BenQ Joybee GP1 LED Projector Review

Joybee GP1 Build Quality and Menu

Projectors have gone through several iterations in the time I've been around. From old, clunky CRT systems to DLP and LCD systems, projectors have gotten brighter, smaller and more feature-rich. But with the introduction of the BenQ Joybee GP1, LED lighting is now taking front projectors where they have never been. With LED lighting, even a DLP projector can be smaller, lighter and more versatile than its UHP or similarly lighted counterparts. The projector is literally smaller than a stack of CDs, smaller than a Mac Mini, and smaller than my outstretched hand. Yet this incredibly tiny projector puts out 100 lumens from its single LED lamp, making it bright enough to light up an 80 inch screen in a darkened room. The resolution is SVGA (858x600) so you can't expect high definition resolution, but this projector is perfect for those quick presentations, parties, or even quick movie nights with the family. While the native resolution is SVGA, computer resolutions from 640x480 (VGA) up to 1280x1024 (SXGA) are supported.

She's a Brick… House

For something that takes up the same volume as your average brick, the Joybee GP1 packs a lot of features and power. Measuring roughly a 5" square that is just over 2" deep, the GP1 is as lightweight as it is small in stature. The top of the projector has a circular control panel reminiscent of a generation-1 iPod. The controls are touch-sensitive, with power in the middle and directional arrows all around. Volume can be controlled from this panel and there are buttons for all menu functions as well as blanking the output and changing projector modes. At the front corner of the GP1 is the focus ring (there is no zoom) which can focus the projector when the screen size is between 15" and 80" in size.

Fortunately for us power users, the GP1 comes with a credit card-style remote control which allows much more consistent control over the projector than the sometimes (OK, often) touchy capacitance controls of the unit itself. Because of the sensitivity of the touch controls, we latched onto the remote pretty quickly and didn't let go. The remote is very basic, and the separate controls for the USB reader were a bit odd, but seemed to give more capability to the remote so you could accomplish more without having to go back to the main setup menu. We liked the dedicated Source button and the Power button consistently shut down the projector in less than 2 seconds flat.

Connections

The BenQ Joybee GP1 has minimal connections. With the included iPod-like multi-pin adapter you can input composite video with stereo audio, or send the projector a VGA signal (the RCA audio will still allow audio input. If you purchase the optional iPod/iPhone universal dock you can also send audio and video to the projector directly through the multi-connector. There is also a stereo audio output should you want to output that audio to your AV receiver/home theater.

Menu System

The menu system is icon-based and far more complex than I would have imagined. There are six main menu sections: Display (Keystone and other macro controls), Picture (Brightness, Contrast, Sharpness, etc), Source, Basic Setup (Language, Position, Timers), Advanced Setup (Audio, Menu & Security settings), and Information (Status and FAQs). What surprised me the most was the auto keystone, which worked very well and had a full +/- 40 degrees of digital adjustment. I never suspected this would appear on a palm-sized projector. Using the menu via the projector is a tad difficult, but it was much easier with the remote.

Joybee GP1 Evaluation and Conclusion

We played several DVDs on this projector, including some vibrant selections from Pixar (Cars was the favorite among my children). The image was exceptional and bright and colorful when we showed it on a screen size of around 40 inches (diagonal). When the picture got over 60 inches in size we noticed pronounced blurring and the limitations of the projector's resolution became more readily apparent. After watching several films I would have to say that the estimated 80-inch maximum screen size is certainly possible, but most users will want to keep the screen size smaller if they care to enjoy the most crisp image possible.

Using the projector was as simple as hooking up the power supply - a megalithic device that equates to about half the volume of the actual projector - and sending a signal into the unit. Startup took an impressive 8-9 seconds before the BenQ screen was visible. We used both a white projector screen and an off-white wall for our viewing and both yielded exceptional results. The human eye is an incredible compensator and will naturally re-balance whites (in your brain), allowing you to watch a movie on an off-color screen and still translate whites with adequate contrast.

The fan was a tad on the loud side and kicked in after only a few minutes of use, staying on quite a bit. We thought this was odd, given the nature of the LED light source, but suspect it also had something to do with the DLP light engine. When playing photos off of a USB device, we found the GP1 gave us options for both interval time between images and also a transition effect. You could go with no effect, or have it fade or do any of about 14 different effects. It will even do the Ken Burns effect and shrink, move, and grow the images on the fly to give them movement.

Conclusion

The $499 MSRP of this projector coupled with its diminutive size and nearly endless (LED) lamp life make this a compelling purchase. It's very easy to take with you and makes for a great "vacation" projector. The biggest disappointment with this projector is the size of the external power supply. We would rather have seen the projector take on a bit more size and incorporate the power supply into the main unit. At the very least the carry case should acknowledge the existence of said power supply. Presently the case fits only the main unit and none of the cabling or the large adapter.

BenQ has done a lot of things right with this projector. In terms of portability it's hard to beat, and there is no end to the list of uses I can come up for it. Everyone I've told about this projector is extremely excited about what it means in terms of entertainment potential and the sub-$500 price tag hasn't scared anyone off yet. Given its powerful menu interface, sizable feature set and the low cost of entry, BenQ has landed itself yet another excellent product that should really fill in a niche market well.

BenQ Joybee GP1 LED Projector
MSRP $499

15375 Barranca
Suite A205
Irvine, CA 92618
949-255-9500
www.benq.us

Limited time offer: Get a free 2 year extended warranty on GP1 (starting July 1): http://promotions.benq.us/product_warranty/

promo code: CIN0001

About BenQ Corporation
BenQ Corporation consists of three main business groups ¡X Digital Media Business Group, Integrated Manufacturing Service Business Group and Mobile Communications Business Group. These three business groups encompass a broad range of products and each possesses a focus on providing consumer-oriented solutions designed for the digital lifestyle. 2006 revenues for BenQ Corporation exceeded US$6.2 billion dollars.

The Score Card

The scoring below is based on each piece of equipment doing the duty it is designed for. The numbers are weighed heavily with respect to the individual cost of each unit, thus giving a rating roughly equal to:

Performance × Price Factor/Value = Rating

Audioholics.com note: The ratings indicated below are based on subjective listening and objective testing of the product in question. The rating scale is based on performance/value ratio. If you notice better performing products in future reviews that have lower numbers in certain areas, be aware that the value factor is most likely the culprit. Other Audioholics reviewers may rate products solely based on performance, and each reviewer has his/her own system for ratings.

Audioholics Rating Scale

• — Excellent
• — Very Good
• — Good
• — Fair
• — Poor

Metric	Rating
Detail and Resolution
Contrast and Black Levels
Color Reproduction
Build Quality
Ergonomics & Usability
Ease of Setup
Features
Remote Control
Fit and Finish
Performance
Value