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JVC will launch its first (sort of) 8K projector later this month in Japan, for $261,000
JVC showed off a prototype 8K Super Hi-Vision projector in 2008 at CEATEC, and now it's ready to ship a real product later this month, dubbed the DLA-VS4800. JVC's e-Shift pixel technology is at play here, which we first saw in consumer products with the '4K' projectors it shipped in 2011, and updated in last year's models. Basically the D-ILA display panel inside the device is half the resolution (in this one, 4,096 x 2,400) but projects two images alternated at 120Hz, one shifted slightly diagonally. This creates the impression of a higher res display, without actually upping the pixel count. Based on our demos of the tech at CEDIA for the last two years, the effect is very convincing, however with AV Watch's presumed price tag of 25 million yen ($261k US -- and that's without the 4 available lenses, which have no price), we might want a few more real pixels, if such a product were available for purchase. Still, if you want the first 8K display device on the block, this is your only choice, unless you can convince Sharp to part with one of its sweet 8K Super Hi-Vision LCD prototypes (we've asked, we've begged, we've planned Ocean's 11-style heists -- it's not possible.) The other issue is that you'll still need some content to view, and with the roadmap currently putting test broadcasts in 2016, leaving this one to the museums and planetariums it's intended for may be the best course of action.
JVC's Procision, Reference Series projectors now available, replete with '4K precision'
After making their grand debut at this year's CEDIA Expo, JVC's line of Procision and Reference series projectors have finally begun marching out to market. The manufacturer announced the news this week, confirming that its array of seven new projectors are now available for purchase, with prices ranging from $3,500 to $12,000. All seven devices feature JVC's proprietary e-Shift technology, and are capable of projecting images in 3840 x 2160 resolution -- not exactly 4K, but still four times what you'll get with full HD. The Procision Series, including the DLA-X90R, DLA-X70R and DLA-X30, is geared toward the consumer market, while the Reference Series (DLA-RS65, DLA-RS55, DLA-RS4800 and DLA-RS45) is now available through JVC's Professional Products Company. For more details on pricing and availability, check out the full PR after the break. Update: So, we got a little mixed up by the poorly worded JVC press release, but it looks like only the DLA-X90R, DLA-X70R, DLA-RS65 and DLA-RS55 actually sport the company's e-Shift tech.
JVC shows off projectors with 4K precision, but not quite 4K pixels
JVC first brought 4K home with its $175k DLA-RS4000 and now it's back with four new models with greater than HD resolution at much easier to swallow prices. You'll note the term used is "with 4K precision", because strictly speaking these don't project over 4,000 pixels of horizontal resolution, coming in at a still impressive 3,840 x 2,160 resolution. While this is still about four times the number of a standard HD image, it's less than say, Sony's VPL-VW1000ES. Filling in the difference is JVC's e-Shift technology, which was originally developed for its 8K projector. It works by creating two 1080p frames, with one shifted down diagonally and alternated at 120Hz to create the effect. The scheme is not far off from the old wobulation technology featured in some "1080p" DLPs once upon a time, but this time there are no moving parts as it's all being done electronically. Shown off with an HD resolution source the upscaled image was still impressively sharp to us, even up close, while it also handles native 4K feed. While JVC may not be winning on raw pixel count, what it does have is a serious price advantage. Sony indicated its hardware would be available for "less than $25,000" but the top of the line JVC has an MSRP of just $12k, while the cheaper model will be $7,999 when they all ship in November. Check out the press release after the break and images in the gallery for details, including those so rarely seen native contrast ratio measurements. %Gallery-132988%
