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.

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.

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.

Silver Ticket punches way, way above its weight. Their screens are an amazing value and look great. Consider a used JVC. You can save a lot of money and still get a great picture. NP5s, NX7s and NX9s are often going for $3k or less on AVSForum.