When you're ready to invest in a high-end home theater projector, the choices can feel overwhelming. Today, we're comparing two excellent but very different options: the Samsung Premiere 9 LPU9D ($5,999) and the JVC DLA-NZ700 ($8,999). Both represent the latest in laser projection technology, but they take distinctly different approaches to delivering your home theater experience.
Modern laser projectors have revolutionized home theater by eliminating traditional bulb replacements and delivering consistent brightness throughout their lifespan (typically 20,000 hours). The technology has matured significantly since its introduction around 2015, with today's models offering enhanced color accuracy, better contrast, and more sophisticated processing.
Both projectors launched in late 2023, incorporating the latest advancements in their respective technologies. The key difference lies in their fundamental approach to image creation and room integration.
The Samsung Premiere 9 embraces an ultra-short throw (UST) design, meaning it sits just inches from your wall or screen. This approach represents a modern solution for viewers who want a massive display without dedicating an entire room to home theater. You can achieve a 100-inch image with the projector just 4.4 inches from the wall – quite remarkable when you think about it.
In contrast, the JVC NZ700 follows a traditional long-throw design, requiring significant distance between the projector and screen (typically 13-20 feet for a 100-inch image). While this might seem less convenient, it allows for optimal image quality and more flexible screen size options.
Both projectors advertise 4K resolution, but their approaches differ significantly:
The Premiere 9 uses DLP technology with pixel-shifting, which rapidly moves a 1080p chip four times per frame to create a 4K image. While technically not native 4K, modern pixel-shifting has become so sophisticated that most viewers won't notice the difference in normal viewing.
The NZ700 employs JVC's proprietary D-ILA technology (similar to LCOS) with three native 4K chips – one each for red, green, and blue. This approach delivers absolutely pristine 4K resolution without any pixel-shifting artifacts, resulting in a more refined image, particularly noticeable on very large screens.
The Premiere 9 boasts an impressive 3,450 lumens, making it excellent for rooms with ambient light. Its triple laser system provides vibrant colors and good contrast, though it can't match the deep blacks of the JVC.
The NZ700, while rated lower at 2,300 lumens, achieves an astounding 80,000:1 native contrast ratio (without dynamic iris tricks). This results in incredibly deep blacks and subtle shadow details that the Samsung can't quite match. In a dedicated dark theater room, the JVC's image quality advantage becomes quite apparent.
Both projectors handle HDR content well, but again, their approaches differ:
The Premiere 9 uses its triple laser system to achieve 154% of the DCI-P3 color space, delivering vibrant colors that pop, especially in brighter scenes. Its HDR processing works well for casual viewing but can occasionally look a bit artificial in very challenging scenes.
The NZ700 takes a more cinematic approach with its Frame Adapt HDR technology, which analyzes content frame-by-frame to optimize HDR presentation. This results in more natural-looking images that better preserve the director's intent, though they might not appear as immediately dramatic as the Samsung's output.
Modern gaming demands low input lag and high refresh rates. Here's how they stack up:
The Premiere 9 offers decent gaming performance with around 53ms input lag and supports 4K/60Hz gaming. While this is fine for casual gaming, competitive players might notice the delay.
The NZ700 provides superior gaming specs with 36ms input lag and support for 4K/120Hz through its HDMI 2.1 ports. This makes it notably better for fast-paced games and next-gen consoles.
The Premiere 9 shines in this category, offering a full smart TV experience powered by Samsung's Tizen OS. Built-in streaming apps, voice control, and smart home integration make it a complete entertainment solution. The included 40W 2.2.2 channel sound system with Dolby Atmos support means you don't necessarily need external speakers.
The JVC takes a more traditional approach, focusing solely on being a projector. You'll need to provide your own streaming device and sound system, but this allows for more flexibility in choosing your preferred solutions.
After spending time with both projectors, their intended use cases become clear:
The Premiere 9 excels as a living room entertainment center. Its bright output, good color performance, and all-in-one design make it perfect for users who want a massive screen without dedicating a room to home theater. The built-in sound system and smart features add significant value to its $5,999 price tag.
The NZ700 delivers superior image quality that justifies its $8,999 price for dedicated home theater enthusiasts. Its better contrast, more accurate colors, and superior motion handling make it the choice for critical viewers who prioritize image quality above all else.
