JVC - DLA-NP5

DLP generally just can't keep up on black levels compared to the better Epson, Sony, and JVC models. The 5050UB has been long stated to be one of the best values for quality in the industry, but it is long overdue for a laser update to it. The NP5 is an easy one to call the 'best of the bunch', but the lamp light source instead of a laser really does suck.

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.

JVC Pricing is screwy . IF you buy from best buy or crutchfield , you are going to pay msrp or whatever the sale price is at the time . You can often get the projector for significantly less from a local installer . I got an NP5 for 1500 dollars less than the best price best buy had . Think it was 3500 vs 5000. My guy said the mark up from cost to Msrp was huge . He was making plenty of money selling it at the discounted price .

You say budget isn’t a concern, but balked at $10k. Which is totally reasonable, but I think it’s important to set expectations. There is a sea of not-particularly-good projectors under $5k. At $5k you have a few decent options where color volume and black levels significantly improve. Above that, things sort of jump to $10k, where black levels and color volume either continue to improve or at least stay flat, but brightness increases. Above $10k, things explode in to the 10s of thousands. Largely for the purpose of going really big (165”+) and of course the Christie Eclipse at $400kish. This also doesn’t factor in the screen, which can cost as little as $300 and as much as $6k or more. Given you aren’t willing to properly light control, but need good brightness, image quality, fan noise, and low input lag, you’re going to have a hard time hitting all of that under $10k. I would have serious reservations about getting excited for HDR. You might find SDR content looks better. A JVC NP5, Sony XW5000ES, or Epson LS12000, and Epson QB1000 should all be on a shortlist. There are plenty of comparisons between them. Pair one of those with a positive gain ALR screen and you should have a good experience *most of the time*. Ultimately though, these still prefer a dark room, and the ALR screen will largely combat light colored ceiling and walls. You could also look at UST projectors. These kick out a shit load of light, though usually at the expense of contrast in a dark room. UST screens tend to offer better ALR effects as well. I like the new Epson QS100, as well as the LS800, but I’ve heard good things about the Hisense. Realistically though, you should strongly consider a 100-115” TV.

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

Correct me if I’m wrong but the JVC NP5 has a low latency mode. Without the NP5 can have a high input lag (~165 ms) but with it enabled it can significantly reduce input lag to 36.5 ms in 1080p/60, 35.8 ms in 1080p/120 and 44.8 ms in 4k/60

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 and Sony are the only native 4K options under $100K. Sony is by far the best for gaming with a sub 12ms input lag and excellent all round performance. The JVC can be better for Blu-ray, especially if you’re hiring a 1st class calibrator. However, I find most prefer the well rounded performance of the Sony. The new Bravia 7 (XW5100) has become my favorite bang for the buck projector.

Yup, NP5 is fine but NZ700 runs circles around it in contrast and brightness, especially after first 500hrs. Honestly, i wouldn’t…

Tried the np5?

I got one before nz500 was even announced. Annoying.

JVC np5 for home. IMAX dual laser for cinema.

And I had seen a JVC DLA-NP5 with 3600 hours on the lamp, it didn't feel dim at all to me. So with a brand new bulb it should be really good I guess.

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.

JVC DLA-NP5, Epson LS12000, Sony XW5000ES, Hisense PX2-PRO

For me, the DLA-NP5 over the NZ500 mainly comes down to contrast and price. The NP5 is a native 4K projector with JVC’s excellent D-ILA tech, giving it some of the best black levels in its class. The NZ500 is laser-based, which means longer lifespan and instant on/off, but the contrast isn’t quite as good as the NP5, and at this price point, lamp-based still wins for pure image quality in a dark room. If you’re set on laser, the NZ7 might be the better step up. For the LS12000 vs. QB1000B, the LS12000 is simply the better-known and more widely recommended home theater option. It’s got great brightness, solid black levels (for an Epson), and excellent sharpness. The QB1000B isn’t as commonly discussed in home theater circles—if it’s the model I’m thinking of, it might be more business-oriented and not optimized for dark-room movie watching. I’d say the LS12000 is a safer bet for a dedicated setup like you described

The NP5 has better HDR performance and 120hz support. It's not a massive upgrade but considering the NP5 came out 3 years ago the NX5 is getting pretty old. The NX line had some HDMI board issues that could pop up so there's more risk there. In the US the NP5 is selling for around $2500 USD but I'm not sure what the market looks like near you. You look around to see if any dealer is still holding on to a NP5?

