Since the MaxFALL/MaxCLL metadata is based on the average brightness of the brightest frame and brightest pixel in the movie, certain scenes with lower than average frame levels can still look way too dark. The goal is to better utilize the LX-NZ3’s brightness capabilities based on the content being shown. The LX-NZ3 uses the static HDR metadata to determine which of the five different preset PQ curves to apply. This year JVC has introduced AUTO TONE MAPPING which automatically adjusts the projector’s HDR settings (tone mapping) to try to optimize HDR10 image quality. It is basically one size fits all which hurts HDR performance. When the HDR info frame is detected, most HDR projectors switch to HDR mode with a fixed tone map.
This means no HDR compatible Home Theater projector can reproduce all brightness found in consumer HDR content.Īs a result, HDR projectors utilize tone mapping which is a compromise between maintaining bright highlight details and delivering full screen brightness. Most 4K HDR capable projectors can only deliver between 100 nits (29fL) and 200 nits (58 fL). HDR consumer content (4K blu-ray and streaming) is mastered for playback on a flat panel not a projector, so it’s produced at a variety of brightness levels ranging from 1,000 nits (292 fL) to 4,000 (1167fL) nits. Let’s discuss why tone mapping is needed. The average brightness of most HDR video frames are usually much less than 400 nits with a few peak highlights (sparks, flame tips, reflections) reaching up to 10,000 nits. MaxCLL (The Maximum Content Light Level) which is the brightest pixel in the entire clip.Authoring guidelines state that this should not exceed 400 nits. MaxFALL (Maximum Frame–Average Light Level) average brightness of the brightest frame in the entire clip.The two pieces of metadata that the projector’s video processor uses for HDR tone mapping are: Next is metadata which a display uses to tone map HDR content. First an HDR Infoframe which triggers a display device to switch to the appropriate HDR mode. There is a variety of information embedded in HDR content that an HDR display uses to make picture adjustments. Since most HDR10+ and Dolby Vision content is either backward compatible with or available in HDR10 you can enjoy 99% of HDR content available on the market now and in the future. The second HDR standard is HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) and it was developed for live broadcast. The only difference between the three PQ based formats is what type of HDR metadata is delivered to a video display to help it tone map HDR content to fit a display’s brightness capabilities. Dolby Vision and HDR10+, like the more mainstream HDR10, are also based on PQ (ST2084). While there are three variations of PQ, most projectors are only compatible with HDR10 which is mostly used for UHD Blu-ray discs (4K movies), and recorded streaming content. There are two HDR standards, first is the PQ (ST2084). It lets you see more detail in the shadows and the bright areas and delivers more saturated lifelike colors. The HDR provides a major improvement in dynamic range as well as color.
In a room with higher ambient light, LX-NZ3’s higher brightness, longer lamp life, and lower cost makes the LX-NZ3 a compelling alternative to the JVC NX Series. Since the LX-NZ3 is a single-chip DLP projector you will never have any convergence problems because there’s nothing to converge so the image will remain sharp throughout the life of the projector. While it can’t match the DLA NX-5 native contrast, the LX-NZ3 is a much brighter, more compact laser projector which retails for more than $1,000 less. However, if you desire a laser light engine in a 3-chip Home theater 4K projector, be prepared to spend significantly more than the LX-NZ3. In a dedicated theater, the NX-5 would be a great option.
The JVC’s new NX Series projectors uses their new 0.69inch 4K D-ILA (4096 x 2160) devices to produce a sharp, high-contrast image. Like all other DLP projectors, the LX-NZ3 has a sealed light path to protect the optics from the dreaded “dust blob.” Having a sealed light path prevents particles of dust from settling inside the light path and obstructing the projected image.Ī 4K DLP projector like the LX-NZ3 cannot match the color saturation, native contrast, and black level of a 3-chip projector like the JVC DLA NX-5. The projector can also accept signals up to via a 18Gbps HDMI/HDCP 2.2 Compatible Input (HDMI #1). To further sharpen the image of the LX-NZ3’s 4K DLP chip mirror array, JVC also utilizes pixel shifting. The LX-NZ3 utilizes a Texas Instruments 2 nd generation DLP (0.47” DMD) chip to reproduce 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution.