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Category Archives: Benq

Top Sports Bar Projectors for Watching the 2016 NFL Season

Are you ready for some football? On September 8th, the new 2016 season will kick off in the NFL when the Denver Broncos play host to the Carolina Panthers in a Superbowl re-match. What better way to watch the game then at a sports bar on a large projector screen?
 
If you’re a bar owner, this can be a great way to get new patrons. However, you’ll need to make sure your projector is high quality and offers clear imaging. A grainy picture or distorted image will run customers away and they’ll never come back. Remember, fans are serious about watching the game and if you want to show it at your establishment, you’ll need to do it the right way.
 
Doing it properly starts with the right equipment. Check out the following top projectors for enjoying sporting events. All are LCD or WUXGA projectors with HD capabilities. Along with high picture quality, they are ceiling or wall mountable, have high lumens, and include HDMI connections. Closed optics are also necessary to protect your projector if smoking is allowed in your bar.
 
sportsbar2
 
Projectors for Large Spaces
 
If you have a large space, you’ll need to select a projector that has higher lumens such as the NEC NP-PA622U. Some features of this projector include:
 

  • 6200 lumens
  • Horizontal/vertical lens shift
  • Tilt-free installations

1-nec-pa522u
 

The NEC NP-PA622U

 
Projectors for Medium Spaces
 
The BenQ SU922 is an ideal projector for medium-sized pubs or bars. Along with exceptional brightness and clarity, this professional quality projector also offers:
 

  • Vertical lens shift
  • 5,000 lumens
  • Attractive metallic design

2-benq
 

The BenQ SU922

 
Projectors for Small Spaces
 
Epson Pro Cinema 6550WU provides perfect color and advanced video processing. It is compact, making it a good choice for smaller venues. Other features of this projector include:
 

  • 5200 lumens
  • 2 HD connections
  • Centered/locking lens shift

 
3-epson
 

The Epson PowerLite Pro Cinema G6550WU

 
 
Finally, don’t fail to invest in a quality screen and sound system.
 
If you already have a projector for your sports bar and the lamp needs replacing, MyProjectorLamps.com has you covered with an unbeatable selection of high-quality replacement lamps at low, affordable prices.  Shop with us today and save!  

Top 3 Projector Brands for Outdoor Viewing

Whether you’re preparing for a home movie night or looking to set up a projector for a business presentation, you’ll need to choose the right equipment to ensure successful viewing outdoors. If your projector lacks brightness or has poor resolution, your audience will be unable to see the screen clearly.
outdoorprojector
 
An outdoor projector should also be mobile and lightweight for easy transport to the backyard or even for taking with you on a camping trip. Since you may have to use a small cart or table to hold it in place, the projector should also be small and compact.
 
You’ll also want to make sure your projector has built-in speakers for convenient audio listening. If needed, you can always connect an extra speaker for a more powerful sound. To do this, you will need your projector to have audio outputs. To show movies or share your computer screen, it should also have multiple USB ports for connecting a DVD player, laptop, tablet or other electronic device.
 
Some brands have gone the extra mile in designing projectors specifically for outdoor use. The top 3 projector brands on the market today for the creation and manufacturing of outdoor quality projectors include:
 
Epson – makes a number of projectors suitable for outdoor use. These all have HD capability and include the Epson MovieMate 85HD, Epson MegaPlex MG-850 HD and the Epson Home Cinema 740HD.
epson_powerlite_home_cinema_740hd_
 

The Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 740HD

 
 
Optoma – creates a line of very budget-friendly projectors that are of high enough quality to use outdoors. Some models to consider include the Optoma X341 3000 XGA 3D LDP Projector, the Optoma HD141X and the Optoma EH500 (which works well with larger screens).
Style: "Color tone - warm"
 

The Optoma EH500

 
BenQ – provides an option for projector owners with a little more money to spend. This brand is a good choice for bigger venues or commercial use. A couple of these outdoor projectors include the BenQ HT2050 and the BenQ W1070.
 

benq_ht2050_ The BenQ HT2050

 
If you already have an outdoor projector and the lamp needs replacing, MyProjectorLamps.com has you covered with an unbeatable selection of high-quality replacement lamps at low, affordable prices.  Shop with us today and save!  

