The home theater community is abuzz with rumors about JVC’s upcoming projector models, the NZ500 and NZ700. According to rumors and inside sources, these new DLA laser projectors are expected to be unveiled in September, replacing the current NP5 and NZ7 models.
Back in May 2024, JVC made waves in the home theater community by unveiling two new high-end projector models: the JVC NZ800 and JVC NZ900. These models represented the latest advancements in JVC’s projector technology, building on the success of their predecessors, the NZ8 and NZ9. The JVC NZ500 and NZ700 are likely to follow in those leaps forward, albeit at a lower price point.
What We Know So Far about the JVC NZ700 and JVC NZ500
While official details are still under wraps, here’s a roundup of info from our insider sources and the key rumors circulating about the NZ500 and NZ700:
Picture Quality
Because JVC only makes the best projectors, it's a no-brainer that these new models will be 4K projectors. However, unlike the NZ800 and NZ900 which feature 8K e-shift technology, rumor has it that neither of the rumored lower tier projectors would support 8K content. This would be a downgrade for the NZ700, since the NZ7 surprisingly supported 8K. That said this will help keep the price down on these premium projectors.
If the contrast ratio improvements seen in the NZ8 and NZ9 to the NZ800 and NZ900 models are any indication, we can expect a similar 20-30% enhancement in the NZ500 and NZ700 compared to the NP5 and NZ7. This would mean contrast ratios between 48,000:1 and 52,000:1 giving you even deeper blacks, clearer dark scenes and enhancing the overall viewing experience.
There’s speculation about whether these models will include DTM, a feature found in JVC’s higher-end projectors that enhances HDR performance. Our projection experts think there is a good chance that they will both support HDR10+.
New Laser Light Engine
The NZ800 and NZ900 have been equipped with the newest generation of JVC's proprietary BLU-Escent laser. It's speculated that both the JVC DILA-NZ700 and the JVC DILA-NZ500 will utilize this advanced laser technology. This would be a big step up from the bulb-based NP5. Using a laser projector eliminates the need for bulb replacement and gives you around 25,000 hours of watch time. This shift to laser is likely also influenced by the European regulation banning mercury vapor lamp projectors, pushing manufacturers towards more environmentally friendly laser technology.
The biggest advantage of this new light engine is an increase in brightness. Word around the internet-watercooler is that the NZ500 will offer 2200 lumens while the NZ700 would offer a bright 2500 lumens. This would be in line with the brightness increase seen in the higher end models. The extra light output will help ensure vibrant and clear images even in rooms with some ambient light.
More Compact Design
One of few drawbacks of these premium home theater projectors has been their bulky size. Word on the street is that these new JVC projectors will feature a more slimmed down chassis, making it easier for mounting and setup.
How much will the JVC NZ500 and NZ700 cost?
From the previous generations of JVC's flagship line of home theater projectors, the pricing went like this:
NX5: $6K
NX7: $8K (raised to 9K very shortly after launch)
NX9: $18K
NP5: $6.5K (raised to 7K very shortly after launch)
NZ7: $10K (raised to 11K shortly after launch) (Lowered to 10K then to 9K around the 2 year mark or so)
NZ8: $15K (raised to 16K shortly after launch)
NZ9: $25K (raised to 26K shortly after launch)
NZ800: $16K
NZ900: $26K
Given this pricing pattern we estimate that the JVC NZ500 will cost around $7,000. With most of that increased cost coming from the upgrade to a laser light source.
For the NZ700, the price might be a bit harder to predict because while it would be getting an upgraded light engine, it would be losing the 8K capabilities found on the N7. With this in mind we'd guess that the JVC NZ700 will somewhere between $9,000 to $11,000. All of this depends on the features they'll be including in this new home cinema projector.
When will the NZ700 and NZ500 be available?
Because we still don't have an official announcement about these projectors, it's difficult to know exactly when the JVC DILA-NZ500 and DILA-NZ700 will go on sale. Our best guess is that they'll be available for sale sometime in October.
If these rumors hold true, the JVC NZ500 and NZ700 could be game-changers in the mid-range projector market. By offering high-quality 4K resolution and laser technology at a potentially lower price point, JVC might attract a broader audience of home theater enthusiasts.
We're hoping that JVC will unveil these new models at CEDIA in September, so look for an update on September 5th. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter below so you can get updates and notifications about these rumored projectors from JVC (plus exclusive sales and pre-order opportunities.)
What are your thoughts on these rumored features? Are you excited about the potential release of the NZ500 and NZ700? Let us know in the comments below!
Projector Resolution: | 4K, 8K |
Brand: | JVC |
Product Status: | In Stock |
Lumens: | 2200 |
Projector Type: | Standard Throw |
Light Source: | Laser |
Contrast Ratio: | 40,000:1 |
Chipset: | LCoS |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 1.40:1 - 2.80:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 8192x4320 |
Lens Shift: | Horizontal & Vertical |
Input Lag: | 4K/60Hz: 44.7ms | 1080p/60Hz: 36.5ms | 1080p/120Hz: 36ms |
3D Support: | Yes |
Warranty: | 3 Years |
Standard Lens Focus: | Motorized |
Projector Resolution: | 4K, 8K |
Brand: | JVC |
Product Status: | In Stock |
Lumens: | 2700 |
Projector Type: | Standard Throw |
Light Source: | Laser |
Contrast Ratio: | 100,000:1 |
Chipset: | LCoS |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 1.43 - 2.92:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 8192x4320 |
Lens Shift: | Horizontal & Vertical |
3D Support: | Yes |
Warranty: | 3 Years |
Standard Lens Focus: | Motorized |
Wi-Fi: | No |
Projector Resolution: | 4K, 8K |
Brand: | JVC |
Product Status: | In Stock |
Lumens: | 3300 |
Projector Type: | Standard Throw |
Light Source: | Laser |
Contrast Ratio: | 150,000:1 |
Chipset: | LCoS |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 1.35 - 2.75:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 8192x4320 |
Lens Shift: | Horizontal & Vertical |
3D Support: | Yes |
Warranty: | 3 Years |
Standard Lens Focus: | Motorized |
Wi-Fi: | No |
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | JVC |
Product Status: | Leaves Warehouse within 2-3 Weeks |
Lumens: | 2300 |
Projector Type: | Standard Throw |
Light Source: | Laser |
Contrast Ratio: | 80,000:1 |
Chipset: | LCoS |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Native Resolution: | 4096x2160 |
Lens Shift: | Horizontal & Vertical |
Warranty: | 3 Years |
Standard Lens Focus: | Motorized |
Wi-Fi: | No |