JVC unveils new 4K HDR projectors and red special edition DLA-20LTD

What's D-ILA? It stands for 'Direct-Drive Image Light Amplifier' and it's JVC's proprietary chip for displaying images. It's a kind of hybrid of LCD and DLP projector technology that JVC has been using since 1997.

So for its 20th birthday, JVC has launched three new D-ILA projectors with Ultra HD 4K resolution and promising improved High Dynamic Range (HDR) pictures. All three projectors use a new, redesigned "e-shift5" technology, which is JVC's way of displaying native 4K images, by cleverly shifting Full HD images by half a pixel diagonally at 120Hz, thus multiplying the resolution to reach 3820 x 2160.

The DLA-X9900 and X7900 are THX 3D certified, and the X9900 has a claimed 2100 lumens of brightness and an 'industry leading' 160,000:1 contrast ratio.

JVC's Multiple Pixel Control processing technology has been improved as well and combined with the new e-shift5 tech, aims to deliver better 4K and HDR10 images than before.

All three projectors come with HDCP2.2 certification for their HDMI inputs, which also support 4K/60fps and 4:4:4 colour subsampling.

The X9900 is available in black only, while the X7900 and X5900 are available in black or white finishes. All three are due in October, and cost £9500, £6300 and £4500 respectively.

JVC will also be releasing a limited edition DLA-20LTD - that bright red projector pictured above - to celebrate that 20th anniversary.

Why red? Red is JVC's corporate brand colour and it "expresses the passion and enthusiasm" for developing future D-ILA projectors, says JVC.

Details on the 20LTD are sparse, but it will feature another "industry leading" native 200,000:1 contrast ratio, and the 20th anniversary logo will show up when the projector is fired up.

We'll update with more details and pricing when we know.

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Kashfia Kabir
Hi-Fi and Audio Editor

Kashfia is the Hi-Fi and Audio Editor of What Hi-Fi? and first joined the brand over 10 years ago. During her time in the consumer tech industry, she has reviewed hundreds of products (including speakers, amplifiers and headphones), been to countless trade shows across the world and fallen in love with hi-fi kit much bigger than her. In her spare time, Kash can be found tending to an ever-growing houseplant collection and hanging out with her cat Jolene.