MotionX-GPS has been a solid choice in the iPhone and iPad navigation game for some time now, but only recently has started to stretch its legs a bit. The app now has compatibility with a series of JVC and Pioneer head units (listed out below) that enables full-screen 3D navigation. In this mode the mobile device basically turns in to a remote control with a simplified interface, with POI searching and of course media playback. Connectivity is not using the Terminal Mode standard, this works exclusively with the iPhone and iPad, and we’re told that sadly the company has no plans on supporting any other platforms going forward. So, if you’re not on iOS you’ll just have to find your own way to wherever you’re going.
JVC president Yuta Ito has confirmed to SlashGear that the company’s first 4k2k consumer camcorder is “just around the corner,” bringing super high-resolution video capture to mainstream levels. The new model will be based on the same exclusive JVC Falconbird image processor as in the 3D Everio GS-TD1 camcorder.
Ito could not say exactly what specifications the camcorder would offer, nor the price point JVC expects to hit with the new model. Falconbird is able to record 3840 x 2160/60p video, or of course the Full HD 3D the GS-TD1 is capable of, and is billed as being 2.7x as fast as JVC’s previous processing chips.
JVC’s new Everio GS-TD1 camcorder isn’t the first 3D example we’ve seen, but it is the first to manage Full HD 3D recording. The new JVC Falconbird image processing engine is paired with two 3.32-megapixel CMOS sensors, each capable of 1920 x 1080i, while even the preview display is 3D-capable. Check out our hands-on impressions after the cut.
The Everio GS-TD1 looks bulky, but it’s actually relatively lightweight. Unlike Panasonic’s HDC-TC750 it’s not designed to lose the 3D lens section, but the weight has been well balanced along the length of the camcorder and it doesn’t feel front-heavy. Storage and connectivity are hidden behind the flip-out LCD display. That has a touchscreen layer for control over most of the settings, and it’s crystal clear and responsive. Most importantly, though, is that it uses glasses-free 3D so that you can see exactly what 3D effect you’re getting while recording, rather than – as with the TC750 – having to wait until reviewing footage later. The 3.5-inch panel uses a parallax barrier to split up the left and right images.
Falconbird is a JVC exclusive, and supposedly doubles the power from previous chips. It debuts in the GS-TD1, but will be spreading through the company’s 3D-capable line-up; the same sensor, Kari Bearnarth, senior VP of America JVC marketing told us, is powerful enough to handle 4k2k recording.
It’s obviously tricky to judge image quality from a brief hands-on play, but what we saw in JVC’s booth impressed us. There’s no compromise to the 3D element – you still get HD, unlike other systems which split the resolution of a single sensor – and it looks crisp and bright when viewed full-screen. The JVC Everio GS-TD1 will go on sale in March 2011. For $2,000, it comes equipped with 64GB of internal flash storage space, image stabilizer, 3D sound and a pair of ultra fast, high res, extra-low-dispersion glasses, and a round-iris diaphragm HD GT F1.2 lens.
JVC has unveiled a new consumer 3D camcorder with full HD resolution at CES called the GS-TD1. The new camcorder is the world’s first consumer offering with full HD 3D capability. The camera uses a pair of lenses with 3.32MP CMOS sensors in each lens to capture the 3D images the same way human eyes work.
The camera has 5x optical zoom and promises dynamic 3D sound as well with JVC Biphonic technology for improved audio. A 3.5-inch touch panel is offered on the side of the camera and the screen allows the user to view the 3D video recorded without needing glasses.
The camera uses a new high speed imaging engine dubbed Falconbird by JVC. The lens is rated at F1.2 for brighter video and the CMOS sensors are back illuminated. Other features include time-lapse 3D recording, 3D still shots, and the video is stored to 64GB of internal memory and can be expanded with SD cards. The camera will sell for $1999.95 in March.
JVC has unveiled a new line of AV receivers that handle multimedia for vehicles at CES. The new line has four cool products that allow drivers to enjoy all sorts of content in the vehicle on the road. JVC also partnered with MotionX-GPS Drive to integrate its tech into the high-end double-DIN receivers. The tech lets the iPhone be integrated for use as a navigation device with control over GPS and song playback.
The line includes the KW-AVX840 with a 7-inch motorized LCD that is touch capable. It has Bluetooth inside, a USB port for iPod and iPhone control, playback directly from iPod, and is ready for satellite radio. It also has a 7-band EQ and 50W x 4 channel. The stereo will ship in March for $649.95. The KW-ADV794 has a detachable 6.1-inch screen. It has Bluetooth, a rear USB port, HD and satellite radio compatibility, 5V pre-outs, and can play MP3 and other digital file formats. It has 50X x 4 channels and will ship in February for $579.95. A lesser version called the AVX-740 with a shorter 1-year warranty and three 4V outputs is $549.95.
