BLU is the warmest colour

JVC upgrades its native 4K projectors by swapping lamps for lasers. Steve Withers trips the light fantastic

- Steve Withers

It wasn't a huge surprise when JVC announced its new NZ series of laser-powered projectors last autumn, but what did surprise was the full extent of the upgrade. These new beamers include all the features found on the previous generation, but add HDMI 2.1 inputs capable of handling 8K/60p and 4K/120p, an upgraded iteration of its 8K e-Shift technology (dubbed e-ShiftX), and support for HDR10+.

The new range is headlined by the DLA-NZ9 (£25,000), which offers a claimed brightness of 3,000 Lumens, a native contrast of 100,000:1, and a 100mm all-glass lens with 'ultra-high contrast' optics. The DLA-NZ8 tested here (£15,800) shares much of the same spec (including the improved optical path), but hits 2,500 Lumens, has a contrast of 80,000:1, and uses a smaller 65mm lens.

Finally, there's the DLA-NZ7 (£11,500). This is largely the same as the NZ8, but doesn't use upgraded optics, resulting in a brightness of 2,200 Lumens and contrast of 40,000:1. The NZ7 also misses out on a wide colour gamut filter found on the NZ8 and NZ9, and uses a less advanced form of e-Shift than that of its more expensive siblings.

Of course, expensive is a relative term, with even the 'entry-level' NZ7 setting you back nearly £12k. This puts JVC's new range beyond the reach of all but the most well-heeled home cinema enthusiast. In fairness to JVC the pricing is primarily dictated by Sony's existing 4K laser projectors – the VPL-VW790ES at £10,000 and the VPL-VW890ES, which costs £25,000.

It's interesting to note that the NZ8 doesn't have a direct competitor, and based on the specs listed above it also sits in the sweet spot of JVC's new lineup, offering some serious high-end bang for its not-inconsiderable buck.