Top 5 Projectors for the Classroom

Technology can play an important role in learning and education. Along with the classroom, projectors can be used for school assemblies, social clubs and sports training.
 
classroomprojector
 
Projectors are especially important when it comes to higher education and are an excellent resource for teachers looking for ways to get students more involved in learning.
 
In the classroom, teachers can use projectors to:
 

  • Present lessons or lectures using support materials from your computer.

 

  • Share pictures or videos.

 

  • Display websites so that the entire class can see.

 

  • Show movies that are on DVD.

 

  • Read books.

 

  • Video chat.

 

  • Show test questions from the computer screen.

 
Some features to look for in a classroom projector include:
 
A short throw lens – Why is this important? In classroom set-ups, the projector screen is often far up near the front. A short throw lens will show images and pictures from both a large and clearer perspective.
 
Mountable – If you are not sharing your projector or using it in other classrooms, it can be convenient to mount the projector on the ceiling
 
LCD Technology – Some will recommend DLP technology, however LCD is better for the variety of functions the projector will serve in the classroom.
 
Easy to set up and use.
 
HD capabilities.
 
HDMI connectivity – for interaction with DVD players and computers.
 
 
Our “Top 5” projectors offer all of these features and even more. They include:
 

  • The BrightLink 595Wi (interactive)

may24-1product_brightlink_575x435

  • BenQ MX525 (budget friendly)

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  • Casio XJ-A252 (great for lecture halls)

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  • BenQ MW883UST (offers an ultra-short throw)

may24-4benq_mw883ust_3300_lumen_wxga_short_throw_1193733
 

  • RIF6 Cube (a tiny mobile projector)

may24-5rif6-cube-2
 
Does your projector lamp need replacing? MyProjectorLamps.com has you covered with an unbeatable selection of high-quality replacement lamps at low, affordable prices.  Shop with us today and save!
 

Top 3 Projectors for Viewing Home Movies

Home theaters are quickly becoming more and more popular. Many individuals are converting their basements, attics or even their garage into rooms where the family can come together to watch or enjoy movies.
Along with selecting the right projector screen, you will need to choose a good projector to ensure quality imaging. Some things to look for in a video projector include:
 

  • Resolution – You will definitely want to opt for HD resolution as many tv shows and sporting events are now shown in HD.

 

  • Lumens or Brightness – If your home theater is in the basement where it is really dark, you won’t have to worry about selecting a projector with above average lumens. However, if your home theater is in a well-lit area with many windows, you will need to choose a projector with 1500 lumens or more.

 

  • Multimedia Capabilities – Surely you’ll want to connect other devices to your projector such as cable or satellite television, video game consoles and possibly even a computer. Therefore, you’ll want your projector to have at least 2 HDMI ports.

 
Considering the above features along with cost, we have selected the following as our “top 3 home theater projectors”.

  1. Epson Home Cinema 2030 – With both 2D and 3D capabilities, this projector will take you into the future. It also offers 2000 lumens making it suitable for use in most home theaters. Offering HD resolution, you can also enjoy an array of TV shows and sporting events along with online movies and more. This projector comes equipped with 2 HDMI ports, which will accommodate your DVD player, game consoles and other devices. homecinema2030
  2. BenQ W1070 – Economical, you’ll get the most bang for your buck with this projector. Similar to the Epson Home Cinema 2030, it also offers 2000 lumens making for great imaging in almost any room. And with both 3D capability and two HDMI ports, this projector offers everything for less. BenQ W1070
  3. Optoma HD37 – Small and compact, this projector is also a good choice for your home theater. With 2600 lumens, it is a better option for home theaters located upstairs or where there are lots of windows surrounding the area. It also provides HD resolution as well as 2D and 3D capabilities. Hook up your video game, cable box and more to this projector with no issues. Optoma HD37

Find replacement projector lamps for these and other projectors at MyProjectorLamps.com. We offer an unbeatable selection, the most affordable prices, and fast shipping. We’ve got you covered!

