With everyone staying safe at home, I can’t think of a better time to create a Home Theatre. The first thing people get for a home theatre room is a new television. Consider a projector instead. Provided you have space like a basement or den, a projector can turn any wall into a full HD screen in 4K. 

Today I’m reviewing the BenQ 4K UHD HDR Smart Home Theatre Projector (TK850i). This will be the second 4K projector I’ve reviewed this year. This one has a Google-certified Android TV and Chromecast built-in. As an Android user, these two features immediately catch my attention. 

Design of the BenQ TK850i projector

The TK850i looks like a conventional projector with a low-profile look that doesn’t take too much space. It weighs approximately 9lbs and measures 15 inches wide, 5 inches tall, and 10 inches deep.   

On the back are two HDMI ports, USB Type-A, USB Type mini-B service port, SPDIF, audio output, RS-232 control, and a 12V trigger. The top of the projector features the power and menu button. A small cover on the top unveils the dials for focus, zoom, and lens shift.

The front features the projector lens that produces 3000 lumens of brightness. The lamp life depends on the brightness level. At full, medium, and low brightness, the lamp life is 4000, 10,000, and 14,000 hours respectively. At four hours of use per day at medium brightness, the lamp would last 6-7 years. 

 The TK850i also comes with a remote controller with illuminating buttons. This comes in handy at night but these lights can also be turned off.

Setting up the BenQ TK850i projector

The projector comes with the BenQ QS01 Certified AndroidTV Dongle. This needs to be installed into the projector. I used a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew a faceplate. Inside was a dedicated spot for the dongle with an HDMI port and micro-USB power. I inserted it in and screwed the faceplate back on. The dongle has its own dedicated remote for navigating Android TV.

The next step was setting up the position of the projector. The TK850i has a throw ratio of 1.13-1.47. To get a 100” screen, it needs to be approximately 8 feet away from the screen. 

My projector wall can produce a max screen size of 137”. I placed the TK850i approximately 10’ away from the wall and adjusted the focus. The setup was easier than I expected. I placed it on a coffee table and pointed it to the wall. It didn’t need to be elevated to get the image to the center of the wall. 

Using the BenQ TK850i projector

The TK850i can produce 4K Ultra HD resolution (3840 x 2160). It also uses BenQ’s HDR-PRO technology to provide a more dynamic range in light and dark areas. This means darker blacks and brighter whites. 

I used the controller to select YouTube on Android TV. To search, I pressed the microphone button and said “8K macro footage of everyday objects”. I selected a video from the search results. 

Even in daylight, the images were stunning. The colours were bright and clear. Even up close, you can still see all the detail of the images. I could visually see the higher dynamic range in the light and dark areas. The best viewing experience is at night. I turned off all the lights and the 3000 lumens lit the whole room.

HDR viewing is especially notable. It’s optional but you can visually see the difference. With it on, the contrast is enhanced and the colours are richer. Looking at macro footage of insects up close displayed deep-textured colours and bright images. 

Audio options on the BenQ TK850i projector

The TK850i comes with a built-in 10-watt speaker. Usually, internal projector speakers don’t sound very good, but this one impressed me. It has three different modes for cinema, music, and game. The sound quality is actually quite good. If you sit next to the projector, it’s enjoyable. It still cannot replace the auditory experience of a dedicated soundbar or surround system. Consider it as a good backup option. 

Missing from this projector is Bluetooth connectivity. Setup to home theatre sound systems is done by a wired connection to the SPDIF and audio out.

I have a Bluetooth soundbar mounted on my projector wall. One workaround is installing a Bluetooth receiver to the audio out on the back of the projector. That will wirelessly send the audio signal to my soundbar but there will be some latency. I’m perplexed why a 4K home theatre projector would not have Bluetooth 5 built-in. 

Android TV 

 The addition of AndroidTV is a huge selling point for me. I already use Google Assistant a lot at home, and having it on the AndroidTV controller is life-changing. It makes it super easy to find videos and other information.

