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How and why to buy a projector in 2019
A 100-inch 4K screen? To get that the usual way you might be looking at paying close to six figures. Luckily, there's another option that can get you even more, up to a 150-inch screen for a fraction of that price. Yes, film aficionados are increasingly turning their attention toward home theater projectors. You may think of projectors as either expensive, dim or janky, but with the latest technology, that's all changed. It's possible nowadays to find reasonably bright 4K HDR projectors with near theater-quality images for $1,500 or less. Before you start running to the store for popcorn, it's important to learn a few things and beware of the pitfalls, so we're here to help.
The latest Fire TV devices include a revamped Cube and Anker soundbar
Amazon isn't quite swamping the market for Alexa devices like it did last year, but it still has plenty to show for late 2019. A since-deleted TechCrunch post (now official) has revealed that Amazon is introducing more than 20 Fire TV devices at its imminent IFA event, highlighted by an upgrade to the Fire TV Cube. The media hub and smart speaker hybrid now packs a six-core processor that's roughly twice as powerful as before, with support for 4K and Dolby Vision HDR content up to 60FPS. Also, some common voice controls are now hosted on-device, making it up to four times faster -- you shouldn't have to wait in agony while the Cube navigates to the home screen.
A line of JVC Roku TVs is on the way
There are a number of Roku TV options out there from a slew of brands and now you can add JVC to the list. Roku announced today that Shenzhen MTC will begin building a Roku TV line under the JVC brand, and the first HD JVC Roku TVs will likely ship in the US later this year. "Roku is America's #1 streaming platform because it is incredibly easy to use and offers access to countless movies and TV episodes all from the home screen," JVC CTO John Araki said in a statement. "We are looking forward to marrying our longstanding history of innovation with Roku's popular smart TV platform as we aim to improve our customers' everyday life with smartly designed products making life a little more fun."
Deluxe projector maker JVC launches a 'budget' $2,500 4K DLP model
In the past, you'd have to be prepared to pay at least $4,000 to get a JVC 4K projector, which could cost you as much as $35,000. While they're some of the best you can get and are probably worth the price for aficionados, they might still be a bit too expensive if you're on the fence about getting one. That might be why JVC has launched LX-UH1, a $2,500 4K projector that'll still cost you a pretty penny but is at least more affordable than the brand's other offerings.
JVC and Kenwood's new head units pack wireless Android Auto
After a tease at the end of 2017, JVCKenwood has spilled the beans on its head units (yes, plural) with wireless Android Auto support. Its core JVC brand has unveiled two models, the DVD-equipped KW-V940BW and disc-free KW-M845BW, which let you keep your Android phone in your pocket while using its in-car interface on your center stack. They also support Apple CarPlay, as the image above suggests, as well as JVC's WebLink (for controlling apps like Waze, YouTube and Yelp). Music fans can control Spotify, iHeartRadio and Pandora directly from the receiver or stream music from up to five phones with a DJ feature.
Kenwood will be one of the first to offer wireless Android Auto
Google talked about wireless Android Auto back in spring 2016, but there hasn't exactly been widespread adoption. You still have to assume that you'll need a USB cable when you hit the road. That's about to change: JVCKenwood has casually teased plans to unveil a high-end head end unit with "wireless connectivity for Android Auto" at CES in January. It's keeping most details close to the vest, as you might expect before the big show, but it will pack Apple CarPlay support and a 720p screen.
