One minute review
The JVC DLA-NZ8 is the company's latest native 4K projector and, unlike previous lamp-based generations, uses a BLU-Escent laser light source. This results in brighter images, greater consistency, and longer life without compromising black levels or increasing fan noise. As a result, this excellent projector builds on JVC's existing strengths, expanding on them in some areas and adding a host of cutting-edge new features in others.
Native 4K images are detailed and sharp, while the addition of 8K/e-shiftX processing helps make great content even better. Overall picture accuracy is impressive, SDR images look superb, and HDR performance is kept at the forefront thanks to JVC's Dynamic Tone Mapping and Theater Optimization. It even supports HDR10+, plus brilliant, punchy, crosstalk-free 3D images.
As for other features, there are two HDMI 2.1 inputs with support for 8K/60p and 4K/120p. This will be good news for gamers, as will the 38ms input lag. An added benefit of HDMI 2.1 is that the projector is also much faster at blocking video signals. There is efficient remote control, intuitive menu system and flexible installation; Although it is freestanding or can be ceiling mounted, please note that this projector is large and heavy.
The NZ8 is also very expensive, although the price of JVC's new range is intended to reflect the comparative cost of Sony's 4K laser projectors. Interestingly, the NZ8 currently has no direct competitors, so if you want uncompromising performance, unrivaled HDR tone mapping, comprehensive functionality and a high degree of future-proof performance, this outstanding projector is in a class apart. .
Price and Availability
JVC's new NZ series of laser projectors includes all the features of the previous lamp-based generation, but adds HDMI 2.1 inputs capable of handling 8K/60p and 4K/120p, 8K/e-shiftX with true 8K resolution, enhanced optics and support for HDR10 +.
The new range is led by the DLA-NZ9, also called the DLA-RS4100 in some markets. This flagship projector will set you back $24,999 / €25,999, but it's state of the art, with a claimed brightness of 3,000 lumens, 100,000:1 native contrast, and a 100mm glass lens with ultra-high contrast optics.
The DLA-NZ8 (DLA-RS3100) reviewed here costs €15,800 / €15,999 and is pretty much the same as the NZ9 but tops out at 2,500 lumens, has 80,000:1 contrast, and a smaller 65mm glass lens. However, it has the same improved optical path and other features found on the higher-end model.
Finally, there's the DLA-NZ7 (DLA-RS2100), which retails for a slightly more reasonable price of €11,500/€10,999. This projector is similar to the NZ8 but does not use enhanced optics, with a brightness of 2.200 lumens and a contrast ratio of 40.000:1. It also lacks the wide color gamut filter found on more expensive models and uses the same two-way 8K/e-shift as the old DLA-NX9, rather than the newer four-way 8K/e-shiftX used on the NZ8 and NZ9.
Integrated
- 65mm glass lens
- 2 HDMI 2.1 inputs
- Backlit remote control
The JVC DLA-NZ8 looks identical to the previous generation, with the same matte black chassis and a fantastic level of build quality. The only difference is at the rear, where there are slightly larger air vents and no removable dust filter. Despite its size, the design cleverly creates curves in the shape of the chassis to help offset the overall bulk of the projector.
It's worth noting that the NZ8 is huge: it measures 500 x 234 x 505mm (width x height x depth) and weighs 23,1kg. So it's not the kind of projector you bring out for movie night or to watch the big game. This is a serious product designed for permanent installation in a dedicated home theater, using a bracket or ceiling mount.
The new model features the same 15mm all-glass, 17-group, 65-element lens that was introduced in JVC's previous generation of 4K projectors. However, it has been upgraded to improve contrast performance by adding an inner lining designed to suppress any reflected light. This update explains how the brighter NZ8 can have the same contrast ratio as the older DLA-N7.
One of the biggest improvements of this new generation of 4K projectors is the inclusion of HDMI 2.1 inputs, JVC being the first manufacturer to do so. Those 48 Gbps ports accept 8K/60p and 4K/120p, and support HDCP 2.3, 3D, and high dynamic range, notably HDR10, HLG, and HDR10+, the latter of which is also a new addition. An unexpected benefit of HDMI 2.1 is that the NZ8 picks up video signals faster than previous JVCs, which were extremely slow.
