The JVC DLA-NZ800 features a third-generation D-ILA 4K chipset, elevating its contrast performance significantly. This high-end projector stands out in every category with its durable laser light source, comprehensive features, and advanced HDR tone mapping. While it comes with a hefty price tag, top-tier performance often does.
Pros
- Stunning 4K visuals
- Superior black levels
- Outstanding HDR
Cons
- Quite large
- Expensive
JVC DLA-NZ800 Projector Review: Specs
- Screen Sizes Supported: 30-150 inches
- Brightness: 2,700 lumens
- HDR Support: HDR10, HLG
- Display Technology: Laser, D-ILA
- Smart TV: N/A
- Connections: 2x HDMI 2.1
- Dimensions: 20 x 9.2 x 19.8 inches (500 x 234 x 505mm)
- Weight: 50.7 pounds / 23.1 kg
JVC DLA-NZ800 Projector Quick Review
The JVC DLA-NZ800 is a top-tier projector, merging the BLU-Escent laser light source with a new D-ILA 4K chipset. This combination results in deeper blacks, brighter images, and improved uniformity. JVC continues to lead in 4K projector technology.
The DLA-NZ800 offers native 4K images with sharp details and upgraded 8K/e-shiftX processing that enhances content quality. Its picture accuracy is excellent, with impressive SDR and cutting-edge HDR performance. JVC’s dynamic tone mapping and Theatre Optimiser feature support HDR10, hybrid log-gamma, and HDR10+.
This model boasts a brightness of 2,700 lumens and a native contrast ratio of up to 100,000:1. The advanced 8K/e-shiftX upscaling is quieter, and the laser power setting is more precise. New features include a Deep Black function, Balanced dynamic laser mode, and Vivid picture setting.
The NZ800 supports 3D, delivering bright, vibrant images without crosstalk. It has two HDMI 2.1 inputs supporting 8K/60p and 4K/120p. The remote is effective, the menu system intuitive, and the installation is flexible. However, it is large and heavy.
Although expensive, the price remains unchanged from the previous model. With no direct competitors, the NZ800 offers exceptional cinematic performance, unparalleled HDR tone mapping, extensive features, and future-proofing. This projector stands in a class of its own.
JVC DLA-NZ800 Projector Review: Price and Release Date
MSRP: $15,999 / £15,999 / AU$24,999
Release Date: May 2024
The JVC DLA-NZ800 (DLA-RS3200) is the mid-range model in JVC’s 4K laser projector lineup. It is currently available for £15,999 / $15,999 / AU$24,999. The NZ800 replaces the previous DLA-NZ8 (DLA-RS3100) and is positioned below the flagship DLA-NZ900 (DLA-RS4200), which now replaces the discontinued DLA-NZ9 (DLA-RS4100). The entry-level model, DLA-NZ7 (DLA-RS2100), continues from the previous generation.
JVC DLA-NZ800 Projector Review: Design and Features
The JVC DLA-NZ800 boasts a third-generation 0.69-inch 4K D-ILA chipset. This upgraded chipset offers better efficiency, resulting in brighter images, deeper blacks, and improved uniformity. It achieves a brightness of 2,700 lumens and a contrast ratio of up to 100,000:1.
Enhanced 8K/e-shiftX Technology
The projector features a second-generation 8K/e-shiftX device, shifting each pixel in four directions (up, down, left, and right). This technology allows the NZ800 to project a full 8K resolution (8,192 x 4,320) image, enhancing sharpness and detail.
Deep Black Function and Dynamic Laser Control
JVC has introduced a new Deep Black function, utilizing a revised algorithm to enhance contrast without losing shadow detail. The dynamic laser control now includes a Balanced setting, offering punchier images without the brightness fluctuations of earlier models.
Improved Laser Power Control and Vivid Mode
The laser power control now has a more granular sliding scale setting, from 1 to 100, allowing gradual brightness adjustment with minimal fan noise. A new “Vivid” mode is ideal for watching SDR sports or gaming in rooms with ambient light.