5 Best Home Theater Projectors of 2015

This year was fairly quiet for new projectors. The majority of the major PJ brands kept new releases to a minimum, continuing to sell models that were released in 2014 and earlier. Even so, there were several new entries in the 2014-2015 projector season and many of them offered exciting new features and impressive performance.

Epson EH-LS10000 Projector
Epson EH-LS10000 Projector

So which home theater projectors, with Full HD or 4K resolution, were the best in 2015? It’s tough to pick from the field of those that have been released since fall 2014. But there are a few models that stick out from the pack. This year saw more affordable 4K projectors, as well as improvement on existing favorite PJ models. Here are a few of our favorites that were released in 2015:
Epson EH-LS10000
In terms of image quality and performance, the LS10000 is one of the best projectors that hit the market in 2015. The projector features a laser light engine – compared to a standard replaceable lamp – which lasts the entire life of the machine and delivers image quality that’s certainly right there at the top. Black levels are rich and saturated, and contrast provides an impressive range of detail. Of course, with this advanced technology like adaptable 4K resolution and the laser light engine, the LS10000 isn’t cheap; it starts around $8,000. But it’s certainly one of the best high-end projectors released this year. But what happens when the laser is kaput?
Optoma HD141X
Optoma HD141X Projector
Optoma HD141X Projector

The HD141X is at the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of price, starting just north of $1,000. But don’t let the price deceive you. The HD141X is an impressive little machine. It’s equipped with a powerful light source – a 3,000-lumen bulb – which is ideal for the living room. But in Cinema Mode, the HD141X provides 1,000 lumens of brightness and super vibrant images. Another great thing: The HD141X’s replacement lamp is cheap, which keeps cost of ownership to a minimum.
BenQ W1070+
BenQ W1070+ Projector
BenQ W1070+ Projector

The original BenQ 1070 has been a best-selling bargain HD projector, and its successor the 1070+ which was released in 2015 offers several improvements on the fan favorite. The Plus offers improved brightness, up to 2200 lumens, MHL capability, as well as wireless connectivity. Overall, the performance is above-par, especially for a sub-$1,000 projector. Images are crisp, clear and well-saturated. If you’re looking for an entry-level theater projector, the W1070+ — or the HD141X – are some of the best options available.
Sony VPL-HW40ES
Sony VPL-HW40ES Projector
Sony VPL-HW40ES Projector

The HW40ES was released last summer, and quickly became a favorite Sony projector. The reason: It’s the most affordable projector Sony had ever released. So what’s great about the projector? For starters, it includes Sony technology that’s only been available in more expensive models, including Reality Creation, MotionFlow, and a zoom lens capability. In effect, image quality is superb. Plus, it’s extremely low noise, offers great Cinema modes, and it’s backed by a 3-year warranty.
JVC DLA-X500R
JVC DLA-X500R Projector
JVC DLA-X500R Projector

The best feature of the X500R is the e-Shift technology, which enables the 1080p projector to shift pixels to display 4K. Overall, the image quality is right up there at the top. Black levels are ultra-dark, and the contrast 60,000:1 – which jumps to 600,000:1 when the auto iris enabled – creates a level of shadow detail that’s incredible. The system also includes a zoom lens with lens shift, delivers some of the best color performance available, and the impressive build quality.
Shopping for affordable projector replacement lamps? MyProjectorLamps is your source. We offer OEM-quality replacement lamps for all projector brands, offer the best pricing on the Web, and ship fast.

