD750 and RS20 are capable of presenting a range of video content at maximum resolutions with the correct color and luminance levels. In addition, THX has created a battery of signal processing tests that challenge the projector's scaling, motion conversion and de-interlacing capabilities. This type of analysis predicts how the HD750 and RS20 will present a variety of high definition and standard definition content.

The JVC HD750 and RS20 will also feature THX Movie Mode, a pre-calibrated video setting for watching movies on DVD, Blu-ray HD or broadcast television. This playback feature is designed to recreate the cinema experience at home by setting the display's gamma, luminance, color temperature and other settings to mirror those used by filmmakers in post-production. THX Movie Mode also ensures projector brightness is optimal for large screen viewing.

Features shared by all four new projectors include:

1. 2x motorized zoom lens
A new 2x zoom lens with motorized focus, zoom and shift features a large diameter, all-glass lens system with 17 elements in 15 groups that includes an ED lens to project a full HD image. In addition, an automatic lens cover opens when the projector is powered up and closes when powered down to protect against dust.

2. Customized on-screen gamma control
Manual adjustment of the gamma curve is possible via an on-screen display, allowing the viewer to adjust projector luminance levels by either increasing contrast in scenes that are too dark or dimming washed-out scenes to ensure brightness levels suited to individual preferences. Up to three settings can be adjusted and stored for future use.

3. Flexible set-up
Setup is easy with the ±80 percent vertical and ±34 percent horizontal motorized lens shift function that allows the projected picture to be moved horizontally or vertically via the remote control.

4. Quiet Operation
An efficient cooling system reduces fan noise to 19dB.

Other features include an external 12-volt trigger (not available on the DLA-HD350) that can be used to automatically raise and lower a screen or draw curtains, or it can be linked to engaging the V-Stretch mode and move an optional anamorphic wide screen lens system into place.

All four projectors comply with HDMI version 1.3 (Deep Color/CEC) specifications, which reproduce subtler shades of grey, and CEC compatibility for system control.

The DLA-HD350, available in either glossy piano black or glossy white, and the DLA-HD750, available in a pearl black finish, will be available in November through JVC Company of America. The DLA-HD350 will be available for less than $6,000, while the DLA-HD750 will be available for less than $8,000. Both projectors will be part of the company's Procision series of premium-level products.

The DLA-RS10 and the DLA-RS20, available in a pearl black finish, will be available from JVC Professional Products Company in November for less than $6,000 and $8,000, respectively, and will be part of the company's Reference Series high end projector line.

For further product information, visit JVC's website at www.jvc.com.

• THX certification is pending final testing and approval by THX Ltd.