The BenQ W2700 4K CinematicColor projectors
I attended the launch of two new BenQ 4k CinematicColour models – the W2700 available now at $2499 and the W5700 available in April at $3999.
I don’t have any experience with ‘home’ projectors so forgive any oversights. My experience with ‘data’ projectors goes back decades and BenQ was always a favourite brand in my business boardroom.
So, let’s embark on a little journey to see if a 4K home projector is right for you. If you qualify then, BenQ has a deal for you. We will focus on the W2700 – the W5700 simply is more powerful.
What is a BenQ W2700? (Website here)
The BenQ W2700 is a desktop or ceiling mounted
It has true 4K resolution 3840 x 2160, 2000 ANSI Lumens brightness, 30000:1 contrast, HDR10/HLG support, 95% of DCI-P3 and 100% Rec.709 colour gamut. In other words, it presents colours as the filmmaker sees them.
Video content comes in via 2 x HDMI 2.0b with HDCP 2.2 (copy protection). It also supports USB playback.
If you are keen, the full user manual is here.
Who can use it?
It is not like a flat panel TV that does everything in one box. This is a component approach.
I would suggest getting an inexpensive (<$40) 4-in-1-out 4K HDMI splitter to manage multiple content devices. A long HDMI cable goes from the splitter to the HDMI on the projector.
Then you need a content source or three. For example
- 4K capable Windows PC for internet and Netflix (allow about $1500-2000) with
- A quad DVB-Tuner like the Hauppauge (gives Free-to-Air TV and Freeview)
- At least 2TB of storage or a NAS
- Dolby Atmos capable (usually an added via a Windows Store codec)
- Logitech Bluetooth MPCE keyboard/trackpad
- Internet – at least a 50Mbps connection and more if you use Netflix 4K
- 4K Blu-ray player (LG recommended)
- Roku (Telstra TV) or Apple TV
- Xbox or Sony Playstation (4K versions will also give you a Blu-ray player)
Then you need a sound system
The unit comes with 2 x 5W Stereo Maxx speakers, but a true man cave will have a Dolby Atmos 7.1.4 system. The best soundbar is the Samsung Dolby Atmos Series 9 HW-N950 currently on special for under $1200.
Finally, a 120-inch or larger 4K projection screen.
Fixed screens start around $500 and motorised screens from $1000. You can even buy special paint to do the job.
OK – if that is too hard then BenQ has a network of dealer/installers here.
GadgetGuy’s take – perfect if you have the right environment and a reasonable cheque book
In researching and writing this, I fund that these projectors are great in a man cave, sorry dedicated media room where you can completely darken the light and perhaps have a popcorn machine in the corner. If you do that you will enjoy as close to cinema quality at home.
They are not for Joe and Jane Average who will put it in a typical bright sunny lounge room. They can buy a 65-inch TV for under $1000 – end of story.
Let me finish by saying the images I saw from a 4K Blu-ray player were spectacular.
