I would guess they will refresh them next year at Cedia, like the usually do !
If by refresh they do something like eshift version 7 or whatever in anything but an entry level pj rather than true 4K, how many times can you reboot an original and make it appreciably better? By only having an uber expensive 4K model and the remainder 'new' models with eshift would be disappointing. Not that eshift is inferior to 4K but considering that Sony now has how many 4K models below their state of the art model could push many towards Sony especially as more UHD Bluray players are released including the much sought after Oppo 203 and more new releases of UHD BR and more UHD streaming even if they are 2K to 4K. The upgraditis itch doesn't have to make sense, and probably more often than not many who purchase new tech is not because their current equipment is broken but rather they want the newest and best that they can afford and another 'new' version of eshift just doesn't feel like an upgrade anymore despite the fact that it most likely will look much better than what is currently owned.
They could be adding a wanted feature.
Ok, RS600 has 10 bit depth, P3, hdr10, to that the Z1 adds a laser and a top tier lens. Dolby Vision might be nice someday on projectors and nothing yet on UHD BR wouldn't seem to be high on the wanted feature list. The RS600 really only seems to be lacking the laser/brightness and uber lens, with most other features the same or is there more to be had besides those?
Having high lumens and great native contrast is pretty tough to do. Name one other projector, beside the RS4500 that has both.
The post from Kraine makes no sense to me. If it is just about firmware updates to the current line why new model numbers? If it is something more substantial why not wait another 5 months for CEDIA? Inquiring minds want to know!
Actually CEDIA Expo is 10 months away (not 5) - i.e., Sept. 2017. I do doubt that we will see new models of the JVC lamp based projectors introduced before IFA and CEDIA shows. Of course a new firmware release for the current models could come at any time.
I wonder if JVC will do like Tesla did...take the profit from the early adopters, and make a Projector for a much lower price?
He was talking about another 5 months from the time (March/April) Kraine announced that JVC would introduce replacements for the 400/500/600.
And that's why it can command its price, I'm sure the as the reviews come in it will stand head and shoulders above the other 4K projectors, which is all well fine for the very well heeled aficionado. But it would seem reasonable that JVC could offer something between the RS600 and Z1 that just adds true 4K to all the other superb capabilities of the RS600 with perhaps a somewhat better lens, if there is one , but not quite at the superiority of the Z1 lens. If Sony were not doing this then there would be no discussion. But for JVC to consider eshift close enough except for the flagship model just seems that JVC doesn't understand the home theater crowd's desire to upgrade like trying grab that brass ring, and a $35 grand pj isn't the upgrade most of us can do. But maybe they feel that if Sony can charge $50 grand, then no one should complain about $35 grand for a pj that may likely outperform the significantly more expensive Sony. C'mon JVC, Sony has thrown down the VW1100 gauntlet, are you getting in the ring or just gonna sit at ringside for another round? You've shown your mettle with the Z1 on the high ground , whats you got for the middle ground?
I'm sure JVC will have something in that " middle ground " price point - eventually. In the mean time, I watched " Star Trek Beyond " again last night with some friends, and it sure looked amazing !