Highlights for the new TV include a 64-zone local dimming backlight system, which should allow the panel to offer deep contrast between dark and light zones on screen more akin to plasma screens, with less of the haloing effect that plagues LED TVs without the feature. In addition, the TV is said to offer an expanded color gamut with 10-bit color depth, which should theoretically allow the screen to offer a vividly realistic color spectrum.
Other features include expected benchmarks in the 4K UHD realm, including HDMI 2.0 for handling 4K content at up to 60 frames per second, HEVC (h.265) support necessary for decoding most streaming 4K content, and built-in XinemaSound 3D with four 15-watt down-firing speakers, Wi-Fi for surfing the Web, and CrystalMotion Pro motion enhancement software.
However, while the TV will ship with a Roku Streaming stick as a surrogate smart platform, according to the report, it is not setup to receive native 4K streams from Netflix, or any other service. Considering that the vast majority of the available 4K UHD content is currently in streaming form, that could be a major roadblock for those looking to go big with their 4K UHD purchase. It also may help explain the reason JVC’s new gargantuan display is priced around $2K below Samsung’s UN85HU8550 85-incher.
To remedy the situation, JVC representatives said 4K streaming support is “in the works,” and the company will be adding streaming capability once “a ready supply of native 4K UHD content is available,” according to Twice. But that may not be a satisfying solution for those shopping for grandiose 4K magic in the here and now.
JVC’s latest and greatest 4K UHD display is slated for release the third week of January at undisclosed select retail locations.
Update 11/20/2014: This post has been updated to clarify that AmTran does not own the JVC brand outright, but licenses the name.
