new JVC projector... any comments? (1 Viewer)

[Leo Kerr]

I've just come across reference to a new JVC D-ILA projector, this one seemingly almost aimed at the masses.
From what I've seen, the JVC DLA-DS1 looks like they've taken some of their other D-ILA projectors and scaled down the lamp (to a hopefully inexpensive one,) and shrank most of the components, all the while keeping the three 1366x1024 D-ILA imagers.
Particulars that I've seen (via Projector Central and others,) indicates 1300 ANSI lumens, and an $8995 MSRP price.
Has...
1. anyone seen one?
2. anyone know any contrast ratio specs?
3. have any idea of a real, street price?
4. lamp cost and life?
or,
5. is this just a major hallucination and bit of wishful thinking on my part?!
(and yes, I did do a casual search at AV Science, and didn't find anything.)
Leo Kerr
[email protected]

 

[Dean McManis]

Leo,
The DS1 was designed more for business presentation use than for home theater.
It is smaller, lighter, quieter, cheaper, and brighter than the G11 model it replaces, and has a less expensive UHP bulb.
But the shortcoming is the optics which output around 200:1 contrast, which is fine for computer work, but not great for HT, and apparently the calibration/tweaking that transforms the G11/G15 FPTVs is not effective for the DS1.
So far, the best bet in D-ILA FPTVs is the G15, which is available new for under $10 if you look around. I have a calibrated G15, and it looks stunning.
JVC also came out with the new G150HT, which is specifically designed for HT use, but is $18K list.
In the under $8K range the Sharp Z9000 DLP FPTV looks very good.
-Dean.