BenQ HT3050 Full HD 1080p Projector Review

Earlier this year, BenQ launched a trio of Full HD 1080p projectors, the HT2050, HT3050, and HT4050. The HT3050 fell in the middle pricewise, starting at $999, and it offers a range of benefits compared to the low-end HT2050. In reality, the HT3050 is unique portable projector, especially for the price.

BenQ HT3050 Projector
BenQ HT3050 Projector

You get all the benefits you would from similarly priced 1080p projectors: Excellent image quality, high brightness, and long-lasting performance. But the HT3050 does two things especially well: It delivers impressive audio quality. Equipped with two 10W speakers, the HT3050 is one of the best – if not the best – projectors in terms of built-in audio for the price range. Secondly, the HT3050 is built with a range of 21st Century connections including 2 HDMI ports, one of which is MHL-enabled. That makes the projector compatible with Chromecast, Roku and other streaming devices, as well as smartphones and tablets.
For the price, the BenQ HT3050 offers plenty of benefits: High-definition images, awesome color performance and great audio. Compared to similarly priced projectors, the HT3050 is certainly a leader in the class and it should warrant consideration from those shopping for a home entertainment projector.
BenQ HT3050 rear view
BenQ HT3050 rear view

BenQ HT3050: Key Features
Compared to other similarly priced projectors, the HT3050 does two things better than the competition: Audio performance and MHL connectivity. Here’s a more in-depth look at those two features:

  • Impressive Built-In Audio: Many sub-$1,000 projectors are equipped with built-in audio. But generally, the audio from these projectors has many limitations. Smaller 5W options, for example, aren’t great for noisy environments and the sound is scratchy at maximum output. Additionally, single 10W speakers aren’t great at reproducing sounds from video, live TV and video games. But the HT3050 offers a solution. With dual built-in 10W speakers, the projector’s audio performance is well above-average; audio is crisp and clear. The built-in speakers completely eliminate the need for external audio in home theaters, living rooms and small spaces – especially for TV, gaming and home entertainment. The performance isn’t quite on par with full surround sound, as it lacks the depth and bass of dedicated audio systems. But the dual speakers deliver audio performance that works well in most cases.
  • MHL Connectivity: One key difference between the HT2050 and the 3050 is the addition of an MHL-enabled HDMI port. The 3050 has two HDMI ports, and one offers compatibility with MHL-enabled devices. This makes it possible to stream live TV from Chromecast and Roku, as well as connectivity with other devices like smartphones and tablets. Although MHL compatibility is quickly becoming a must-have feature, many projectors priced below $1,000 do not have it yet. The HT3050 is an exception, making it ideal for cord cutters.

What Else the BenQ HT3050 Does Right
Aside from MHL and audio, the HT3050 delivers performance similar to what you can expect from budget-friendly Full HD projectors. For starters, BenQ is well-known for delivering high-quality imaging, and that’s certainly true of the HT3050. Compared to the HT2050, the 3050 has been calibrated in Cinema mode, providing more robust colors and details. But that’s just one of many standard features. Here’s a look at the quick specs:

  • Brightness: 2,000 lumens
  • Contrast: 15,000:1
  • Lamp Life: 3,500-6,000 hours
  • Connections: RS232, USB, 3-RCA, VGA, Composite Video, mini-USB, audio in/audio out
  • Other Features: Vertical lens shift, Full HD 3D, 1.3X manual zoom,

If you’re considering Full HD home entertainment projectors, you have a range of options to choose from. But the BenQ HT3050 is certainly well positioned in the class, especially with a starting price around $999. It delivers key connectivity, useable audio, plus all the features you’d expect from similarly priced HD projectors. In other words, this projector should be on your short list.
Looking for low-cost OEM-quality replacement projector lamps? MyProjectorLamps is your source. With a massive selection, fast shipping, and the best prices, we are the Web’s premier projector lamp shop.

