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

  1. I’d like to win this so we can watch movies outside this summer. I think one new movie I’d watch on this is The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It when it comes out later this year

  3. i would love to set this up outside at the lake for movie nights with our grandkids. I would love to watch some horror movies outside in the woods, but would probably have to stick to some comedies. so, looking forward to Yes Day, Coming 2 America and Tom and Jerry

  4. I am a HUGE movie fanatic. I am moviing to a new house and having this would be an absolute dream. I’ve already seen some good reviews about Raya, but I’m really looking forward to watching that on Disney Plus

  5. Every Friday night our family enjoys a movie night – this BenQ projector would absolutely enhance our movie watching experience. The first movie we would watch would be Jumanji.

  6. The BenQ 4K TK850i best feature is the portable design. I would watch all of Lord of the Rings movies.

  7. I’d love to create my own home theater and watch 1917. Haven’t seen it yet but have heard great things!

  8. The projector seems amazing, I’d love to watch the Snyder’s cut of Justice League on it and have karaoke nights with my family on it!

  10. I love that it has 4K resolution and that it also has a long-lasting lamp life of up to 4,000 hours in full brightness. This would give a beautiful picture for a long time. We would watch the new Sponge Bob: On the Run with our children.

  11. Have been wanting a high quality projector for long! Will definitely watch Tenet again and again with it.

  12. I would love to watch movies in my backyward this summer, and besides the fireplace next winter.

  13. With a teen at home it is hard to keep her attention and engage in family nights. Cineplex was a big thing for us. With that not possible it would be amazing to have the hardware to make it happen at home. The first thing we would watch on our new Projector would be the whole Harry Potter saga. Followed by the Avengers !!

  14. I would watch live concerts. It would make you feel like you’re there front row. And 4K movies would be exciting to watch at home. I’ve always dreamed of owning a projector. The ability to watch movies outside or indoors would be perfect for me.

  15. This projector will be great for the basement renovation. Will love to watch the new F9 when it comes out!

  16. I would love to watch Black Widow, Godzilla vs Kong and Suicide Squad on this projector from BenQ! Hopefully soon!

  17. I would be excited to win this BenQ Projector. I have one aging TV and this would be perfect for movies. I love the fact that it can be used in day light like a TV or at night, and the built in Android TV! I would look forward to watching Avatar and Star Trek. I would also like to share with the neighbors for an outdoor movie night!

  18. I’d love this because it’s everything together in one package. I’m looking forward to watching Black Widow

  19. I want this because I have a big blank wall and I’d watch the new Sean Baker movie that’s in post- right now.

  20. I would love the Big Screen experience in 4K Ultra HD as we can no longer go out to movies. I think I would watch Black Widow.

  22. I’d want it for the 4k resolution and I would watch Disney’s new movie Raya and the last dragon on it.

  23. This projector would be a great replacement for our aging Epson. I think we’d probably make The Revenant one of our first movies on this.

  25. I would like to win this projector as I am moving into a new apartment in a few weeks and it would be a perfect addition. The first movie I would watch is The Good Place series on Netflix

  26. Would love to have movie nights in my room with a big screen! I would watch my favourite Disney movie, Tangled.

  28. This looks amazing and I could have a movie night- I don’t have a tv & movie theatres aren’t open. I want to laugh out loud and watch Coming to America 2

  29. I want this BenQ projector so I can watch HD 4K movies on a full wall in my basement. I would love to watch the latest 007 movie (No Time To Die) with my family and friends (when allowed).

  30. I want this BenQ projector so I can watch HD 4K movies on a full wall in my basement. I would love to watch the latest 007 movie (No Time To Die) with my family and friends (when allowed).

  31. I want this projector, well just to try something new. The Indoor Experience needs something to spice it up a bit. I would watch the new Croods Movie!

  32. I want this BenQ projector so I can watch HD 4K movies on a full wall in my basement. I would love to watch all the Star Wars movies with my family and friends (when allowed).

  33. Neighbourhood movie nights projecting on the fence with some Marvel Universe movies

    (and some gaming for sure)

  35. It would be awesome to watch the movie Bigfoot family on a big screen. I love this projector because it’s 4K!

  36. I think this would be great for beach blanket movie nights at the lake! i know my grandkids would love to watch the new Disney movie RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON

  37. This projector would be amazing to have for family movie nights (and for gaming). I would without a doubt watch the new Mortal Kombat when it releases!

  38. Would to have this projector because theaters are closed. First movie I would watch is Raya and the last dragon.

  39. I would like to have this projector because my TV is small. The first new movie I would watch is Coming 2 America.

  40. Would love to have this projector , because the theaters are closed. The first movie I would watch is Lion King.

  41. I want this BenQ 4K TK850i projector to enjoy 4K theater experience at home. First I will Wonder Woman 1984 with family then stream Amazon prime movies

  42. I have a HD receiver hooked up with component video cables. If I won this as a prize, I would get off my behind and introduce myself to the world of 4k! The new king Kong movie would look amazing I’m sure. Please enter me into the contest

  44. With this I would be able to watch movies in big screen. The first one I would play is Avengers Infinity War.

  47. I would love this as I am planning on a basement renovation soon, so this would be great! Would be amazing to watch Godzilla vs. Kong using this!

  48. This projector would be great for hosting movie night for all my family and friends. The projector would allow for big screen viewings and room to social distance. I think at Coming 2 America would be the first movie we would watch.

  49. This projector will create the biggest screen for my basement wall. I would watch all of the Bourne movies with this projector

  50. I want this BenQ projector so I can watch movies with my wife like we used to in the theatres on the big screen. We have been missing going out to see a movie and dinner dates. If I win this projector, I would watch my wife’s favourite movie with her. Popcorn and all. It’s a romcom: When Harry Met Sally.

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