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Which Strato for my Theater ?

A quick research led me to a lamp based JVC NP5. Everything i wanted, 4K native, no processor needed, HDR tone mapping, low noise on low lamp setting since my room is 100% light controled, lens memory for 2.35:1/16:9 and most of all on the used market $3K….

Perfect match for a K-E
 
I owned/own a JVC NP5 and consider it an incredible projector especially for the budget. I have since upgraded but kept the NP5 around as a backup, and it has already come back out of the box multiple times while I had my newer projector worked on and then replaced. It has the blacks and tone-mapping of a JVC and was the last "entry" projector to support 4K/120hz, 3D, etc. Regarding form factor I'm split as I both appreciate the smaller build of the new entry models but I also liked having JVC's flagship body.

The caveats I'll call out on the NP5:
1) If you're a 3D fan, you may struggle with darker movies even at full lamp. I never had an issue with brightness in my light controlled room, but 3D glasses kill ~75% of light and as a pure 3D device the NP5 is challenged.
2) Buy parts now. This projector is aging so it's worth picking up at least one OEM lamp. If you're going the 3D route you may already struggle to find an emitter and glasses, but folks like Hi-Shock (Germany) can likely take care of you.
3) There are a LOT of interesting things going on in the DLP projector market. Yes, the NP5 will deliver the "JVC Look" that everyone wants. But, something like a Valerion or Titan Noir would deliver a SUBSTANTIALLY brighter picture which itself can lend to greater dynamic range/color.

Anyway, just my thoughts as an owner and prior user of this projector. Would I buy one today given options? I think it's more likely than not. Will I sell the one I have in storage? No, not yet. That soldier has saved me twice and it might be needed again.

P.S. Each time the NP5 has come back out, my impression has been "Damn, this trooper holds up. Is it as good as an NZ900? No, but is the NZ900 10x better? Hell no."

(NOTE: My initial post referenced 8K e-Shift on the NP5 and this was an error. This would require stepping up to a used JVC NZ7 w/laser.)
 
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LoveCinema said:
I owned/own a JVC NP5 and consider it an incredible projector especially for the budget. I have since upgraded but kept the NP5 around as a backup, and it has already come back out of the box multiple times while I had my newer projector worked on and then replaced. It has the blacks and tone-mapping of a JVC and was the last "entry" projector to support 4K/120hz, 3D, etc. Regarding form factor I'm split as I both appreciate the smaller build of the new entry models but I also liked having JVC's flagship body.

The caveats I'll call out on the NP5:
1) If you're a 3D fan, you may struggle with darker movies even at full lamp. I never had an issue with brightness in my light controlled room, but 3D glasses kill ~75% of light and as a pure 3D device the NP5 is challenged.
2) Buy parts now. This projector is aging so it's worth picking up at least one OEM lamp. If you're going the 3D route you may already struggle to find an emitter and glasses, but folks like Hi-Shock (Germany) can likely take care of you.
3) There are a LOT of interesting things going on in the DLP projector market. Yes, the NP5 will deliver the "JVC Look" that everyone wants. But, something like a Valerion or Titan Noir would deliver a SUBSTANTIALLY brighter picture which itself can lend to greater dynamic range/color.

Anyway, just my thoughts as an owner and prior user of this projector. Would I buy one today given options? I think it's more likely than not. Will I sell the one I have in storage? No, not yet. That soldier has saved me twice and it might be needed again.

P.S. Each time the NP5 has come back out, my impression has been "Damn, this trooper holds up. Is it as good as an NZ900? No, but is the NZ900 10x better? Hell no."

(NOTE: My initial post referenced 8K e-Shift on the NP5 and this was an error. This would require stepping up to a used JVC NZ7 w/laser.)
Click to expand...
Nice! All extremely valid points. You now have given me the idea to hold onto my Sony VPLVW350. It’s true 4K and I have an extra new bulb for it. If my NZ500 has an issue, I’ll get it out. Does it support HDR? No but for what at is sell it for I may as well keep it.
 
Naiera said:
Don't buy a lamp-based projector today.
Click to expand...

There’s more than meets the eye here, i have gotten away with a diy spandex screen, and a 30’ hdmi cable that needs replacing with a nice weave screen and specs supporting its performance, and a nice powered 30’ hdmi cable, also i have a 10yr old ZeroTurn mower and a 10yr old snowthrower, a 8yr old car thats paid for and, i got a house attached to my current projector, let alone a vacation, and on and on and on Lol

Budget my friend, its all about budget☮️

Wait i left out the home recording studio(im a bass player) and the ribbon mics and tube mics i want and a real fender jazz or precision the list is endless….
 
