TV or projector? It’s one of the great tech debates, especially for large screen sizes. For most people, it depends on the price, and the room it’s going in. Since projectors require a large room, most people with smaller rooms get a television. However, with the introduction of ultra-short throw laser projectors, the debate is changing. These projectors are positioned very close to the screen; so, you no longer need a large room to use a projector. All you need is a wall or dedicated projector screen.
I’m reviewing the BenQ 4K UHD Home Theatre Projector (V7050i). It’s a high-end, premium ultra-short throw laser projector. It can be placed close to a screen for screen sizes ranging from 70 to 120 inches. Is this a better investment than a 4K television? Let’s find out.
Notable specs: BenQ V7050i projector
- 2500 ANSI lumens view even in mild ambient light
- Up to 120″ at 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio
- Two HDMI inputs and three USB ports, Android TV dongle included
- Lamp lifetime of 20,000 hours
Design of the BenQ 4K UHD Home Theatre Projector (V7050i)
This is the first ultra-short throw projector I’ve ever reviewed. Compared to long throw projectors, it’s much bigger and bulkier. It measures approximately 20”x15”x6” (HWD) and weighs 22 lbs. On top, the power button is located on the lower right. Pressing it activates a motorized lens cover. This is by far the projector’s most visually interesting feature. It looks super cool and prevents dust from collecting on the lens when not in use. One caveat though: when the lens cover is open and the lamp it shining, don’t look directly into the light as it is very, very bright.
The left and right sides of the projector have grille vents. This allows airflow and heat dissipation so be careful not to block these. Near the back, on the right side, are two USB-A ports. One of these is required to power the Android TV dongle. More on that later.
Port options for the BenQ V7050i projector
The front of the projector houses two 5W treVolo speakers; I’ve covered this type of speaker before and I’ll talk about them below. On the back, there are two HDMI ports, a USB-A port, an RS-232 port, and a SPDIF port. One of the HDMI ports is reserved for the QS01 Android TV dongle. A sticker indicates which port is designated for the dongle.
Setting up the BenQ V7050i projector
I tested the projector in my high-tech themed Airbnb suite. There, I have a 1080p long throw projector installed on the ceiling. It faces a wall that I painted white to create a 165” screen. For the most part, this works okay with my 1080p projector. Ideally, I should review the BenQ 4K UHD with an ALR screen (more on that below).
After inserting the BenQ QS01 Android TV dongle into the back, I placed the BenQ projector on a coffee table and under the wall. Once on, I noticed the screen was uneven. I adjusted the feet up on the right side to level the screen. Using my Android phone, I followed the on-screen instructions to set up the Android TV dongle. In all, the entire setup took about 10-15 minutes.
Positioning and screen size adjustments
As mentioned, the BenQ V7050i projector can create image sizes ranging from 70”-120”. Like long throw projectors, the screen size depends on the distance from the screen. The farther the distance, the bigger the screen. With ultra-short throw projectors like the BenQ V7050i, the distance from the screen is in inches, rather than feet.
According to the manual, I needed a projection distance of 33cm from the screen to get a 120” screen size. What I soon realized is that it worked better on the ground than on the coffee table I originally had it on. With the V7050i on the ground, I was able to get a bigger screen size.
Using the BenQ V7050i projector
Once I had the projector properly positioned, I had the arduous task of watching YouTube videos from a reclining chair. My work is tough—blood, sweat, and beers went into this review. Generally speaking, ultra-short throw projectors work well in bright rooms (a fact that weighs heavily in their favour over other types of projectors). Therefore, I reviewed it in daytime conditions to assess its performance in brighter environments. I was very impressed with the image quality, especially in daytime conditions. The image was bright and the colours really popped out. Having a 1080p projector, I can see the difference a 4K projector provides. In my video review, you can see the image quality for yourself.
The BenQ QS01 Android TV dongle is very easy to use. I was also surprised by the sound quality of the two 5W treVolo speakers. With its placement in front of the screen, the BenQ V7050i acts like a sound bar as well. In that sense, it’s a two-in-one device, both a 4K projector and mini sound bar in one—with very good audio too.
Should you get the BenQ V7050i instead of a 4K TV?
I think the BenQ V7050i appeals to tech early adopters the most but also anyone looking to create a modern home theatre experience in their home. This is new technology and fellow geeks like myself would definitely appreciate its design. Furthermore, it’s going to require some testing and adjusting before doing a permanent installation. Some people like myself, enjoy physically testing the projector’s size, distance, and optical characteristics prior to a permanent installation. Others may not enjoy that. Either way, to get the most out of it, you have to play around because every room is different. Best Buy does have services available to ensure anyone can get the most from a projector like this.
What kind of screen should you use?
