Abstract— A digital cinema projector that utilizes three JVC QXGALCDs, and provides 12,000 lumens, 2000:1 contrast, and 3‐Mpixel resolution was developed. This system, which was described in a prior paper (see Ref. 10), has a novel optical configuration based on the use of intermediate imaging optics and wire‐grid polarizers and is described in greater detail in this paper. The polarization optics, including the polarization compensators, contribute to a system that provides high contrast at a low f/#, with a wide color gamut and minimal color shading at high power.