Casting off my phone was seamless. It’s one thing to cast to a TV, but it’s a whole different experience casting content to a 137” 4K projector screen. With the Google Play Store, I have also had access to 500,000 TV shows and movies.

Both Amazon Prime Video and YouTube are embedded into Android TV, but not Netflix. To watch Netflix, users have to use a laptop to cast Netflix to the TK850i from the web browser. That’s no fun.

Amazon Prime Video gets a dedicated button on the Android TV controller. Obviously, there is some type of licensing issue going on here. Sadly, we the consumer have to jump through hoops to watch Netflix on this projector. 

Final thoughts

What could be better than a 4K projector? A 4K projector with Android TV. That is the main takeaway I had from this review. The TK850i produces sharp resolution, vibrant colours, and high contrast between dark and white. The lamp worked well in the daylight, making it a potential replacement for a television in a home theatre room. 

I love that Android TV is built-in, but that’s not entirely the case. It comes with the BenQ QS01 Certified AndroidTV Dongle. Users have to unscrew a faceplate and manually install it. 

I can’t figure out why. It doesn’t make sense to me. Roku comes built-in to TV’s, why couldn’t Android TV be embedded into the TK850i? While we’re at it, can someone explain why Netflix is not built-in? I can download the Netflix app on my Android phone, why can’t I get it on Android TV? 

The workaround is to just install a Roku streaming stick to watch Netflix on the TK850i. That introduces a third controller into the mix.  If anything, the TK850i should just have a single controller for the projector and Android TV. Three controllers, just to be able to watch 4K Netflix? That seems overkill, totally unnecessary.  

Ranting aside, I really enjoyed the TK850i. The more 4K projectors I review, I’m becoming even more convinced that they provide a better entertainment experience than televisions. Whether it’s watching sports, Youtube, gaming, or casting off a phone, it’s a versatile 4K projector. 

If you have at least feet of throw distance to a wall in your home theatre room, I highly recommend you consider the BenQTK850i smart home theatre projector.

Andy Baryer
Andy Baryer
http://handyandymedia.com
Andy Baryer aka “Handy Andy” is a technology journalist, gadget reviewer, and DIY/how-to content creator. Known as the handyman of tech, Andy enjoys fixing poor wireless networks, building smart homes, and cooking with the latest kitchen gadgets. He’s a competitive whistler, a budding woodworker, and loves gardening in his home-built smart garden.
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682 COMMENTS

  2. I want the true movie theatre experience with the BenQ TK850i 4K Projector and I would watch the new movie Raya and the Last Dragon. My granddaughter would be thrilled!

  4. Right now we have a 37″ HD TV. This projector would be a large upgrade. I’d want to start with something that really shows off the HDR, like Blade Runner 2049.

  5. The movie theatre in our town has closed for good and it would be great to see them with the BenQ projector. First I would like to see is The Outpost.

  6. I would love to have this BenQ projector for the big wall in our rec room for an awesome movie night experience and I would love to watch The Mauritanian on it.

  7. It would be awesome to watch something in 4K (our old TVs only do 720P). We would re-watch Wonder Woman 1984

  8. Would love it for watching movies on family movie nights would make the experience so much more amazing.

  9. This would be amazing for our Movie Night’s!!! We could watch all our favs such as Frozen, Batman, Wonder Woman 1984, all the Marvel Movies.. we’d get so much use out of!!

  10. I miss live sports, so I want this projector because of its Immersive Sports Mode. It would make watching at home so much better.

    I would watch “Into the Spider-verse”. The animation would look amazing on the big screen.

  11. I would love this BenQ projector as we have never had one and I would watch The Fifth Element

  12. I want this BenQ projector as I have never had one and I would watch any of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies

  13. I like the BenQ projector as I have never had one nd would love to watch A Knight’s Tale

  14. I would love to have a bigger screen in my house and I would watch Godzilla vs. Kong with it!

  18. This would be an upgrade from my current 1080 projector. Would love to watch Infinity Wars on this new projector!

  19. I still own a fairly small 27″ TV and I know I am missing out on so much detail, love watching movies and this would make it so much more thrilling, watching the newest Spider-Man movie for instance, would look awesome I am betting

  21. I would love this projector to watch the new Tom and Jerry film with the family! Fun bonding experience with lots of popcorn!

