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JVC DLA-RS4500 4K Projector Preview

All the latest buzz about 4K and Ultra HD centers around flat panels, but what about projectors? I’ve looked at JVC and Epson models coax Ultra HD from a 1080p light engine, but today I have a 4K-native display in my theater, JVC’s DLA-RS4500.

This massive unit includes every major display technology available today in a single chassis. At nearly 30” deep, 86lbs, and $35,000, it represents something of a commitment. But if you want to experience the bleeding edge, and one of the most stunning 4K/HDR images available, there is nothing better at the moment.

I’ve set up the RS4500 in my theater and will be doing a complete set of tests in both SDR and HDR modes. New gear has been added to my calibration kit that allows me to adjust the HDR10 mode which is what you’ll find on every Ultra HD Blu-ray release.

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The RS4500 boasts 3000 lumens output and tremendous installation flexibility from its all-new 100mm lens. Shift is 100% vertical and up to 48% horizontal with a zoom range of 1.4-2.8:1. It’s fully THX and ISF certified and offers 3D plus support for both HDR10 and Hybrid Log Gamma, an emerging broadcast standard. It will accept signals up to 4096×2160 at 60Hz. On top of all that, it features JVC’s second-generation BLU-Escent laser phosphor light engine. It employs 48 diodes and a static phosphor to produce high output with a 20,000-hour service life. On paper, it seems there is nothing this projector cannot do.

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With my new calibration gear in hand and a Philips Ultra HD Blu-ray player, I’m ready to dive head-first into the world of UHD and HDR. My review is shaping up to be a long one so if you want all the skinny on JVC’s technological wonder.

See the complete review of the JVC DLA-RS4500 4K Projector

Chris Eberle

Chris' passion for audio began when he took up playing the bassoon at age 12. During his third year at the New England Conservatory of Music, he won a position with the West Point Band where he served for 26 years as principal bassoonist. He retired from the Army in 2013 and is now writing full time and performing as a freelance musician in Central Florida. As an avid movie lover, Chris was unable to turn away the 50-inch Samsung DLP TV that arrived at his door one day, thus launching him irrevocably into an obsession with home theater. Dissatisfied with the image quality of his new acquisition, Chris trained with the Imaging Science Foundation in 2006 and became a professional display calibrator. His ultimate theater desires were realized when he completed construction of a dedicated cinema/listening room in his home. Chris is extremely fortunate that his need for quality audio and video is shared and supported by his wife of over 25 years. In his spare time he enjoys riding his recumbent trike at least 100 miles per week, trying out new restaurants, going to theme parks and spending as much time as possible watching movies and listening to music. Chris enjoys bringing his observations and discoveries about every kind of home theater product to as many curious and well-informed readers as possible. He is proud to be a part of the Team and hopes to help everyone enjoy their AV experiences to the fullest.

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View Comments

Javan Pohl says:

May 24, 2017 at 5:35 pm

One very important piece of info is missing: is this a full 4K chip?
- Jeff Rock says:
  
  May 25, 2017 at 7:09 pm
  
  Unless I missed what you missed he did state it's a full 4K chip in the bold headline that's says 4K native.
  - Javan Pohl says:
    
    May 25, 2017 at 7:31 pm
    
    Looks like I was paying too much attention to the body, as usual.
    - Cynthia Johnson-St Denis says:
      
      May 25, 2017 at 8:22 pm
      
      :)
Chris Eberle says:

May 24, 2017 at 6:21 pm

Yes.