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LoveCinema said:
I owned/own a JVC NP5 and consider it an incredible projector especially for the budget. I have since upgraded but kept the NP5 around as a backup, and it has already come back out of the box multiple times while I had my newer projector worked on and then replaced. It has the blacks and tone-mapping of a JVC and was the last "entry" projector to support 4K/120hz, 3D, etc. Regarding form factor I'm split as I both appreciate the smaller build of the new entry models but I also liked having JVC's flagship body.

The caveats I'll call out on the NP5:
1) If you're a 3D fan, you may struggle with darker movies even at full lamp. I never had an issue with brightness in my light controlled room, but 3D glasses kill ~75% of light and as a pure 3D device the NP5 is challenged.
2) Buy parts now. This projector is aging so it's worth picking up at least one OEM lamp. If you're going the 3D route you may already struggle to find an emitter and glasses, but folks like Hi-Shock (Germany) can likely take care of you.
3) There are a LOT of interesting things going on in the DLP projector market. Yes, the NP5 will deliver the "JVC Look" that everyone wants. But, something like a Valerion or Titan Noir would deliver a SUBSTANTIALLY brighter picture which itself can lend to greater dynamic range/color.

Anyway, just my thoughts as an owner and prior user of this projector. Would I buy one today given options? I think it's more likely than not. Will I sell the one I have in storage? No, not yet. That soldier has saved me twice and it might be needed again.

P.S. Each time the NP5 has come back out, my impression has been "Damn, this trooper holds up. Is it as good as an NZ900? No, but is the NZ900 10x better? Hell no."

(NOTE: My initial post referenced 8K e-Shift on the NP5 and this was an error. This would require stepping up to a used JVC NZ7 w/laser.)
Click to expand...

Thank you so much, nothing beats a review by an owner, really thank you!!!
 
And another thing Lol:

  • Native 4K end to end: the E sends a true 4K signal, and the NP5 displays it pixel for pixel on native 4K panels. Nothing is scaled down or pixel-shifted, so you see all the detail in Kaleidescape's high-bitrate files.
  • HDR handled where it works best: the E sends clean HDR10, and the NP5's Frame Adapt HDR tone-maps it scene by scene for your screen's brightness. You get the dynamic HDR benefit without Dolby Vision or extra hardware.
  • Contrast and bitrate together: the NP5's deep native blacks show the shadow detail that Kaleidescape's high bitrates keep intact. Dark scenes are where streaming falls apart and where this pairing looks best.
  • Smooth 24p: Kaleidescape plays movies at their native frame rate, and JVCs handle 24p cleanly, so motion looks like film.
  • Built for scope screens: the NP5's lens memory zooms to fill your 2.35:1 screen. Kaleidescape has a setting for Cinemascope screens that keeps its menus and on-screen display inside the scope area, so nothing gets cut off when you zoom.
  • Simple wiring: E → Denon → NP5. No Vertex2, no scaler, no workarounds.
  • Audio unaffected: the lossless Atmos goes straight to your Denon and your 7.1.4 system, exactly as you want.

The whole setup is a native 4K JVC, a reference-quality source and lossless sound, for well under the cost of one new laser projector. It's a strong combination for a dedicated dark room.
 
Keep in mind, you can’t send or you wouldn’t want to send DV to your projector without some sort of image processor to tone map for the projector.

HDR(10) and DV are kissing cousins but are not the same. If the projector “supports” a format, it tone maps. There isn’t an affordable projector in the market that actually displays true HDR or DV in true 4k or even pixel shifts. My understanding is that Christie and Barco use DLP technology but that is where my knowledge ends and I may not be entirely correct.

The Sony I mentioned does not support HDR but I sent it a HDR signal and it was dark and bad.

I can send it everything with an image processor. It still wouldn’t be HDR.
 
JonProphet said:
Keep in mind, you can’t send or you wouldn’t want to send DV to your projector without some sort of image processor to tone map for the projector.

HDR(10) and DV are kissing cousins but are not the same. If the projector “supports” a format, it tone maps. There isn’t an affordable projector in the market that actually displays true HDR or DV in true 4k or even pixel shifts. My understanding is that Christie and Barco use DLP technology but that is where my knowledge ends and I may not be entirely correct.