  22. A projector has been on my wishlist, so this would be great! I would like to watch Tenet with it.

  23. I would like this BenQ projector for the big screen experience it provides. The first movie I would watch on it would be Tenet. I think that movie would be perfect for the projector.

    Thank you!

  24. This BenQ TK8501 projector would be great to use with the kiddies as an innovative way to get their online homework done and also a great way to watch the movie Judas and the Black Messiah.

  25. I’d love this BenQ 4K TK850i projector so I can have the big screen movie experience at home. I’d watch Tenet first.

  26. The remote controller with illuminating buttons is very handy to watch movies in a darker room. I can’t wait to watch Wonder Woman 1984 on my wall.

  27. I want it for the 4K. That would be a great upgrade. I’d watch Monster Hunter first. I feel it might not be the best Movie but I imagine the action would look amazing across my entire wall.

  28. Would like to use this for our movie nights or days with the daytime picture quality being so good. Godzilla vs Kong would be neat to see on a big screen!

  29. I would like to finally experience movies in 4K with this projector and would especially like to watch Wonder Woman 1984 with it.

  30. I would like the BenQ 4k TK850i because of its superior resolution and built in HDR technology.

    I would watch Disney’s Soul with this device!

  32. I would love this projector to turn my basement into a home theater! I would be amazing to watch “Spiderman 3 – No Way Home” on it but since that won’t be for awhile, I’d guess Black Widow or any Marvel movie

  33. I would love this projector to turn my basement into a home theater! I would be amazing to watch “Spiderman 3 – No Way Home” on it but since that won’t be for awhile, I’d guess Black Widow or any Marvel movie

  34. I would watch Mortal Combat on a big screen in the backyard under the stars.

    Twitter: @Jason_E_Woods

  36. I want this BenQ projector so I can set up a dedicated 4K theatre in my basement. I would watch the Harry Potter series in 4K.

  37. The fact it works seemlessly with Android T V is pretty awesome! I would love to win to have a killer movie night with my nephews…best auntie ever right! We would be thrilled to watch Tom & Jerry at some point.

  38. What a great, honest review. I’ve been looking into buying a projector, so this was very helpful. This prize would be so amazing. Going to the movies has always been a favourite pastime of mine and I sure miss the popcorn! The first movie I think we’d watch as a family would be Disney’s New Raya movie

  40. This would be amazing to watch some family movies like Mulan with the kids. We have a projector spot but no projector as of now

  42. Being able to watch a movie in 4K at home would be so awesome! I would watch Raya and the Last Dragon with my family

  43. I want it precisely to enjoy action movies on a big screen plus at 4k the resolution is going to look so crisp.
    Movie to watch: Godzilla v Kong

  44. I would love this BenQ projector because I honestly miss going to the movies and this would be the closest thing to it. I would love to watch Dunkirk on this big screen, as I heard it’s extra impressive on a big screen.

  45. Thanks for your tips in your Final Thoughts. Great review!

    We are a movie family, absolutely obsessed with movies old and new!! I would love the BenQ projector for movie nights with the family and grandchildren!! The 4k experience on a big screen would make movies all the more enjoyable!! Woohoo!!

    I am looking forward to the movie called “Land” that was filmed in beautiful Alberta. It has an interesting story and I love the actors!

  46. I would like the BenQ 4K UHD HDR Smart Home Theatre Projector because we would never have to go to a theater again and would like to watch Last Call.

    • this would be fantastic for movie night or even during the day since the qualiy is so good, great review . would love to watch some great disney movies with the grandkids

  48. This will be an upgrade from our current 1080p projector. I can only imagine how Tenet would look like through this projector!

  49. A 4K projector will be so amazing to have in our home theater. My all time favourite trilogy is The Matrix and the fourth one is coming out at the end of this year, I can’t wait.

  50. can’t pair TK850i with BT speakers or soundbar? please try it again via its built-in Android TV system. it should work.

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