Projector manufacturers are slowly but surely beginning to move to large-scale development of UHD-class devices and go to all sorts of tricks to make them more affordable. Released a year ago and having already become the "people's 4K projector" BenQ W1700 quickly fell in price in our country from 120-130 to , and the recently released W1720, in which a couple of obvious shortcomings of its predecessor were corrected, pleased right from the start of sales .
But today we will talk about a more advanced solution that BenQ refers to the CinePrime series (simpler models are referred to as CineHome), the BenQ W2700 multimedia projector, which sets new standards for quality and color accuracy in the segment up to 150-200 thousand rubles.
Background information, specifications and features
The hero of today's review (known as the HT3550 in the United States and in some European countries) was first shown to the public in January 2019, together with a more advanced version in the face of the W5700 and a solution of a completely different class - the L6000 with backlight based on a blue laser and phosphor. The main stake in the design of new products was made on ultra-precise and, importantly, individual calibration at the factory of each instance, as well as support for the modern DCI-P3 color space, which is used as a reference for the film industry of our days.
| BenQ W2700 projector | |
|---|---|
| Brightness | 2000ANSI Lm |
| Real resolution | 1920 Γ 1080 (3840 Γ 2160 - with 4-way XRP shift) |
| Supported resolution | Up to 3840Γ2160 @ 60Hz |
| Number of displayed colors | 1,07 billion, 100% Rec.709 and 95% DCI-P3 color gamut |
| Contrast | 30 000: 1 |
| Lamp Specifications, Normal / Eco / Smart Eco Modes | About 4000 / 10 / 000 hours, 15 W |
| projection system | 0,47" with XRP Optical Actuator, Texas Instruments 4K UHD DMD Chip, BrilliantColor Technology |
| Projection ratio | 1,13β1,47 : 1 (distance/width) |
| Diagonal image size | 30-200 inches |
| Throw distance | 3,01-3,94 meters for 120 inch screen |
| Lens Options | F=1,9β2,48 | f = 12-15,6 mm |
| Zoom, focus | 1.3 : 1, manual zoom/manual focus |
| Image format | 16:9 standard, 2 formats to choose from |
| Offset | 110%Β±2,5% |
| Keystone Correction | Vertical, Β±30 degrees |
| Lens shift horizontal/vertical | No/+10 degrees |
| Horizontal Frequency | 15-135 kHz |
| Vertical frequency | 23-120 Hz |
| Speakers | 2Γ5W |
| Installation | Desktop, ceiling mount |
| Projection | Frontal or reverse |
| Supported standards | 480i, 480p, 576i, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p, 3840Γ2160, NTSC, PAL, SECAM |
| Interfaces | 2 Γ HDMI 2.0 (with HDCP 2.2 support), USB Type-A (2.5A power), USB 3.0 Type-A (Media Reader), USB Type mini B (Service), Audio-Out (mini jack), S/P -DIF, RS232-In, DC 12V Trigger (3,5mm), IR Receiver (front and top) |
| Features | CinePrime series, new DMD chip with 2,07 million micromirrors and "interpolation" up to 8,3 million pixels (4-way XRP technology), support for HDR10 and HLG thanks to HDR-Pro technology, 3D, 6-segment RGBRGB color wheel , CinematicColor DCI-P3, BrilliantColor Technology, Active Iris (Dynamic Black Technology), Factory Calibrated, SmartEco, CinemaMaster Video+, CinemaMaster Audio+ 2, Motion Enhancer (MEMC), Low Dispersion Lens, ISF, USB Media Reader, USB Firmware Update |
| Security | Kensington lock, keypad lock |
| The weight | 4,2 kg |
| Dimensions | 380 Γ 127 Γ 263 mm |
| Noise level | 28/30 dB (Silence Mode/Normal Mode) |
| Source of power | 100-240V, 50/60Hz |
| Energy consumption | 350W (maximum), 340W (normal), 280W (Eco), <0.5W (standby) |
| Optional Accessories | lamp module; 3D glasses |
| Warranty | 3 years (per projector) |
| Estimated price (according to Yandex.Market) | |
One of the most important innovations is the projector's upgraded 0,47-inch DLP sensor from Texas Instruments, which now does away with the nasty wide gray band around the image that many reviewers tried not to mention. Now it is gone, just as there are no corresponding claims against the manufacturer.
The physical resolution of the matrix remained at the level of 1920 Γ 1080 pixels, and to create a 4K image (8,3 million pixels), the system tilts the micromirrors four times per frame (we get 4 half-frames), in contrast to the 0,67-inch matrix installed into the expensive BenQ W11000 (belongs to the first generation of UHD projectors) with a slightly higher physical resolution, which needed to change the position of the mirrors only twice. In both cases, this is done using an optical XPR actuator, but at different speeds.