JVC's first 4K movie cameras include one for flying drones
JVC wants into the digital moviemaking business, and it's kicking things off in style with a quartet of 4K camera prototypes that illustrate its cinematic ambitions. The highlight is the GW-GBLS1 (shown here), a gimbal-mounted Super 35mm camera tailor-made for aerial drones. It can not only shoot overhead 4K footage, but stream the live video to the ground -- handy for both coordinating movie shoots and sparing news broadcasters the trouble of launching a helicopter. There's also the GW-SPLS1, a remote-controlled miniature 4K camera for trickier shots. More conventional cinematographers should be happy, too. The GY-LSX1 puts 4K and super slow-motion 240p video into a shoulder-mounted camera, while the GY-LSX2 stuffs the LSX1's sensor into a camcorder that uses Micro Four Thirds lenses. JVC hasn't said if or when these particular cameras will reach studios, but we wouldn't count on the aerial model reaching the US without legal clarity regarding commercial drone flights. [Image credit: DV Info]
JVC outs more MHL-ready in-dash receivers at CES 2014
Face it: Your old car's factory stereo system isn't going to last forever -- eventually, you'll need to upgrade. Luckily, JVC is here to trot out its latest head units at CES 2014. Just like last year, the company has outfitted two of its new receivers (the KW-V0BT and KW-V40BT, specifically) with MHL support, giving Android users easy access to their mirrored apps while on the road. The new receivers can mirror iPhone 5 apps too, provided one brings their own Apple Lightning AV adapter. Folks without MHL-capable devices (or those who opt for the company's lower-end receivers) will still find support for 20 iPhone 4 and 4s apps through Bluetooth, including Waze and MotionX navigation. All seven of the company's new models also support Pandora, iHeartRadio and a standard assortment of hands-free features; you know, wireless music streaming, one-push voice calling and other phone functions. JVC says its new receivers are starting to roll out this month and will continue to arrive through March.
JVC makes its Everio camcorders rugged for 2014
If your first thought when buying a camcorder is "can it take a pounding?" then JVC's got two more options for you to consider. The company's new Everio shooters are clad in the same hard-wearing shell that we've previously seen on the rugged ADDIXION line. Both models come with a 2.5-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS, 40x optical zoom and a 3-inch touchscreen, but those stats aren't the ones you're probably interested in. No, get this outside, for instance, and the hardware will resist water for depths of up to five meters, drops from a height of 1.5 meters and cope with freezing temperatures down to minus 10 degrees Celsius. The only difference between the two devices is internal storage, with the GZ-R70 coming with 32GB internal memory, which is priced at $500, while the GZ-R10 will set you back $100 less. There's no solid information (yet) about availability, but as soon as we know, we'll update this accordingly.
JVC launches flagship BlackSapphire XL 3D HDTV line with Netflix, Slingbox client
JVC's been trying to get back into the HDTV game via its recent partnership with Vizio maker Amtran, and just took another big step by unveiling the flagship BlackSapphire SL series. The new models boast high-end touches like tiny bezels, ultra-thin profiles and an edge-lit LED "adaptive backlight." You'll also get built-in WiFi, SmartTV with apps like Netflix, Pandora and a Slingbox client, Xinema-Sound audio with simulated surround-sound, and passive 3D with four sets of included glasses. Interestingly, JVC decided to launch the series with rather small 42-inch and 47-inch models, though Amtran told CNET that larger sizes are also in the works. Also unusual in a flagship is three-digit pricing: $799 for the smaller SL42B-C and $899 for the SL47B-C. Considering the sticker shock we've had lately, however, we're all for keeping things small in that regard. Both models will be up for grabs later this summer.
JVC's upgraded GC-XA2 ADIXXION action camera is really, really hard to put down
Look, we all know someone suffering from an insatiable appetite for [insert vice here]. But if you've ever met someone who picked up the OG ADIXXION, you probably understand just how fixated on a single product one can become. Keeping the fix going is JVC, who has introduced the latest -- and perhaps most addicting -- ADIXXION yet. The GC-XA2 is obviously designed to rival anything in the space that GoPro presently owns, boasting a water-, shock-, dust- and freeze-proof enclosure and mounting options galore. Performance improvements in the new model include 1,920 x 1,080 60p/50p Progressive Full HD recording, and 1,280 x 720 high-speed recording at 120fps / 100fps for 4x slow-motion playback. ther upgrades include a brighter and wider-angle optical lens, improved image stabilization, a higher-resolution LCD monitor with auto-off and auto-brightness functions, a higher-resolution image sensor, a higher audio bit rate and better noise reduction. It'll start shipping later this month for a hair under $300... just don't go stealing from your mum in order to finance it, okay?
