JVC DLA-X30 review

The JVC’s 2D picture is spectacular, but things could be better with 3D Tested at £3000

What Hi-Fi? Verdict

Seriously impressive for a £3k picture, especially in 2D

Pros

  • +

    Effortless set-up

  • +

    vivid colours, sharp edges

  • +

    insightful detail

Cons

  • -

    Motion issues

  • -

    3D performance isn’t great

Why you can trust What Hi-Fi? Our expert team reviews products in dedicated test rooms, to help you make the best choice for your budget. Find out more about how we test.

Timing is everything. JVC timed the launch of its projectors perfectly in 2010, ensuring that its magnificent DLA-HD550 - thanks, of course, to a sky-high level of performance - was our 2010 Product of the Year.

The company missed the boat in 2011, however, so it's only now that we're getting a look at the DLA-X30.

It's no looker, but it is a doddle to get up and running thanks to a flexible motorised lens - and is ultra-quiet.

The X30 is a 3D, Full HD, D-ILA projector that boasts a claimed 50,000:1 contrast ratio and 1300 lumens brightness. Two HDMI inputs and a component connection are on the back.

Excellent 2D pictures
The 2D picture on offer is in some ways the best we've seen.

The Expendables is drawn with sharp edges and vivid, dynamic colours. Lines on the actors' faces – of which, let's be honest, there are plenty – are mercilessly revealed.

Black levels are deep and solid. With fast motion, however, it slightly lacks the fluidity of the Panasonic PT-AT5000E.

There's seriously impressive 3D depth, but it's not the most stable or comfortable in its class. You can adjust the strength, but crosstalk and flicker remain a slight gripe.

While the X30's 3D performance could be better, JVC has undoubtedly raised its own performance bar in the 2D arena – which is what saves the X30's five-star rating.

If you don't need or want to bother with 3D content, the JVC's 2D performance could make it your first choice.

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What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test