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).
Table of Contents
- Notable specs: BenQ V7050i projector
- Design of the BenQ 4K UHD Home Theatre Projector (V7050i)
- Port options for the BenQ V7050i projector
- Setting up the BenQ V7050i projector
- Positioning and screen size adjustments
- Using the BenQ V7050i projector
- Should you get the BenQ V7050i instead of a 4K TV?
- What kind of screen should you use?
- Final thoughts
I would use it in the TV room on a white wall.
Basement; white wall!
white wall cause a screen would take too much space and a white wall is good enough
I would purchase a screen to use indoors and outdoors to get the most use out of this technology.
would use it in our basement on our white wall
I would use it on the living room which has a white wall
I would like to get BenQ 4K UHD Home Theatre Projector (V7050i
I would use the projector on a white wall in our basement TV roomm and also our=t doors at the cottage on a white screen .
Would use this in my living room on a white wall
I would use an ALR projector screen cause we have the room for it in our basement and it looks nicer, I don’t like how it looks on a wall
living room to a wall
In my main/living room or possibly bedroom, using a white wall. 🙂
If I was lucky enough to win this, I’d purchase an ALR screen.
Basement and Outdoor – white screen vieweing
I’d be using the projector in my entertainment room located in the basement, and since its a closed room with mininmal windows I think the white walls is what I would project it onto.
Our TV room, on a white wall. We have blinds so the room is quite dark.
I would use it in my living room and project it onto a white wall.
I would use the projector in my living room and would project it on a screen.
I would use the projector on a white wall in our basement TV room!
Living room on coffee table . Would use on a white wall. Woot.
This projector would be in my living room, using a screen.
This projector is amazing! If I win I would use it in the kids room downstairs. We would use it for family movie night and gaming. With 5 kids, the 7 of us need a nice big screen! For sure would put it on a white wall. Thanks!
We have a perfect white wall space that’s meant for a TV but we’d use this projector instead in the new home we’re moving into in the basement that would be perfect!
I would use The BenQ 4K UHD home theatre ultra short throw projector in the family room. If I need to re-paint it white, if I win, I certainly would.
I would use this projector in my living room on a white wall.
We would probably use a screen because we would donate the unit to our local kids camp, and I believe they have a screen that they could put up..either outside for the nice evenings or inside the Lodge for when it’s a rainy day outside and you just need something to entertain them for a couple of hours…lol.
My brother-in-law built his own screen with excellent results. I think I would do the same for a more tailored installation.
I would use it in my basement against a white wall all likely
I would use the BenQ 4K UHD Home Theatre Projector (V7050i) because it is perfect for my dining room (which is connected to my living room and has a large white wall to project onto).
The Family Room with ALR screen for viewing
I would use The BenQ 4K UHD home theatre ultra short throw projector in the basement on our freshly painted light beige wall. If I need to re-paint it white, if I win, I certainly would.
I love this projector and would use it in my living room. If I could afford it, I would get the ALR screen, otherwise I would just throw the image to a white wall.
I would use it in our Family Room, and I would paint a frame on the wall for viewing it!
We would use it on a white wall in our living room
The Family Room with an ALR screen for the best picture quality.
We’d use it in our basement TV area, on to a white screen.
I would use the projector in our downstairs entertainment room and would go the easier route and use painted white wall for viewing surface.
Our family would set it up in our basement that has a medium sized white wall.
This is incredible tech. I’d use it in my living room and project against a white wall.
I would use this projector in our TV room and would project the image onto a specially painted wall
I would use this projector in my bedroom and project it on a white wall!
We would put this in our rec room downstairs and project onto a screen. It is the best room for darkening and the one with the largest empty wall space. In the summer, we’d set up a screen under our covered deck and watch outside.
I’d get a screen to project. Otherwise my walls are a rich blue or deep red depending.
i would use it on a ARL screen since i don’t have any white walls.
I don’t have any white walls and would likely buy an ALR screen for my family room.
I would put it in the basement and play it on the semi large white wall we have there cause its the best spot for it
We have one white wall in our basement rec room (with no art except for an RAF flag that be easily removed) which would be perfect for this projector.
We’d use the projector on a white wall in our basement family room.
I would have outdoor movie nights with a screen for viewing.
I’ll try on the back of the garage wall – smooth and white surface
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