Should you buy a projector? This is the big (screen) question, and the one that generates a lot of debate. Projectors are very different from TVs: they require a darker room and a dedicated screen for best results; In addition, you will have to choose between a support or a ceiling mount. However, there's no denying the impact of large projected images, whether you're catching up on your favorite movie, watching the big game, or enjoying an immersive gaming session, everything looks better when you fill all. Wall! There are many projector brands to choose from, all ranging from entry-level projectors to high-end models for custom installations. There are also competing projection technologies, with specifications to suit all needs and budgets. So what about BenQ? This projector manufacturer is one of the largest in the world, offering an impressive range from entry-level units to dedicated home theater models. BenQ also offers the latest display technology, from 1080p to 4K HDR. If you like the idea of big-screen action, you've no doubt seen a BenQ projector and wondered "should I buy it?" In this guide, you'll find an introduction to the BenQ brand, an overview of what sets it apart from the competition, plus the latest deals on BenQ projectors, plus all of our latest BenQ reviews. Today's Best Deals on BenQ Projectors BenQ HT3550 4K Home Theater ... BenQ TK800M 3D Ready DLP ... BenQ HT2550 4K UHD HDR Home ...
BenQ projectors: an overview
BenQ is a Taiwanese consumer electronics company that makes everything from laptops and monitors to digital cameras and projectors. It's the last thing we're interested in here, and the company has made a name for itself with the kind of data-quality projectors often seen in classrooms, boardrooms, and bars. BenQ projectors are based on Texas Instruments DLP (Digital Light Processing) display technology. This uses a chipset made up of millions of microscopic mirrors that reflect light from the bulb through or away from the lens. As a result, each small mirror turns on or off, creating a black and white image. A single-chip DLP projector adds color using a spinning wheel made up of red, green, and blue segments, and this approach has both benefits and side effects. On the plus side, using a single chip provides a very sharp image, although the rotating color wheel may cause some people to see fringed (rainbow) color artifacts. DLP projectors benefit from excellent motion handling and low latency, making them ideal for gamers. They also tend to be very bright, which is helpful in rooms with white walls. They can be noisy though, thanks to the cooling fans and hissing color wheel; its reflective nature results in poor black levels and limited shadow detail. BenQ offers several DLP projectors that support 4K, but none actually use a native 4K chipset. Instead, the more expensive 4K models use a larger 2716 x 1528 pixel chip, with the image flashing twice to create the 4K image. Cheaper 4K projectors use a regular 1920 x 1080 chip and display the image four times to produce the 4K image. Many BenQ projectors also support HDR, but this is an area where potential buyers need to manage their expectations. No projector, regardless of the display technology you use, can match a TV in terms of peak brightness. However, as long as the HDR image is properly matched to the projector's capabilities, the results can be impressive. You can use a projector as an alternative to a TV, but remember that you will need sources and a sound system. A lamp projector will also take time to warm up and cool down, and the bulb will gradually dim and eventually need to be replaced. And no matter how bright the projector is, you will always have problems when there is ambient light in the room.Should you buy a BenQ projector?
So now that you understand how a BenQ projector works, why choose one of their models over another DLP competitor like Optoma? The simple answer is economies of scale, an advantage that BenQ has used to produce a range of competitively priced projectors to suit all requirements and pockets. It's often overlooked, but when it comes to a big screen for your money, nothing beats a projector. You can get much bigger screen sizes than the biggest TV panel and for a fraction of the cost. BenQ offers many projectors that are not only very affordable, but also easy to install. Plug them in, point them at a wall, and you're done. BenQ could dominate the lower end of the market with budget 1080p and 4K models where the emphasis is on big, bright and colorful images, but it hasn't rested on its laurels. BenQ has also developed a range of home theater models that are not only more accurate, but can even deliver 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. BenQ also offers projectors aimed at sports fans and gamers, where fast response times, smooth motion, and low latency are perfect for fast-paced action. Whether you're watching the big game, playing your favorite game, or catching up on the latest 4K HDR movie, BenQ has you covered with its wide range of projectors. Of course, a BenQ projector won't be right for everyone, although its limitations are largely related to DLP itself. As already mentioned, there is a possibility of "rainbows", so make sure you don't suffer from this particular problem before purchasing. If you do, you'd better consider Epson's LCD projectors, which don't use color wheels. Although a DLP projector is very easy to set up, it has a limited throw distance and limited lens controls without motorized memory functions for different aspect ratios. Finally, if you want a truly native 4K projector, you'll have to look at models from Sony and JVC, although they're significantly more expensive.How much do BenQ projectors cost?
BenQ offers four main lines of projectors: Home Entertainment, CineHome Series, and CinePrime Series. The Home Entertainment and CineHome ranges are aimed at the more casual projector user, where the emphasis is on ease of setup, brightness and very low input lags. Prices range from the 1080p TW535 at just $499 (around £645 / AU$920), up to the 4K W1720 at £1,199 / £799 / AU$2,190. The CinePrime series is designed for home theater enthusiasts, with a more sophisticated line of HDR 1080p and 4HK projectors, where the emphasis is on precision and a wider color gamut. These range from the 1080p W2000 at $1199 / £899 / AU$1499, up to the top-end 4K HDR W5700 at £2399 / AU$3999 (around £2330).BenQ Projector Reviews
However, price and specs only tell half the story. More importantly, how do these projectors actually work and what did TechRadar do with the latest BenQ models? We've reviewed BenQ projectors in various price ranges, and you can check out all our thoughts with the links below:
BenQ TH685 1080p Projector
This ultra-fast BenQ projector is ideal for the latest generation of gamers who want to immerse themselves in the big screen at minimal cost. An input lag of less than 10ms and a brightness of 3500 lumens are sure to please, but those looking for 4K support will be disappointed.
BenQ HT3550 4K HDR Projector (W2700)
This BenQ 4K HDR projector offers vivid and detailed widescreen images at a competitive price. It's a bit noisy and the limited brightness means you'll have to draw the curtains, but otherwise it's a great option for those looking for top-notch image quality.
BenQ TK800 4K HDR Projector
If you want big, sharp 4K HDR images, but are on a budget, this is the BenQ for you. This projector has its limits when it comes to black levels and shadow details, but its bright, colorful and detailed images are hard to resist considering the price.
BenQ TK850 4K HDR Projector
The BenQ TK850 is a striking example of a 4K HDR projector with the brightness to do the image justice. You'll have to do without a lot of smart features, but if that's not an issue, you should have little reason not to take advantage of what the TK850 has to offer.
BenQ HT2550 4K HDR Projector (W1700)
This BenQ 4K HDR DLP projector has all the strengths and weaknesses of the technology. The images are not only bright, colorful and detailed, but they are also super sharp, with only mediocre blacks, a bit of fan noise, and no lens shifts to spoil the party.
This BenQ projector may be limited to 1080p, but not everyone has made the jump to 4K. So for those who have large Blu-ray collections, this particular projector may be the answer with its exceptional Rec.709 colors and stunning Full HD images. Today's Best Deals on BenQ Projectors BenQ HT3550 4K Home Theater ... BenQ TK800M 3D Ready DLP ... BenQ HT2550 4K UHD HDR Home ...