BenQ W5000 DLP Projector Review
BenQ W5000
Summary
- Product Name: W5000 DLP Projector
- Manufacturer: BenQ
- Distributor: VisualApex
- Performance Rating:
- Value Rating:
- Review Date: July 23, 2008
- MSRP: $4999
- Specifications
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- 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.
- W5000 Features and Build Quality
- W5000 Throw Distance and Menu System
- W5000 Calibration and Bench Testing
- W5000 Viewing Evaluation and Conclusion
