AV Forums Reference Status

If there is any product that probably doesn't need an introduction within an AV Forums review, then it is JVC's DLA-HD1 DILA projector. Ever since the rumour surfaced last year that JVC would be bringing its revolutionary DILA technology to the affordable end of the market, there has followed a constant flow of interest from enthusiasts. Indeed, when the unit was finally launched in February it sold in record time, and comments were quick to follow on the AV Forums from happy end-users. With such interest, and the claims of black levels to rival the old guard CRT projectors, we just had to have a closer look. Click here to link to the full review on the AV Forum website.

TIPA - Best Pro Photo Projector in Europe 2007

The JVC DLA-HD1 is a Full HD (1920x1080) front projector with a native contrast ratio of 15,000:1. The new optical engine dramatically improves the precision of light polarisation, preventing light leakage into the projection lens, thus allowing the closest so far to true black reproduction. The DLA-HD1 offers a 2x zoom lens, a lens shift mechanism, and front fan intake and exhaust for placement flexibility.

Home Cinema Choice

"Regardless of the unit's modest £4,500 price tag, there's really nothing disparaging to say about the HD1's performance at all. In every way it simply blows the competition away. In fact, to my eyes it delivers a Full HD performance that even gives three-chip DLP projectors something to think about, but for a fraction of the cost.

Frankly, if DLP and LCD projectors had knees, they really ought to be knocking right about now...

Perhaps the most startling trait which characterises the HD1 is its black level. The opening battle of Star Wars: The Revenge of the Sith recorded in hi-def from Sky enjoys quite simply the most inky black rendition of space I've ever seen at anything like the HD1's price point."

"The most startling trait which characterises the HD1 is its black level."

"It simply blows the competition away."

What Home Cinema

"Let loose on Fantastic Four shown in HD by Sky, the DLA-HD1's performance is a revelation. For starters, the night-time city shots as The Thing first visits his fiancée enjoy black levels of depth and naturalism unprecedented at anything like the DLA-HD1's price point. Really, they are that good...

There's simply nothing bad to say about the DLA-HD1. It's not only the finest projector we've seen for under £5,000, it's also one of the best we've seen at any price. One of the easiest Best Buy badges we've awarded."

"The picture detail and sharpness is nothing short of mesmerising."

"The image colours and detail on display are outstanding throughout. Better than most other projectors - and impressively noiseless too."

What Video & High-Definition TV

"Colours are also effortlessly believable in tone, and high-definition images are jaw-droppingly sharp and jam-packed with all the lovely fine detail information that makes HD so damn special.

While there's no doubt that the HD1 is just crying out for hi-def footage, though, it also does a very presentable job with standard-definition fare, thanks to its clearly superior Gennum scaling software.

In our humble opinion, the HD1 delivers picture quality that wouldn't disgrace a three-chip DLP projector - and you won't find one of those for much less than twice the JVC's £4,500 price."

"The HD1's black level response is extraordinary, delivering immaculate pitch black."

"Genuinely revolutionary"