JVC 3D projectors

[TheForce]

By now most who are interested in 3D projectors are familiar with the specs and the 3 different model numbers so I won't repeat that here.

I was pleased that JVC had a good demo of their X9 in the series and the picture in 3D was just gorgeous. I thought I was looking at film in 3D it was so good. So far this was the best 3D I have ever seen. There was no thieving and the sharpness of the image was far superior to the panel monitors most are buying. Also, the image detail and black levels in the 3D popping image were near perfect with no stair stepping and no motion artifacts at all.

I wouldn't say that the 2D was better on this projector but more like equal to the 3D.

While the lower priced projectors have less features they have equal resolution but less contrast ratio. they all have equal brightness but the lower cost models lack the ease of setup software and do not come with the latest THX 3D certification.

The JVC active glasses worked well but were not comfortable for me. This was disappointing. I understand there have been many complaints and even some dealers are making available different brand, but equally compatible glasses.


Speaking of 3D glasses, my wife decided to wear her contacts where one is for distance and the other for reading. We were curious if she could cope with the 3D wearing these and she reports it had no affect.

 

[teachsac]

Both the X7(RS50) and X9 (RS60) are THX certified. I have a RS40/X3 coming tomorrow.

S~

 

[TheForce]

All three are THX certified ( 2D ) but the X9 is THX 3D certified which is a new spec. I didn't get into too much detail on it with the rep as many people were firing questions but as I understand it, the 3D spec has something to do with a special software built in to make a calibration for 3D. Maybe you can do some research on it. All three models on display had the THX logo on the top cover just over the lens. The X9 had the same logo but in the sinage, they had it listed with NEW! THX3D certified.

Unless conditions change, I too will be ordering the X3 in the near future after the show. I need to eliminate all my other options yet.

What 3D BluRay player are you planning on and will you need to upgrade your HDMI cable? What screen? The demo had a Black Diamond 1.4 gain.

I look forward to your hands on report in this section soon!

 

[jayn_j]

Could you also check the screens that are being used to demo this, and how well they are doing on light control. There has been a big debate brewing over at AVSForums over the Screen Innovations Black Diamond, and I am curious to see if it is the dominant demo screen. (At $3k+ it had better be outstanding!)

 

[teachsac]

X3 and RS40 are not THX certified even in 2D mode.

S~

 

[TheForce]

X3 and RS40 are not THX certified even in 2D mode.

S~

Yes, you are correct. We went back for a second look at JVC booth and they had black tape over the THX logo today and corrected their speel. By now you'd think I would have learned after all these years at CES the first day, many reps are often in error, but this time they actually had made the product labeling and signage wrong. I'd bet that the pj would pass THX but to save money, they just didn't buy the cert. process.

I also rolled my hd camcorder during the demo.

 

[TheForce]

Today I did look at screen alternatives.

But to remind, the JVC demo was using the Black Diamond screen and it was to enhance the black level and it looked good in both 2D and 3D.

I wonder if this screen is also used to improve ghost suppression because I saw absolutely no ghosts on the 3D.


In other demos I saw around the show, the screen in use was mostly 1.4 gain material. I was told by Dalite rep that high gain screens are mostly ineffective if the PJ is ceiling mounted more than 4 ft above ones head.

Personally, I plan to continue to use my 1.0 matte white screen for awhile. Later in the year when more budget is available I will shop for a new screen. The JVC rep said my matte white will be fine in a dark room so not to worry.

 

[mike123abc]

JVC has a THX mode in their THX certified projectors that changes the color balances to "THX". It has been reported to be a good calibration out of the box setting, but of course people love to dial in the calibration even more.

 

[teachsac]

Just got my 40. All I CAN say is it's sweet. Not mounted yet. Need some bits and pieces. Weekend project.

S~

 

[TheForce]

Saw several other competing projectors today and will post them separately. One thing that became very clear to my eyes, the JVC when compared competition was much darker. Of course I do recognize that JVC is in love with enhanced blacks in their image and as such does everything in their demos to emphasize this. Personally, I think this preoccupation with black level is over rated.

As I rap up my week tomorrow at CES I must say that I am disappointed in the demo that JVC did compared to what I saw from the competitors. The emphasis was on bragging about THX, being the only projector with the certification. The only demo material they showed was a short clip from Polar Express in the night scene to show off detail in the blacks. It was good but unfortunately, the demo lacked bright colorful scenes with good 3D.

