The JVC DLA-RS1100 is a 1,900 lumen native 4K home theater that retails for $6,999. The RS1100’s high contrast ratio of 40,000:1 combined with true 4K (4096x2160) resolution and JVC’s industry-leading best black levels delivers exceptional picture quality at a reasonable price.
The RS1100 is part of JVC’s new D-ILA home theater projector models. These models all include 48Gbps HDMI inputs, which can accept 4K@120fps signals. While higher-end 8K e-Shift models are equipped with BLU-Escent laser light sources, the RS1100 is a lamp-based unit.
The JVC DLA-1100 Is a lamp-based projector
The DLA-RS1100 has a rated brightness of 1,900 lumens, slightly brighter than the DLA-RS1000 it is replacing. This is more than enough brightness to produce a good HDR picture on screens up to 120” and an excellent SDR image on much larger screens.
The rated lamp life is 4,500 hours in Low Mode, allowing use for several hours daily for a couple of years. Even with the Low Mode’s reduced lumen output, the RS1100 can still produce more than enough light for a dedicated home theater.
All JVC D-ILA projectors, including the RS1100, utilize JVC’s new 3rd generation 0.69-inch native 4K D-ILA devices. Since this is a native 4K unit, unlike a 2K pixel shifting projector, it can faithfully reproduce all 8.8 million pixels found in 4K content.
Due to its D-ILA imagers, the RS1100 has a native contrast ratio of 40,000:1 (Dynamic Contrast Ratio 400,000:1), which is exceptional compared to 4K DLP projectors in its price point.
The RS1100 is equipped with three native 4K DILA devices
The DLA-RS1100 includes two JVC proprietary technologies to maximize HDR performance. First is the Frame Adapt HDR feature enables dynamic scene-by-scene and frame-by-frame HDR tone mapping of HDR10 content. The goal is to display highlight details while maintaining good screen brightness.
The brightness of a projected image can change depending on the screen size, screen gain, throw distance, and light source life. To precisely tone map, the projector’s processor needs to account for its exact brightness capability in your specific system.
The second feature, called the Theater Optimizer, combines information provided by the user, like screen size and gain, with the unit's current status, like lens zoom position and lamp condition to provide a more accurate baseline on which to apply dynamic tone mapping.
Theater Optimizer combined with Frame Adapt HDR results in great-looking HDR picture
The projector can automatically and precisely adjust itself for optimum tone mapping and brightness by utilizing that user-inputted information and default projector information.
Theater Optimizer combined with Frame Adapt HDR results in great-looking HDR10 content while eliminating the hassle of having to constantly make manual Brightness and Contrast adjustments from bright to dark scenes or from movie to movie. The RS1100 also supports Hybrid Log-Gamma (HLG) to ensure that users are ready for live future HDR broadcasts.
JVC DLA-RS1100 Specs
Price
6,999
Technology
Native 4K DILA
Native Resolution
4096x2160
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)
1900
Contrast
40000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
2.00:1
Lens Shift
Yes
Lamp Life
4,500 hours (Low Mode)
Weight
42.3
Warranty
3 years
JVC offers two different series of 4K D-ILA Projectors, which differ mainly in their cosmetic appearance. Both series can be found in home theaters and production facilities but are sold through different sales channels.
For example, the JVC Procision Series projectors are sold through retailers like Best Buy and Crutchfield, while the Reference Series models are available through the custom installation dealer network. I reviewed the JVC DLA-RS1100 from their Reference lineup, however, the nearly identical Procision Series version is the DLA-NP5.
Except for cosmetics, the DLA-RS1100 and DLA-NP5 are identical but sold in different retail channels
With a retail price of $6,999, the JVC DLA-RS1100 is the least expensive model in the new JVC’s 4K D-ILA projector lineup. The RS1100 is very similar to the RS1000 it is replacing, but the new model is 100 lumens brighter and includes two 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 inputs to accept and display 4K@120fps signals.
