Almost any home cinema projector can cast 100” or larger images. While larger images are great, it’s not all you need for an immersive viewing experience. Imagine quality is important and not all projectors are the same. Some have problems with light, while others produce muted colors. You might have a large on-screen image, but details are fuzzy and the colors difficult to distinguish.
There are two projectors, the JVC DLA-NX5 and the Sony VPL-VW295ES, that produce cinema-quality images. You’ll get realistic colors and 4K resolution with either projector, but one model does cast brighter images. The DLA-NX5 is a better choice if image quality is your primary concern. It’s also a little easier to install (>>> Find current price on Amazon). Gamers won’t appreciate the slow input lag, and this is where the VPL-VW295ES is the winner.
However, before you make a snap decision on one of these projectors it’s a good idea to take a closer look at each component.
JVC DLA-NX5 vs Sony VPL-VW295ES Specifications:
| JVC DLA-NX5 | Sony VPL-VW295ES | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Resolution | 4096x2160 | 4096x2160 |
| Contrast Ratio | 40,000:1 | No data |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 1,800 ANSI | 1,500 ANSI |
| Input lag | 40ms | 55ms |
| Throw Distance | 12.3' - 20.7' | 12.3' - 30.1' |
| Screen size | 60" - 201" | 60" - 300" |
| Internal Speakers | No | No |
| Price | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com | Find on Amazon |
Either projector will produce images you can’t complain about, but some differences will affect your decision on which one you bring home.
Image Quality
Both the JVC and Sony projectors have native 4K resolution. With 4096 x 2160 pixels, you get lifelike onscreen images. The VPL-VW295ES has a high dynamic range that ensures colors are true-to-life. Three imagers ensure colors are bright and bold.
The JVC model comes with a 400,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio for inky blacks. It’s in addition to the 40,000: contrast ratio. With a dynamic iris, you never have to worry about faded colors. To ensure color accuracy, both projectors use 10-bit color processing technology. You’ll get darker blacks and crisper whites with the JVC projector. Images are also brighter. The 300 lumens difference will affect how bright on-screen images are in ambient lighting.
Better Image Quality: JVC DLA-NX5
Gaming Quality
Gamers not only want cinematic-quality images, but they also need a fast lag time. Anything over 27ms is too slow even for casual gamers. This is where the Sonly home theater projector beats the JVC model. When the projector isn’t in gaming mode, the two are tied around 40ms.
When you put the Sony projector in gaming mode, input lag drops to 27ms. Avid and multi-player gamers might get frustrated, but it’s fast enough for casual players. You also get a fast refresh rate for smooth frame-by-frame action.
Better Gaming Quality: Sony VPL-VW295ES
Installation and Ease of Use
You’ll quickly notice that these aren’t lightweight projectors. If you want something for an outdoor movie, these aren’t the projectors you’re looking for. You also need plenty of space, around 10’-12’ for 100” images.
While the Sony projector isn’t impossible to set up, the JVC model is a little easier. Along with vertical keystone correction, it comes with an installation mode. With 9 settings, you won’t have a problem centering images.
Easier installation: JVC DLA-NX5
JVC DLA-NX5
You expect realistic colors and images from a high-end 4K projector, and the JVC DLA-NX5 delivers. The dynamic and native contrast ratios, combined with the glass 65mm 15-group lens produces stunning, true-to-life images. All of your content, including 3D, appears in 4K resolution on the screen.
There is a low input mode, but it’s not enough to impress gamers. It does reduce frame delay for a smooth picture during sports or action movies. Clear motion drive is another feature that ensures that fast-moving scenes are blur-free.
Weighing 44lbs, you want to think carefully before you install the projector. It’s heavy and not small-sized. Once you’ve placed it 10’ or more away from the screen, it’s a breeze to align the images. Vertical keystone correction lets you do a little, but there’s also an installation mode. It makes aligning images quick and easy, you can also save your settings. Click here for our more detailed review of the JVC NX5.
Pros
- Dynamic iris
- 4K resolution
- HDR10 support
- Easy alignment
- Clear Motion Drive
Cons
- The input lag is too slow for most avid and casual gamers even in low latency mode
Sony VPL-VW295ES
When image quality comes first, you won’t go wrong with the Sony VPL-VW295ES. A 10-bit color wheel, SXRD imagers, and 4K resolution ensure that images are bold and vivid with accurate colors. Advanced reality creation mode sharpens image details, and motion flow technology ensures smooth frames during action sequences.
The only downside to the image quality is brightness. The low 1,500 lumens rating means you’ll want to block out the light. You’ll lose some image details if the projector isn’t in a dedicated theater room.
The Sony projector comes with a dedicated gaming mode. At 27ms and a quick refresh rate, you won’t have any problems playing your favorite games. The gaming mode also doesn’t cancel out the motion flow technology so you can expect a smooth playing experience.
Pros
- 4K resolution
- Motion flow technology
- Advanced reality creation
- 3 imagers
- Acceptable input lag
Cons
- The low lumens rating will affect when you can use the projector unless you have a darkened theater room
Conclusion
When you’re comparing the JVC DLA-NX5 vs Sony VPL-VW295ES, you’ll get the same realistic image quality without the lights on. When there’s ambient light, the JVC DLA-NX5 will give you a brighter picture. It’s also a little easier to install. The Sony VPL-VW295ES is the best choice for gamers. It has a lower input lag that will make casual players happy.
If image quality during the day and night, along with an easy installation is key, the JVC DLA-NX5 is the best choice for you (>>> Find on ProjectorScreen). Gamers will want to take a close look at the Sony VPL-VW295ES.