JVC unveils $18,000 4K interchangeable lens camcorder with Nikon F-mount
Lovers of 4K and Nikon glass, rejoice: JVC has just launched a 4K large-sensor camcorder that will use Nikon F-mount lenses. The JY-HMQ30 camera will operate in manual focus mode only -- even with AF glass -- though f-stop settings will be controllable in-camera for modern lenses with no aperture ring. As with the company's fixed lens GY-HMQ10, the interchangeable model will record AVC/H.264 4K video at up to 60 fps onto four separate SDHC cards, each capturing an HD-sized quadrant with a total maximum data rate of 144Mbps -- and also capture 1080/60p video at 28Mbps onto a single card. Other features include a JVC 4K clip manager that'll convert files to Apple's ProRes422 codec, live 4K, 60 fps output to a monitor or portable recorder, 4K time-lapse recording, a focus assist function and stereo XLR microphone inputs. Though the company's taking orders for the 1.7 million yen ($18,000) camera starting today in Japan, there's no word yet on availability or pricing stateside -- but you can probably start polishing up those Nikon lenses soon.
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 Kenwood's wooden cube speakers offer realtime streaming of nature sounds
This year's CES has seen no shortage of wireless speakers of all shapes and sizes, but none quite like these options that JVC Kenwood has introduced in Japan. Available in 12.2 and 5.35-inch sizes, the cube-shaped speakers are made of wood and little else, with a vibrating frame producing the sound. As The Asahi Shimbun reports, that system isn't the best for producing deep bass (making them less than ideal for music), but it apparently fares considerably better with the medium and high-pitched sounds of birds and rustling tree branches. JVC Kenwood didn't just stop at the speakers themselves, though. It's also offering a subscription service to go along with them, which will stream realtime sound from microphones set up in the mountains of Takayama and Morotsuka. Not surprisingly, these don't come cheap. The small one with set you back ¥60,000 (or about $680), with the larger model running a hefty ¥300,000, or more than $3,400 -- the subscription service also comes with an unspecified monthly fee.
JVC launches Procision slow-mo HD camcorder, refreshed Everio line at CES
When it comes to launching a groundbreaking flagship video camera at CES, JVC's got previous experience. The company has outed the Procision GC-PX100, a 1,920 x 1,080 camcorder that shoots at 36Mbps, a bit-rate that the company claims makes it perfect for slow-motion and special effects work. Light will be pouring forth into a F/1.2 lens, a 1/2.3-inch 12.8-megapixel backside illuminated CMOS censor with optical image stabilization. JVC is claiming that it's capable of cranking out 600 frames per second and shoot still images in bursts of nine frames a second -- although not at the same time. When you're done, you can push the footage straight to your smartphone or tablet over WiFi and the company is also offering a mobile app that'll let sports coaches analyze their players movement in staggering detail. It'll be available in March, but you'd better all of that athletic scrutiny is worth it, as it'll set you back $1,000. At the same time, the company's outing a game of Everio camcorders, with the entry-level GX-E100 setting you back $230 for the most basic model the company can offer. At the other end of the range, the $500 GZ-VX815 offers a f/1.2 lens, a 12.8-megapixel sensor and WiFi when it goes on sale in March.
