Skip to content. Skip to navigation
You are here: Home Pro Reviews Projectors BenQ W5000 DLP Projector Review
 

BenQ W5000 DLP Projector Review

by Clint DeBoer last modified July 24, 2008 19:25
BenQ W5000 DLP Projector Review

BenQ W5000

Summary

  • Product Name: W5000 DLP Projector
  • Manufacturer: BenQ
  • Distributor: VisualApex
  • Performance Rating: StarStarStarStarhalf-star
  • Value Rating: StarStarStarStarStar
  • Review Date: July 23, 2008
  • MSRP: $4999
Specifications

  • Display Technology: DLP Technology by Texas Instruments
  • Native Resolution: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
  • Resolution Supported: 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
  • Brightness: 1200 ANSI lumens
  • Contrast Ratio: 10000:1
  • Image Size (Diagonal): 40" to 300"
  • Throw Ratio: 98"@4m (98"@13.12 feet)
  • Zoom Ratio: 1.2:1
  • Video Processing: Silicon Optix HQV
  • Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic/ 4:3/Wide/Letter Box/ Real screen selectable
  • Lamp: 200W, 2000/3000 hours (Normal/Economic mode)
  • Operational Noise: 28/25 dB (Normal/Economic mode) )
  • Horizontal Frequency: 15 ~ 75 kHz
  • Vertical Scan Rate: 50-85 HZ
  • Input Terminals: HDMI (with HDCP) x 2; Component Video; RGBHV/BNC (shared as Component 2); Composite Video; S-Video
  • Video Compatibility: NTSC, PAL, SECAM
  • Lens: F=2.4-2.7 f=38.9mm (wide) – 46.6 (tele) mm
  • Lens Shift: Power +120% - 80%
  • Control: 12V Out, RS-232C
  • Adjustments: 100 to 240 V AC, 50 to 60 Hz
  • Auto Switching Power Supply: Max 340W
  • OSD (On-Screen Display) languages: English/ French/ German/ Italian/ Spanish/ Japanese/ Traditional Chinese/ Simplified Chinese
  • Accessories (Standard): Users Manual, Safety Manual, Remote Control, Batteries, Micro Dust Filter, Power Cords (Euro and US), Component Cable
  • Accessories (Optional): Ceiling Mounting Kit, Spare Lamp Kit, HDMI Cable
  • HDTV Compatibility: 1080i, 720p, 576p, 576i, 480p, 480i
  • Preset Modes: Cinema, Dynamic, Standard, User 1, User 2, User 3, Photo, Gaming Mode
  • Functions: BenQ Senseye Technology, DynamicBlack, Powered Vertical Lens Shift, Motorized IRIS Adjustment, Dust Proof with Air-Filter, ISFccc, Panamorph Compatible
  • Dimensions (WxHxD)    19.4" x 7.7" x 15.5" (492 x 195 x 393 mm)
  • Weight: 21 lbs (9.6 kg)


Pros

  • Support for anamorphic aspect ratio
  • Excellent post-calibration performance
  • Great value given street pricing

Cons

  • Anemic 1.2x zoom lens
  • No horizontal lens shift
  • Poor out-of-the-box performance
  • Overscan anomaly with SD material

Introduction

If you think you're having a hard time deciding which projector is the best, think about my job... I actually get to see, use, and calibrate most of them and yet I still have a hard time determining which is "best". Let me tell you that I do NOT envy the job manufacturers of projectors have these days. The market is ripe with bargains and price points are all but written in stone, with very clear distinctions between $1000, $2500, and $5000 models - all of which are competing for consumers' wallets. BenQ is clearly going after the custom installer market with its new W5000 DLP projector and that's good - because it gives them some leeway that wouldn't be granted for those pursuing consumers directly.
  1. W5000 Features and Build Quality
  2. W5000 Throw Distance and Menu System
  3. W5000 Calibration and Bench Testing
  4. W5000 Viewing Evaluation and Conclusion