The demo, inaccurate specs give the first day, and a question in my mind whether the JVC X3 has a significant quality hit compared to the X9 is weighing heavily on my mind as a customer. I will have to rely on the experience of others who can compare the X3 with their previous projector, or, a dealer who has one for me to look at.

If I have to spend ~$10,000 to get quality from JVC I will seriously consider the Samsung, or the Sony. See my other thread on other 3D projectors.

 

[mike123abc]

The X7 is the mass market high end projector. The difference between X7 and X9 is that they hand select X7 parts to make an X9. An X7 could end up being as good as an X9. The X9 is for money is no object buyers who want to be sure they get the very best. You also save $4k going with the X7.

The X3 is the low end without the THX and calibration controls. You can save another $3.5k (MSRP) with the X3 if you do not really do calibration. The X3 has less contrast.

I have had an JVC projector (RS2, 2 years ago model) and have been very pleased with it. I will probably consider next year's (or perhaps the year's after) JVC version to replace it (I would actually replace another projector with my current JVC). I had a Kuro plasma before the JVC in the same room. I find the JVC projected image as least as good as the plasma.

Remember JVC makes these huge contrast numbers without a dynamic iris, so they can have bright spots and dim spots on the screen at the same time. Again very similar to plasma.

 

[tigerfan33]

People are saying over at AVS that the JVC 40/50/60 are not supported on Directv 3D. Not sure if it is a JVC or Direct issue or both.

 

[TheForce]

With most of the crowds gone, there was more time to talk to the JVC reps today.

Here is what I learned-

The X3 is in extremely short supply. Even the ones they had at the show were mockups, thus the surprise I had when I lifted one and they were very light to the feel. They had phony guts in them! No one at the booth has even seen an X3! can you believe that? The X7 and X9 is even more difficult to get claiming there are none except for the 2 at the show in the theater room. The booth units were dummies. One of the guys there said he was to receive an X3 for the show but it was diverted to a customer... I wonder who got that one?

When I asked about why they only demoed the one clip from Polar Express when I saw a bunch of other demos on the menu of the disk, he said the Polar Express was the only demo that played without issues and it did a good job of showing off their superb ability to detail the dark scene.

teachsac- I am sure glad you got your X3 as it seems you will be the test pilot for me as I make my final decision. I hope it serves you well.
I'd be curious to know how long you waited for yours to arrive from the time you ordered it. One never knows whether these reps are just blowing smoke in your face when they don't have a good excuse.

I also asked about the decision to demo the Black Diamond screen. The reason was based on doing a favor for the company who asked them to use their screen in their theater. In other words they got the screen set up for them for free and didn't have to bring their own. This happens a lot at these shows.

 

[teachsac]

Production got held up due to a shortage of parts. They came in on the 28th and shipped out this past week. They should be more available now.

The Black Diamond is good in bright rooms. Might be why they chose it. I would never use it in a theater room.

I'll check into the D* issue. I'm still waiting on parts so I can mount it. The JVC is supposed to support all of the formats used, SbS, T/B, and frame packed. It could actually be a D* issue. They have been very finicky with what they will work with.

S~

 

[TheForce]

The JVC rep said the Black Diamond was offered to them and it wasn't their preference. It was in a black room totally dark to begin with. They accepted the offer to save on hauling their own screen to the show.

 

[teachsac]

OK This is really p***ing me off. This mount doesn't work either. Second "Universal" mount I've tried. Got to call Chief tomorrow to see about an adapter plate. Why can't JVC just make a projector that will mount easily.

S~

 

[TheForce]

Since my Dwin, I've been making my own plates for each projector. Big plate of Aluminum and then drill 4 more new holes for each new projector. It's out of sight but I painted the playe to match the black PJ bottom anyway.

 

[mike123abc]

I use a cheif mount, but had to order the right plate for mine.

 

[teachsac]

I use a cheif mount, but had to order the right plate for mine.

I'm going to give them a call tomorrow.

S~

 

[mike123abc]

I must say I am really pleased with my chief mount. I can bang around the projector (well do things like change the lamp) and the projector never moves off screen. It is absolutely rigid.

My other projector has this universal mount, it is tightened down as tight as it will go and it seems like the AC kicking on can move it off center.