JVC's NP5/ RS1100 D-ILA projector was unveiled at CES 2022. The new model slashes the cost of ownership while remaining native 4K and capable of noteworthy contrast ratio and remarkable claimed peak brightness figures.

Dubbed, the Precision Series DLA-NP5 or Reference Series DLA-RS1100 (depending on where in the world you live) it will carry a price tag of £7,500 in the UK, or $6,999 in the US. Whilst that might not sit well with your initial expectations of 'mainstream', once you've evaluated the NP5/ RS1100's specifications, we reckon you'll start to appreciate where JVC is coming from.

Firstly, the NP5/ RS1100 is a native rather than a 'pseudo' 4K projector, using D-ILA imaging devices that really do carry 3840x2160 pixels. Next, its D-ILA system promises a remarkable contrast performance, claiming a huge 40,000:1 native contrast ratio that rises to a mighty 400,000:1 if you activate the projector's dynamic contrast feature.

Furthermore, peak light output is claimed to be 1900 lumens. That said, experience suggests that this will feel like even more thanks to the projector's peerless black level performance. Also, both of the NP5/ RS1100's HDMI ports can handle 48Gbps of data - enough to comfortably cope with 4K at 120Hz feeds from the latest PCs and games consoles.

JVC adds that the NP5/ RS1100's gaming credentials are further boosted by the drive performance of its 0.69-inch 4K D-ILA device. Moreover, the company states that this premium chip makes it almost impossible to make out any visible pixel structure in the image even when gaming at the maximum 200-inch image size this new projector can support.

Finally, the brand claims that the low latency mode of its new entry-level projector can deliver an exceptionally low input lag figure by projector standards, making gaming feel responsive and dynamic.

Gaming cred aside, most NP5/ RS1100's will likely spend most of their time as home cinema displays, so it's great to find that, despite its affordability relative to its NZ7, NZ8 and NZ9 siblings, it offers plenty of high-end movie goodies. Its lens is a full glass affair, with a healthy 65mm diameter and no less than 17 elements across 15 groups used in its construction. All to ensure that the clarity of the D-ILA's native 4K resolution doesn't get compromised as the image passes through the lens.

Then there's its premium HDR support. For starters, the NP5/ RS1100 can play HDR10+ as well as HDR10 and HLG HDR formats. This means it can take advantage of the extra scene by scene image data HDR10+ masters (when you find them) contain, returning more dynamic, pristine-looking pictures.

Despite its entry-level status, it still carries JVC's impressive Frame Adapt HDR feature, which analyses incoming HDR10 and HLG sources to continually optimise the way each and every frame is 'mapped' to the projector's optical capabilities. This is backed up by JVC's unique Theater Optimizer feature, which takes your room environment into account when the projector makes its tone mapping calculations.

The NP5/ RS1100's big brain also provides 18-bit colour and greyscale handing for cleaner colour blends and shadow detailing. Additionally, there's JVC's latest Clear Motion Drive system, which claims to remove hardware-induced blur from the image without generating distracting side effects or making films look unnaturally soap opera-like.

JVC's new projector retains the motorised zoom, focus and image shifting system from the brand's laser models and still provides a seriously flexible 2X optical zoom. Also, it benefits from JVC's innovative Screen Setting Mode, which can compensate for potential colour imbalances caused by the characteristics of the screen you're projecting the NP5/ RS1100 onto. Finally, the NP5/ RS1100 supports both auto and ISF engineer calibration options.

Naturally, the NP5/ RS1100 has to save money somewhere and first up is that it uses a lamp light system that's 300 lumens short of even its least expensive laser lighted siblings. It also loses 8K source playback through a pseudo 8K 'e-shift' system and doesn't boast those premium models' infinite:1 contrast ratio when using the dynamic contrast feature.

However, you'll need an extra £4,000 for even the cheapest of JVC's laser models, which puts the asking price of the NP5/ RS1100 into perspective and should make it a welcome addition to JVC's 2022 projector range.

Visit JVC for more information