The starter receiver in the line is the KW-AVX640. This receiver is Bluetooth ready and when fitted with the optional Bluetooth radio it can support voice dialing and other mobile phone features. The unit will ship in February for $499.99. A single-din AVX77 unit is also available with a thin and long screen taking up the entire front of the system. It is available right now for $649.95 with Bluetooth, iPod/iPhone control and a lot more.
At the Consumer Electronics Show, it’s hard to be the “one of” crowd. For a company, having the ability to say that, especially with a 3D projector at a show where 3D is a prevalent attraction, is a strong bullet point on their press release. For JVC, they can mark off being the only company to be showing off a THX-certified 3D projector at this year’s show, and they’re happy to be showing it off for anyone wanting to take a peek.
Both projectors, the Procision Series DLA-X7 and DLA-X9, are able to project both 2D and 3D images, whether the source is a 3D Blu-ray movie or from another source. The content is handled by a pair of HDMI ports, and the projector is capable of supporting side-by-side broadcasting. It’s also able to support frame packing for Blu-ray discs, as well as above-below 3D transmissions. To enjoy the 3D entertainment, though, you’ll have to have yourself some Active Shutter 3D glasses, which work in tandem with the 3D Signal Emitter to sync the image.
The DLA-X7 has a native contrast ratio of 70,000:1, but will pull on your wallet’s heart strings with a price tag of $7,995. However, if you want to pay some more cash for a better contrast ratio, be ready to drop $11,995 for the DLA-X9, which has a native contrast ratio of 100,000:1.
Press Release
WAYNE, NJ, January 3, 2011 – Visitors to the upcoming 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) looking for a THX® 3D Certified projector demonstration have but one choice – JVC. The company (booth #8226) is demonstrating the world’s first home theater projectors to gain THX 3D Display Certification, and as of CES, the only projectors certified under the program.
CES, the consumer electronics industry’s annual trade show, takes place in Las Vegas from January 6 – 9, and JVC is demonstrating both of its new THX 3D Certified projectors – the Procision Series DLA-X9 and DLA-X7.
During the THX 3D certification process, more than 400 laboratory tests are conducted, evaluating color accuracy, cross-talk, viewing angles and video processing to ensure the high quality 3D and 2D display performance that home theater enthusiasts demand. The JVC projectors have simple, one button solutions for optimized playback of 3D and 2D movies – THX Cinema Mode to ensure that color reproduction, luminance, blacks, gamma and video processing matches what the filmmaker intended, and THX 3D Cinema Mode, which extends this same level of accuracy for 3D broadcasts and Blu-ray Discs. THX 3D Cinema Mode is designed to deliver highly accurate color in 3D, while minimizing sources of cross-talk and flicker. For further fine-tuning, all THX Modes on JVC projectors can be accessed by THX Professional Calibrators.
For 3D content, each projector includes two HDMI 1.4a ports and supports side-by-side (broadcast), frame packing (Blu-ray Disc), and above-below 3D transmissions. An external 3D Signal Emitter (PK-EM1) syncs the projected image with JVC’s Active Shutter 3D Glasses (PK-AG1). The external 3D signal emitter ensures solid signal transmission to the 3D glasses for a superior 3D experience, no matter what type of screen is used or how the home theater has been configured.
The new flagship Procision projector, the DLA-X9, is built using hand-selected, hand-tested components and provides a 100,000:1 native contrast ratio. For 3D display, it comes with two pairs of 3D glasses along with a PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter. Both projectors also have a three-year warranty. The DLA-X7 offers 70,000:1 native contrast ratio, comes with a two-year warranty and is compatible with JVC’s PK-AG1 Active Shutter 3D Glasses and the PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter (sold separately) for 3D presentations.
Both projectors feature three 0.7” 1920 x 1080 D-ILA devices and are designed around JVC’s third generation D-ILA High Dynamic Range optical engine that is optimized to provide exceptional native contrast ratios without a dynamic iris to artificially enhance contrast specifications.
The new JVC D-ILA projectors are available now at the following prices:
DLA-RS60/DLA-X9 $11,995
DLA-RS50/DLA-X7 $7,995
JVC’s PK-AG1 3D glasses ($179) and PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter ($79) will also be available in late November.
Besides the four THX Certified models, JVC offers a third 3D-enabled Procision projector, the DLA-X3, available now at $4,495. It offers 50,000:1 native contrast ratio, comes with a two-year warranty and is compatible with JVC’s PK-AG1 Active Shutter 3D Glasses and PK-EM1 3D Signal Emitter (sold separately).
About JVC U.S.A.