If you want the best image possible, the BenQ V7050i should be used alongside an ambient light rejection screen, commonly known as an ALR screen. Unlike common screens that reflect the incoming light uniformly in all directions, the ALR screen selectively reflects light back to the audience. The projector’s light is bounced towards the audience while the other ambient light in the room is reflected back in another direction.
In my case, I’m using a wall painted a flat white. I’ve used this as my projector screen and I’m happy with the result. However, if I had an ALR screen, the image quality would be noticeably brighter in fully lit indoor settings. So if you want to do it right, get an ALR screen.
Final thoughts
Given the choice, I will always choose a projector over a new television. The new 4K projectors I’ve reviewed in the past have really impressed me. Ultra-short throw projectors give projector fans like myself more options to consider and the V7050i is a very impressive addition to any home theatre.
That said, I had a couple of issues that I would like to point out. First, I wonder why the BenQ QS01 Android TV dongle was not built into the projector like in the BenQ TK850i? Instead, having the dongle sticks out in the back seems avoidable. Second, two HDMI ports, though standard for most projectors, are not enough, especially when the dongle takes up one of them. I highly recommend getting an HDMI splitter if you need to connect multiple devices such as gaming consoles, laptops, streaming sticks, and more. That’s what I use and it makes life so easy (and easy to get delivered to your home from Best Buy).
In all, I was very impressed with how it functions as a two-in-one device. The built-in speakers are pretty good and the image quality was bright and colourful. Just remember, you will need to geek out with this before doing a permanent installation.
If you’re in the market for an ultra-short throw projector, I highly recommend you check out the BenQ V7050i 4K UHD Home Theatre Projector (V7050i).
I would set up a sheet in the yard and invite the neighbours for a movie night
I’d use it against a white wall in the living room.
I would use this projector in our living room on a white painted wall.
Family room and the surface would be a white wall
I would use this projector in my living room on a white wall.
Probably in the bedroom ceiling – off white – good as a screen Smile
On a white wall in our family room
Family room and the surface would be a white wall.
It would be used in the family room and the surface would be a white wall.
The projector would be used in our family room and the surface it would be projected on is a white wall.
The projector would be used in our living room and the surface it would be projected on is a white wall.
I’d set it up in the kitchen where everyone can see it!!!!!
I’d like to set it up in the master bedroom, probably just on the white wall!
I’d set this up in my office/den and I’d aim to get a decent screen to make it look even better
I would use this projector in my basement where my home theater is set up and would project the image on an ALR projector.
the projector would be used in our family room in the basement and the surface it would be projected on is a white wall
I would use the projector in our basement family room and the surface it would be projected on is a white wall
I would use this projector in my rec room because it is a large room with lots of empty wall space that I could use. The wall is currently blue but that is easily repainted white.
I’d set this up in our living room and project onto a white wall for now. Fully agreed with the ALR screen and that would be something I’d aim to get.
2- I would use this projector in my livingroom & would use a white wall for now but then later on, would invest in an ALR screen for better clarity.
I would use this in my bedroom, on a white wall.
I would use this projector in our basement family room and would project the image on a white wall
I would use this projector in our basement family room and would project the image on a white wall
I would use this projector in our basement family room and would project the image on a screen
I would use this projector in our basement family room and would project the image on a screen
I would use this projector in my living room on a white wall.
I would use this projector in the family room on a white wall.
This projector would be ideal in our basement rec room. We just painted the walls white so that would work perfectly!
i would put it in our living room and project onto the wall
I would put the projector in my living room and project it onto a white wall.
I would use the projector in our living room against a white wall.
living room white wall is where I’d use it
I would use this projector in the basement, against a white wall
I would use it in my living room on my wall as this would give the best picture!
I would use the standard projector in my basement on a white wall – it’s a long and wide open room so we could do lots of movie nights down there.
I have a screen but if my light tan walls are suitable, I would project onto the wall in my living room.
It would be perfect for my basement, I have plenty of white walls down there.
Would use it in our family room with a screen as I have no white walls and too many paintings and pictures
I would use it in the basement living room on a screen I got for my cheap 720p projector. I got the projector to put my digital art on walls. Only watched a couple of movies on the screen as it has to be back so far that I have to rearrange the room to use it.
the family room on a white wall
in the living room on a white wall
In the bedroom on a white wall
In the great room on a white wall
In the living room, we have the perfect spot with a vacant white wall 🙂
I will use the short throw projector against a white wall in the family room.
I will set it up in my basement with a 120″ screen.
A White Wall as most rooms have them and they just work best in my opinion with projectors.
In the family room and will project on the white wall
I would use this projector in our family room on a white wall (to start) until I could save up the $ for a screen!
I would use this in my gaming room, and would buy a wall mounted screen to project onto
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