Meridian Unplugged - Powered by MrTechGuy.co.uk Forums Discussion HiFi & HT Chat JVC projector comparison

Projector newbie question here...

Comparing X30 and X35 using the JVC website comparison engine, the only differences I can see are:

X30: 220W Ultra High Pressure Mercury lamp
X35: NSH 230W

The lamp on the X35 seems to last longer

X30 quieter (20dB instead of 23dB for the X35)

There's a �500 difference in Germany, and I can't understand why. Explanations?

Another difference relevant only for 3D viewing is that the x35 has a superior glasses sync emitter which works on RF rather than IR. The X30 version completely blocks IR control of my M kit

Well that's a pretty big deal-breaker...

I have a rs40 and I would estimate it interferes with 80% of the IR signal. Good excuse to go to VMSR+ ?
I rarely watch 3D....I love my proj for 2D and scope films....

I'm already vMSR+ (and it's great as far as it goes) but I very much dislike the idea of flooding the place with unhelpful IR...

That aside, are there other non-JVC projectors I should be looking at around the same level?

Have a look at the following thread and linked reviews. I've had my X30 for over a year and (IR interference aside) I'm really impressed. It gets used 95+% for 2D. On some 3D films, there's X-talk evident but nothing that really spoils the experience.

I think it is great, too. My recommendation would be to buy the older (cheaper) X30 and save the money up for a 'scope lens and video processor. (or figure out if the x30 has a stretch mode built-in). YMMV.

Thanks everyone for the pointers.

I would recommend the X35 over the X30 on the basis of the new lamp

I upgraded from an X9 to an X95 and am blown away by the improvement in the lamp.
The new one is considerably brighter but more importantly it doesn't loose brightness as quickly as the old one did. I have 300 hours on the lamp with minimal reduction in brightness. The old lamp had lost at least 30% at this stage

The other issue was that the old lamp required at least 30 minutes warm up to settle to its stable colour. It also drifted quickly and required recalibration every 100 hours or so. The new lamp has retained it's colour within about 5 de over the 300 hour period.

I am pretty happy with my RS45 but yes, one of the reasons I stopped with 3D (besides 'not my cup of tea') was the troubles with IR remotes

Another projector that you may consider in the same price range is the Epson 9100W. It has the advantage of wireless HDMI connection (very helpful in some installations). I have installed one last week. Very good brightness and very good 3D performance.

But for 2D performance the JVC is a better projector. Super black levels. Another advantage of the new x-35 is the IP control app. Since you are already using the Meridian vMSR you can also download the DILA Remote app and control the projector with your iPad as well. You will have to run an Ethernet cable together with your HDMI cable to your rack.

My personal choice for 2D performance is the JVC-X35.

Regards, George