JVC has announced they have developed new “Slim HD-ILA” (Direct-Drive Image Light Amplifier) rear projection televisions with reduced depth which it hopes will complete better with flat-screen TV sets (plasma + LCD). Design changes made by JVC will allow them to offer 60 inch rear projection televisions with a depth of only 10 inches. New heat dissipation strategies utilized in the new designs will allow the Slim HD-ILA RPTV to be wall mounted.

Summary of design changes for Slim HD-ILA RPTV:

• Addition of a concave mirror to the light path from the projection lens to the rear of the display screen (see diagram) has allowed JVC to reduce by 40% the depth required to expand the optical engine core output to the display size.
• The optics engine has been miniaturized reducing its length.
• Necking of the light beam on its path from the concave mirror to the reflective mirror (see diagram) has allowed JVC to reduce the projection lens size considerably.
• A shield is being used to prevent unnecessary light spillage into the optical engine surrounds helping preserve picture contrast. Dust ingress reduction also promises to maintain image sharpness.
• The reflective mirror has been reduced to one quarter of the current models sizes. Producing it using relatively inexpensive injection molding has reduced manufacturing costs.

JVC’s new optical engine projection design does not require any distortion correction.

JVC will display a 58 inch slim HD-ILA prototype RPTV in the JVC booth at CEATEC Japan 2006. JVC’s intention is to introduce the slim HD-ILA RPTVs early next year for the North American market.

Presentation Technology Reviews has reviewed JVC’s HD-58S998 and HD-65S998 ultra slim 1080p HD-ILA rear projection televisions.

JVC HD-ILA Video