First Looks: JVC DLA-X3 3D Projector – Home Theater Hero

First Looks: JVC DLA-X3 3D Projector – Home Theater Hero

Taking It To The Next Level

High-definition is all well and good when it comes to home entertainment, but in 2011 its all about the third dimension. JVC takes it to the next level with their X line of high-definition 3D projectors. Recently, the folks at JVC invited us to take a look at the entry-level model of the lineup, the DLA-X3. While it has been customary for vendors to lend us their product for a quick look or a full-length review, in the case of the DLA-X3, we were required to visit Listening in Style's store in Shangri-la Plaza Mall so we could do our usual ocular inspection. Two major reasons for this arrangement is the projector's enormous size and expensive pricing. 

Being a full HD projector, the DLA-X3 sports a large footprint. It’s nearly half a meter long and just as wide. This black behemoth is most definitely going to stay put after installation in a home theater. In the back it sports the necessary inputs such as HDMI and component and also the control panel for adjusting the projector settings. This placement makes it ideal for mounting on the ceiling, although it also comes with a self-illuminating remote control.

User Interface

The DLA-X3 is designed that you set it up once and never have to touch it physically again. Its lens is motorized, so you don’t have to fiddle with it to manage the focus and zoom. However, you do have to do some brainwork as there is a myriad of picture modes available, including three user-specific ones. Going through them, we noticed only slight differences between Cinema and Film mode, whereas Animation reduced the motion blur. Stage mode seemed to emphasize the picture highlights and shadows and 3D mode maxed out the brightness and contrast to compensate for the shaded 3D glasses.

Image Quality

The folks at JVC treated us to a viewing of the nature documentary Galapagos and CGI animation Monster House. There was great depth with Galapagos, which had as dodging climbing ropes, sharks and schools of fish. However, we did notice a good amount of flicker. Surprisingly, Monster House didn’t pop out as much but this may have been because it was an old animation converted to 3D. Newer titles like Avatar should probably be spectacular.

Final Thoughts

At the price of PhP 299,000, the DLA-X3 is not for the budget home theater installation. As a matter of fact, it is the cheapest in JVC’s X line. The X7 goes for PhP 499,000 and the top-of-the-line X9 retails for a whopping PhP 599,000, more than half a million pesos. Two pairs of 3D glasses come with every purchase of any of the projectors but an additional pair will cost you PhP 10,500. The differences between the X3 and its more expensive siblings are the additional PC and LAN inputs and higher contrast ratio. The X3’s 50,000:1 might sound impressive, but not compared to the X7’s 70,000:1, and the X9’s 100,000:1.

In the end though, we feel that the 3D experience is still much better in an actual cinema or better yet, an IMAX theater. But for those with deep pockets and a flair for the latest in home theater technology, this is definitely for you. When our friends from JVC were asked who is their target market for this high-priced projector, they told us that it is primarily aimed at the corporate sector. Nevertheless, they also revealed the fact that it can now be found in the living room of rich Chinese families as well.

In the Philippines, the JVC DLA -X3 is available in Listening In Style, Sights and Sounds and Architectural Audio. For more information about the features and specifications of the DLA-X3, visit www.jvc.com.ph.