Currently, there isn't a lot of high frame rate 4K video content available, but 4K@120fps can help deliver a smooth high-quality gaming experience from a high-end gaming computer as well as the latest PlayStation and XBOX gaming consoles.
The new RS1100 also supports HDR10+. This format is based on HDR10, but in HDR10+ content, the luminance information for each scene is embedded into the content as dynamic metadata so that tone mapping can be performed according to the specific scene. This format aims to help the projector faithfully reproduce the HDR images as intended by the creators.
While HDR10 and Dolby Vision are the main ways HDR content is distributed, Amazon Prime Video has announced support for HDR10+. There is also a limited number of 4K UHD Blu-ray discs available and a select number of UHD BD players from companies like Panasonic that support it.
The RS1100 supports 3D, which is great news for movie enthusiasts who have libraries containing 3D Blu-ray discs because users can still take advantage of the content they paid for.
Four new JVC laser projectors exist in both the Procision Series and Reference Series lines. The new Procision Series includes the DLA-NZ9, DLA-NZ8, DLA-NZ7, and DLA-NP5, while the Reference Series equivalents are the DLA-RS4100, DLA-RS3100, and the DLA-RS2100 and RS1100.
NP5/RS1100
NZ7/RS2100
NZ8/RS3100
NZ9/RS4100
Price
$6999.95
$10,999.95
$15,999.95
$25,999.95
Resolution
4K
8K/e-shift
8K/e-shiftX
8K/e-shiftX
Light Source
Lamp
BLU-Escent laser
BLU-Escent laser
BLU-Escent laser
Brightness
1900lm
2,200lm
2,500lm
3,000lm
Native Contrast
40,000:1
40,000:1
80,000:1
100,000:1
Lens Assembly
65mm All glass
65mm All glass
65mm All glass
100mm All Glass
Cinema Filter
NO
NO
YES
YES
Spending $4,000 more to step up from the DLA-RS1100 to the DLA-RS2100 ($10,999 SRP) adds 8K/eshift and BLU-Escent light source, which is 300 lumens brighter. Like most JVC D-ILA projectors, the RS1100 utilizes a 17-element all-glass 65mm lens assembly to ensure that all the resolution provided by these 4K imagers reaches the screen. While JVC does offer a higher-end 100mm lens assembly on the DLA-NZ9 / DLA-RS4100, the image from the RS1100 was crisp and clear.
The lens assembly of the RS1100 is motorized with lens memories. You can quickly change between different zoom and shift preset settings to display content in different aspect ratios on a fixed 2.35:1 aspect projection screen.
The RS1100 is also equipped with a new “Installation Mode” that saves and recalls up to 9 different combinations of settings, including Lens Control, Pixel Adjustment, Mask, Anamorphic on or off, Screen Adjust, Installation Style, Keystone, Pincushion of lens settings, different aspect ratios, lens presets, convergence and screen masking positions. This RS1100 is compatible with commercially available anamorphic lenses and ultra-wide format screens for an immersive movie theater experience.
The RS1100 is targeted at serious home theater enthusiasts who desire JVC's legendary picture quality, black levels, along with tons of installation features at an approachable price.
HIGHLIGHTS
$6,999 List Price
Three Chip 4K D-ILA (4,096 x 2,160)
Native 4K (4,096 x 2,160) Resolution
1,900 Lumens – Bright Enough to Handle Some Modest Ambient Light
Lamp Life of 4,500 Hours (Low Mode)
40,000:1 Native Contrast Ratio (400,000:1 Dynamic)
All-glass 17-element 65mm Lens
Precise Dynamic HDR Tone Mapping
HDR10+ and HLG Support
Two 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 (HDCP 2.3) inputs support 8K/60P & 4K/120P
Anamorphic Lens Compatible
Motorized Lens with Lens Memory
Motorized zoom, focus, and lens shift
Full HD 3D
Full calibration controls
Control4 Compatible
3-Year Advanced Replacement Warranty
Hardware
The JVC DLA-RS1100 looks nearly identical to the RS1000 it is replacing. It measures about 20” wide, 9 1/4 “high, and 19 1/2 “deep, so it is a rather large home theater projector. In addition to being bigger, at 42.3 pounds, the RS1100 is heavier than most DLP-equipped theater projectors. Most home theater enthusiasts are willing to deal with a larger chassis for the benefits of native 4K resolution, better black levels, a motorized lens with horizontal/vertical shift, and quieter operation.
