JVC DLA-NX7 4K Projector Review- Hardware 1

Posted on August 31, 2019 by Phil Jones

JVC DLA-NX7 4K Projector Review- Hardware 1: Overview, Control Panel, Inputs and Connectors

Overview

The JVC DLA-NX7 is a rather large home theater projector, it is easily several times the size of some of the smaller DLP projectors. While DLA-NX7 has the same basic layout, its updated chassis is larger and considerably taller than older JVC models. Also, the DLA-NX7 has a black chassis with black/dark silver trim while it’s twin model, the RS2000 has Gold trim around the lens assembly. Since this type of projector is designed for a home theater/cave, I think the NX7 stealthy all black finish is the right choice since most home theaters have dark ceilings.

In front and center is the recessed, and motorized, 2.00:1 zoom. Since everything is motorized (with Lens Memory) there are no physical controls/knobs for zoom, focus or lens shift.

Other than the exhaust vents on either side of the lens, the only other thing on the front of the projector is the IR sensor and three LED indicator lights (Warning, Light, Standby). In addition to providing Power status if there should be a problem, there’s a list of warning codes in the manual.
On the right side is the panel to access the DLA-NX7 lamp for replacement. Since it is located on the side, it makes lamp replacement easy even while the projector is suspended from ceiling.

On the back side of the projector is the Control Panel, as well as the inputs and connectors. On either side on the lower portion of the back side are intake vents. In the center rear the power terminal and a cover for a replaceable/cleanable filter.

Inputs and Connectors

At the top left is a 3D SYNCHRO terminal to connect the optional 3D Synchro Emitter. Next are a pair of HDMI 2.0 (HDCP 2.2) inputs. Both HDMI inputs are 18Gbps so they support 4K HDR up to 60fps.

Next is a traditional serial RS-232C port (DB9 connector) for “old school” command and control. Command and control can also be done over HDMI, etc. To the right is the USB terminal used for service and firmware updates. Finally, there is the RJ-45 jack for standard Ethernet networking and a single12V trigger output which can be used to control a screen, the sled of an anamorphic lens or motorized shades.

As with many newer home theater projectors, many of the older “legacy” type inputs are gone, including a VGA input or component video and S-Video.

Since this a “serious” home theater projector, you will not find an internal speaker or audio outputs. This type of projector normally does not have multiple sources connected directly to it since a receiver is usually utilized for AV switching. The DLA-NX7 is also not equipped with internal streaming services which negates the need for audio outputs. In a home theater, audio is normally handled by an A/V receiver and speakers, so the lack of audio features is not a big deal.

LENS THROW & SHIFT

When it comes to placement flexibility, the JVC is first-class. Most projectors for home have zoom lenses with 1.1:1 out to 1.6:1, depending on the brand and model. This JVC offers 2.0:1 an excellent amount, and about the maximum zoom range available today. Others that tend to have that much range are mostly made by Sony and Epson, which are JVC’s primary competition.

The DLA-NX7, like most 3LCD and LCoS projectors, offers a lot of lens shift range but most DLP projectors offer very little. Projectors like this DLA-NX7, offer tons of installation flexibility for ceiling, rear shelf mount, or tabletop mounting the projector.

Here’s the throw distances for the DLA-NX7 for filling a 100” 16:9 screen (measured from the front of the lens to the screen):

Closest: 124.4 inches (10 feet 4.4 inches)

Furthest: 253.9 inches (21 feet 1.9 inches)

The JVC has lots of horizontal shift if you can’t line up the projector lens with the center of the screen (left to right). Just remember, like most projectors, the more horizontal shift you use, the less vertical adjustment you will have available.

Len Shift: 80% Vertical and 34% Horizontal

For a 100″ diagonal 16:9 screen: 80% of a screen height of approximately 50″ is approximately 40 inches. The DLA-NX7 can be placed with the center of the lens as high as about 20 inches above the top of the screen to 20 inches below the bottom, and anywhere in between. The horizontal shift is a maximum of 0.34 x image width, which would be about .34 x 87 inches for a total range of about 30 inches of horizontal adjustment. The large amount of vertical and horizontal shift makes rear shelf placement a breeze.