JVC expands app and smartphone compatibility for 2013 head units, gives Android users remote control
New receivers aren't the only announcement JVC brought to CES -- it's also promising to expand App compatibility for its 2013 line of infotainment head units. Moving forward, the company will be injecting new receivers with App Link Mode with Extended Control, a technology that allows the head unit to take direct control of specific apps and pipe audio through the vehicle's speakers. JVC will be announcing compatible applications as the year moves forward, but is kicking off 2013 with MotionX GPS-Drive -- promising to deliver iPhone augmented lane assistance, live speed limit updates, navigation tools, maps and turn by turn commands. The company is releasing more Android compatible apps too, offering JVC Smart Music Control to drivers on Google's platform. Android users will be able to utilize 12 gestures and voice commands to tweak EQ settings, read text messages, tweet, post to Facebook or change music tracks. Users won't have to look at their phones to control the head unit, but they will have to blindly fumble with them a little, by the sound of it. It's not exactly texting while driving, but we wouldn't let Johnny Law see you changing playlists, all the same.
JVC launches two Mirrorlink-enabled head units at CES
If you derive immense pleasure at the thought that your whip and Android or Symbian device can be tightly integrated, then you may want to sit down. JVC is adding a further two units to its line of KW-NSX MirrorLink-enabled head units that'll let you span your mobile's display onto your dashboard. The KW-NSX600 comes with a 6.2-inch WVGA touchscreen, while the KW-NSX700's similarly-equipped screen is 7-inches wide. Both come with hands-free calls, audio streaming, voice dialing and a MHL connector so you can watch a movie when you're parked up. The NSX600 will cost $649.95 and arrives in March, while the NSX 700 is $699.95 and will be available to order at some point this month. PR? It's down there, somewhere.
JVC launches five Everio camcorders in Japan, two with Android remote control
JVC occasionally drops hints as to what we'll see at CES through launches in Japan late in the year; if that's true with its new Everio camcorder launch, we'll face a small avalanche in Las Vegas. Five models are shipping in late December that include two with remote control: WiFi on the 16GB GZ-EX350 and 32GB GZ-EX370 lets a nearby Android phone or tablet steer the camera from a distance, and the camera itself can wirelessly back up its footage as well as share media through WiFi Direct. Springing for one of these or the strictly-offline GZ-E325 (8GB) and GZ-E345 (16GB) cameras will still net you a just-the-highlights playback mode that looks for smiles and tagged scenes. While the entry-level GZ-E320 misses out on the highlight mode, all five models share a 40X optical zoom, 1080p shooting from a BSI CMOS sensor, an SDXC card slot and a 3-inch touchscreen for previewing any would-be masterpieces. Although JVC hasn't mentioned any US plans, we wouldn't be surprised to see at least one or two of the new Everios cross the Pacific.
JVC intros 55-inch BlackSapphire LCD TV with 45W virtual surround sound, SlingPlayer
Every TV maker trying to avoid total commoditization has a special trick to keep its designs unique and worth a higher price. For JVC, that trick is sound. It's launching the BlackSapphire line of LCD-based 3D TVs with the 55-inch, edge LED-lit JLE55SP4400, whose signature is an unusually powerful built-in audio system: the 45W system and 3D processing supposedly produces surround sound without having to line the living room with extra speakers. Odds are that the set won't provide much competition for dedicated speakers, although JVC is promising more integration beyond this with rare built-in SlingPlayer TV streaming, just in case there's a Slingbox in another part of the home. The all-in strategy could make the inaugural BlackSapphire more of a bargain than it looks: that $1,300 you'll pay when the screen ships this month might be all you need to start watching.
JVC unveils ADIXXION camcorder -- the second X is for 'xxtreme'
Sony's not the only one looking to edge in on the action camera game ruled by the likes of GoPro and Contour. JVC this morning claims to have "upped the ante" with the GC-XA1 ADIXXION -- and it's a hard point to argue. Let's look at the facts here: Sony's Action Cam has zero Xs in its name and the GC-XA1 ADIXXION has three. Three! Also on-board is WiFi and a 1.5-inch LCD monitor. The camcorder can do HD video, five megapixel stills and has 5x digital zoom. It's waterproof up to five meters, dustproof, freezeproof and can stand up to a fall of two meters -- all without that extra plastic casing. When it hits in late summer, it'll run you $350 -- or about $117 per X.