JVC has announced the launch of its latest projectors, the DLA-NZ700/RS2200 and DLA-NZ500/RS1200, which are being touted as the world’s smallest native 4K D-ILA projectors. Set to be available in late November 2024, these models aim to deliver high-quality visuals in a significantly reduced form factor, expanding JVC’s lineup of home cinema projectors that already include the DLA-NZ900 and DLA-NZ800, released earlier this year.

Both the DLA-NZ700 and DLA-NZ500 stand out for their compact size. JVC has achieved a 35% reduction in volume compared to its previous models, such as the DLA-NZ7/RS2100. This size reduction is the result of extensive redesign work on the optical unit, lens, and circuit board, allowing these projectors to fit into smaller spaces without compromising on performance. The smaller footprint, combined with a new design that positions the heat exhaust at the rear, provides increased installation flexibility by eliminating the impact of heat on the projected image.

These models incorporate the third generation of JVC’s 0.69-inch native 4K D-ILA device. This technology improves screen uniformity and black level detail, enhancing the overall picture quality. The DLA-NZ700 achieves a native contrast ratio of 80,000:1, while the DLA-NZ500 offers a contrast ratio of 40,000:1, due to advancements in alignment control and pixel flatness.

Both projectors feature JVC’s proprietary BLU-Escent laser light source, which utilizes blue laser diodes to achieve high brightness levels and extended operational life. The DLA-NZ700 is rated at 2,300 lumens, while the DLA-NZ500 reaches 2,000 lumens. This technology not only enhances brightness but also offers a projected laser life expectancy of approximately 20,000 hours, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and providing long-term reliability.

Additionally, the laser light source eliminates the harmful substances commonly found in traditional lamp-based projectors, making these models more environmentally friendly.

The BLU-Escent laser light source also enables dynamic light source control, offering instantaneous adjustments to light output with minimal delay compared to conventional mechanical apertures. This feature allows for a dynamic contrast ratio that approaches infinity-to-one (∞:1) in all-black scenes, creating deeper blacks and enhancing the overall dynamic range of the image.

JVC has equipped both models with its second-generation Frame Adapt HDR technology, which uses a proprietary algorithm to analyze the maximum brightness of each frame in HDR10 content. This real-time tone mapping optimizes the projector’s dynamic range to deliver brighter and more colorful HDR images. Furthermore, the Deep Black Tone Control feature maximizes darker tones, improving the realism of shadow details and expanding the dynamic range.

For SDR content, the Vivid mode allows for rich color reproduction, making standard dynamic range media appear more vibrant and engaging. Both models also include Filmmaker Mode, an image setting developed by the UHD Alliance. Filmmaker Mode turns off certain processing controls and sets the color temperature to D65, aiming to present movies and documentaries as closely as possible to the director’s original intent.

The DLA-NZ700 and DLA-NZ500 are equipped with newly designed, fully motorized 4K lenses featuring an 80 mm aperture with 11 groups and 15 elements. These lenses offer full native 4K resolution across the entire screen and are fully electric, with zoom, focus, and shift functions that support a vertical shift of up to 70% and a horizontal shift of up to 28%. This flexibility simplifies installation and allows the projectors to be easily adapted to various screen sizes and room configurations.

Additionally, the projectors include Installation Mode, which stores up to five different installation settings, such as lens memory, pixel adjustments, and screen masks, allowing users to quickly switch between different setups. The Auto Calibration feature further enhances user convenience by optimizing key image settings—such as color balance, gamma, and color space—using an external optical sensor and proprietary software.

The DLA-NZ700 is priced at $8,999.95, while the DLA-NZ500 will be available for $5,999.95. Both models are expected to hit the market in late November 2024. These projectors are positioned as successors to JVC’s previous models, the DLA-NZ7 and DLA-NZ5, and are intended to offer a more compact and versatile solution for home cinema enthusiasts seeking native 4K resolution without the bulk of traditional projector designs.