JVC  INTRODUCES  NEW HOME THEATRE PROJECTOR LINE-UP

The recently introduced range of JVC D-ILA (Digital Image Light Amplifier ) projectors consists of four 3D projectors and with the exception of the entry level model all are equipped with the latest edition of JVC's proprietary e-Shift technology that upscales 2D High Definition video content to display at a 3840 x 2160 4K resolution.

The JVC projector ensemble now include the flagship RS-66 at RM39,999 the RS-56 at RM29,999 the RS-48 at RM21,999 and the entry level model the RS-46 at RM15,999.

According to JVC the top three models capable of e-Shift upscaling now includes an upgraded upscaling algorithm that offers improved native contrast performance.  JVC says that this is made possible through the use of a new polarizing wire grid engine that now offers an eight band filter compared to the two band filter design used in the previous generation e-Shift models.  The RS-46 is the only  non e-Shift model with a native 1920 x 1080p native resolution.

JVC claims that the contrast ratio performances of the RS-66 is 130,000.1, the  RS-56 is 90,000.1 and the RS-48 and RS-46 both measure out at 50,000.1

JVC however states that this contrast ratio performances are native and not, like many other competing projectors , achieved via the use of dynamic IRIS systems which JVC says can and often introduce some other form of undesirable video artifacts.

Features common to all four models are an extensive lens memory settings that allow preset storage of aspect ratio settings for use with constant height 2.35.1 cinemascope screens.  These memory settings that can store custom settings on zoom, focus, vertical and horizontal lens position allows the JVC, projectors to be used without the aid  of complicated external anamorphic lenses.

Other important video enhancing features include a color accurate ISF certification, an improved optical engine, smartphone apps that allows smartphones to be used as remote controls and a new 3D active shutter glass that utilizes a more stable RF instead of infrared red remote for a more reliable 3D operation.

Light outputs varies from 1,200 - 1,300 Lumens and claimed lamp life is 3,000 hours.

 

 

PANASONIC  PT-AE8000 3D LCD PROJECTOR

Latest in a long running series of Panasonic LCD home theatre projectors the PT-AE8000 looks quite identical to the PT-AE7000 it replaces.  Purring 'under the hood' however is a revised optical and video engine that are said to enable the PT-AE8000 some pretty significant improvements over its  well received predecessor.

For starters the PT-AE8000 is said to be at least20% brighter with up to 2400 Lumens of light output compared to 2000 Lumens of the PT-AE7000.  A new 220 watts Red Rich lamp replaces the 200 watts UHP unit used in the older model.

The PT-AE8000 also claims a higher contrast ratio of 500,000.1 (compared to 300,000.1 of the PT-AE7000). Upfront, this  means that videophiles can expect a picture that is perceivably punchier  with improved detail and a richer, more saturated colour palette.

This visual improvements is a boon to 2D as well as 3D viewing, especially in the latter using an active 3D format whereby every lumen of brightness is crucial in reproducing a convincingly impressive 3D performance.

Other less obvious but equally critical improvements include a re-worked Detail Clarity  Processor that when used judiciously offers perceivable increase in visual details, such as facial hair detail or the intricate weaves of an actor's costume.  A more tightly designed LCD  panel featuring Panasonic's proprietary Pure Contrast Plates accounts for a sharper image with improved black levels. In addition, a 3D Motion Remaster, which while not completely eliminating 3D crosstalk, have at least kept this annoying 3D artefacts in the PT-AE8000 to the minimum.

Other interesting  videophile features of the PT-AE8000 includes Lens Memory with up to six settings, used primarily for selecting the different aspects ratios on a constant height 2.35.1 Cinemascope style screen, a dynamic Iris for optimum black/contrast ratio performance, 3 HDMI 1.4 inputs, mechanical horizontal and vertical lens shift for optimum projector to screen set-up.

Additionally the PT-AE8000 also offers electronic zoom and focus allowing a more precise screen close up focus adjustment, 7 pre-set picture modes and a 5,000 hour lamp life on the economical mode.

The great news is that the PT-AE8000 has managed to achieve all that while sustaining the same RM14,999 price that the older model went for.

In use, the PT-AE8000, firing into a 100's Stewart Filmscreen Firehawk screen threw a palpably brighter picture with excellent, fine visual detail that tended to be 'smoothed' ever in the older      PT-AE7000.  Although the PT-AE7007 was by no means a slouch in brightness department the extra  lumen of the PT-AE8000 made critical 3D enjoyment that much more enjoyable.

In practice the PT-AE8000 should be able to project a larger picture without loosing resolution and brightness.  It should also be able to retain its contrast ratio  performance even when used in a room with a higher ambient light although we recommend that room ambient lights be critically controlled for optimum performance.