JVC DLA-RS3000 4K PROJECTOR REVIEW - HARDWARE

JVC DLA-RS3000 4K Projector- Hardware: Inputs and Connectors, Lens, Control Panel, Remote Control, Menus

The JVC DLA-RS3000 is a rather large home theater projector, it is easily several times larger than some of the smaller DLP projectors. While the DLA-RS3000 has the same basic layout as older JVC models, the updated chassis is both larger and taller. The DLA-RS3000 has a black chassis with black/silver trim and its twin model the NX9 has gold trim around the lens assembly.

Whereas the NX9 has a stealthy all-black finish perfectly suited for the dark ceilings of a home theater, the RS3000 will look classy both at home or in a boardroom.

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, you will find the panel to access the DLA-RS3000 lamp for replacement. Since it is located on the side, lamp replacement is easy even when 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, you will find the power terminal and a cover for a replaceable/cleanable filter.

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

There is also a traditional serial RS-232C port (DB9 connector) for “old school” command and control. Command and control can also be done via 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 most newer home theater projectors, many of the older “legacy” type inputs are gone, including a lack of 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-RS3000 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.

While most projectors for home have zoom lenses with 1.1:1 out to 1.6:1, the RS3000 offers an excellent 2.0:1. JVC is well within the range of competitor models made by Sony and Epson.

Like most 3LCD and LCoS projectors, the DLA-RS3000 also offers a range of Hortizontal / Vertical lens shift range while most DLP projectors offer very little. The DLA-RS3000 offers a lot of installation flexibility for ceiling, rear shelf mount, or tabletop mounting the projector.

Throw Distance for a 16:9 (1.78:1) Screen

Throw Distance for a 2.35:1 Screen

The motorized lens offers horizontal/vertical lens shift if you can’t line up the projector lens with the center of the screen. Just remember, like most projectors, the more horizontal shift you use, the less vertical adjustment you will have available.

Lens Shift: 100% Vertical and 43% Horizontal

For a 100″ diagonal 16:9 screen: 100% of a screen height of approximately 50″ is approximately 50 inches. The DLA-RS3000 can be placed with the center of the lens as high as about 25 inches above the top of the screen to 25 inches below the bottom, and anywhere in between. The horizontal shift is a maximum of 0.43 x image width, which would be about .43 x 87 inches for a total range of about 37.4 inches of horizontal adjustment. A large amount of vertical and horizontal shift makes rear shelf placement a breeze.

Lastly, for even more flexibility, you can save multiple configurations thanks to the Lens Memory function (accessible from the menus or the Position button on the remote control).

The DLA-RS3000 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.

The POWER button is located on the left. Press it once to power the unit on and press twice to power off. Beside it is the MENU button.

Next are four arrows for navigating the projector’s menu with an OK button located in the center (which most companies call ENTER). The UP and Down arrow buttons can also be used to switch between inputs.

Finally, to the right is a BACK button which takes you back up one level in the menus.

It’s very functional. While the DLA-RS3000’s Control Panel doesn’t have as many buttons and features as some projectors, it has all the most useful buttons needed.