JVC DLA-X9 3D Projector Review

By Abe Abrahamian---12-31-2010

JVC produced stunning D-ILA LCD projectors in 2010 with the DLA-HD series. For 2011 they are revamping their lineup with 3D Ready projectors. The lineup will include the DLA-X3, DLA-X7, and DLA-X9. In this review we will focus on the DLA-X9. 

D-ILA technology has come a long way since its introduction. Let's take a look at the technology. D-ILA stands for Direct-Drive Image Light Amplifier. This technology is similar to that of LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), but it is quite different in many aspects. The technology is known as LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon). Each projector uses three of these chip sets. One for each primary color, red, green, and blue. Traditional LCD projectors have pixel widths that were wide. Most people could resolve this on higher resolution content. D-ILA technology's pixel structure is very close together. This provides a smooth "film" like effect. This also enhances contrast dramatically. 

The DLA-X9 features three D-ILA .7" x3 chips. These chips are 16:9 native. The output resolution is 1920x1080p. This year JVC has increased the light output to 220 watts with 1300 lumens. The projector has two HDMI 1.4a inputs with a whopping 100,000:1 contrast ratio. The projector is very quite at 20db for noise output. The DLA-X9 is THX certified with an ISF (Image Science Foundation) calibration mode. 

The projector includes the 3D emitter (PK-EMP1) and two sets of glasses (PK-AG1BP). This is one of the first projectors on the market to receive 3D THX Certification. A new benchmark which includes over 400 tests conducted by THX. This mode sets luminance, color, blacks, gamma, and color processing. Rest assured when you watch a 3D Broadcast or 3D Blu-ray movie in the 3D THX mode the picture will be nothing short of stunning.The 3D Emitter is attached to a proprietary din connection on the back of the projector. The 3D glasses pick up content via the 3D signal and the active shutter glasses are in sync. The projector features a 120Hz refresh rate to minimize flicker and blur. The 3D image quality is very impressive overall.

For a first generation 3D projector the image is smooth and there is a sense of depth and realism. Most consumers by now have experienced 3D television on showroom floors. For the first time, they can experience a large screen 3D effect in the home. The same effect movie goers experience in a commercial theater. THX certification and ISF calibration mode provide deep black and white contrast and vibrant colors on screen. The image was projected onto a Stewart Firehawk G3 Screen. The shadow detail of this projector is very detailed. Screen manufacturers will start rolling out modified screens for 3D based projectors. For example, Stewart Filmscreen now manufacturers 3D screens. 

The other two projectors in the 3D lineup from JVC are the DLA-X3 and DLA-X7. The DLA-X7 is virtually identical to the DLA-X9. The primary different is the contrast ratio. The DLA-X7 provides up to 70,000:1 contrast ratio where the DLA-X9 is at 100,000:1. The DLA-X3 provides 50,000:1 contrast ratio. It is not THX or ISF certified. It also lacks the PC input and ethernet port. Price points come in at $4,495 for the DLA-X3, $7995 for DLA-X7, and $11,995 for the DLA-x9. The JVC DLA-X9 recently received the 2011 CES Honoree  for Innovations Design and Engineering.

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