BenQ MX602 Business Projector Review

BenQ is known for developing high-quality, great-value projectors, and the BenQ MX602 is the perfect example. It delivers impeccable image quality, with high brightness and life-like color, it’s eco-friendly with long-lasting lamp performance, accommodates a range of connections, it’s low-noise and the MX602 is affordable. Put simply: For an XGA projector, the MX602 is a powerful A/V machine that will help transform your presentations.

BenQ MX602 Projector
BenQ MX602 Projector

BenQ MX602: Quick Specs

  • 3,500 ASNI Lumens
  • 13,000:1 Contrast Ratio
  • XGA Native Resolution
  • 4:3 Aspect Ratio
  • HDMI, USB and S-Video Connections

Most Impressive Features and Specs
For a budget-friendly XGA projector, the MX602 offers a ton of upside. For starters, the projector utilizes BenQ’s innovative DLP technology to produce vibrant, razor-sharp images. Plus, the projector delivers a range of features that aren’t commonly available in budget XGA projectors. Here’s a look at the MX602’s best features:

  • Image Quality: The MX602 utilizes a range of technologies to produce high-quality, high-clarity images. For starters, BrilliantColor produces extremely life-like, saturated color. Additionally, the images are extremely bright – 3,500 ASNI lumens – and highly contrasted with a ratio of 13,000:1. With black-on-white text, the MX602’s impressive contrast ratio is evident, as text is crisp and clear. This projector is also ideal for pairing with laptops with XGA native resolution and 4:3 aspect ratio.
  • Lamp Life: Even in standard operating mode, the MX602 performs impressively, with a lamp life of 3,000 hours. But BenQ’s advanced eco-friendly operating modes and energy-saving features provide a huge boost. There are two eco settings: The first improves lamp life to 4,000 hours and the most advanced maximizing lamp life to 7,500 hours. Fortunately, a replacement lamp for the BenQ MX602 is fairly affordable, starting at about $250. The part number is also known as 5J.JD105.001.
  • Portability: This projector is extremely useful for classroom and business applications in which the projector moves around frequently. For starters, it weighs just 6 pounds and it’s about the size of a large dictionary. Plus, with keystone correction, it’s easy to adjust the image to fit the screen. Unfortunately, the projector isn’t equipped with lens shift or a powerful zoom, which does limit its portability.
  • Connections: In general, budget-friendly projectors are equipped with a limited range of connections, but that’s not the case with the MX602. The projector supports HDMI and USB A and mini-B connections, as well as S-Video and Composite Video connections. That means the projector can support Full HD video.
    BenQ MX602 Rear Inputs
    BenQ MX602 Rear Inputs

Pitfalls of the BenQ MX602
The MX602 doesn’t disappoint in many ways, but there are some features – or lack of features – that make this a less-desirable projector. One downfall is the lack of useable audio. The projector is equipped with a 2-watt monospeaker. That’s certainly at the low-end of the audio spectrum. Plus, the projector isn’t built for wireless networking and even with wired connections the MX602 poses problems.
In spite of these pitfalls, the MX602 does nail the core functionality of a projector: Providing high-quality images. The XGA projector produces vibrant, highly contrasted images that are better than those produced by similarly priced projectors. The bottom line: This is a useful XGA projector that can accommodate Full HD video, and it would be well-suited for many classroom and business environments.

Projector Review: BenQ TW526 Presentation Projector

The BenQ TW526, which is available exclusively in Europe, is an affordable, yet compatible, piece of hardware that’s a favorite in classrooms and presentation venues. Why? For the price, the TW526 is equipped with some advanced BenQ lamp technology. That results in a brilliantly bright image, long lamp life and excellent readability. Those are all major selling points. Plus, the price is tough to beat, especially considering the suitable image quality and the BenQ’s competitive list of features. It starts around €399.

