BenQ W1070+ review
The W1070+'s optional wireless isn't as good as the competition, but this is still a fantastic projector in its own right
Specifications
Projector type: DLP, Native resolution: 1,920×1,080, Video inputs: HDMI x2, VGA, component, composite, Lamp life: 3,000h, Lamp brightness: 2,200 lumen, Size: 104x312x244mm, Weight: 2.75kg
3D
The projector can also play films in 3D, but much like the wireless kit it doesn’t come with any 3D glasses in the box, so you’ll have to buy these separately (currently £62 from www.shop.benq.eu). In 3D, there’s only one picture mode available, but happily you still get access to all the same picture settings available for 2D content.
Otherwise, 3D settings are relatively sparse, as you can only change the 3D mode or invert the 3D sync. This is to be expected on a projector of this price, though, and the W1070+’s excellent active shutter technology more than makes up for it. We saw no signs of crosstalk whatsoever while watching Avatar and even the Na’vi subtitles were crystal clear regardless of where we were sitting in relation to the screen.
We’re also pleased that BenQ has improved its remote control since last year. Whereas last year’s remote was tiny and had very spongy, unresponsive buttons, this year’s remote is much bigger and gives a lot more tactile feedback, making it much easier to use. It also lights up, so you can use it in the dark.
PORTS
The W1070+ has plenty of ports. As well as two HDMI inputs, one of which supports MHL so you can watch and charge an MHL-enabled smartphone or tablet, you’ll also find VGA, component and composite inputs, a 12v trigger, USB and mini USB ports and an RS-232 port for home automation. The projector also has a 10W speaker. This is fine for basic TV, but you’ll want to connect a proper sound system for watching films.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the BenQ W1070+ is a great value projector. The lamp may not be quite as bright as the similarly priced Optoma HD151X, but its picture quality is just as good. However, if you’re interested in making the projector wireless, the W1070+ not only ends up more expensive than the HD151X, but it has inferior range. Likewise, the HD151X has more lens shift and a longer throw ratio, making it better suited to a greater variety of room types. The BenQ W1070+ is an excellent projector, but the Optoma HD151X is the better buy.
| HARDWARE | |
|---|---|
| Projector type | DLP |
| 3D support | Yes |
| Contrast ratio | 10,000:1 |
| Native resolution | 1,920×1,080 |
| Native aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| Throw ratio | 1.15:1 – 1.5:1 |
| Max diagonal at 7ft distance | 84in |
| Projection distance | N/A |
| Optical zoom | Manual 1.3x |
| Mirror image | Yes |
| Invert image | Yes |
| Lens shift | Manual vertical 5% |
| Video inputs | HDMI x2, VGA, component, composite |
| Audio inputs | 3.5mm stereo |
| Video outputs | N/A |
| Audio outputs | 3.5mm stereo |
| Noise (in normal use) | 31dB(A) |
| Internal speaker (power) | Yes (10W) |
| Card reader | No |
| Image formats read | N/A |
| Document formats read | N/A |
| Lamp life | 3,000h |
| Lamp life in economy mode | 5,000h |
| Lamp brightness | 2,200 lumen |
| Size | 104x312x244mm |
| Weight | 2.75kg |
| BUYING INFORMATION | |
| Price including VAT | £630 |
| Warranty | Two-years RTB |
| Supplier | www.projectorpoint.co.uk |
| Details | www.benq.co.uk |
| Part code | W1070+ |
| Lamp cost (inc VAT) | N/A |
| Lamp cost per hour of use | N/A |
| Lamp cost per hour of use (economy) | N/A |
| Lamp supplier | N/A |