Standing proud

JVC’s 'entry-level' native 4K laser PJ lacks serious competition – Steve Withers wonders if it might be in a class of its own

- Steve Withers

JVC has been wowing projector fans recently with its native 4K images, laser-powered lighting, class-leading blacks and dynamic HDR tone mapping, but the cost of admission ain’t cheap. Tested here is the DLA-NZ7, the entry-point into JVC’s laser line-up with a price tag of £11,499 that makes it a significant investment. Needless to say, this isn't a PJ you just aim at a white wall.

The ‘affordable’ JVC option in 2022 is actually the lamp-based DLA-NP5, which is an updated version of the previous generation, adding HDMI 2.1 inputs and support for HDR10+ and 4K/120p. But even the NP5 costs £7,499, so is hardly a budget model either.

In fairness, once you factor in features, performance and alternatives, these beamers start to look a lot more competitive – although the flagship DLA-NZ9 remains decidedly toppy at £24,999. And since the majority of attention will be focused on the NZ7 and mid-range DLA-NZ8 (see HCC #329), which currently retails for £15,799, let’s establish the similarities and differences.

Sibling rivalry

On paper the NZ7 and NZ8 appear very similar, with exactly the same chassis, three-chip 4K (4,096 x 2,160) D-ILA device, BLU-Escent laser light source, and 17-element, 15-group all-glass 65mm lens. They also both have twin HDMI 2.1 inputs that accept 8K/60p and 4K/120p, plus support HDCP 2.3, 3D and high dynamic range – specifically HDR10, HLG, and HDR10+.