BenQ TW526 Projector
BenQ TW526 Projector

Of course, the TW526 isn’t perfect. It’s a budget-friendly projector that’s short in a few areas. The built-in audio speaker is below-average in terms of output. That can be a problem for schools and venues that require a plug-and-play setup. Plus, the TW526 doesn’t feature advanced connectivity – there’s no built-in WiFi or cloud connectivity – and there’s isn’t much flexibility in set-up like vertical and horizontal lens shift. For most, these disadvantages aren’t necessarily deal breakers. That’s why for small and medium venues, the TW526 might be the answer. It features big image specs for a small price.
BenQ TW526: Pros
For a cost-effective projector, the BenQ TW526 is an effective presentation tools. First, it features a high-quality image and long lamp life. Plus, the projector supports a variety of video inputs, which makes it easier to incorporate multimedia clips and 3D video into presentations.
BenQ TW526 - Rear Inputs
BenQ TW526 – Rear Inputs

  • Ultra-long Lamp Life: BenQ has excelled in the area of lamp technology, and the TW526 is a perfect example. The projector has four lamp settings, and a lamp life ranging from 4,500 to 10,000 hours. That’s far above average for similarly priced projectors. In addition to normal and eco modes, the SmartEco and LampSaver modes conserve power for extended lamp life.
  • Superior Image Quality: For the price, the TW526 achieves some amazing image quality specs. First, the projector receives a brightness rating of 3,200 lumens and a 13,000:1 contrast ratio. That means even in well-lit rooms the image will be crisp and clear. Plus, the DLP technology and native XGA resolution help produce high-definition, vibrant images in the projector’s largest screen formats. Readability is a major selling point for teachers, and the TW526 produces clear, readable images.
  • Full HD 3D Support: For those advantaged presentations that require HD video, the TW526 doesn’t disappoint. The projector is compatible with Blu-ray Full HD 3D, plus it supports Full HD video and SD video. That’s a great feature for presentations that feature video clips and multimedia.
    BenQ TW526 Top View
    BenQ TW526 Top View

BenQ TW526: Cons
Budget projectors tend to skip the advanced features that you find in more expensive set-ups. That seems to be the case with the TW526. Some useful features are absent, while others are underdeveloped.

  • Below-Average Sound: With just a 2W speaker, the TW526 isn’t well-suited to provide audio for mid-sized venues. In fact, it may be a little under-performing for small, noisy venues. Of course, this problem can be reversed by plugging into external audio, but might be a deal breaker if you’re after a plug-and-play projector.
  • No Advanced Networking: Today’s projectors are becoming more and more advanced. They can pull content directly from the cloud, and they’re WiFi connected. Both of those features are absent from the TW526. That might not be the most important feature for a classroom presentation, but it’s something that’s very useful.

Overall, the BenQ TW526 is super budget-friendly. It costs a fraction of much more advanced set-ups, and the cost of ownership remains low throughout its life thanks to the long lamp life. Of course, you won’t find the same state-of-the-art features that you would with higher end projectors – like built-in storage and high-speed networking – but the specs that truly matter like image quality and brightness are par for the course. In other words, the BenQ TW526 doesn’t pack in all the bells and whistles, but it does provide an impressive image. And for most presenters and teachers, that’s probably enough.


 

BenQ MW721 Projector Review: Pros and Cons

In search of a presentation projector? The BenQ MW721 might just be your choice, as the manufacturer bills the MW721 as “just the projector you need to perfect your presentation.” That statement is mostly true. This BenQ model performs reasonably well in many categories, producing a bright, high-quality image and useable audio, while remaining portable.
 
The biggest disadvantage, though, is that the BenQ is missing some key features, including a USB thumb drive port and WiFi connectivity, which are often necessities for presenters. So what are the pros and cons of the BenQ MW721 and how does it stack up against the competition?

