JVC DLA-RS640 Ultra HD Projector Preview

At CEDIA this past fall, JVC introduced updated versions of its three Reference-Series LCoS projectors capped by the flagship DLA-RS640.

In addition to industry-leading native contrast, it cranks out 2000 lumens, supports Ultra HD content with HDR10 and DCI-P3 color, and offers a full set of precise calibration controls, which you won’t need thanks to its super-accurate THX-certified picture mode.

With fifth-generation e-shift technology, it produces an effective resolution of 3840×2160 pixels using the latest .7” D-ILA devices. You also get a DCI-P3 color gamut, 3D, ISF-certification, and lens position memories. In fact, about the only thing you don’t get are native-4K imaging chips. Is that a big deal? In a word, no.

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I just received the RS640 for review and upon initial inspection, I can say that with Ultra HD Blu-ray content, you will not be able to tell it isn’t a native-4K projector. Contrast and clarity are stunning and it looks like the THX mode is accurate enough not to require calibration. 1080p material is up-converted beautifully, and without any visible artifacts.

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The RS640’s feature set is absolutely unparalleled. Though it doesn’t require much effort to set up thanks to a motorized lens and the aforementioned THX mode, tweakers like me will enjoy hours of fun with the color temp sliders, gamma editor, and color management system. So far, everything seems to work properly and precisely.

The name of the game here is contrast and JVC has always delivered more than anyone else. My early tests show it’s capable of over 40,000:1. That’s about what I get from my Pioneer Elite plasma TV! I can’t wait to check out HDR content on this thing. It promises to be one of the best projectors I’ve ever reviewed. Come back soon for my full article.