BenQ W1070 and W1080ST Projectors Preview

[admin]

BenQ is attempting to set some new price barriers for home theater projectors. The new W1070 and W1080ST projectors are priced at $1,099 and $1299 respectively. The W1070 is a 1080p 3D DLP model that uses Dark Chip 3 (DC3). In the past, this chipset was used for high-end models only. The W1080ST is a short-throw 1080p 3D model that lets users enjoy a big screen experience even if their room isn't big on space. Both projectors support NVIDIA 3DTV Play, DLP Link, and dual HDMI. Designed with DLP’s DC3 technology, both projectors feature a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and, oddly enough, built-in 2-watt stereo speakers.

Discuss "BenQ W1070 and W1080ST Projectors Preview" here. Read the article.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Need to get a real hands on review of this, but it has been long overdue for ANYONE to put out a short throw 1080p model designed more around home theater use. The big problem with some of the BenQ models is that the ones not designed for home theater really miss the mark on color accuracy, noise control, and quality in general. They always worry me as a company until some people take them for a test ride and have them in their homes for a few months at least. I'm certainly not going to gamble before any reviews our out, but a short throw 1080p 3D for under $1,500 seems like it could really hit the mark for a lot of people.

 

[Swerve]

the W1070 really is a short throw. It won't work for me at 20' on a 106" screen according to benq's site and projectorcentral.com

 

[BMXTRIX]

the W1070 really is a short throw. It won't work for me at 20' on a 106" screen according to benq's site and projectorcentral.com

A short throw is anywhere between .1 and .7 times the screen width. If you can hit a 100" wide image from 70" or less then it is definitely short throw.

A typical throw range is about 1.2 to 1.5 times the screen width. So, a projector which can hit 100" diagonal from about 12' away is 'typical'.

Now, both projectors have a short zoom RANGE, that is, you don't get a lot of play with their zoom range. They are not 'super zoom' projectors like the Panasonic AR100 or the Epson 8350 which can go a great distance from the screen and still hit a smaller size.

This may be what is troubling you, but that does not make the 1070 a short throw projector. The W1070 can throw a 100" diagonal from 8'4" to 10'11", which is 'typical' for a projector.

In comparison, the Optoma HD33 can throw a 100" diagonal from 10'11" to 13'1" which is also 'typical' for this type of projector.

Now, in comparison, the BenQ W1080ST throws a 100" diagonal from 5' to 6' away from the screen. That's often perfect for someone who has to put a projector in front of a soffit, or a ceiling fan and still wants a larger image. In fact, it is the first home theater 1080p model which is remotely affordable which can do this.

Now, in all fairness, the W1070 is shorter throw than similar models such as the Mitubishi HC4000, Viewsonic Pro8200, or Acer H6500, but not much. Those projectors start at around 10' for a 100" diagonal, and go to 13 to 15' throw. But, not one of them can hit a 106" diagonal from 20' away. For that you need a super zoom projector, or a model with a long throw lens.

Edit: Just wanted to add, that while there are dozens of 1080p projectors under $2,000, there are only FOUR which can throw a 106" diagonal from 19' lens to screen (assuming 20' to your back wall, so, a foot less for the projector depth).

http://www.projectorcentral.com/projectors.cfm?g=1&hide=0&st=1&mfg=&p=500&p=2000&w=&r=13&br=&ll=&ltg=&t=&db=&dt=&c=&ar=&dvi=&wr=&pjl=&pjw=&pjh=&td=19&i=d&is=106&sort=pop&sz=15

Clearly 20' to 106" is a long way, and is outside the 'norm' for most projectors in that price range.

From 11 feet, 16 projectors can do 106" diagonal, including the W1070.

 

[Swerve]

I just can't mount it any closer to the screen without infringing on the wife's minimum standards for aesthetics. Bumping the budget up to 2500 introduces 6 more, but the Panasonic AR100 still sits at the top of my list. I don't want 3D, and for my first projector, I think it'll do just fine for quite some time.

 

[BMXTRIX]

Both the AR100 and Epson's 8350 are great models of projectors which will make you very happy. They aren't in the same class as the AE8000 or 5020 or the JVC RS46 models of projectors, but at half the price, they certainly do a very good job.

DLP has really dropped the ball IMO in comparison to what LCD manufacturers have done with their ultra flexible placement options. I mean, both the AR100 and 8350 models offer lens shift as well as the super-zoom capabilities which will really help with your placement options.

 

[mychaelp]

Wow, is what I said when I saw this in action the other day, and that was in a demo room. Now I just need the extra cash to upgrade to this from my old Optoma HD65. Here Best Home Theater Projector - BenQ W1070 Review they show the Eco mode in which the colors do look deeper, and even with the somewhat darker picture who cares since most of us who love this type of cinema experience control the lights anyway. Thanks for the preview, but these other guys seem to have actually used it so far.