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.
Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube Xing

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

682 COMMENTS

  2. 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 want to watch The Mummy

  5. I think this would be great to have backyard viewings when the weather gets better; first up on my list would be Moana, which has been a favourite for my kids.

  7. I would love to own a BenQ projector so I can watch the next big movie release on it, such as Fast and Furious 9.

  9. This would be great for allowing people to socially distance while watching a movie. With all the Mars news lately I would love to watch The Martian with this!

  10. I want this projector because I’ve had really small tvs for all my life, and it would be nice to finally watch a movie a bit closer to how it’d look like at the theatre. The first move I’d watch is Titanic.

  12. Oh man… I got a taste of projectors last summer at a friends, and now I want one BADLY.

    This looks perfect for the basement on the nice big white wall I have, or on a sheet/screen in the backyard during the summer!

  14. I would like this projector for my new apartment for better streaming experience and to watch something under the stars in the summer time!

    A new movie id love to watch with this awesome projector would be Judas and the Black Messiah!
    Great review Andy! Super cool!

  17. Hi i would love something like this for when my 5 grandchildren come fir weekends. Esp in the summer because we could have our own Moviw weekend with a campfire, family, friends from the neighborhood and lets not forget the munchies. Esp since Covid we havent had alot of time getting together. Cant say there is a better weekend in the makings.

  19. Going to try and recreate the movie theatre experience at home! We used to go every week. Looking forward to watching Inception

  20. It would be great to have a few friends come visit (once the pandemic is over) to watch movies. would definitely love to watch the upcoming movies Mortal Kombat and Fast and Furious 9 with this.

  22. I would like this BenQ projector because my young son has never been to a movie theater due to the pandemic so I want to see his face light up watching Sonic the Hedgehog on the big screen.

  23. Would love the “big screen” effect and I am looking forward to the new movie “Venom 2” coming out this year.

  26. I would love this to watch in my new apartment as I am moving and will be doing school online so I will need this to entertain me! (And maybe watch school related videos on).

  27. I would love this to watch in my new Vancouver apartment as I just got accepted to dental school there!

  28. I have been wanting a projector for years now, this BenQ looks amazing! Having family movie night at home with a theatre like screen would make a dream come true!
    Wonder Woman 1984 in 4K would be tops on the list for many movie nights with the family.

  32. I’d want to win the projector because I’ve never owned one before and I’ve always wanted one. The first movie I’d watch would be Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey.

  33. I’ve always wanted to watch a movie outside beside the bonfire (as I saw a neighbour do it once). I’d love to watch the new Godzilla movie.

  34. We got a new popcorn machine – this would make the mini home theatre experience complete! I would want to watch Wonder Woman 1984!

  35. I would be looking forward watching any movies that comes up this year in the comfort of my own home

  37. This projector is so much more convenient for family movie nights as you can use it in any room instead of all trying to cramp around the tv. Godzilla vs Kong .. I think that movie would be amazing

  38. I can’t wait to watch The French Dispatch on this projector when it comes out! The 4K resolution would look great!

  40. I want this projector for the 4K Ultra HD resolution and I would watch Top Gun on it.

  42. I would love to win this projector because I had to get rid of my TV so it would be nice to watch movies and shows on a big screen. I would watch Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse that comes out in April!

  43. I love the screen size and I’d love to watch a new movie out called “Fatman” with Mel Gibson on it.

  44. I would love this projector so my family can move into the world of 4K. The first movies I would watch would be The Matrix, Lord of The RIngs and The Hobbit series.

  45. Dont have a home theatre projector and its something on my list, love to watch something like Christmas Chronicals on the big screen, full of special effects.

  47. Yellowstone Season 4 is definitely the first thing I’ll be watching, set to release June 2021!

  48. I would love to win the projector because my family and I can have movie nights. Ever since we can’t go to the movie theatres it’s not the same as it is going to movies to watch it on the big screen. I would love to watch the movie Disney movies and or anything action related because those are the best ones.

  49. I would love to use this in my backyard! First thing I would watch is Indiana Jones.

« Older Comments Newer Comments »

Comments are closed.