The home theater projector market has seen dramatic improvements over the past few years, particularly in the transition from lamp-based to laser light sources. JVC, long known for their exceptional contrast and black levels, has continued pushing boundaries with their latest NZ series projectors. Let's explore how these two models - the $5,999 NZ500 and $15,999 NZ800 - compare and who each one is best suited for.
Both projectors use JVC's D-ILA technology (their version of LCoS - Liquid Crystal on Silicon), which is known for producing deep blacks and smooth, film-like images. Think of D-ILA as a hybrid between LCD and DLP technologies, offering the best of both worlds: excellent contrast like LCD with the smooth motion handling of DLP.
The key technological difference between these models lies in their processing capabilities. The NZ500 delivers native 4K resolution (4096 x 2160 pixels), while the NZ800 adds JVC's latest 8K e-shiftX technology. This system rapidly shifts pixels in multiple directions to effectively quadruple the resolution to 8K. While this might sound like marketing hype, the difference is visible on larger screens, particularly with high-quality 4K content.
The NZ500's 2,000 lumens might seem modest compared to the NZ800's 2,700 lumens, but both are plenty bright for dedicated home theaters. The real difference shows up in contrast ratios - the NZ500's 40,000:1 versus the NZ800's 100,000:1. This translates to noticeably better shadow detail and more impactful HDR performance on the NZ800.
Having seen both projectors in action, the NZ800's superior contrast is most apparent in challenging scenes like star fields or nighttime cityscapes. The NZ500 still performs admirably, but can't quite match the NZ800's ability to show both bright stars and deep black space simultaneously.
Both projectors cover most of the DCI-P3 color space used in modern movies, but the NZ800 includes JVC's cinema filter for even more accurate colors. While this reduces brightness slightly, it provides more precise color reproduction that cinema enthusiasts will appreciate.
The Frame Adapt HDR feature, present on both models, analyzes content frame-by-frame to optimize HDR presentation. This is particularly important for projectors, as they can't match the peak brightness of HDR TVs. The NZ800's higher brightness and contrast allow it to make better use of this feature, though both models handle HDR content well.
Both projectors feature motorized lens control for zoom, focus, and shift. The NZ500 uses a new 80mm lens design that's impressive for its price point, while the NZ800 steps up to an even more refined optical system. The practical difference shows up mostly in edge-to-edge clarity on very large screens.
Lens memories allow you to save different zoom and shift positions - useful if you switch between different aspect ratios. Both projectors handle this well, though the NZ800's more precise lens mechanism makes transitions slightly smoother.
The NZ500's smaller size makes it more flexible for installation, particularly in tight spaces. Both projectors use efficient cooling systems that direct warm air away from the viewing area, but the NZ500's compact design can be an advantage in smaller rooms.
For movie viewing, both projectors excel. The NZ500 delivers a fantastic cinematic experience that will satisfy most enthusiasts. However, the NZ800's better contrast and advanced processing become apparent in challenging scenes. Watch something like "Dune" or "Blade Runner 2049," and you'll notice the NZ800 handles extreme contrast situations more gracefully.
Neither projector is marketed specifically for gaming, but both support 4K/60Hz input with acceptable input lag. If gaming is a priority, there are better options available, though casual gamers will find either projector perfectly suitable.
The extra brightness of the NZ800 makes it better suited for rooms with some ambient light or when watching sports with friends where you might want some lights on. The NZ500 performs best in a controlled lighting environment.
Here's where things get interesting. The NZ500 delivers about 80% of the NZ800's performance at roughly one-third the price. For many users, the NZ500 hits the sweet spot of price and performance, especially in dedicated home theater rooms with screens under 120 inches.
The NZ800's premium is justified if you:
Both projectors use laser light sources rated for approximately 20,000 hours, eliminating the need for lamp replacements. This is a significant advantage over traditional lamp-based projectors, as it ensures consistent brightness and color over the projector's lifetime.
The JVC NZ500 represents remarkable value in the high-end projector market, delivering performance that would have cost much more just a few years ago. For most home theater enthusiasts, it's the smarter choice.
The JVC NZ800 pushes the boundaries of what's possible in home projection, but its premium price makes it a specialty product for the most demanding users. Its improvements are noticeable but follow the law of diminishing returns.
Both projectors show how far home theater technology has come, with laser light sources, advanced HDR processing, and image quality that rivals commercial cinemas. The choice between them ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget rather than any significant compromises in either model.
| JVC DLA-NZ500 ($5,999) | JVC DLA-NZ800 ($15,999) |
|---|---|
| Resolution - Impacts image detail and sharpness | |
| Native 4K (4096 x 2160) | 8K with e-shiftX (8192 x 4320) |
| Brightness - Affects HDR impact and ambient light performance | |
| 2,000 lumens (best for dark rooms) | 2,700 lumens (handles some ambient light) |
| Contrast Ratio - Determines black levels and image depth | |
| 40,000:1 (excellent) | 100,000:1 (class-leading) |
| Color Gamut - Important for color accuracy | |
| 93% DCI-P3 (no filter) | 100% DCI-P3 (with cinema filter) |
| HDR Processing - Affects dynamic range and highlights | |
| Frame Adapt HDR (good) | Frame Adapt HDR with enhanced processing (better) |
| Light Source Life - Total cost of ownership | |
| 20,000 hours laser | 20,000 hours laser |
| Lens System - Impacts installation flexibility | |
| 80mm motorized (good edge clarity) | Advanced 65mm motorized (superior edge clarity) |
| Input Lag - Important for gaming | |
| ~40ms at 4K/60Hz | ~40ms at 4K/60Hz |
| Installation Flexibility - Affects room placement | |
| ±80% vertical, ±34% horizontal shift | ±80% vertical, ±34% horizontal shift |
| Size and Weight - Consider installation requirements | |
| Compact chassis (33 lbs) | Larger chassis (48 lbs) |
| Primary Use Case - Best application | |
| Dedicated home theaters up to 120" | Premium theaters up to 150" or ambient light |
The JVC DLA-NZ500 at $5,999 offers better value for most users, delivering about 80% of the NZ800's performance at one-third the price. Unless you specifically need the NZ800's enhanced contrast and brightness, the NZ500 provides excellent performance for the price.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: projectorscreen.com - valueelectronics.com - youtube.com - projectorcentral.com - avsforum.com - youtube.com - eu.jvc.com - jvc.com - crutchfield.com - projectorreviews.com - avsforum.com - audioadvice.com - techradar.com - valueelectronics.com - stereonet.com - youtube.com - sound-advice.online - eu.jvc.com - shop.avispl.com - audioadvice.com - paulsonsav.com - nfm.com