The DLA-RS1100 has a black chassis with gold trim around the lens assembly, while its twin model, the DLA-NP5, has black/dark silver trim.
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-RS1100 lamp for replacement. Since it is located on the side, it makes lamp replacement easy even while the projector is suspended from the ceiling.
The DLA-RS1100 has a simple control panel located on the rear of the chassis
On the back side of the projector is the Control Panel, as well as the inputs and connectors. The DLA-RS1100 control panel is very simple, but most people will only use the control panel for initial setup, then rely on the remote control or a home automation system for those types of functions.
DLA RS1100 Control Panel includes two 48Gbps HDMI inputs which can accept 4K@120fps signals
The inputs are also located on the rear of the chassis and they include a pair of 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 (HDCP 2.3) inputs which support 4K@120fps. There is also a 3D SYNCHRO terminal to connect the optional 3D Synchro Emitter.
For "old school" command and control, there is also a traditional serial RS-232C port (DB9 connector) along with a USB terminal used for service and firmware updates. Lastly, there is the RJ-45 jack for standard Ethernet networking and a single 12V trigger output, which can control a screen, a sled of an anamorphic lens, or motorized shades.
On either side on the lower portion of the back side are intake vents. In the center rear of the chassis are the power terminal and a replaceable/cleanable filter cover.
The DLA-RS1100 uses one of JVCs newer remote controls. It is slimmer than the previous JVC projector remote with fewer buttons. While the remote is smaller and simpler, the buttons are well-spaced, and key buttons are easy to locate. The remote is also backlit, which is beneficial in a dark room where this type of projector is normally utilized.
The RS1100 can store different motorized lens settings (zoom, shift, and focus), like one for HDTV, and one for widescreen movies. You can switch between formats by pressing the Setting Memory button.
I also like that there are additional buttons to access the projector’s Picture Presets directly, Color Profiles, and Gamma settings menus.
LENS ASSEMBLY
The JVC-DLA-RS1100, like most 3LCD and LCoS projectors, offers a lot of lens shift range compared to most DLP projectors which offer very little. Most DLP home theater projectors have zoom lenses that range from 1.1:1 up to 1.6:1. The DLA-RS1100 includes a motorized lens assembly with a zoom range of 2.0:1. Below are the minimum and maximum throw distances for some common screen sizes and aspect ratios.
Throw Distance for a 16:9 (1.78:1) Screen
Screen Size (Diagonal)
Min Screen Distance (in)
Max Screen Distance (in)
80"
99.1 (2520mm)
202.8 (5150mm)
100”
124.4 (3160mm)
253.5 (6450mm)
110”
137.4 (3490mm)
279.5 (7100mm)
120”
150 (3810mm)
305.1 (7750mm)
130”
169.7 (4130mm)
330.7 (8400mm)
140’
175.2 (4450mm)
356.3 (9050mm)
150”
187.8 (4770mm)
381.9 (9700mm)
Throw Distance for a 2.35:1 Screen
Screen Size (Diagonal)
Min Screen Distance (in)
Max Screen Distance (in)
80"
105.1 (2670mm)
214.2 (5440mm)
100”
131.5 (3340mm)
268.1 (6810mm)
110”
144.9 (3680mm)
295.3 (7500mm)
120”
158.3 (4020mm)
322 (8180mm)
130”
171.7 (4360mm)
349.2 (8870mm)
140”
185 (4700mm)
376.3 (9560mm)
150”
198.4 (5040mm)
403.1 (10240mm)
The JVC has lots of horizontal and vertical lens shift which is extremely helpful if you can’t line up the projector lens with the center of the screen (left/right or top/bottom). Just remember, like most projectors, the more horizontal shift you use, the less vertical adjustment you will have available.