The Sony I mentioned does not support HDR but I sent it a HDR signal and it was dark and bad.

I can send it everything with an image processor. It still wouldn’t be HDR.
Click to expand...

I understand it’s soley HDR10…

The Internet in all its knowledge Lol:

Yes. The E checks what your display supports, and since the NP5 doesn't support Dolby Vision, the E sends HDR10 automatically. You can also turn Dolby Vision off in the player's video settings so it always outputs HDR10.


Either way, every 4K HDR movie reaches the NP5 as HDR10, and Frame Adapt HDR takes it from there
 
Send Dolby vision and report back. K-scape files are specific. 4K sdr, 4K HDR, 4k DV, etc. if your projector doesn’t support DV…… which JVC doesn’t…..
 
JonProphet said:
Send Dolby vision and report back. K-scape files are specific. 4K sdr, 4K HDR, 4k DV, etc. if your projector doesn’t support DV…… which JVC doesn’t…..
Click to expand...

After reading about HDR, i understand your statement that home projectors cant display HDR.
DV wont be an issue as the K will be set to output HDR no DV, as we both know is the best HDR possible, and the JVC will tone map that signal.

If im off base you may have to explain a little better
 
I have had bulb based projectors for over 20 years. I have replaced many bulbs.
I purchased a new laser projector this year and will never go back to a bulb again. It is consistently very bright and accurate and is supposed to yield the same picture quality for 20,000 hours without degradation like a bulb.
 
DrNeal said:
I have had bulb based projectors for over 20 years. I have replaced many bulbs.
I purchased a new laser projector this year and will never go back to a bulb again. It is consistently very bright and accurate and is supposed to yield the same picture quality for 20,000 hours without degradation like a bulb.
Click to expand...
There was a post by someone who stated that the lasers still suffer lumen loss throughout the 20K hours. Not sure if it was opinion or fact.
 
JonProphet said:
DrNeal said:
I purchased a new laser projector this year... and is supposed to yield the same picture quality for 20,000 hours without degradation like a bulb.
Click to expand...
There was a post by someone who stated that the lasers still suffer lumen loss throughout the 20K hours. Not sure if it was opinion or fact.
Click to expand...
Lasers suffer lumen loss, this is a fact. When a laser is "rated" for 20K hours that means it will have lost roughly half its brightness at that time. The loss is gradual from turning it on the first time so you can estimate numbers as time passes.

I have my office inside my home theater, use my projector as background noise/watching, and am currently planning to add a large OLED to offload much of this as I'm putting thousands of hours a year on the projector and want to slow the degradation.
 
LoveCinema said:
Lasers suffer lumen loss, this is a fact. When a laser is "rated" for 20K hours that means it will have lost roughly half its brightness at that time. The loss is gradual from turning it on the first time so you can estimate numbers as time passes.

I have my office inside my home theater, use my projector as background noise/watching, and am currently planning to add a large OLED to offload much of this as I'm putting thousands of hours a year on the projector and want to slow the degradation.
Click to expand...
I think you can extend laser life by turning down the lumen brightness but don't know if the extended hours is linear relative to the percentage lumens. In other words, does a 50% reduction in lumen brightness equate to 50% longer life?
 
OCD2 said:
I think you can extend laser life by turning down the lumen brightness but don't know if the extended hours is linear relative to the percentage lumens. In other words, does a 50% reduction in lumen brightness equate to 50% longer life?
Click to expand...
Yes, reducing brightness will lessen wear and extend life. However, this is obviously a balance of experience, cost, and time.

Granted, I'm cranking through my projector right now and actually run it at full lamp for 3D movies (weekly). However, if I bring a TV into the mix and can get down to 1,000-1,500 hours a year, then we're talking about decades. In the meantime, am I going to take 10% off of my brightness for every movie so it lasts 18 years instead of 15? Or, am I likely to replace it in less than 10 and it won't really matter? Given the progress of projectors over the last 10 years, what are the next 10 going to look like? I imagine a future where my 3,300 lumen projector is only at 2,700 lumens but there's budget-friendly DLP projectors cranking 15,000 lumens in the market.

Live life! (But, yeah, also buy a TV so you don't burn out life in like 5 years.) :)
 
can we switch this topic to aspect ratio of rented K movies, i ask because i have a 2.35:1 screen. If you wanna add a comment on screen material, feel free.

This feels like it gonna be an epic upgrade!
 
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