JVC has made the leap into the third dimension with three 3D projectors.

The flagship DLA-X9 model boasts a mammoth native contrast ratio of 100,000:1, and can display eye-popping three-dimensional images from most available sources, including 3D Blu-ray and Sky 3D, using active shutter glasses. It's also joined by two other 3D-ready models - the DLA-X3 and DLA-X9.

Powered by JVC's third-generation D-ILA optical engine, the flagship projector sports several enhancements including a redesigned Device Driver and Wire Grid for improved black level reproduction, as well as smooth gradation of colours.

As the projector is intended for use with 3D glasses, it needs a brighter lamp than previous models, and boasts 220W of power, compared to the 200W found on JVC's previous projector lineup. As a result, the brightness level has been increased to 1300 lumens. A combination of the new Short-Arc High-Efficiency UHP Lamp with 16-step lens, and Lamp Double Aperture, results in the staggeringly high contrast ratio.

JVC's Clear Motion Drive function has also received a makeover to further reduce motion blur, with the choice of frame interpolation or black frame insertion. The projector also features an improved colour gamut, with the inclusion of Adobe RGB, sRGB and DCI colour profiles set to offer more accurate hues than on previous models.

Although the projector will be sold in other markets as merely 3D-ready, with the PK-EM1 optional 3D emitter available separately, it will initially be sold in the UK as a bundle including the emitter and two pairs of 3D specs, priced at £9599.99.

Both the flagship DLA-X9 and the DLA-X7 are THX-certified, meaning that they're able to display a wide range of video content at maximum resolution with the correct colour and luminance levels. The two models have also been given the nod by the ISF (Imaging Science Foundation) and both include an ISF C3 mode for professional calibration. All three models are equipped with HDMI 1.4 connections.

The DLA-X3 features a 30,000:1 contrast ratio and will be priced at £3599.99, while the DLA-X7 offers a ratio of 70,000:1, and will set you back £6599.99.

All three models will be available in the UK from late November.

The 3D glasses (PK-AG1) will be sold separately for a rather steep £159.99, while the PK-EM1 transmitter will set you back £69.99, if bought separately.

First impressions

Here at Pocket-lint, we were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the DLA-X9 in action before it goes on sale in November.

Along with some 3D football from Sky, we also watched a couple of nature reels, and some other snippets from Sky. It took a few seconds for the glasses to sync up with the projector, and a little more time for our eyes to get used to the images, but then that's the same with any active shutter 3D system. All of the images that we saw were impressively immersive and full of depth, especially the nature footage, which seems to be particularly well-suited to 3D.

The menu system for tweaking the settings was also very logically laid out, so even the most ardent of technophobes shouldn't have a problem setting up the picture. We also found the glasses to be more comfortable than some of those offered by other manufacturers, making this certain to appeal to home cinema fans and gamers alike.

It's also important to note that this is a phenomenal projector, even without the 3D. Watching a clip of the action-packed race track scene from Iron Man 2, we were able to see that the projector copes admirably well with motion blur and offers sharp, clear images that are full of vibrancy and punch, along with some spectacularly inky black levels.