Presentation Projector Reviews BENQ
August 14th, 2008
BenQ has announced the release of two new models of presentation projectors with high brightness output that suit high-ambient light environments such as meeting and conference rooms.
The first model of note is the SP920, which is spec’ed as having a brightness of 6000 lumens. The other model is the SP870, which is rated at 5000 lumens. Both these ratings are sufficient to allow use in a well-lit room and be able to throw a strong image a considerable distance. Both can be used in large spaces with lights left on for the audience and permit them to write or read notes.
The projectors come with XGA native resolution of 1,024pixels x 768pixels. The XGA specification means an image size aspect ratio of 4:3. For business use this could allow a screen size of 150” diagonally, or about 10 feet across by 7 feet high. A rule of thumb for throw is 2 feet distance from the screen for every foot of screen width.
The high brightness could allow use in larger spaces such as a conference room of 200 to 400 seats, or a church for example. The screen size is rated for use from 31” to 300”. For example, viewing range is 23 feet to 105 feet with the projector at 30 feet from the screen. The standard lens is manual focus and zoom, plus digital zoom, to adjust image size. There are no optional lenses. Audible noise is 34 – 37dB.
In these two models BenQ uses DLP technology, a 30 second quick cool down, auto signal source, and several convenience features such as a presentation timer.
The DLP is a digital chip to enable bright whites, deep blacks, and richer color tones. Their ‘Unishape’ technology allows varying the projector lamp’s intensity to compensate for the brightness of the room and color sync. They claim a 40 per cent increase in image brightness with 2000:1 contrast.
Connection choices include DVI, HDMI, S-Video, Component video, composite, and mini jack stereo, with 2, 5W speakers. The remote control includes a laser pointer.
Dual lamps and 3 dual modes allow adjustment to room size and ambient light conditions plus provide extended lamp life from 2000 to 4000 hours.
Street price for the BenQ SP920 is about $4000.