JVC U.S.A., headquartered in Wayne, New Jersey, is a division of JVC Americas Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Victor Company of Japan Ltd. JVC distributes a complete line of video and audio equipment, including high definition displays, camcorders, home and portable audio and video equipment, and mobile entertainment products. For further product information, visit JVC’s website at or call 1-800-526-5308
JVC’s latest audio system has been unveiled, and the UX-J51 follows in the footsteps of just about every other micro HiFi by slapping an iPod dock on top. The compact stereo is spattered with touch-sensitive keys and blue LED backlighting, and if you’re bored of your iPod (or iPhone) music then you can always dust off a CD or – heaven forbid – turn on the FM/AM radio.
Alternatively there’s a USB 2.0 port for hooking up a non-Apple PMP, while other connectivity includes digital optical input and outputs, analog input and outputs, an aux input and a subwoofer preout. A front-panel headphone socket and a remote control wrap up the key specs.
Power is 40W x 2 and JVC has used two separate amps, one for each channel, which the company reckons will make all the difference. Still, if you’re listening to shoddy MP3s in the first place, it probably won’t matter too much. Out next month for $399.95.
Press Release:
JVC Announces High-Performance Micro Audio System
WAYNE, NJ, September 22, 2010 – JVC today expanded its Procision series of premium-level products with the introduction of a new high-performance micro audio system. The new JVC UX-J51 is a three-piece system that combines class-leading performance with clean, elegant design.
The new JVC UX-J51 is a CD micro component system with a built-in dock for iPod, USB (2.0) input and an FM/AM tuner. It’s comprised of a single main unit and a pair of two-way, bass reflex speakers. Most functions are controlled using flush, top-mounted touch keys illuminated in blue, with the exception of volume, which is handled by a large, silver knob on the main unit’s front panel. A full function remote control is also included.
A key performance feature is the system’s separate left and right channel amplifiers, each rated at 40 watts. The two-way speakers feature a one-inch (2.5cm) soft-dome tweeter and a 4.3-inch (11cm) cone woofer. The audio performance is optimized using CONEQTM technology that matches amplifier and speaker performance to ensure equalized power levels across all frequencies, resulting in a clean, natural sound throughout the listening room.
For system expansion, the UX-J51 includes a digital optical input and output, analog input and output, aux input, and a subwoofer preout. There’s also a headphone jack, FM and AM antenna jacks and banana speaker jacks. The system also features a clock/timer.
The JVC UX-J51 will be available in October for $399.95.
There are tons of iPod docks on the market today and many of them are the same thing. JVC has unveiled a cool new dock that is different from most of what is on the market today. One of the unique features of the EX-S1 is that the speakers use wooden cones.
The compact system has a pair of speakers that are separate from the main unit, which also has a CD player inside. On the front of the dock is a USB port for playing tracks from non-dockable iPods and other devices.
JVC offers the dock in several colors including black, white with wood grain top, pink, and solid white. The dock also has an integrated FM tuner and has video output for sending video to your TV. Pricing is unknown, but the unit will ship in Japan in October.
Point and shoot camcorders are a range under threat these days, as cellphones up their video capture game. JVC’s latest PICSIO models show one approach to keep hold of the niche: throw in Full HD capture and, in the case of the GC-WP10, waterproof the casing. JVC sent over the PICSIO GC-WP10 along with its non-waterproof sibling the GC-FM2; check out the SlashGear review after the cut.
Both models slip in under the $200 mark, with the WP10 getting a $199.95 MRSP and the FM2 just $179.99. Each has a 3-inch 230k pixel touchscreen, records to SD card (compatible with SDHC/SDXC too) and has both a mini HDMI port and an analog AV output; the FM2 also gets a pop-out USB 2.0 plug. The 5.13-megapixel sensor can grab still images up to 2592 x 1944 or up to 1920 x 1080 30fps Full HD video.
So far, so regular, but the WP10 is clad in suitably sporty rubber and has port flaps ensuring it’s waterproof to up to 10 feet. While you may not generally be shooting underwater, it does mean there’s nothing to worry about if it’s raining or snowing. It does add bulk, though: the regular FM2 measures in at a smooth, slim 53 x 102 x 22 mm, while the WP10 is a chunkier 60 x 101 x 25 mm. It may not sound too much, but the slight difference – together with the grippy rubber – can make it tricky to quickly pull the waterproof version out of your pocket and grab an impromptu shot.
Usability is fair, with the large touchscreen offering easy access to the relatively sparse functionality. The WP10 throws in an audio recording icon as it will work as a dictaphone. On the flip-side, it means you need to look at the display in order to use it (unlike physical buttons) and outdoors you’ll need to shade the screen in order to make out either the preview or the controls.
Image quality is the biggest factor, of course, and unfortunately neither JVC wows with either video or still performance. Stills show more than an average amount of noise, though colors are reasonable, while video is jerky and prone to over-exposure. The 4x digital zoom, as always, is best avoided since it increases pixelation unpleasantly.
