HDTV Forum

Rodolfo,

Speaking of getting it right, I took delivery on my JVC DLA-RS1 projector this week and am I ever glad that I waited to see the final product rather than just the prototype that went up against the Pearl at CEDIA 2006. What a great projector! As you know, I'm teaming it with a DVDO VP50 and that combination of projector and external scaler (you can subtitute your own personal choice for the VP50 if you wish) gives me what I believe to be the best under-$10K solution available - including a high quality Stewart Screen (I prefer the Studiotek 130). In "shootouts" between the JVC RS1 and the Pearl (and sometimes the Mitsubishi 5000 and others) there is almost universal agreement that the RS1 has the best blacks (CRT-like) and contrast. The only place that some give points to other projectors is in the internal processing but with the use of an external VP (which can always be upgraded later on) that doesn't factor into my HT equation.

I'll be writing some personal perspectives at some point shortly (not a full blown test review since others have already done that quite nicely) and will make people aware of my comments when posted.

But the "out of box" experience has exceeded my expectations - and I have a lot of experience with HT FPs.

Thank you for steering me in the direction of the RS1.

Robert,

You are welcome. When I did the side-by-side comparison my self with JVC staff at CES 2007 the projector was considerable better than the Pearl regarding blacks, color depth, contrast ratio, and "coming-out-of-screen" visual impression, compared to the "film-pleasant-type" of the Pearl, which has its merits for those that love to imitate the local theater film image.

The only problem I see with the projector is that its scaler does not work with anamorphic 2.35:1 installations. So is out of my list for now. Judging by the major movement of the other companies in that direction it would not take long for JVC to board the 2.35:1 boat, at that time I might probably consider upgrading my 5 month old Optoma 81, but only after I can do a side-by-side comparison to demonstrate that is actually visually better, it would be a close call indeed, but installation wise the flexibility of the JVC wins without even looking at the image.

Enjoy the projector Robert.

Best Regards,

Rodolfo La Maestra

I was considering the Optima 81 as another option, but because of my HT dimensions (ceiling height 7.5 feet) it was not flexible enough in installation options to meet my needs. I also am not interested in a 2.35:1 installation on a 2.35:1 screen since that would greatly limit the height of my screen, once again due to room dimensions. I'm just fine with my 16:9 110" diagonal Stewart Studiotek 130 screen (as I have been with all projectors that I have owned (-- LCD, a DLP and now a D-ILA).

In all the FP "shootouts" I've seen which include the RS-1 vs. the Pearl and some others like the Mitsubishi 5000 LCD, they all agree that the contrast ratio and blacks are superior on the RS-1 without question. The only areas where some of the others get possibly higher marks are the internal scaling, and even that is a close call in most cases. However, since I am using an outboard video processor (my DVDO VP50) this is a non-issue and, as far as I'm concerned, makes the RS-1 the clear choice for my current FP. Some have mentioned how "noisy" the RS1 fan is, but I'm at a loss to understand what they are talking about. In my experience, this is the quietest FP I have owned and using the "normal" mode (the high output mode is totally not needed because of the output of this unit) you literally have to strain to hear any sound at all.

I'm amazed at how quickly the technology has matured. For under $10K (street prices) one can own a JVC DLA-RS1, a DVDO VP50 (or substitute the VP of your choice, like a Lumagen) and a motorized Stewart StudioTek 130 screen (once again you can substitute any other screen you like). Just add an audio system and some seats and you have an experience that holds up well to just about anything out there in the under $100K range.

Amazing.

Gentlemen, I am new to the discussion and really appreciate the candid comments. I have strugled with an InFocus Screenplay 7210 for a year. I am currently on the 4th new unit. Therefore, I was excited to see the Pearl released but bitterly disapointed to see just how soft the picture was. I have used a JVC unit at work a few years ago and was very happy with the sharpness of the picture. Is the RS1 "sharp?" No one carries the brand around here so it is impossible to see a demo. Also, do you find any hot spotting using the Stewart 130? Anyone any experience with the Stewart screen especially made for the Pearl? I look forward to all of the comments about both units.