Projector Reviews

AT A GLANCE
Plus

• Input lag lower than a snake's tummy
• Three-point, easily accessible leveling feet
• Larger 0.65-inch (2716x1528 pixel) Texas Instruments Single DMD
• Preset modes tailored to FPS and RPG gaming
• 3-year/20,000-hour warranty

• No Color (Saturation) or Tint (Hue) main controls
• No HDMI 2.1 features such as ALLM or VRR
• Anemic onboard 5W Mono audio
• Compressed color gamuts dull cinematic nuances
• Some might feel the asking price outweighs the provided amenities

THE VERDICT
BenQ's résumé for its TK710 intimates it seesaws back and forth between being defined as a gaming or entertainment projector. From the gaming perspective, it provides an excellent, class-leading big screen platform for bright, fluid images with ultra-low input latency. Its long-lasting, zero-maintenance laser illumination has ample oomph to adequately overcome moderately elevated ambient light environments.

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value

AT A GLANCE
Plus

• Dazzling laser-propelled 3-chip image brightness, no "rainbow" artifacts
• All-glass, hyper-precise, wide-range motorized lens with memory presets
• HDMI 2.1 40Gbps bandwidth with ARC and eARC
• 4K/120Hz refresh rate with gamer-friendly low lag
• New HDR Dynamic Tone Mapping
• ISF® Certified performance when professionally calibrated

• Not native 4K; spoof that irritable brother-in-law and tell him it is
• Noticeably lifted pedestal black level (can be lessened with screen selection)
• Like New Coke and Zima, 3D is no longer supported
• It looks like an Epson menu, but...
• No Dolby Vision

THE VERDICT
Epson's QB1000 is the closest attempt yet by any manufacturer to creating an Everyman's Projector, capable of elevating everyday viewing into something extraordinary. With screen pairing carefully matching intended applications, it will effortlessly satisfy an overwhelming majority of enthusiasts searching for encompassing, radiant, colorfully lush video experiences, whether outfitting a dedicated theater or a gathering room sufficiently illuminated to avoid a snack-seeking tumble.

Devout cinephiles might find it impossible to overlook the less-than-textbook contrast ratio and lament a can't-see-your-nose-in-the-dark black level, but the remaining 99.99% who opt for the QB1000 will never tire of being splashed by waterfalls of crystal-clear colors pouring from the screen. And Gamers, take note: Low-lag and high-lumen color brightness equal with white brightness heightens next-gen gaming into a next-level dimension. Seldom does a single projector equally offer application versatility, performance virtuosity, and long-term consumer value, all vital qualities that collectively make the QB1000 class-leading and highly recommended.

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value

Plus
Sharp 4K resolution
Impressive color gamut
Brightness in ambient light
Easy setup and integration
Powerful built-in sound
Tizen smart features
Minus
Limited native contrast
Best in dim lighting (like all projectors)
Not for hardcore gaming
High price point

THE VERDICT
With just a few minutes setup and when viewed under controlled lighting, The Premiere 9's image is roughly equivalent in appearance to a 120-inch or larger TV.

Samsung's The Premiere 9 arrives at an interesting juncture. The ultra-short throw (UST) projector category, once a scrappy upstart, has matured, along with consumers' understanding of how these devices fit into the AV lifestyle.

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Wide color gamut
Superb lens with state-of-the-art autofocus
Auto keystone correction
Comprehensive suite of non-global calibration controls
Stylish, conversation-starting design
Minus
Physical placement determines image size
Input lag is tolerable only for casual gaming
Lacks codecs like VVC likely to be used with future 8K content
No carrying handle

THE VERDICT
A quality 300" image from a grab-n-go projector? You’ll have fun, fun, fun until daddy takes the C1 away! (Humblest apologies to Brian Wilson and Mike Love).

Always up for a projector review, I quickly responded, “Send it my way!” when asked about the Hisense C1, though admittedly, at the time, I was unfamiliar with this new model. Having previously reviewed the UST Hisense PX1-Pro and been impressed by its triple-laser light engine—giving it an S&V Top Pick—I was keen to explore any advances made by the self-proclaimed pioneer in Laser TV in the dynamically evolving projector technology category.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Vertical and horizontal lens shift
Very good pre and post calibration
4LED means no laser speckle
Rich with features

Minus
Disappointing contrast performance
Lackluster sharpness and focus uniformity
Fan noise is loud at full brightness
WCG filter cuts light and disables dynamic contrast

THE VERDICT
The BenQ HT4550i takes a valiant swing at making a home theater but is held back by its limited contrast. Outstanding pre and post calibration performance, 2D lens shift, and an included Android TV streamer make it one of the easiest projectors to set up and use. While not a true home theater projector the BenQ HT4550i makes a strong case for a media room environment.

The home theater projector market is undergoing a major transformation. Lamp-based projectors are being replaced by solid-state projectors. BenQ is a unique company in this market, as it primarily uses 4LED technology instead of the single or multi-laser setups that are becoming more common.

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Bright image with proper screen pairing
Low gaming lag
Portability
Quiet Operation

Minus
Placement woes with short-throw lens
Throw-away audio
Manual Focus
HDMI 2.0 only
Ineffective CMS

THE VERDICT
It may be difficult to wrestle it away from the kids when they are gaming, however, for serious movie watching, that may not bother you. Big and bright for gaming, there are better options from Optoma for cinema-centric viewers.

Optoma boasts of being both the top 4K UHD projector brand globally and the number one Digital Light Processing (DLP) brand in the United States for 2022, citing the PMA Research Worldwide Projector Census, making the company no stranger to the world of projected light.

Performance
Features
Ergonomics
Value

AT A GLANCE
Plus
Sits close to wall
Very bright
Low input lag
No rainbow effect
Accurate colors
Minus
Limited color gamut
Can't be calibrated
No HDMI 2.1
2-way pixel shift
No 3D

THE VERDICT
Serving up to 150 inches of viewing, Epson's new triple-LCD UST blows away the UST competition with its category-leading high brightness and easy placement. It's a do-it-all display equally happy to serve up TV, streaming shows, live sports, video games, and 4K movies.

The ultra-short-throw projector category is where all the action is these days when it comes to home entertainment projection. You'll find both name-brand TV makers and brands you've never heard of battling it out for a spot in your living room. But here's the thing: A UST can do both TV and home theater projector-like things. And in some ways, it's a whole new animal.