JVC’s Flagship 4K Laser Projector to Get Major Firmware Upgrade

JVC will release a firmware upgrade on Thursday that adds significant capabilities to its flagship DLA-RS4500K 4K laser projector, one of Sound & Vision’s 2017 Top Picks.

The V2.0 firmware update, which will be available for download on June 27, will bring auto tone mapping for HDR10 high dynamic range (HDR) content, dedicated color profiles for Panasonic’s flagship DP-UB9000 4K/Ultra HD Blu-ray player, and expanded screen-adjustment modes to the RS4500.

Auto tone mapping.The brightness of HDR images mastered using the industry-standard HDR10 format can vary greatly. To address this, the auto tone mapping function automatically adjusts brightness so “optimum HDR images” can be achieved without having to make manual adjustments. The adjustments are based on MaxCLL (Maximum Content Light Level) and MaxFALL (Maximum Frame Average Light Level) mastering information present in the video signal. In cases where there is no mastering information, the user can adjust brightness manually or choose a fixed value.

Dedicated Color Profiles. Users can select one of two dedicated color profiles developed specifically for Panasonic’s DP-UB9000 4K player. The profiles work in conjunction with the player’s HDR Optimizer, which analyzes HDR10 metadata and tone maps the content to match the projector’s capabilities, resulting in “the best possible HDR images.” For more on this feature, see JVC & Panasonic Team Up to Optimize Big-Screen HDR.

Expanded Screen Adjustment Modes. The firmware upgrade expands the number of available color-balance settings from 135 to 165. The settings are intended to correct color balance for a wide range of screen characteristics and materials.

The DLA-RS4500K combines a JVC-developed native 4K D-ILA imaging device with the company’s proprietary Blu-Escent laser-phosphor light source, which boasts a rated brightness of 3,000 lumens.

The V2.0 firmware update will be available at jvckenwood.com.

Related:

JVC & Panasonic Team Up to Optimize Big-Screen HDR

Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player Review (Kris Deering offers his impressions of Panasonic’s HDR Optimizer feature).

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