Lens Shift: 80% Vertical and 34% Horizontal
For a 100″ diagonal 16:9 screen, the DLA-RS1100 can be placed with the center of the lens as high as 15 inches above the top of the screen to 15 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 left to right of the center of the screen. A large amount of vertical and horizontal shift along with 2.0:1 zoom provides tons of installation flexibility whether you are ceiling, shelf, or tabletop mounting the projector.
MENU
The RS1100’s menu system is similar to what JVC has utilized on its projectors for several years. There are some new setting adjustments to support newly introduced features like HDR10+.
The images of the menu shown in this section represent only a small number of all the sub-menus available. I tried to show a couple more notable sections found in the most used sub-menus (image, setting, and networking, etc.).
DLA-RS1100’s overall menu is well organized and easy to navigate. While the type size on the menu is a little small, it is still readable at a “normal” distance. The position of the menu can also be moved.
PERFORMANCE
COLOR REPRODUCTION
I would rate the JVC DLA-RS1100's color reproduction out-of-the-box as good. There is a total of five different preset SDR picture modes available. The color temperature of all of them averaged around 7500K. The main difference between the NATURAL and CINEMA picture modes is their Gamma targets. Most users, including myself, tend to prefer the NATURAL mode when viewing content in most environments.
There are also three USER modes that look very similar to the NATURAL picture mode in their default settings. These modes can be used to store picture settings after calibration. For example, modes for viewing SDR in a bright or dark room.
In addition, there are independent picture modes for HDR10, HLG, and HDR10+. There is even a dedicated picture mode optimized exclusively for Panasonic Blu-ray players like the DP-BP9000.
I did notice that all the preset HDR and SDR picture modes were a little greenish. It was not distracting but noticeable based on my experience with other JVC projectors like the NZ9, which I use daily. The good news is the RS1100 offers tons of adjustments to fine-tune the unit’s picture for SDR, HDR, and different viewing environments.
Like most home theater projectors that retail for over $1000, I took the time to calibrate the unit. Since your room and screen material greatly impact the overall picture, I don't recommend using someone else's calibration adjustments. If your room is brighter/darker or your walls are a different color, copying someone else's results can actually be detrimental to the picture quality rather than improving it.
As an example, I am including the before and after calibration results for my specific room and setup. To test the color accuracy of the RS1100, we use Portrait Displays Calman color calibration software.
Pre-Calibration Color Tracking and Grayscale
All the picture modes were too cool out of the box, with an average color temperature of around 7500K. The measured RGB balance showed that regardless of the preset picture mode, there was too much green and too little red.
While out of the box, we utilize the NATURAL picture mode, we choose to calibrate the USER-1 mode for SDR viewing in a room with low ambient light.
Before CMS adjustment, the projector’s color tracking was very good. This was probably because we measured it after we had adjusted the unit’s RGB balance (grayscale). Lastly, the Gamma measurement pre-calibration was 1.9, which is brighter than my target of 2.2 and resulted in elevated black levels.
Picture Mode: USER-1
Color Temperature: 7581K
Average Grayscale dE: 12.7
Average Color Tracking dE: 2.13
Gamma: 1.9
Post-Calibration Color Tracking and Grayscale
We set the COLOR TEMP to Custom with a CORRECTION VALUE of 5500K. To produce good grayscale (RGB Balance), I reduced the GREEN GAIN and BLUE GAIN. This resulted in a color temp much closer to my target of 6500K
Adjusting the projector grayscale, the average color tracking dE was just 2.13, so there isn’t a need to make any adjustments. Since the RS1100 offers CMS adjustments, we took the time to finetune the projector color tracking further.
To get closer to our Gamma target of 2.2, we switched the GAMMA SETTING to Custom 1 with a CORRECTION VALUE of 2.5.
Picture Mode: USER 1
Color Temperature: 6524K
Average Grayscale dE:1.7
Average Color Tracking dE:1.1
Gamma: 2.21
Delta E as a measure of grayscale/color accuracy of 3 and under is considered 'Excellent' and imperceptible by the human eye. After SDR calibration, the projector's average grayscale dE was just 1.7. Once the RGB balance grayscale was adjusted, the color tracking was good, but after some CMS adjustments, the average dE was 1.1, which is excellent as well.
When viewing HDR content, the colors were greenish, and the color temperature was too cool, like SDR.
The HDR modes have dedicated color temperature, RGB Balance, and CMS adjustments. We used the RGB balance settings to reduce the GREEN GAIN and BLUE GAIN, which produced a much better RGB balance (Grayscale).
We did not need to use the CMS settings to make additional adjustments to the projector's HDR color tracking.
While the RS1100 is not equipped with a Cinema Filter, it could still reproduce 97% of the DCI-P3 color gamut. Using a color filter on a projector can achieve full DCI-P3 coverage, but you sacrifice brightness.
Colors look more vibrant when they are brighter, so when viewing HDR on a projector, I personally prefer the extra brightness over the wider color gamut.
HDR Color Tracking and Grayscale
HDR RGB Balance Before and After Adjustment
The DLA-RS1100 is also compatible with JVC's Auto-Calibration software, which is free on the JVC support site. Using this software and a colorimeter (optical sensor) like a Datacolor Spyder X Elite ($269 SRP), you can quickly optimize the projector's picture quality, including color balance, gamma characteristics, color space, and color tracking.
BRIGHTNESS
The DLA-RS1100 has a rated brightness of 1,900 ANSI lumens which is 100 lumens brighter than the NX5 / RS1000 that it replaces. At wide-zoom, with the LAMP POWER set to High, the JVC DLA-RS1100 produced 1864 lumens. This is very close to the projector’s rated brightness of 1,900 lumens.
SDR Picture Mode
Brightness (lumens)
Color Temperature
NATURAL
1,864
7625K
CINEMA
1,857
7543K
USER 1-3
1,862
7581K
Switching the LAMP POWER to Low will extend the life of the bulb, but it reduces the brightness of each mode by about 30%.
Premium projector manufacturers like JVC tend to be more conservative when rating brightness. JVC owners are more interested in great black level and accurate color reproduction than absolute brightness.
While many 4K UHD DLP projectors can produce much higher max brightness, it is usually at the expense of accurate color reproduction. Once these projectors are calibrated, their brightness advantage quickly disappears. Those projectors often lose nearly half their brightness when they are adjusted to reproduce accurate colors.
The DLA-RS1100 can still deliver most of its rated brightness even after calibration. For example, after calibration, the RS1100 retained about 85% of its pre-calibrated brightness.
In addition, single-chip DLP projectors that have relatively low Color Light Output (compared to their white light output) don’t often produce bright rich colors, however, the DLA-RS1100 can deliver an equal amount of color and white lumens. This makes colors look brighter and more vibrant than a DLP projector with even a higher lumens rating.
BLACK LEVEL AND SHADOW DETAIL
JVC D-ILA projectors are renowned for having great black-level performance. While a dynamic iris (aperture) can be used to increase the perceived Dynamic contrast, this feature is not 100% transparent so it is sometimes noticeable as the projector adjusts from scene to scene.
JVC home theater projectors have a reputation for delivering the highest native contrast in the industry. Even without the RS1100’s dynamic iris engaged, there are few projectors that can come close to this JVC’s black-level performance during dark scenes.
