Why the BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector (W1070) could be one of the best indoor or backyard projectors around.

There’s a lot to say about the BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector (W1070) because it has a lot of great features going for it, but it offers a few disappointments. If you’re looking for a high-quality projector that displays in excellent clarity and color, this BenQ meets those requirements. It also includes a few features you may not consider necessary until you’re facing an issue like limited space for the right picture size. It’s on the higher end price-wise of the mid-range projectors on the market and compared to budget models, it’s downright expensive. However, this could be the backyard projector you’ve been looking for.

To get an idea of what to expect from the BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector (W1070), delve into the features and how they’ll help you get a better movie-watching experience.

Contents

DESIGN & BUILD | Solid and Smart

The BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector is one of the few true 1080p full-HD projectors that can shoot an image up to 200 inches big on your screen or wall. That spec makes this a good choice for outdoor movie viewing, especially if you’re hosting a large group. The 2000 lumens feature seems low compared to some other projectors on the market, but it’s just right for a light-controlled space. The more light you have in a room, the lighter the image this unit projects appears. A 10,000 to 1 contrast ratio is a decent rating and ensures the blacks on the screen are blacker than projectors with lower ratios. This BenQ is considered a mid-range projector, but it includes some features that are typically associated with the pricier models. For example, you get two HDMI inputs, which means you don’t have to buy any adapters to make sure your media devices work with this projector. Also, you have the option of adjusting the lens shift up and down to eliminate any distortion that comes with most projectors (it’s that trapezoid effect). You can also adjust the zoom a little to help get a sharper image, even if you have your projector set up far away.

“…you don’t have to buy any adapters to make sure your media devices work with this projector.”

All of the ports included are on the back of this projector, which makes it easy to plug in your devices and keep all the cords in one area. In addition to the two HDMI ports, you also get a PC port, S-Video, audio in and out, and other ports for various other components. BenQ included an onboard speaker with this projector, but depending on your planned use for this projector, it may not be powerful enough, or high quality enough for movies and sports events. The included remote control is easy to set up and easy to use. Flipping through the options and the menus on this BenQ projector is quite user-friendly. However, BenQ left out an important and often overlooked feature: backlighting. Just that one little extra feature on the remote would make it much easier to use in the dark.

BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector front

BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector front

SAFETY & DURABILITY | Works Hard Against Overheating

If you’re concerned about the safety of your home by running a projector like the BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector, there’s no need. This well-built and well-designed projector includes a powerful little fan that will keep it cool even when you’re running it outdoors in the summer. It does get warm to the touch, but not enough to burn you.

“…allows it to cool the projector more quickly to prevent dangerous overheating.”

You get the option of using the high-altitude mode, which kicks the fan into high gear and it does three things. First, it sends the fan into overdrive, which allows it to cool the projector more quickly to prevent dangerous overheating. Second, it can help save the bulb in the projector because there’s less chance of an early burn-out. Third, it might use up more energy this way, but at least your projector and surrounding devices will be safe.

BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector angled

BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector angled

PERFORMANCE | Beautiful Balance of Colors

Ease of Use

Perhaps the biggest issue with this BenQ projector is the light leakage that you may notice unless you find a homemade solution. As the projector runs, it throws off a bit of light to the left, which could be distracting as you watch a film or TV. You can place your projector in a box or a mounting unit to offset some of that light leakage, but then you may need to run this projector on an eco setting to ensure it doesn’t overheat. While the fan is necessary to keep the projector from overheating, it can be annoying when it’s running on a normal mode. It’s a bit loud and could distract you from whatever you’re watching, especially if you’re watching something that has a lot of silent moments.

Best Features

Typically, a projected image loses a lot of quality as you pull the projector farther and farther away, but this BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector maintains a clear picture with good contrast and brilliant colors, no matter where you set it up. You can mount this backyard projector 12 feet away from the surface on which you want to display the image, and you’ll get about a 140-inch diagonal screen. There’s little to no loss of quality, even at this size. It’s important that you use this projector from BenQ in a dark space, as it does only have 2000 lumens to spare. This means that any bit of ambient light is going to interfere with the picture quality. You’ll still be able to see the image in a brightly lit room, but it’s going to appear faded and not nearly as sharp. If you set up a room or an outdoor space properly for a projector, you should be impressed by the contrast ratio – the blacks will appear rich and dark.

BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector back

BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector back

LONGEVITY & PRICE | Pricey, but You’re Paying for Quality

All projectors are susceptible to a few little annoying longevity quirks, and the BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector (W1070) is no different. The lamp is eventually going to burn out and replacing it could be as frequent as annually, or only every few years, depending on how much use you get out of it. The LCD bulb is a bit pricey, especially compared to the LED lights that are popping up on much less expensive projectors.

Be sure to check the current BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector – Amazon price here.

Speaking of price, the cost of this projector isn’t necessarily too high with an MSRP of $699.00, but it is expensive if you do a quick search on projectors. However, you get what you pay for, and while this projector is considered a mid-range product, it’s a bit more expensive than other comparable products. The warranty doesn’t match the price of this unit, though, as BenQ only offers a one-year guarantee on this projector. It could be worth it for you to look into an extended warranty, considering the price of this unit.

BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector top

BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector top

PROS

  • Excellent clarity
  • Eco mode available
  • Easy-to-use remote control
  • Includes lens shift, optical zoom

CONS

THE BOTTOM LINE | For the Discerning Entertainment Lover

If you want the best picture out of a projector, you might want to consider the BenQ DLP HD 1080p Projector (W1070). It offers excellent clarity, so good that you can even read small text in a room with a bit of ambient light. Of course, like all projectors, this one does better in the dark. The contrast ratio is excellent, so the blacks are rich and luscious. The fan works well to keep your projector from overheating, but it can also get a bit loud and distracting. The biggest downside to this could be one of two this: its price or its light leakage. If you’re looking for the best quality, the price won’t matter much to you, but if light seeping from the side is too distracting for you, that could be a deal breaker. For more options, though, check out our Best Outdoor Projectors right here!