JVC reveals e-Shift2 4K scaling projectors, promises true 4K LCDs for under $20k

At CEDIA 2012 JVC showed off its 2012 line of home theater projectors, most which feature its e-Shift2 technology, a new version of the "4K precision" upconversion it introduced last year. While they are not capable of accepting a 4K source (not that you have any 4K Blu-ray discs lying around anyway), they work by creating two 1080p frames from the HD source, shifting one down and to the right. e-Shift2 promises higher native contrast and improved processing over its predecessor thanks to a new polarizing wire grid engine and updated algorithms. All of the new projectors are 3D capable with RF-connected active shutter glasses, and there's a new smartphone app available for controlling settings without interrupting viewing. Of course, a 130,000:1 native contrast ratio doesn't come cheap and the top of the line DLA-X95R/DLA-RS66 models sporting the spec have a pricetag of $11,999. Of course, if you're looking for the 4K upscaling for a (relative) bargain, the DLA-X55R/DLA-RS48 can be had for just a hair under $5,000.

That's not all JVC had to display however, as it also brought along one "early pre-production model" of an 84-inch UHDTV it plans to release in the first quarter of 2013. Like its projectors, it will come in both home theater and professional trim branded the RS-840UD and PS-840UD. It may be a price beater as well since JVC is targeting a sub-$20k price tag for both models, which would be well shy of the $25k set Sony just announced. Unlike some of the other 4K screens we've seen it does not include any 3D support, which may be a part of the lower cost. We got a quick peek at the display and the picture looked as sharp and punchy as we've come to expect, and even had less glare than other displays we've seen. Check out all of the prices and specs after the break, and bring your wallet.

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Performance Enhancements in New, Expanded JVC Projector Line

Improvements in contrast, 4K precision picture quality and 3D performance

INDIANAPOLIS, September 6, 2012 – JVC today announced a new, expanded line of home theater projectors that offers significant improvements in picture performance and upgraded e-shift technology, which upconverts and scales 2D content to a 4K signal. Now called e-shift2, the technology is available in seven new JVC projectors. Other performance-enhancing features include a new illumination system and a new polarizing wire grid in combination with e-shift2 for higher native contrast.

JVC's 2013 projectors are the Procision Series DLA-X95R, DLA-X75R, DLA-X55R and DLA-X35, marketed by JVC's Consumer AV Group, and the Reference Series DLA-RS66, DLA-RS56, DLA-RS4810, DLA-RS48 and DLA-RS46, available through JVC Professional Products Company. All are 3D-enabled and all except for the base models in each series offer e-shift2.

Introduced last year on four models, e-shift upconverts and scales 2D HD content to a 4K signal (3840 x 2160) and displays it at full 4K precision. Compared to a Full HD (1920 x 1080) image, that's twice the horizontal and vertical resolution and four times the number of pixels, or over 8 megapixels. The result is a stunningly detailed image with minimal aliasing artifacts found in standard HD displays. This year's upgraded e-shift2 technology, available in seven models, provides higher native contrast in combination with a new polarizing wire grid engine.

In other enhancements, new 2K to 4K scaling technology using proprietary JVC algorithms replaces a two-band filter with an eight-band filter to apply more correction to more areas of the image. This delivers a noticeable improvement with any compatible 2D signal. To optimize performance for different content, this Multiple Pixel Control offers five preset modes plus Off.

3D performance has been improved, with new circuitry and a new optical engine responsible for reduced cross talk. The result is more natural, clear and brighter images.

Another key enhancement is a new illumination system, including a new lamp and power supply, which delivers a significant improvement in brightness over the life of the lamp. In addition, the lamp warranty has been extended to one year/1,000 hours.

To provide enthusiasts with a true measure of performance, JVC has long focused on native contrast and refused to artificially enhance contrast specifications through the use of a dynamic iris. For 2013, native contrast has been improved in most models through the use of a new polarizing wire grid, ensuring that every frame consistently and faithfully reproduces peak whites and deep blacks. The flagship DLA-X95R and DLA-RS66 offer a 130,000:1 native contrast ratio. The DLA-X75R and DLA-RS56 offer 90,000:1 native contrast, and the DLA-X55R, DLA-X35, DLA-RS4810, DLA-RS48 and DLA-RS46 offer 50,000:1 native contrast.

Other enhancements new for 2013 are:
• New active shutter glasses for 3D viewing use RF rather than IR technology to offer more stable synchronization and extended range while avoiding possible interference with IR-controlled devices;
• Smartphone application that allows remote control of the projectors from a smartphone or tablet ;
• Additional lens memory settings – Ten for the DLA-X75R, DLA-X95R, DLA-RS56 and DLA-RS66 and five for the DLA-X35, DLA-X55R, DLA-RS46, DLA-RS48 and RS4810. These store custom focus, zoom and horizontal/vertical lens shift position. This allows a constant height display of 4:3, 16:9 , 2.35:1 or any other scope content without an additional anamorphic lens.