The projector’s default BRIGHTNESS setting is a little too high, resulting in the slightly evaluated black level. I suggest reducing the BRIGHTNESS setting to fully take advantage of the projector’s capabilities.
While great black levels are important, so is shadow detail. Not only did the DLA-RS1100 handle the darkest scenes it also did a great job reproducing details in the darkest areas. When it comes to black level, I would wager that the DLA-RS1100 would easily match or beat any DLP projector anywhere near its price point.
HD AND 4K PICTURE QUALITY
Due to its native 4K imager and excellent optics, the DLA-RS1100 had no problems delivering sharp detailed 4K imagery. While the image from pixel-shifting 3LCD projector has gotten sharper over the last few years, they still can’t match a native 4K projector.
The fact is most TV shows, and live broadcasts will continue to be produced in HD for several more years, so good 4K upscaling will continue to be important. The JVC 4K upscaling was excellent. Whether I was watching 720P sports from ESPN or 1080p Blu-ray content, it looked very good. Most TV and movies do not have enough fine detail to make the difference between watching 4K SDR and HD noticeable.
Due to its 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 inputs, the DLA-RS1100 can accept and playback 4K SDR or HDR content at 120 frames per second. While there isn’t a lot of video content available at such a high frame, the latest gaming consoles and graphic cards can output 120fps.
Due to its 48Gpbs HDMI inputs, the RS1100 can accept and display 4K@120fps content
The RS1100 had no problem displaying 120fps video from my Murideo Seven G test pattern generator or games rendered at 120fps from my Xbox Series X and my Razer gaming PC. The RS1100 can support gaming at 120 frames per second. When the LOW LATENCY setting is engaged under the MOTION CONTROL sub-menu, we measured the RS1100's input lag at 37ms when displaying 4K@120fps. This response time is fast enough for most casual gamers.
HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE
The RS1100, like all current JVC home theater projectors, utilizes dynamic HDR tone mapping. The Frame Adapt HDR feature allows the projector to measure and tone map HDR10 content either Frame-by-Frame or Scene-by-Scene. For my HDR viewing, I choose the Frame-by-Frame option.
JVC’s new Theater Optimizer feature combines information provided by the user with the projector’s current status information to provide a more accurate baseline on which to apply dynamic Tone Mapping. By utilizing that user-inputted information and default projector information, the projector can more precisely adjust itself for optimum tone mapping and brightness.
In most situations, when viewing HDR10 content, the Adaptive HDR tone mapping feature combined with the Theater Optimizer did a great job balancing the need to deliver good full-screen brightness while still displaying bright highlight detail. Users can adjust the HDR tone mapping brightness curve using the HDR LEVEL setting, but I never felt the need to do so.
The RS1100 supports HDR10+
The RS1100 also supports the HDR10+ format, an enhancement to HDR10 that includes dynamic metadata that can be used during HDR tone mapping. HDR10+ is a royalty-free technology that is accessible to content creators and device manufacturers. HDR10+ content is available on select UHD Blu-ray and various streaming services like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Paramount+.
When I took some time to compare HDR content dynamically tone mapped by the RS1100 to HDR10+ material, the picture quality differences were subtle. This was probably due to fact that JVC's Frame Adapt HDR tone mapping feature is so effective.
AUDIBLE NOISE
Like all JVChome theater projectors, the RS1100 is super quiet. We do not measure audible noise, but JVC rates the projector’s noise level at 24dB, which LAMP POWER is set to Low. This makes the RS1100 one of the quietest projectors on the market. There is a noticeable increase in fan noise when the LAMP POWER is switched from Low to High. However, the RS1100 is quieter than most home theater projectors, even at full power.
SUMMARY
The new Reference Series projector DLA-RS1100 and its Procision Series twin brother the DLA-NP5, utilize JVC's 3rd Generation 0.69-inch native 4K D-ILA devices to deliver a sharp detailed image with JVC’s award-winning black levels.