Choose the Samsung Premiere 9 if you:
Choose the JVC NZ700 if you:
Remember that both projectors represent significant investments, so consider your room setup, viewing habits, and long-term plans before making a decision. The right choice depends entirely on your specific needs and priorities.
| Samsung Premiere 9 LPU9D ($5,999) | JVC DLA-NZ700 ($8,999) |
|---|---|
| Resolution - Determines image sharpness and detail | |
| 4K (3840x2160) via DLP pixel-shifting | Native 4K (4096x2160) with 3-chip D-ILA |
| Brightness - Critical for ambient light viewing | |
| 3,450 lumens (excellent for bright rooms) | 2,300 lumens (best for controlled lighting) |
| Contrast Ratio - Affects black levels and image depth | |
| 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast | 80,000:1 native contrast (superior black levels) |
| Color Coverage - Impacts color vibrancy and accuracy | |
| 154% DCI-P3, triple laser system | 100% DCI-P3, BLU-Escent laser system |
| Throw Distance - Determines installation flexibility | |
| Ultra-short throw (4.4" for 100" screen) | Standard throw (13-20 feet for 100" screen) |
| Gaming Features - Important for console gaming | |
| 4K/60Hz, 53ms input lag | 4K/120Hz, 36ms input lag, HDMI 2.1 |
| Smart Features - Affects standalone usability | |
| Built-in Tizen OS, streaming apps, voice control | No smart features, requires external devices |
| Audio System - Impacts total system cost | |
| 40W 2.2.2 channel Dolby Atmos speakers | No built-in speakers |
| HDR Support - Affects dynamic range and color | |
| HDR10+, HLG with basic tone mapping | HDR10+, HLG with Frame Adapt HDR |
| Installation Complexity - Affects total setup cost | |
| Simple placement, minimal setup | Requires professional mounting and calibration |
| Light Source Lifespan - Long-term reliability | |
| 20,000 hours laser life | 20,000 hours laser life |
The Samsung Premiere 9 LPU9D ($5,999) is better suited for bright rooms with its 3,450 lumens compared to the JVC's 2,300 lumens. Its ultra-short throw design also helps minimize ambient light interference.
The JVC DLA-NZ700 ($8,999) delivers superior picture quality for movies with its native 4K resolution, better contrast ratio, and advanced HDR processing. It excels particularly in dedicated dark theater rooms.
The JVC NZ700 offers better gaming performance with 4K/120Hz support and 36ms input lag, while the Premiere 9 is limited to 4K/60Hz with 53ms input lag.
The Premiere 9 includes a built-in 40W 2.2.2 Dolby Atmos sound system, while the NZ700 requires external speakers.
The Premiere 9 is significantly easier to set up, requiring only placement near a wall. The NZ700 typically needs professional installation and ceiling mounting.
The Premiere 9 needs only 4.4 inches from the wall for a 100-inch screen, while the NZ700 requires 13-20 feet of room depth.
The Premiere 9 has built-in streaming apps and smart features, while the NZ700 needs external devices for streaming.
Both projectors use laser light sources rated for 20,000 hours of use, making them equally reliable for long-term operation.
The NZ700 costs $3,000 more than the Premiere 9. The premium is worth it for dedicated home theater enthusiasts prioritizing image quality, but may not be justified for casual viewers.
The Premiere 9 is ideal for small rooms due to its ultra-short throw design, while the NZ700 requires significant room depth.
The Premiere 9 performs better for sports viewing in bright rooms due to higher brightness, while the NZ700 offers superior motion handling in dedicated theater rooms.
The NZ700 is more future-proof with HDMI 2.1 and 4K/120Hz support, while the Premiere 9 offers more comprehensive smart features that can be updated over time.
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: sound-advice.online - valueelectronics.com - bhphotovideo.com - instylehifi.com.au - trustedreviews.com - target.com - pcrichard.com - projectorscreen.com - videoandaudiocenter.com - target.com - avsforum.com - projectorscreen.com - simplehomecinema.com - soundapproach.com - jvc.com - projectorreviews.com - valueelectronics.com - youtube.com - crutchfield.com - stereonet.com - projectorcentral.com - manual3.jvckenwood.com
