BenQ W1070 and W1080ST Projectors Preview

BenQ is attempting to set some new price barriers for home theater projectors. The new W1070 and W1080ST projectors are priced at $1,099 and $1299 respectively. The W1070 is a 1080p 3D DLP model that uses Dark Chip 3 (DC3). In the past, this chipset was used for high-end models only. The W1080ST is a short-throw 1080p 3D model that lets users enjoy a big screen experience even if their room isn't big on space. Both projectors support NVIDIA 3DTV Play, DLP Link, and dual HDMI. Designed with DLP’s DC3 technology, both projectors feature a 10,000:1 contrast ratio and, oddly enough, built-in 2-watt stereo speakers.

Made for consumers without large rooms or large budgets, the W1080ST simplifies installation and setup by letting you deliver an image over 100 inches wide from less than six feet away. This quite possibly makes it the world’s first and only home theater projector to deliver full HD 1080p quality and 3D this close to the screen. To safeguard close-range installations, the W1080ST also features an “Auto Blank” mode that blocks light output when objects are detected in front of the lens. This is especially handy when you utilize a tabletop front projection scenario and want to avoid flashing light directly in users' eyes when they step in front of the projection path.

The W1080ST enables color calibration right out of the box, including independent 3D color control and three preset modes and two user modes. In addition, the W1070 and W1080ST are ISFccc-certified by the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF), yet another feature previously reserved for higher-priced video displays. ISFccc includes two optimized modes: ISF Day and ISF Night.

Since the projectors each weight just 6.4 pounds, they are portable enough to take a movie or gaming experience to other locations if desired. The W1070 and W1080ST also integrate BenQ’s SmartEco technology, so the projectors automatically adjust lamp power to use only as much light as needed, thus extending bulb life. To further reduce power consumption, a “no source detected” mode automatically lowers brightness to 30 percent when no display has been detected for more than three minutes. In addition, the W1070 and W1080ST do not require filters to clean or replace.

The W1070 and W1080ST are available now. More information on the full line of BenQ products is available at www.benq.us.

Unless otherwise indicated, this is a preview article for the featured product. A formal review may or may not follow in the future.