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.
4k movies under the stars. I’d like to watch the new Black Widow movie.
This would be amazing for movies on the back deck under the stars. The kids would love it, like going to the drive in but at home. Lots of popcorn, snacks and blankets. Sounds like the perfect way to watch Black Widow, the next marvel release.
This projector would be amazing for my family room and would be very vivid for one of my favourite movies Hunt for Red October. I have never owned one so this would be special
This Ben Q projector would be amazing to take with me when I move out since I don’t have a TV yet and I would watch Without Remorse
Would love to put this up in our new hangout space where everyone can enjoy it
The big screen effect would make every movie bigger and better. First, I would watch a Spiderman movie.
This projector would be a perfect fit for a family movie night. I think I would start by watching Star Wars (the original).
I would love this projector because it would make every movie look better. I would watch the latest Avenger movie.
I like that it is portable. I would watch Lord of the Rings – The Fellowship of the Ring.
This projector would be wonderful for our first family movie night. We would start by watching Black Widow.
This projector would make my bedroom the ultimate covid lockdown retreat and I would watch Batman Soul of the Dragon
I’d like to get this projector so I can enjoy movie night in my own home. I’d like to watch Mulan with this projector.
I’d love to get this projector to watch movies and tv shows with my brother!
If I got one, I’ll be watching Black Widow on it once it comes out.
We could really use a new TV, but this 4K projector would be even better! It would give us an amazing in-home movie theatre experience with its Android TV. Two movies I’d especially like to see are Call to Spy and News of the World.
I want to win this projector not only because it projects a big image, but the images are bright, sharp, making my movie so real, just like I’m in the move theatre. The first movie I’ll watch is Raya and the Last Dragon with my family.
I’ve always wanted a projector so I can have my own home theater. I’d love to watch The Wrong Turn 3 or any other spooky flicks
I’ve always wanted a projector to make our basement the ultimate movie watching space and the first movie I would watch would be Boss Level
Our family watches movies together on most holidays. I’d love to watch Jurassic Park on this projector.
This looks incredible! Would love the BenQ projector to make pandemic life more enjoyable. We’d use it for family-friendly movies where 4K can make a huge difference like the photorealistic remake of the Lion King.
I want this BenQ projector because I miss movie nights at the theater, so I would love to have this in my home to continue our movie nights! I would watch Godzilla vs. Kong on the big screen produced by the projector.
To have the theatre experience in a safe environment so I can have date night with my partner! I would love to watch Raya and The Last Dragon together with him.
Oh my! When I win this projector, I will be watching Jumanji with the family in the backyard under the starts. I can see it happening.
Would love to host an movie night in our backyard with the neighbours, Miss those get togethers. Would show Planes, Trains and Automobiles. Everyone could use a good laugh right now.
This projector would be perfect for family movie night and I would love to watch The Dark Knight
We recently finished our basement and would like to set up a home theatre area. The BenQ projector sounds like it would be easy to set up and versatile.
I would watch the 2020 version on Black Beauty with my kids.
Owning this projector would bring family night to a whole new level. I would like to watch tenet.
I would love to win this projector because I want to have the “going to the movies” experience at home, with brightness and resolution. Looking forward to watching “Coming 2 America”.
This BenQ projector would be perfect for watching movies projected on a full wall. I am looking forward to watching The Father and Nomadland, among others!
This would be so fun to watch all of the Avengers movies with the family in our new house.
I would love this projector because it’s like going to the movie theatre but at home and we would watch the Avengers.
Would love to replace my old projector with this one and watch Iron Man with my son.
I would like to watch the movie “Breach” on this projector or any other sci-fi movie of equal caliber.
Re-watch of the MCU!
This would be fantastic for a family movie night, or a girl’s night in with a Sex and the City marathon when it’s safe to do so! Great review!
I could definitely use a bigger TV! A project would be EPIC. I’d watch 007 No Time To Die when it comes out
Great review. This would be so awesome for movie night. Or every night. I would watch Raya and The Last Dragon with the kids and Nobody after they’ve gone to bed.
BenQ projector will upgrade our family movie night! I would love to watch Raya and the Last Dragon with my family!
I finally have a backyard and this would be perfect for the summer. I think ET might be a great summertime flick for everyone.
We adopted our son at the beginning of the pandemic and he’s never seen a movie in a theatre. We would love to watch a movie like wonder woman in our backyard to get a big screen experience
This would be amazing for outdoor movie nights with the family this summer or watching the Raptors and Leaf games outside this spring!
My family would love this as we’ve been trying to stay home more often this past year. My girls have really wanted to watch Raya, so this would be our first choice!
I would love to be able to have family time watching movies outdoors around a fire pit. I would also love to invite my friends to experience watching movies, sporting events and anything just have that time with family and friends
I’d love to set this up for a family movie night. Even though we have older kids we still love a good Disney movie!
Id love this projector for family outdoor/pool parties So much fun to watch movies at home on the big screen
My whole family and I are huge movie goers/buffs and every Sunday we always watch a movie together -usually mostly at home. Especially with the pandemic restrictions this projector would be so rad and make our movie nights that much more special. As per what we would like to see, oh man everything! But, m brothers and I would love to rewatch the whole Aliens/Predators movies projector style!
We would love this unit because it sounds like it’s perfect for projecting the new movie Raya and the Last Dragon on our garage door and we would invite a couple of neighbours! Thanks for the chance and good luck to all!
I like Android it should support netflix and disney+ I would watch Zack snyders justice league
Would love to use this projector under the stars on a warm sunmer night up at our trailer! And would love to watch In The Heights when it’s out!
I have never had a projector, I would love one in the bedroom. I would watch MI6
I love that it is portable and we would watch all the Marvel movies on it
Lord of the rings with the missus and of course videogames
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