JVC - DLA-NP5

Image wise, nothing can best this model for the money. It's a solid buy if you don't mind the lamps.

I am big into D-ILA and currently have the DLA-NP5 (not laser but I think similar to NZ500, but not even as good). It’s very very good. I have a light controlled, dedicated home theater with Stewart Filmscreen screen as well. The blacks, image quality and everything is really impressive so I would lean the NZ500/700, but it’s probably personal preference or other subtle differences once you cross into this territory. You’ll love whichever of these you choose. Let us know which way you go and enjoy!

I have the same issue in an undedicated room with a little light and chose the Elitescreen 3D variant thinking the ALR screen will have a meaningful effect. It definitely looks good head on, but starts to lose brightness 10ft or so off-center, and is watchable up to 70deg. However, since my projector is a JVC NP5, it doesn't get bright enough to overcome a majority of the light that falls on my screen, so the ALR isn't really a feature that's needed IMO. If I could do it all over, I would just get the cinegrey and not deal with any speckling or hot-spotting. And yes, there is a major difference between the LS11000 and Ls12000, as long at you watch at night, your black levels will be vastly darker on the latter. I had the LS11000 for awhile and returned it because the blacks were a muddy Grey, and I prefer contrast over brightness.

The best projector in that price range is the JVC NP5, by far. But it’s not laser. If you want laser then Epson LS12000 is the way to go.

JVC NP5 if you can still find one. If not then Epson LS12000

JVC wins in black levels and is best with 4K Blu-ray. Sony is a close second but much better with processing, detail, streaming, motion, sports, and gaming. Epson is brighter, but is insanely green. Once you have it accurately calibrated the brightness drops off lower than the Sony or JVC with none of the benefits.

JVC np5 for home. IMAX dual laser for cinema.

I tested the JVC NP5 against a few different Sony projectors and found the Sony's to have sharper optics and better image processing. Black levels were not quite as good, but very close. If 3D is a factor - as it is for me - you can find a used XW6000 which supports 3d in a similar $5K price range though it will require an external 3d emitter, or you can get a VW715, which is 1800 lumens, lamp-based and has an onboard 3D emitter.

It's on sale because it's being replaced by a newer model with laser. If you don't mind lamps then it's probably the best projector at $4k.

Just purchased an NP5 after upgrading from an Epson 5050ub and wow, I didn't realise or think it would be this big of an upgrade. The picture just pops off the screen, it to me looks almost oled like. Not to mention how good the motion is too, didn't realise how much movie details I was missing due to judder and jitter. Very very happy with this projector and don't see myself upgrading for a very long time.

I have a 5050ub and also can't help the itch for an upgrade. It's obviously the best in its class and price point. But what in your guys opinion would be a worthy upgrade that's the next step up from it (without breaking the bank) I was thinking possibly a JVC NP5 but when I auditioned one I wasn't that impressed and thought my 5050ub looked as good if not better. I think I could rest peacefully if I knew I had a native 4k projector. If Epson had a native 4k projector at the 5050ub or ls12000 I would be done with upgrade itch. I love the 5050ub color and brightness is fine. My goal is sharpness I'm used to from my oled tv or as close as possible.

Here are some good options. The Sony and JVc goes on sale occasionally and can get down to $5k. https://www.projectorscreen.com/store/ProductCompare.aspx?itemids=148626,148615,145843,144660,148233 The JVC rs1100/np5 is bulb based but it’s great. The Sony is laser as is the JVC nz500 (new release model). Both are native 4k. The Epson uses pixel shifting but is regarded as a top performer in the price range. I’ve got them all in our showroom and happy to get into details about all of them if interested; just DM me.

The NP5 is a great unit and at the current $4k sale price, it’s a fantastic value even when factoring cost of replacement bulbs. We’ve got one in our showroom and several left in stock (they are discontinued and won’t be replenished) and they have been selling pretty rapidly at this new low price.

Not well versed in this stuff but I got the Epson 5050 and didn't like it, switched to NP5 and liked it a lot more. Both a model below the ones you're looking at.

The NP5 / RS1100 is practically a steal at this price point. One thing not mentioned is that this unit has better native color coverage than its laser counterparts. I believe my unit hits near 95% P3 coverage without a filter, compared to roughly 85-87% on the laser units.