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
Perfect for the white wall in the spare room!
ALR screen cause I don’t like the image on a white wall
White wall in my living room for sure
Great review!! I would definitely like to try it on our white wall in the living room
I would use an ALR screen in our livingroom cause our wall is not white
I would use the BenQ short throw in my bedroom projected right on my wall. It would take a major rearrangement but it would be worth it.
I would use it on a white wall in my bedroom as that would be the best option for me!!
I would use the projector on a white wall in the living room.
I would use it on a white wall in the living room
The white wall in my bedroom
Definitely the walls in my livingroom. Or maybe the side of my neighbors house for community movie nights!
I would use the BenQ short throw on my living room white walls
We would prob start of by projecting to a white wall until we upgrade to something else. We would set it up in the basement.
white bedroom wall woudl be best option for me
I would use this projector in the rec room, above our gaming table, for projecting maps and graphics for tabletop gaming.
I would “do it right” and get an ALR screen for my basement. A big 120″ one!
I would use the BenQ short throw projector in my basement Rec room. With such a fancy machine, an ALR would be worth the investment to get the most out of the image.
I would use it in the basement, on a specially painted white wall, to replace my aging plasma tv.
Bedroom Wall first and maybe change it for the kitchen.
white wall in the basement
A white wall in my Livingroom.
Je l’imagine déjà très bien dans mon sous-sol!
I’d use the wall of my bachelor apartment.
I would use this in the basement on the white wall. Thank you
I would use it in my bedroom I like the built in speaker and how clear the picture is
I would use it in my bedroom on the white wall.
I’d use this in my family room, with an ALR screen.
I would be most like to use this outside the home for various gatherings, but in the home would use it mostly in my rec room. I have no blank walls in my house, so would need to use a screen (ALR best of course) – also, walls are never as bright as a good screen.
I would use it in the living room on a white wall.
I would use this in our bed room to project onto the white blank wall in front of the bed. 🙂 Great for watching movies on a lazy Sunday.
I would use this in my small recreation room in the basement and project the image on the wall.
I think using this on a downstairs wall would be the best.
I would use it in my bedroom and project it on my white walls.
This would be perfect for my rec room! Would definitely need a screen to get the most out of this fiiiine projector!
Oooh this big boy. White wall in my bedroom for sure!
We would set up this projector to use in our upstairs living room, projected on a white wall. Easy and affordable setup!
I would project it onto a white wall in our family room. Also have the slopped ceiling in our bedroom painted white for lounging in bed
I would definitely purchase a ALR screen for use with this projector, as the picture quality will be brighter.
I would use this projector on my big blank wall in my basement den!
Would use in living room against white wall, maybe repaint with that special tint for projecting
BenQ V7050i projector would mostly used in the main living room where the big TV is located.
i would use the BenQ V7050i projector downstairs in our basement recreation room, on a white wall for family movie night! we would enjoy it immensely! 😉
I would use this in my bedroom. Perfect for Movie Night sleepovers with my grandchildren. I’d be projecting onto my wall in my bedroom.
I think I would invest in an ALR screen for use with this projector. Although this projector is useful during the daytime on its own, I really like that ALR screens make the video even brighter, as they reflect the light in specific directions.
I would love to use this projector in my back yard and living room. Living room wall for inside movies and Projector screen in the backyard for “Drive In Movie Night”.
We might use this projector on the side of our pop-up trailer for some outdoor movie watching!
I would use it in the basement on the wall
I would use this amazing projector in my living room and project the image on an ALR projector. Thanks for the opportunity!
I would use the projector in our basement family room projecting on a white wall. There are no windows in that room so I think the picture quality would be good
I would use it on the white wall in the living room.
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