JVC DLA-X90 Review

by Abe Abrahamian--- 1-24-12

JVC's new projector the DLA-X90 is a superb unit at the $11,999.95 MSRP price point. Out of the box the image is bright and clear. The black levels are very good. With a D-ILA projector it is difficult to see the pixel structure. Most of the cheaper 3 chip LCD units on the market the viewer can resolve the pixel structure easily. The LCOS( Liquid Crystal On Silicon) technology this projector features resolving the pixel width structure is difficult. Previous generations of this technology at low light outputs made the picture very dark and the image lacked the pop that LCD and DLP projectors provided. This year however JVC has kicked up the light output dramatically. The primary reason for this is to increase the overall 3D experience. However, this will provide a stunning 2D image.

This year the model features 4K upconverting. JVC is calling this new technology 4K e-Shift. It takes 1920x1080p images and upconverts it to 3840x2160 resolution. The result is a smooth image with virtually no pixel structure evident at the minimum seating distance of 1.5x the screen width. The DLX-X90 also incorporates THX video certification and ISF certification and calibration modes. 

The projector comes with a 220 watt UHP mercury lamp. Lamp life is approximately 3000 hours in normal mode. The projector is rated at 1200 lumens. The contrast ratio comes in at 120,000:1. The technology that drives the image consists of three 0.7" D-ILA panels. The inputs consist of 2 HDMI and  component video. Control is provided via RS-232c, LAN, and IR. The projector is 3D ready via the 3D Synchro terminal. The 3D IR emitter (PK-EM1) is sold separately. The projector includes two (PK-AG2) 3D glasses. This year the glasses can be charged via USB. 

3D performance was great. The previous generation DLA-X9 had noticeable crosstalk and flickering when watching content in 3D. The new DLA-X90 provides a stunning image in 3D. The bright image provides clear 3D images. The image is crisp and flicker free. While moving around in the room the image sync was locked at all times. Viewing the image off axis also worked well in 3D mode. 

The projectors 2D performance was exceptional. The wide dynamic range of deep black levels were evident through all of our demo material. The color rendition was very accurate. Fast moving objects showed little or no pixelation. This was due to JVC Clear Motion Drive (CMD) technology, which creates additional frames to reduce motion blur. This is equivalent to the 120Hz ratings seen on TV sets. 

The Competitive Advantage

• 4K Precision with e-shift for 3,840 x 2,160 resolution
  • 2D 1,920 x 1,080 digital signals are up-converted to 3,840 x 2,160
  • Reduces or eliminates anti-aliasing and stair-stepping
  • Improves edge transition and enhances contrast in detail areas
  • Allows for closer viewing with no visible picture structure
• Highest NATIVE Contrast Ratio in class (120,000:1)
  • Provides deepest blacks and vivid peak whites at the same time
  • Does not use a dynamic iris
• THX
  • 3D Display certification
  • THX Calibration mode
• ISF
  • ISF Certified performance
  • ISF Calibration mode
• New 100% "Frame Addressing" 3D mode provides brighter image reproduction in 3D
• Hand selected parts, specialized final adjustment, 3 year warranty

Performance Features

• 4th Generation Wire Grid Optical Engine construction minimizes light leakage
• Up to 255 Mode Screen Adjustment
• High Precision Pixel Alignment System
  • Enables adjustment down to 1/16th pixel
  • Adjustable on 121 points on the screen
• 7 Axis Color Management
• Advanced Color Profiles including Xenon Lamp Modes & Adobe RGB
• User Settings can be exported to PC
• 120Hz Clear Motion Drive
• 20dB ultra low noise design (normal lamp mode)
• 1,200 lumens

3D Features

• 2D to 3D Converter
  • Developed from JVC's experience in broadcast 3D conversion systems
  • Allows 2D content to be converted to 3D in real time
  • Works on broadcast as well as packaged media
• Enhanced 3D Input supported though HDMI
  • Frame Sequential: 1080 24p/50i/60i
  • Frame Sequential: 720 50p/60p
  • Side by Side: 1080 24p/50p/50i/60p/60i
  • Side by Side: 720 50p/60p
  • Top and Bottom: 1080 24p
  • Top and Bottom: 720 50p/60p
• Direct access to 3D modes from remote control
• No special screen needed for 3D playback
• Optional 3D Glasses and Emitter
  • Glasses: PK-AG2B
  • Emitter: PK-EM1
  • Compatible with previous PK-AG1B glasses

Convenience and Set-Up Features

• Automatic Lens Cover
• Wide Lens Shift functionality (V: 80%, H: 34%)
• 2X Zoom (1.4 to 2.8 throw ratio)
• 3 Position Lens Memory for easy Cinemascope and 16:9 HDTV setup
• Motorized Focus, Zoom & Lens Shift

Inputs & Outputs

• Dual 3D enabled HDMI v1.4a input with Deep Color and CEC
• Component Video
• RS-232C
• RJ45 LAN Connection
• 12V Trigger
• Wired Remote Input
• D-Sub, 15-Pin PC Input