BenQ MW721 Projector
BenQ MW721 Projector

Key Features:

  • Bright bulb: 3,500 lumens
  • Long lamp life: Up to 6,500 hours
  • Loud audio: 10W built-in speaker
  • LAN control
  • Modes designed for teachers

 

Image Quality, Brightness

 
If there’s one reason to purchase the MW721, it’s the projector’s image quality. Let’s start with the specs: The DLP-based MW721 features WXGA resolution and a bright lamp. The projector receives a brightness rating of 3,500 lumens and a 13,000:1 contrast ratio.
 
In effect, that bulb (Part No.: 5J.J6P05.001) produces an image that’s crisp and bright enough to compensate for ambient light. That’s why this projector is perfect for business presentations, lectures and classrooms. It produces an image that’s clear in mid-sized conference spaces that receive substantial ambient light. Plus, with the projector, text slides are easy-to-read, although small sizes of white-on-black text can become blurred. The projector provides even, saturated colors in data images.
 
Overall, data image quality from the MW721 is comparable to other projectors in the price range, and in some respects, including brightness, the MW721 performs as well or better than more expensive projectors. If you’re after a projector that produces crisp images, the MW721 will provide that.
 

BenQ MW721 Rear View
BenQ MW721 Rear View

 

The BenQ MW721’s Video and Audio Features

Of course, the MW721 isn’t built as a video projector, but yet, for presentations that feature shorter video clips, the MW721 provides this functionality. That means that videos display reasonably well, with light rainbowing effects in some scenes, which is common for DLP-based projectors. For the untrained eye, though, this effect would be minimal, so conference audiences aren’t likely to notice.
In terms of audio, the MW721 features a built-in 10-watt speaker. That adds to the system’s portability, as a presenter can plug-and-play presentations that feature audio. As far as performance, the MW721’s speaker performs well, and it’s loud enough to provide clear audio for medium-sized event spaces. For larger venues, the audio may become garbled, especially for audience members sitting far from the speaker.
Plus, the projector is 3D ready, which may or may not be a feature that the business crowd is interested in. 3D clips can be displayed via HDMI and NVIDIA 3DTV Play, but require active-shutter glasses. Therefore, for larger audiences, it may be difficult to outfit everyone with glasses. This feature makes more sense for small business or classroom audiences.
 

Useful Connectivity Features

 
In addition to being 3D Ready, there are plenty of other useful and interesting features. First, there are a number of connectivity options for the MW721. There are 2 VGA ports, an HDMI port, as well as a mini-USB and Ethernet port. Plus, there are other connectivity options for audio, video and data entry.
The biggest downfall, as mentioned, is the lack of a USB thumb drive port. With this port, a presenter is able to access slides from a USB drive – that’s ideal for some classroom or business environments, and it eliminates some of the time required for set-up. Unfortunately, the feature isn’t even offered as an option.
 

The Verdict: Is the BenQ MW721 worth the investment?

If you can go without a USB drive and WiFi connectivity, the BenQ MW721 is a highly capable and portable presentation projector, and for the price, this model carries a lot of great features that are useful for business presentations, lectures and in classroom environments.
Yet, it falls firmly in the middle of the pack: More budget options like the BenQ MW663 features a similar set of functionalities at a lower price, while LCD-based projectors, although more expensive, often display higher quality images and video. That’s not to say the BenQ MW721 is a bad investment – it performs well in mid-sized and small conference spaces. At the same time, less expensive options exist and are comparable, and you may be able to save some dollars investing in other systems.
 
 
 
 

The 5 Top Full HD Home Theater Projectors Under $1,000

Looking for an entry-level home theater projector? You’re in luck. Just a short time ago, the budget-friendly projectors sacrificed image quality, for price. If you didn’t have the budget to pay more than $1,000 for a projector, you could expect sub-par image quality and construction.
The good news is that has changed. Today, there is a range of sub-$1,000 options that provide impressive image quality and that will completely enhance your home theater. So which budget-friendly projector should you choose? Really, it depends on what you’re looking for, but here are 5 projectors under $1,000 that provide excellent picture quality, solid construction, configuration flexibility, and competitive brightness.