Over the past time, the micromirror shift technology has proved its full viability, and therefore, if you do not compare with a magnifying glass between projectors with this approach and devices with real 4K matrices, you can safely enjoy the picture and not worry about its quality.
The new BenQ W2700 uses a 245W lamp (power consumption 350W), and the maximum luminous flux is stated at a quite typical figure of 2000 ANSI lumens, which is really required only when the projector is operated in a dark room. In order to maintain high-quality color reproduction, the model uses a 6-segment color wheel with primary colors (RGBRGB), but the filters themselves are slightly changed to expand the color gamut, which for the W2700 is declared at 95% DCI-P3 (or an additional color filter is used that is automatically activated when HDR content), but only in one of the dimmed modes. In this, as we see it, there is nothing to worry about, because if you are interested in accuracy, then the viewing room should in any case be prepared in accordance with all the rules.
To increase the depth of the black field, the projector is equipped with a dynamic iris (Dynamic Black technology), which gives a result much better than any other tricks aimed at achieving the same effect.
The projector uses a shorter throw than the W1700 1,3x zoom lens, which consists of 10 high-resolution ED glass elements arranged in 8 groups and mounted in a metal frame. In addition, the ability to vertically shift by 10% has been added for more accurate and convenient adjustment of the picture position.
Simplifies the setup and automatic electronic keystone correction, however, only vertically. The focus and zoom settings of the projector are performed manually and separately, and to obtain a picture with a diagonal of 120 inches, the distance to the working canvas can be from 3,01 to 3,94 meters.
The W2700 is almost the only projector in its class with a claimed individual factory calibration, confirmed by a certificate. Cinematic Color DCI-P3 technologies and Brilliant Color are responsible for the exact picture. Additionally, there is the possibility of manual adjustment and calibration according to ISF standards, skin tone adjustment and general saturation enhancement.
With more color reproduction capabilities, BenQ is less embarrassed than before to say that the review hero supports HDR10 and Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) standards, which are optimized by HDR-Pro technology. The projector automatically detects the type of HDR content and enters the appropriate mode to increase the color gamut while lowering the operating brightness.
To increase smoothness, the W2700 uses Motion Enhancer technology, which works on the principle of interpolation and inserting the required number of frames (depending on the source). There will certainly be fans of this effect, and those who want to see a picture as close as possible to the original can simply forget about the existence of this function.
Another important change was the use of a stereo speaker system consisting of two speakers with a total power of 10 watts. This time, the updated CinemaMaster Audio + 2 technology is responsible for the sound quality.
The projector is equipped with a sufficient set of modern interfaces: two HDMI 2.0, RS-232, USB Type-A with an output current of 2,5 A for fast charging or additional power supply of various HDMI sticks, one output for 12-V triggers (for example, , connect a motorized screen), S/P-DIF, audio output, service port based on Micro USB and USB 3.0 as a Media Reader. Yes, you heard right - now the projector can be used without a wired connection to the signal source: just "upload" the desired movie to a USB flash drive or external hard drive - and forget about the wires.
Delivery set, appearance and design features
The BenQ W2700 comes in the usual small cardboard box. The main emphasis is on the phrase about cinematic accurate color reproduction (Reproduce Cinematic Color Accuracy), and nine special icons tell us about other features of the model. By one of the stickers on the package, you can find out the serial number, date (February 2019) and place of manufacture of the device (China).
The package is simple - it includes the following:
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- power cable;
- Remote Control;
- two AAA batteries;
- CD with instructions in PDF in different languages;
- warranty card;
- report with the results of individual factory calibration;
- brief instructions for installation and configuration.
We were a little embarrassed by the lack of an HDMI cable, however, given the orientation of the model and its cost, it is obvious that a real buyer will not have such complaints. Indeed, for each conditions and premises, a cable of a certain length will be required.
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In appearance, the projector has undergone significant changes in comparison with the W1700 and the updated W1720. The proportions of the body have changed, it has become wider and lower, the designers preferred rougher transitions between elements to rounded shapes. The cooling scheme has changed, and with it the location of some elements.
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The window for the lens is now a square with rounded edges and a plastic insert in its lower part (this feature does not interfere with the light flow in any way). The front part of the case received a bronze-colored overlay with textured metal-like polishing, on which you can see the window of one of the two IR receivers (the second one is on top).
The back of the W2700 captivates with a stylish design approach and is replete with signal and service ports, a complete list of which is presented in the table with technical characteristics.
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To ensure the safety of the device, you can use the classic Kensington lock and lock the control keys on the case (protection from children).
The device is cooled by as many as three 80 Γ 80 mm fans located on both sides of the case. One of them works for blowing, and the other two - for blowing. Itβs definitely not worth worrying about overheating of the projector with such a cooling scheme, but itβs completely about the noise level.
