The catch
JVC DLA-NZ500
The NZ700 cinema filter is missing, and its published native contrast is lower.
Side by side
JVC DLA-NZ500 vs JVC DLA-NZ700: NZ700 brings cinema color and neither a shorter throw nor 4K120
Quick verdict
The NZ500 gets you JVC’s powered lens and dynamic HDR at the lower tier. The NZ700 is the one for a dark theater that wants its cinema color filter and higher native-contrast specification. Do not expect a shorter throw, 4K/120 or a smaller chassis from the NZ700.
Before you buy
Why, and what it costs you
A bigger screen can absorb the increase in light output
The jump from 120 to 130 inches adds about 17 percent screen area, and the NZ700's output rating is 15 percent higher. Enlarging the screen and expecting the same light per square foot is not something those figures alone support, least of all with the cinema filter engaged.
Where this comes from
JVC DLA-NZ500: 2,000 lm. Area ratio = (130 / 120)² = 1.174. JVC DLA-NZ700: 2,300 lm. Output ratio = 1.15. Filtered output is not specified.
The catch
JVC DLA-NZ700
Stepping up a tier does not widen placement or gaming compatibility.
JVC DLA-NZ500
- Why pick it
- The same powered lens at the lower tier is what you are after
- Your plan is a movie-first, 60 Hz theater
- The catch
- The NZ700 cinema filter is missing, and its published native contrast is lower.
JVC DLA-NZ700
- Why pick it
- You put wide-gamut film reproduction first
- You can darken the room enough for the cinema filter
- The catch
- Stepping up a tier does not widen placement or gaming compatibility.
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What this page compares
For a dark home theater, JVC NZ500 or NZ700? See what the cinema filter changes, why room fit is no different between them and which reasons for upgrading do not hold up.
Which one fits
Pick the situations that sound like you
A fixed 120-inch screen in a dark theater
The NZ700 brings its cinema filter and a higher contrast rating, and room fit stays the same.
- JVC DLA-NZ500
- Good
- JVC DLA-NZ700
- Better fit
Blackout blinds still belong in the budget
In a bright room, money set aside for light control can do more than money spent on a color filter.
- JVC DLA-NZ500
- Better fit
- JVC DLA-NZ700
- Depends
A 120-inch picture with the lens ten feet away
At minimum optical throw, both require approximately 11.7 feet.
- JVC DLA-NZ500
- Not suitable
- JVC DLA-NZ700
- Not suitable
4K/120 must be available on the console
Up to 4K/60 is accepted by both exact models.
- JVC DLA-NZ500
- Not suitable
- JVC DLA-NZ700
- Not suitable
In practice
Differences you will notice
A bigger screen can absorb the increase in light output
The jump from 120 to 130 inches adds about 17 percent screen area, and the NZ700's output rating is 15 percent higher. Enlarging the screen and expecting the same light per square foot is not something those figures alone support, least of all with the cinema filter engaged.
How we worked this out
JVC DLA-NZ500: 2,000 lm. Area ratio = (130 / 120)² = 1.174. JVC DLA-NZ700: 2,300 lm. Output ratio = 1.15. Filtered output is not specified.
The upgrade adds nothing to installation
The chassis dimensions and 16:9 throw range are identical on both. If the NZ500 cannot reach 120 inches from your ten-foot lens position, neither can the NZ700. Settle placement first, then pick the picture tier.
How we worked this out
JVC DLA-NZ500: 120-inch width 104.59 inches × 1.34 / 12 = 11.68 ft minimum. JVC DLA-NZ700: Same 1.34 to 2.14 throw range and chassis dimensions.
Even the premium tier has a gaming limit
Another option is needed for a room shared between films and 4K/120 games. The NZ700’s movie specification leaves the 60 Hz input ceiling where it is. That is a format limit and not a claim about subjective responsiveness.
How we worked this out
JVC DLA-NZ500: HDMI format list ends at 4K/60. JVC DLA-NZ700: HDMI format list ends at 4K/60.
Plug in your numbers
Will either projector work in your room?
This checks hard limits only. Personal preferences are left out of the math.
JVC DLA-NZ500
Does not work with your numbersFor a 120-inch 16:9 picture, the calculated lens range is about 11.68 to 18.65 ft. You entered 9.50 ft.
JVC DLA-NZ700
Does not work with your numbersFor a 120-inch 16:9 picture, the calculated lens range is about 11.68 to 18.65 ft. You entered 9.50 ft.
Measure distance from the lens to the screen. The math assumes a 16:9 picture and uses the verified throw range for each exact model.
Option A
JVC, DLA-NZ500
DLA-NZ500
For a permanent theater, this native-4K laser movie projector provides powered lens memories. If the room also hosts a fast console, keep in mind its 60 Hz input ceiling.
- Best for
- The same powered lens at the lower tier is what you are after
Facts we checked
- Picture specification: 2,000 lm and 40,000:1 native contrast
- Cinema filter: No DCI-P3 cinema filter listed
- 120-inch 16:9 placement: About 11.7 to 18.7 ft
- Lens and input limits: Powered lens, five memories, 4K/60
Option B
JVC, DLA-NZ700
DLA-NZ700
Compared with the NZ500, the NZ700 gains a cinema color filter and a higher native-contrast rating, and it keeps that model’s lens range, compact chassis and 4K/60 ceiling.
- Best for
- You put wide-gamut film reproduction first
Facts we checked
- Picture specification: 2,300 lm and 80,000:1 native contrast
- Cinema filter: DCI-P3 cinema filter
- 120-inch 16:9 placement: About 11.7 to 18.7 ft
- Lens and input limits: Powered lens, five memories, 4K/60
Spec by spec
Where they really differ
| Spec | JVC DLA-NZ500 | JVC DLA-NZ700 | In practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picture specification | 2,000 lm and 40,000:1 native contrast | 2,300 lm and 80,000:1 native contrast | Ratings from the manufacturer do not show that a picture looks twice as good. |
| Cinema filter | No DCI-P3 cinema filter listed | DCI-P3 cinema filter | A color option is what the NZ700 adds. Output in that mode needs to be measured separately. |
| 120-inch 16:9 placement | About 11.7 to 18.7 ft | About 11.7 to 18.7 ft | Upgrading will not save a shelf that sits too close. |
| Lens and input limits | Powered lens, five memories, 4K/60 | Powered lens, five memories, 4K/60 | Repeatable lens changes work on both. Neither adds a 120 Hz input. |
Trade-offs
What each pick costs you
With JVC DLA-NZ500
- Weighing 32.2 lb, it calls for a properly rated mount and space for rear exhaust.
With JVC DLA-NZ700
- Output with the cinema filter engaged isn't established by the 2,300-lumen headline figure.
Change of plan
When the answer changes
The same powered lens at the lower tier is what you are after
Go with JVC DLA-NZ500. Your plan is a movie-first, 60 Hz theater
You put wide-gamut film reproduction first
Go with JVC DLA-NZ700. You can darken the room enough for the cinema filter
By the numbers
What the data shows
What we found across the home projectors we compare, plus the checked facts behind each finding.
Show the facts and the math
| Product | Needs it meets | Facts we checked | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| JVC DLA-NZ500 |
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| JVC DLA-NZ700 |
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Ready to buy
See today’s price and what owners say
Open either model on Amazon for the current price, customer reviews and delivery options.
JVC DLA-NZ500
The same powered lens at the lower tier is what you are after
See price & reviews on AmazonJVC DLA-NZ700
You put wide-gamut film reproduction first
See price & reviews on AmazonEach link opens in a new tab.
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