JVC DLA-HD100 Projector

JVC's latest high-end LCOS projector sports an unprecedented (claimed)native contrast ratio of 30,000:1, an industry first and a number theysay is achieved without the use of a dynamic iris. The DLA-HD100 is tobe marketed by JVCs consumer group, JVC Company of America and ispositioned to complement the recently launched DLA-HD1.

Toattain their native contrast ratio of 30,000:1, the projector employsproprietary technology via the 0.7-inch full HD D-ILA devices andoptical engine. Three D-ILA devices are used, one each for red, greenand blue. The D-ILA devices reduce stray light caused by the dispersionand diffraction of reflected light. JVC also decreased orientationirregularities by reducing the gaps between pixels and adoptingimproved liquid crystals. The device itself is said to be theoreticallycapable of achieving a contrast ratio of 40,000 to 1.

Theprojector also offers dual HDMI 1.3 inputs with Deep Color support andeven a motorized Fujinon 2x zoom lens. Gennums VXP deinterlacing andscaling technology is used for handing all video processing as well asnoise reduction.

The DLA-HD100s high performance 2x zoom lens ismade by Fujinon Corporation and features a large-diameter, all-glasslens assembly with 16 elements in 13 groups. This lens minimizeschromatic aberration and provides a high-resolution picture by ensuringthat individual pixels remain perfectly focused on the screen. In termsof placement flexibility, the DLA-HD100 delivers, with +/- 80 percentvertical and +/- 34 percent horizontal lens shift. The projectors caneasily be ceiling mounted (preferred) or placed on a tabletop or rearshelf.

A V-Stretch function is available which allows for a moreefficient projection of 2.35:1 anamorphic movies. These film images arenormally viewed with letterbox black bands at the top and bottom of thescreen. With V-Stretch, the image is expanded vertically so that everypart of the D-ILA device is utilized to create the image, increasingbrightness and sharpness. For a small *cough* price, a third partyanamorphic lens can then be used to stretch the image to its full extrawide 2.35:1 image ratio, just as seen in motion picture theaters.

TheDLA-HD100 will be available through JVC Company of America in Novemberfor less than $8,000. It will be part of the companys new "Procision"series of premium-level products, along with the current DLA-HD1 andJVCs new Clear Motion Drive II LCD TVs. JVC Procision products willonly be marketed through a select group of dealers.