Advanced Light Source and Installation Features
The NZ800 continues to use JVC’s BLU-Escent laser diode light source, with a 20,000-hour lifespan and improved consistency. It includes motorized focus, zoom, shift controls for easy installation, and lens memories for various screen aspect ratios. Additional features include Filmmaker Mode and ISF-certified calibration controls.
State-of-the-Art Tone Mapping
JVC’s tone mapping is cutting-edge, with the Gen3 Frame Adapt HDR dynamically analyzing HDR10 content frame-by-frame for optimized images. The 18-bit gamma processing ensures smoother gradations. The Theatre Optimizer enhances tone mapping by considering the projection screen’s size, shape, and gain.
Display Mastering Luminance (DML) Metadata
The NZ800 can now read Display Mastering Luminance (DML) metadata. This metadata informs the projector about the display’s peak brightness on which the content was originally mastered, leading to better HDR image quality.
The JVC DLA-NZ800 sets a new standard in projector technology with its advanced features and superior performance.
JVC DLA-NZ800 Projector Review: Picture Quality
Outstanding 4K Cinematic Experience
The JVC DLA-NZ800 impresses with its sharp and detailed 4K images. The updated D-ILA chipset ensures uniformity and eliminates “bright corners,” even on a black screen. Compared to its predecessor, the NZ8, the NZ800 delivers better perceived black levels, achieving contrast ratios up to 100,000:1. Peak brightness is around 2,700 lumens in Vivid mode, and about 2,000 lumens in Filmmaker or calibrated Natural mode.
Exceptional SDR and HDR Performance
Out-of-the-box SDR accuracy is excellent, with the white point close to D65, even greyscale, and accurate colors for BT.709. Calibration can further improve accuracy, making professional calibration worthwhile. The NZ800 covers 100% of DCI-P3 with its color filter, though brightness drops by 20%. Without the filter, brightness increases, but DCI-P3 coverage drops to 90%.
Advanced HDR Tone Mapping
JVC excels in HDR tone mapping. The NZ800 accurately tracks the PQ curve and uses dynamic tone mapping for optimal results based on available metadata. The ability to read Display Mastering Luminance metadata enhances HDR performance. The new Deep Black feature improves shadow detail, while the Balanced dynamic laser setting enhances brightness and contrast without introducing artifacts.
Superior Image Processing and Motion Handling
The NZ800 upscales lower-resolution content flawlessly to 4K and utilizes the second-generation 8K/e-shiftX for perceived 8K resolution and detail. Unlike the NZ8, the NZ800 operates nearly silently. Its 65mm all-glass lens ensures perfect pixel geometry. Motion handling is smooth, free of blurring and artifacts, and supports frame rates up to 120p. With a 36ms input lag, it’s suitable for gaming.
Impressive Performance Across Content
The NZ800 delivers detailed, natural SDR images with excellent contrast. Watching “Gravity” on Blu-ray showcases the projector’s precision in rendering space suits against black backgrounds. In HDR, the NZ800 excels with vibrant colors and detail, as seen in “Dune Part Two,” “The Crow,” and “La La Land.” Its dynamic tone mapping often rivals high-end video processors, especially with HDR10+ content.
3D Performance
The NZ800’s 3D performance is outstanding, providing bright, accurate, and ghost-free images. While you’ll need to buy the optional RF transmitter and glasses, 3D fans will appreciate the depth and layering, particularly in scenes from “Alita: Battle Angel” and “Gravity.”
JVC DLA-NZ800 Projector Review: Value
The JVC DLA-NZ800 is a significant investment at $15,999 / £15,999 / AU$24,999, but it offers tremendous value. Compared to the flagship DLA-NZ900, priced at $25,999 / £25,999, the NZ800 provides similar features and performance, with the main difference being the NZ900’s larger 100mm lens.
The NZ800 lacks a direct competitor. The Sony VPL-XW7000ES (£12,999) and VPL-XW6000ES ($11,999) are closest. However, the XW7000ES has 3,200 lumens, and the XW6000ES only 2,500 lumens. Neither supports 8K, 4K/120p, or HDR10+, nor do they have HDMI 2.1 inputs. The NZ800 outperforms them with better black levels and superior HDR tone mapping, making it the top choice for discerning film enthusiasts.