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The quality of the materials used and the assembly of the W2700 projector as a whole does not raise any questions. The model boasts minimal and uniform gaps between the elements and the absence of visible paint defects, does not crackle and does not make other sounds when heated and for long work. Only one part was found to have an obvious defect (divergence of the edge of the element into two components), but, most likely, this is a feature of the test sample, from which retail copies will be spared.
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The lens, as is most often the case, is offset from the center to the right side, and the front lens block is significantly recessed deep into the body. For its additional protection, a plastic cover attached to a rope is provided. Another cover that slides out of the housing hides the adjustment controls.
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For zooming, a lever is provided next to the optical unit, and vertical correction is available by rotating a separate ring. Focusing is done by rotating the direct lens itself. Keystone correction is carried out electronically through the appropriate settings in the menu - either from the remote control or the buttons on the projector itself.
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On the upper plane there is a control unit with physical keys without backlighting (only one button is highlighted - the power button), partially duplicating the capabilities of the remote control.
Three LED indicators present here inform about the status of the lamp and power, as well as about the overheating of the system. Any flashing of the indicators or red/orange color indicates the presence of certain problems.
On the lower plane of the projector there are three height-adjustable support legs (one of them with a βquickβ position fixation), a pair of stickers with various information, as well as special holes for fixing the projector during ceiling mounting.
The speaker system of the novelty is located at the back of the device, behind a fine-grained plastic insert. A pair of stereo speakers with a power of 5 W each pleasantly surprised by the quality and maximum volume. For presentations, well, or in the case when the projector is taken with you to the country, this is a great option.
Management and customization options
You can control the projector using either nine physical buttons on the device body or a separate remote control from the package.
The remote control has an orange backlight for easy operation even in poor lighting conditions. Separately, it is worth noting that some of the buttons in conjunction with the W2700 do not work (but there are only a couple of them), since the remote control is universal and is designed for a wide range of BenQ projectors with different capabilities.
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The menu design is made in the style typical for most of the company's products and does not differ at all from what we saw in previous models of the brand. It presents six familiar sections, the points in which have practically not changed their location and names.
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In the first section, you can find preset color rendering modes, adjust brightness, contrast, color, tone, sharpness and lamp power (three possible options), as well as reset the current picture mode.
There is an opportunity to set the color temperature (several presets and manual mode), make gamma correction, enable the Brilliant Color function (without smooth adjustment), activate noise reduction and dynamic aperture, increase color saturation and sharpness of the picture.
The CinemaMaster tab is available for the W2700, which hides the well-known to many owners of popular BenQ models, the functions of increasing saturation, contour sharpening and changing skin tone, as well as activating Motion Enhancer technology (interpolation and inserting additional frames).
The Color Management tab offers the ability to adjust hue, gain, and saturation for the six primary colors. But this is only useful for true calibration and tuning professionals, who are extremely difficult to find (and their services are usually very expensive).
When HDR is activated, the subsection with additional settings slightly changes its appearance, one additional section opens with color gamut modes, and some of the items become inaccessible for settings.
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Changing the non-working area occurs in the second section of the menu. 3D settings are highlighted in a special tab. When displaying content, you are prompted to select a stereo image mode. There is also a section with a choice of the type of content being played (HDR or automatic selection) and the possibility of activating the Silence mode, which allows you to slightly calm down all three fans.
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Select the format (aspect ratio) and test pattern to adjust, determine the position of the projector, activate the 12V trigger, auto keystone and high altitude mode are suggested in the third section.
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The "System Settings: General" section allows you to select the localization language, the background color in the absence of a signal, the initial screen (splash screen or a solid background), and the time to automatically turn off in the absence of a signal. You can customize the position and appearance of the menu, rename image sources, and turn off automatic search for them. Here are the settings for the built-in sound system.
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The continuation of the menu is a section with additional system settings. It provides access to the parameters of the lamp (in fact, to the statistics of its operation in different modes) and HDMI connections. You can lock the buttons, turn off the system status indicators, reset all settings, update the firmware (just copy the new firmware to a USB flash drive) and proceed to ISF calibration.
In the last tab - "Information" - the user can find out what signal source is currently being used, the image mode, what are the working resolution and vertical frequency, what color system and 3D format are selected, how long the lamp has been working (in all modes together ) and what firmware version is installed.
To start keystone correction, just press the "Up" or "Down" button, after which the corresponding setup menu will be displayed on the screen.
From the remote control, the user can get quick access to brightness settings (greater effect on gamma), contrast, image sharpness, color temperature settings (at maximum saturation point) due to RGB gain/shift, and RGB fine-tuning by hue, gain, and saturation, dynamic iris and some other functions.
General impressions and picture quality
We will start evaluating the projector from the very first steps that need to be taken to display the picture. When turned on, as with many other models of the brand, the projector takes about one minute to βwarm upβ. After several hours of operation, it takes almost two minutes for the projector to completely shut down the system, during which the fans dynamically change their speed, and something clicks inside the projector.
Source: 3dnews.ru