Just to add. The NX5/NP5 are very good projectors and I think most would be very happy with them. It's not a bad buy (assuming it's the NP5 and not the NX5, the NX5 for $3k USD is too much).

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.

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.

I tested the JVC NP5 vs NZ7 vs Epson 5050, returned the 5050. Not sure how much better Epson laser is but the JVC's were significantly better to me.

To me yeah definitely. I went from a 5020 => 5050 and didn't see much of an improvement I returned it and tried the NP5 and NZ7 , both seemed significantly better, colors (contrast?) and detail level. Kept the NZ7, missed the return window on the NP5, need to list it on ebay soon lol

Same here, tried the bulb based JVC NP5 then the Sony and immediately knew I'd be keeping the Sony. I could see the DTM advantages the JVC had but the Sony was just a level up overall (for me). Assuming the JVC made the same leaps with the new light source it would be my choice easily. Like you though, really enjoying the Sony so not getting upgradeitis.

Dude I'm with you here. I honestly and truly believe that after about $2-4k the benefits are negligible. It's the same with audiophiles, and I'm an audiophile with $4k IEMs, but I will **never** say shit like that poster. It's so snobby, arrogant, and pretentious. I think lifestyle projectors are just fine. JMGO, Hisense, and some others are giving JVC, Epson, and Sony a run for their money. I bought a JMGO N1S Ultimate and I'd say my $15k JVC is only marginally better--at most 10-20% better. I bought the JMGO on sale for $1.5k, the JVC I bought **used** for $15k. Suffice to say I'm no longer a "phile" of AV shit. The sweet spot is the "middle".

Nope. You can get a native 4k jvc for 6k

People pay professionals good money to help them with answers to your questions. Equipment choice alone is barely half the equation. Good design and good integration are critical to achieving high performance. This isn’t something you should just freestyle, as there are many tradeoffs to manage based on your subjective preferences. Design informs equipment choice. It’s an iterative process as you converge on design and equipment choice simultaneously. Long throw projectors generally offer better image quality than UST at the same price point. UST are nice if you’re worried about people casting shadows or if this is a general entertainment space hosting karaoke night and dance parties. If it’s just for watching motion pictures while seated then get a long throw projector. For $5k I’d try to score a deal on a B-stock Sony VPL-XW5000ES or a lightly used JVC D-ILA projector, preferably with laser light source but if you’d rather spend less then a bulb is fine. You can find some screaming deals if you don’t mind bulbs and fake 4K pixel-shifting. If your viewing distance is >10ft then it shouldn’t matter. https://www.avsforum.com/forums/front-projector.252/ Fixed screens are cheaper than motorized screens. Acoustically transparent screens are nice because you can place the LCR speakers behind the screen, which not only looks better but sounds better. But this is also where you need to be careful as there is interaction between viewing angles/ screen size and speaker positions and seating distance. All have to be in harmony. Woven screens usually look and sound better than perforated screens, but this depends on the exact screen material, budget, viewing distance and preference. Like I said, there’s lots of tradeoffs to manage. I’d recommend minimum 7.1.4 speaker configuration, even if you have to built it in stages as funds allow. My preference in that size room is 9.1.6 but that’s going to break your budget in terms of AV processor capability, speaker count and amplification requirements. You’ll want a minimum of two subwoofers. What exactly do you mean by “sound conditioning is already taken care of?”

Black level champ, it's lcos jvc.