JVC PICSIO GC-FM2 video sample:
JVC PICSIO GC-WP10 underwater video sample:
The problem is, most modern smartphones – certainly those capable of 720p HD – are able to match the stills and footage produced by the PICSIO pair. That means a fair amount of people won’t see a step up by carrying a separate device. True, the waterproofing on the WP10 is a neat addition that’s rare on smartphones (unless you opt for a third-party case) but we’re still not sure the end result is worth the bulk.
It’s the week for upright point-and-shoot camcorders, with JVC outing a pair of touchscreen models in their PICSIO range. The JVC PICSIO GC-WP10 and PICSIO GC-FM2 each record Full HD 1080p footage and have 3-inch touchscreen preview displays; the FM2 gets a pop-out USB plug, for cable-free connectivity, while the WP10 is waterproof to up to 10ft.
Both camcorders can record Full HD 1080 (1920 x 1080/30p), HD 720 (1280 x 720/60p), iFrame (960 x 540/30p) and Quarter High Definition (960 x 540/30p), as well as time-lapse footage, and have HDMI ports for direct hook-ups to your HDTV. Storage is via SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot – with Eye-Fi compatibility – while there’s a 4x zoom and, on the WP10, an MP3 recorder for creating audio files.
Both PICSIO models come preloaded with LoiLoScope EX for Windows, a simple editing and upload app. They’ll go on sale next month, with the GC-FM2 dropping early in the month for $179.95 and the GC-WP10 arriving late in the month for $199.95.
Press Release:
TWO NEW JVC PICSIO POCKET CAMERAS OFFER EASY VIDEO AND PHOTO SHARING
Features include 3-inch touch screen, plug & share convenience, Full HD recording, improved low-light performance and waterproof versatility
WAYNE, NJ, August 24, 2010 ?Two JVC pocket cameras announced today bring a new level of fun and ease-of-use to making and sharing videos and photos. The new PICSIO pocket cameras, the GC-WP10 and GC-FM2, both feature Full HD video, excellent low-light performance, a three-inch touch screen for easy operation and playback viewing, and compatibility with Eye-Fi cards for Wi-Fi connectivity. And for the ultimate in versatility, the PICSIO GC-WP10 is waterproof.
To produce stunning photos, PICSIO’s CMOS image sensor captures stills at up to five-megapixel native resolution without interpolation. It also records up to 1920 x 1080p/30 fps Full HD video with image stabilization for enjoyment on an HDTV via the camera’s HDMI output. Users can select from four different recording resolutions: Full HD 1080 (1920 x 1080/30p), HD 720 (1280 x 720/60p), iFrame (960 x 540/30p) and Quarter High Definition (960 x 540/30p). The new PICSIO cameras also offer time-lapse recording, which reduces hours-long segments to mere seconds.
Perhaps the most prominent feature on the PICSIO cameras is the three-inch touch screen with on-screen graphics for shooting and playback controls, including the 4x digital zoom. What’s more, the touch screen functions are easily operated even when wearing gloves for all-season fun. The large screen also enhances playback, with a large, clear image that makes it easy for all to enjoy what was recorded.
For easy editing and uploading, LoiLoScope EX for Windows® software is factory installed. This new software offers quick, intuitive editing and direct uploading to YouTube™ and Facebook, exporting to iTunes® and more. It can launch immediately when the camera is connected to virtually any PC. The uploading process, including editing, entails just a few easy steps. A full array of special effects is available for creative editing, supported by simplified icon-based access and intuitive drag-and-drop operation. Windows 7 Multi-Touch is supported, so operation via any compatible PC touch screen is possible. File output for DVD creation is also available.
Both PICSIO pocket cameras work with iMovie on the Mac. The two cameras also offer the option to record video in the iFrame format, a computer-friendly video format designed to dramatically simplify the process of editing and sharing video. iFrame works with compatible Mac and PC applications.
The new PICSIO cameras come with an SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot for versatile storage. The slot is optimized for Eye-Fi cards, so files can be quickly uploaded and shared using a wireless network.
The GC-FM2’s special conveniences include a slide-out USB connector, so no connecting cable is needed. As a convenience, a USB cable is provided and an AC adaptor is available optionally. Both models are charged through their USB connection so the cameras are ready to shoot more after transferring files.
The PICSIO GC-WP10 is waterproof to a depth of 10 feet/3 meters (IPX8 certified) for worry-free recording underwater, on the slopes or in the rain. The GC-WP10 also comes with a MP3 audio recorder to capture everything from lectures to jam sessions in stereo.
The JVC PICSIO GC-FM2 will be available in early September for $179.95. The JVC PICSIO GC-WP10 will be available in late September for $199.95.
