Just got back from JVC projector training, learning about the exciting improvements the 2014 models offer. The biggest deal is the improved 4K eShift3 which will accept native 4K input signal for the first time on a home cinema JVC model. Part of the session was a demo of native 4K material from a RedRay player that showcased the ABSOLUTELY STUNNING resolution of 4K on a large format screen.
4K video resolution or Ultra HD, offers 3X finer detail resolution than the 1080p HD resolution we enjoy on BluRay today and is finally gaining real momentum in the home entertainment market. Currently JVC and Sony are the main players in home cinema projection, with JVC, Samsung, LG, Sony and Toshiba all producing 4K flat panel displays. Like all new formats, content availability and establishing the technical standards (remember VHS vs BETA?) for the new content has been the holdup with 4K. That is rapidly changing, with RedRay, Sony and others already offering players with pre-loaded content and vendors in place to deliver new content as it is available. Netflix is even in the game here, speculating that the latest compression codecs will allow streaming delivery of 4K content. So far, there has not been a physical medium established for 4K; content delivery is over high speed web to hard drive based players.
Our firm has been building the infrastructure of our rooms to be 4K compliant for several years now and working with JVC eShift projector models extensively. They are our favorite choice in a light controlled dedicated theater environment for their excellent color accuracy, reliability and film-like image quality. The 2014 models offer even higher contrast ratio performance, smaller space between pixels and an additional 100 lumens of light output per model so they will be a great choice when they start shipping in the next month or so. We already have our first native 4K projection room in the design stages this Fall. I have to admit that I was unprepared for exactly how stunning native 4K would be on the big (home) screen. At Theater Design, we’re already big fans of 4K video and it will be a worthwhile improvement that is with us to stay.