The supplied remote is identical to the previous generation, which is good news because it's a great controller. It's comfortable to hold and easy to use with one hand as all the buttons are sensibly arranged. There's a dedicated backlight, which works really well as it illuminates the actual writing on the buttons, making it easier to read in the dark.
Features
- BLU-Escent laser light source
- Native 4K D-ILA chipset
- 8K/e-shiftX image processing
- HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping
The JVC DLA-NZ8 uses the company's BLU-Escent laser diode light source that was first introduced in the ultra-expensive DLA-Z1. As a result, the NZ8 has higher brightness, higher consistency and a 20 hour lifespan. In practical terms, that means you could watch a movie a day for the next 000 years without worrying about dimming or changing lamps.
The NZ8 uses the same three-chip 4K D-ILA device as JVC's previous generation, but also includes 8K/e-shiftX processing. When first introduced this feature shifted pixels in two directions to increase perceived resolution, which the NZ7 still does, but the NZ8 and NZ9 use improved technology that shifts pixels in four directions to display full resolution of 8K.
When it comes to HDR, the NZ8 features a number of cutting-edge features, such as automatic tone mapping, which reads static metadata and immediately adjusts the tone mapping. There's also Frame Adapt HDR, which analyzes a signal and changes tone mapping dynamically, while Theater Optimizer adjusts HDR delivery to match your screen size and gain.
The NZ8 includes motorized focus, zoom and shift controls, making installation easy, and there are also lens memories for different screen formats. The menu system has been changed and now has six settings for the Frame Adapt HDR features, while Theater Optimizer lets you specify whether your screen uses a 16:9 or 2.35:1 aspect ratio.
The fuente de láser tiene tres options de potencia LD (baja, media y alta), así como dos configuraciones dinámicas de CTRL que dinámicamente el brillo del láser. The laser is surprisingly quiet in operation, even in the brightest mid-range option, and the high mode isn't significantly louder, making it a viable choice for those looking for a punchier HDR image or using a very big pantalla.
Performance
- HDR10/HLG/HDR10+ support
- Wide color gamut filter
- 3D with transmitter and optional glasses
The JVC DLA-NZ8 delivers the kind of gorgeous, movie-like images the company is justly famous for. The native 4K D-ILA chipset and 65mm glass ensure images so clear and detailed that even the most demanding pixel watchers will be satisfied. Equally precise is the overall uniformity and geometry of projected images, so all bases are covered.
Color accuracy is also exceptional, with beautifully natural reproduction that meets all industry standards right out of the box. The light path has been enhanced for better contrast, and when combined with those deep blacks, the benefits of a JVC projector are there for everyone, while the increased brightness of the laser light source produces images that really pop.
This projector is equally impressive with motion handling, producing images that are smooth and free of unwanted blur and artifacts. Processing is also excellent, taking lower quality content and upscaling it to the NZ4's 8K capabilities, while the 8K/e-shiftX camera is a revelation, shifting pixels in four directions to create images with higher resolution. perceived 8K.
This projector performs stellar with SDR (standard dynamic range) content, but it's with HDR (high dynamic range) that the JVCs are in a class of their own. As well as having the necessary latitude from deep blacks to bright highlights, its advanced tone mapping analyzes HDR content in real time, perfectly matching it to increased brightness and wider colors.
These state-of-the-art HDR capabilities are best demonstrated in the movie Allied, during the scene where Brad Pitt watches an air raid. The combination of unparalleled contrast and flawless tone mapping produces deep blacks in the night sky and incredible shadow detail. HDR also detects bright tracer fire and flak, allowing both to stand out in the dark.
The NZ8 uses a filter to create a wider color gamut, and this is best demonstrated in The Greatest Showman, where the detailed 4K image appears with wonderfully saturated primary colours. HDR makes good use of its increased dynamic range, bringing out every detail in brightly lit scenes under big marquee spotlights and ensuring specular highlights are never clipped.
HDR is often amazing, preserving all the detail in the shadows and delivering bright images that never go dull. HDR images are clearly superior to SDR with saturated colors and more punchy dynamic range, while support for HDR10+ allows JVC to take advantage of the format's added tone mapping information, ensuring content is displayed smoothly.
This extra capability is expertly demonstrated in the 1917 film, which includes HDR10+ dynamic metadata. The Oscar winner...