Like previous Procision and reference series projectors, these two models feature the same design, feature set, and price point. Both of these projectors are lamp-based units. This helps keep the cost down compared to its laser-equipped big brothers.
The DLA-RS1100 can deliver 1,900 Lumens with a high native contrast ratio of 40,000:1. JVC is offering each of these projectors for $6,999 MSRP, which means a much broader range of buyers will soon be able to purchase a JVC 4K D-ILA projector at a more approachable price.
The DLA-RS1100 is equipped with a 65 mm diameter lens which adopts an all-glass design with 17 elements in 15 groups to ensure sharp focus across the entire screen. The motorized 2.0:1 zoom lens assembly also offer tons of horizontal and vertical lens shift to maximize installation flexibility.
The Frame Adapt HDR combined with Theater Optimizer dynamically measures the brightness of HDR10 content and automatically adjusts the DLA-RS1100’s settings to deliver the best HDR picture possible. The RS1100 also supports HLG and HDR10+. In 2022, HDR10+ content will be available from streaming services like HULU, Amazon Prime Video, and on select 4K UHD Blu-ray Discs.
In addition, the RS1100 includes dual 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 inputs that can accept 4K@120fps signals. While there is a lot of video content shot at this frame rate, the fact that the RS1100 can accept a 4K/120P signal makes it a good match with the latest gaming consoles.
VALUE PROPOSITION
Spending an additional $4,000 to step up from a DLA-RS1100 to the DLA-RS2100 offers several benefits. The RS2100 is 300 lumens brighter and has a BLU-Escent laser light source that delivers 20,000 hours of nearly maintenance-free operation.
While the RS1100 and RS2100 both utilize native 4K DILA devices, the RS2100 also includes 8K e-shift. To further improve image clarity, 8K e-shift technology in the RS2100 can shift each pixel diagonally 0.5 pixels to double the unit’s projected resolution.
Compared to the competition, I have yet to find a single chip consumer 4K DLP projector that could come anywhere close to the contrast and black level of the DLA-RS1100. If you have the budget to step up from a 4K DLP projector to a 4K D-ILA like the RS1100, you should absolutely do it.
Epson makes some great 4K e-shift projectors, including the Pro Cinema LS12000 ($4,999 SRP). The LS12000 is 800 lumens brighter and its laser light engine offers years of nearly maintenance-free operation. The 3LCD panels used in the Epson LS12000 deliver excellent contrast but D-ILA devices used in the JVC DLA-RS1100 are still better.
While native vs pixel-shifted resolution is still a heated debate among home theater enthusiasts, Epson’s pixel shift technology does deliver an image that is visibly sharper than a traditional native 1080p projector. However, when compared side by side, a native 4K projector like the RS1100 still appears sharper.
The new laser-equipped Sony XW5000ES ($6,000 SRP) retails for $1000 less than the lamp based RS1100, and it is also 100 lumens. For years JVC D-ILA produced higher native contrast than Sony SXRD models, but new 4K SXRD panels used in the XW5000ES have closed the gap.
For $1,000 more, the RS1100 has dual 48Gbps HDMI inputs which support 4K@120fps playback and the projector is also compatible with HDR10+ content. The JVC also includes a motorized lens with lens position memories. JVC provides the ability to save up to 10 types of installation adjustments to be easily recalled. These include lens memory, pixel adjustment, and screen masking. Screen size and gain, and aspect ratios can also be set.
I look forward to having the opportunity in the future to compare the JVC DLA-RS1000 to the Sony VPL-XW5000ES.
While RS1100 does not include the laser light sources found in JVC models above it, the JVC RS1100 includes many of the award-winning technologies found on JVC’s more expensive models. Labeling the JVC DLA-RS1100 as an entry-level projector would be a disservice. This projector will probably outperform many manufacturers’ flagship models based on its features and performance. This makes it an excellent option for a home theater enthusiast with a smaller budget that desires a native 4K JVC D-ILA projector.