  1. BenQ HT1075 – For years, BenQ manufactured one of the most popular sub-$1,000 home theater projectors – the W1070. Finally, they released an update last year, the HT1075. For the price, the 1075 is tough to beat, especially in terms of picture quality. The HT1075 provides crisp, detailed images with a vibrant color array and strong contrast. Plus, the HT1075 incorporates vertical and horizontal lens shift, which is a useful feature during installation. The W1070, on the other hand, remains a solid option for your home theater, as well.
    Benq HT1075
    Benq HT1075

Features:

  • Native Full HD Resolution
  • 2,200 Lumens
  • 3D Ready, Available Wireless Connectivity
  • 10,000:1 Contrast Ratio
  • Price: $799

 

  1. Optoma HD26 – Optoma is a market leader in budget-friendly projectors, and the HD26 is hands-down the best option they offer that’s less than $1,000. As far as a home theater projector, the HD26 does reasonably well, providing a bright picture even in modestly lit living rooms. Plus, the HD26 has a built-in speaker – a 10-watt mono – which makes this a great, affordable “out-of-the-box” system for your home theater. The Optoma HD141X, which is a bit more affordable than the HD26, shares many of the same features, and is another great option from Optoma.
    Optoma HD26
    Optoma HD26

Features:                                                                                                      

  • Native Full HD Resolution
  • 3,200 Lumens
  • 3D Ready, HDMI Connections
  • 25,000:1 Contrast Ratio
  • Price: $699

 

  1. Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030 – Compared to the two previously mentioned projectors, the Epson 2030 is a LCD-based projector. So you won’t see any rainbow artifacts with the 2030 – which is one advantage. Plus, the Home Cinema 2030 is built for home entertainment – it can be used in your home theater, for gaming, or as a replacement for your TV. The biggest disadvantage: The 2030 doesn’t have lens shift, which limits your configuration options.
    Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 2030
    Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 2030

Features:                                                                                                      

  • Built-in Audio
  • 2,000 Lumens
  • 3D Ready, HDMI Connections
  • Native 16:9 Aspect Ratio
  • Price: $799

 

  1. Acer H6510BD – When it was introduced in 2013, the Acer H6510BD was one of the most affordable 3D-ready projectors on the market. Now, the space is a bit more crowded, and prices on a few better performing models have dropped. Overall, the Acer performs reasonably well. The picture quality is vibrant in rooms with ambient light, but in theaters, the Acer is prone to showing rainbow artifacts.
    Acer H6510BD
    Acer H6510BD

Features:                                                                                                      

  • Full HD, 3D Ready
  • 3,000 Lumens
  • HDMI Connections
  • 10,000:1 Contrast Ratio
  • Price: $699

 
5. LG PF85U – The LG PF85U might be the best replacement for your TV. LG bills this as a LED Smart Projector, which means it has a built-in smart TV. The LG PF85U can connect easily to web-based viewing sites like Hulu or Netflix. Also, the projector has a reasonably loud stereo sound system built-in. Where the LG falls short is in image quality. Overall, in dimly lit rooms, the LG performs well, but when more light is present, you’re likely to experience washed-out colors and less detailed images. Also, the LG isn’t 3D ready and there aren’t zoom capabilities, which are two other disadvantages.

LG PF85U
LG PF85U

Features:                                                                                                      

  • Built-in Audio
  • 1,000 Lumens
  • HDMI Connections
  • Extended-life LED lamp
  • Price: $999

 
If you’re planning a home theater on the cheap, you have options available to you that will enhance your home theater. Is there a clear winner? The BenQ HT1075 is one of our favorites, but depending on the features you’re looking for, all five of these projectors offer something a little different. Plus, they’re all affordable and perform well.