The flagship DLA-X95R and DLA-RS66 are built using hand-selected, hand-tested components and have a 130,000:1 native contrast ratio. For 3D viewing, both models come with two pairs of PK-AG3 RF 3D glasses and a PK-EM2 3D Signal Emitter. Both projectors also have a three-year warranty.

The DLA-X75R and DLA-RS56 have a native contrast of 90,000:1.

The DLA-X95R, DLA-X75R, DLA-RS66 and DLA-RS56 feature e-shift2, upgraded light engine, full color management, ISF certification and advanced calibration functionality. In addition, they are designed to pass the 400-plus tests necessary to achieve THX® 3D Certification (pending) – a promise to consumers of the highest level of quality and performance. All JVC THX Certified Projectors include THX 2D and 3D Cinema viewing modes to provide the most accurate color reproduction available in a pre-calibrated setting, ensuring content is rendered back just as its creator intended.
The DLA-X55R, DLA-RS48 and DLA-RS4810 bring e-shift2 to a new price point and feature JVC's Color Management System, five lens memory presets and a native contrast ratio of 50,000:1. The DLA-RS4810 adds a three year warranty.

The DLA-X35 and DLA-RS46 are 3D-enabled projectors with a 50,000:1 contrast ratio. The DLA-X35 is available with a black or white cabinet.

The new JVC D-ILA home theater projectors will be available in November 2012 at the following prices:
DLA-X95R/DLA-RS66 $11,999
DLA-X75R/DLA-RS56 $7,999
DLA-RS4810 $5,095
DLA-X55R/DLA-RS48 $4,999
DLA-X35/DLA-RS46 $3,499

Together with these new projectors, JVC offers new 3D accessories: the PK-AG3 RF 3D glasses and PK-EM2 RF emitter. Both are compatible with all JVC 3D projectors, including previous models. Also available is a new spare lamp, PK-L2312U, specially designed for JVC's 2013 models. The PK-L2210U lamp for current JVC projectors remains available.

Accessories prices are:
PK-AG3 RF 3D Glasses $179
PK-EM2 RF Emitter $99
PK-L2312U Lamp $399

About JVC Americas Corp.
Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, JVC Americas Corp. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVC Kenwood Corporation. JVC Americas distributes a complete line of video and audio equipment for the consumer and professional markets. For further product information, visit JVC's website.

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JVC Professional Announces Two 84-Inch ProVérité 4K LCD Monitors

WAYNE, NJ (September 6, 2012) - (Virtual Press Office) – JVC Professional Products Company, a division of JVC Americas Corp., today announced two new ProVérité 4K 84-inch LCD monitors, the PS-840UD Professional Series monitor for commercial installations and the RS 840UD Reference Series monitor for CEDIA custom installation. With a native screen resolution of 3840x2160, four times the resolution of full HD, the new models are the world's largest professional-grade 4K LCD monitors.

With a gamma profile specifically tailored for home theater, the RS-840UD features an IPS LCD panel with 120Hz refresh rate and 10 bit color depth housed in a slim bezel with a 178-degree viewing angle. ELED Illuminated, it produces vibrant, natural images from a variety of HD and 4K input sources. The RS-840UD will be marketed as a complementary addition to JVC's Reference Series projection systems sold through CEDIA custom installers.

The PS-840UD was developed for business and industry use, command and control applications, signage, and public display. It has the same features as the RS-840UD, but adds compatibility with the Intel open pluggable specification (OPS) for digital signage devices. Supported by JVC Professional's technical support team, the PS-840UD 4K panel is the industry's first large screen 4K panel designed specifically for rigorous commercial use. It will be marketed through JVC Professional Products' authorized Pro Video resellers.

"4K is destined to become the new 'HD,' and JVC is excited to be at the forefront of introducing this exciting new display technology to the marketplace," said Lon Mass, vice president of JVC's Professional Video Division. "While other 4K products are targeting high-end niche markets, we have positioned these new monitors to bring 4K into mainstream use for home and business."

The two new 4K flat panel displays demonstrate a growing breadth and depth of 4K technologies offered by JVC. At CEDIA 2011, JVC stunned the market by announcing four 4K precision D-ILA projection systems, followed by the world's first handheld 4K camcorder, the GY-HMQ10U, announced at the 2012 NAB Show. The GY-HMQ10U remains the only 4K camera capable of live 4K output.

The RS-840UD and PS-840UD are each priced under $20,000 and will be available in January 2013.

ABOUT JVC PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS COMPANY
Headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, JVC Professional Products Company is a division of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of JVC Kenwood Corporation. JVC is a leading manufacturer and distributor of broadcast and professional video and audio equipment, D-ILA front projection systems, and Super LoLux HD video security products. For further product information, visit JVC's Web site at http://pro.jvc.com or call (800) 582-5825.