JVC LX-NZ3 4K Laser DLP Projector Review

The JVC LX-NZ3 is an HDR compatible DLP home theater projector that can deliver true 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160). With a retail price of $3,699 its 4K resolution combined with its laser light engine results in a great amount of performance at a reasonable price.

JVC claims it has 3,000 lumens, which is quite respectable. The laser engine is rated for 20,000 hours in HIGH POWER Mode which would allow use for several hours a day, every day for a decade. Even when Lamp Power is set to Eco, which reduces fan noise while extending lamp life, the LX-NZ3 is still capable of producing more than enough light for a dedicated home theater.

While all JVC NX Series projectors utilize JVC’s new 3^rd generation 0.69-inch native 4K D-ILA devices, the NZ3 is a DLP based projector. By utilizing a DLP chip, JVC can deliver 4K resolution with the low maintenance of a laser light engine at a price point below their NX Series models. While NX Series projectors offer deeper blacks and higher contrast, the LX-NZ3 is noticeable brighter which probably makes it a better solution for a room with higher ambient light.

I reviewed the JVC LX-NZ3W which is the white model, however there is identical black unit available called the JVC LX-NZ3B.

The JVC LX-NZ3 is a 3,000 lumen, 4K UHD resolution (3840 x 2160) projector, with a list price of $3,699. Most JVC projectors utilize D-ILA devices which have always offered great native contrast and black levels, the LX-NZ3 and the LX-UH1 are the only two DLP projectors in JVC’s lineup.

Except for the DLA-RS4500K, which retails for $29,999, the LX-NZ3 is also the only Laser projector JVC offers. Both models utilize JVC’s BLU-Escent ™ laser phosphor illumination which has a rated life of 20,000 hours (in HIGH POWER Mode). The LX-NZ3 can also deliver 3,000 lumens which is more than enough to produce a vivid HDR picture on a 120” screen and an excellent SDR image on screens that are much larger.

The LX-NZ3 is compatible with both HDR10 and HLG content. The LX-NZ3’s also includes a basic version of JVC’s Auto Tone Mapping feature. The projector can utilize the Max CLL and Max FALL metadata embedded in HDR content to automatically adjust dark/bright levels to try to optimize the unit’s HDR performance.

You can fine tune the look of HDR to fit your taste by using the MAPPING LEVEL ADJUSTMENT. The LX-NZ3 also has a new HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) picture mode to ensure that users are ready for live future HDR broadcast.

The combination of 4K DLP chip and laser illumination makes the LX-NZ3 a unicorn in JVC’s Home Theater projector lineup.