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 use this my living room on a white wall.
I would use this projector in our downstairs rec room. I’d try it on a white wall first and upgrade to a screen if I wasn’t completely satisfied.
I’d use this to project on one of the walls in our family room. Thanks!
I would use it in the projector room to replace my older projector.
I would use this projector to project on to a white wall in my bedroom! Then I’d lie back and take in the movie!
I’d use it in my room to project to the wall
I think I’d try to use this in my bedroom. I have a full white wall that I could use for the image.
I would use this projector in my living room and project the image on an ALR screen to because I want the best image possible.
In my living room on the white wall.
I would put the projector in my theatre room and project onto a white wall until I can purchase an ALR screen
We would project movies in our living room onto our white walls for a nice movie date.
I would put this in a basement, displaying on a white wall to start.
I have a perfect spot for the projector in my Studio apartment, I would put it right where my window is as there is a pull down white shade that would be a great spot for it. It almost takes up all the side of the suite. Reminds me of a widescreen.
I would project the image on the outside of our house on our white stucco.
I would use the projector in the basement as it has the largest surface area for an uninhibited wall.
I don’t have a blank wall in my living room so I would get an ALR screen to project on.
I would use it in our family room on a white wall.
I would use it in my living room and definitely have the a or projector screen, as I feel the picture would be better quality, much clearer than on a wall. Thanks
I would use this in my family room was. I would consider buying a 120″ screen for it as I don’t have a TV in the room just yet, but worst case I’ll project it on the white wall!
I would try this on a living room wall first, then in other rooms and outside. I would consider a screen after seeing the results.
Would use an ALR screen in place of our old home theatre screen, we have a room for projector and movies!
In my living room on the white wall.
I would use this in the basement and try to turn it into a movie room.
I would use the projector in my largest room the living room. It already has white walls so that should be perfect for projection.
I would try this in my living room , using the existing light grey wall .
We have a small living room with a blank wall on which I could screen the images from the BenQ ultra short throw projector. I could put the projector on a side table. After reading the review, I’m wondering whether it would be better to invest in this rather than a new tv. A tv takes up so much wall space, whereas this is so portable and versatile. Thanks for the helpful info.
I’d use this in the living room with an ALR screen because the couches are at an angle to the walls.
I would use the BenQ V7050i in my basement apartment, in place of my current 1080p TV, which sits 7 feet from my couch, across the path to my ensuite bathroom (which others sometimes use).
I would first try the image on the pale blue wall behind my TV (blank except for a light switch), then maybe paint that wall section white for more accurate colours (and cover the switch with a piece of paper), or hang a white screen (maybe ALR, depending on the cost).
Great review, thanks! Personally, I’d test it out on a white wall first to see if a screen is even necessary for my needs.
The projector would be going in the living room and so an ALR screen to help the image pop.
Would use this in our rec room. We have a high plain white wall that would be perfect to watch our favorite movies
I would use this projector in our family room on a white wall.
This projector would go in my bedroom and would project on a white wall.
A ALR screen at the lake camp site would make for an awesome drive-in type experience.
This projector would be going in the basement rec room and so an ALR screen is ideal because of the feature wall colors chosen.
We would use it in our basement and would project on a plain wall opposite our sofa. It would be perfect for this room.
I would use this in our family room and would project on a wall.
ALR screen at the cottage would make for an awesome outdoor experience.
I would use it on my living room wall, which is painted a flat light grey colour. So it would be perfect!
This projector would be going in the basement rec room and so an ALR screen is ideal
In the garage for the large white walls
We would use it in our basement and would project on a plain wall opposite our sofa. It would be perfect for this room.
I would use the projector in the bedroom and project it on a white wall.
This would be great in my family den to project on the white wall.
I would use this in my rec room and project it onto a screen I already have.
I would use it on my living room wall, which is painted a flat light grey colour. So it would be perfect!
I would use this on top of our murphy bed, to project onto the white wall directly opposite.
I would use this in our family room and would project on a wall.
This projector would be going in the basement rec room and so an ALR screen is ideal because of the feature wall colors chosen.
A 10 foot ALR screen at the cottage would make for an awesome drive-in type experience.
Comments are closed.