BenQ LW61ST DLP Projector - Review Summary-2

Posted on May 30, 2012 by Art Feierman

BenQ LW61ST Projector: Pros

Long life laser lightsource rated at 2000 lumens, measured out to 1485 lumens in Dynamic Mode
Very good color, in all modes, brightest mode especially good compared to competition
With relatively limited tendency to dim, ends up brighter than many much brighter conventional PJs.
Low long term cost of operation, due to limited maintenance, no lamp replacements
Very good 3 year parts and labor warranty on projector and light source

❮ ❯

Short-throw design for lower cost installations, front of the room setup
Wireless support for iPhone/iPad (requires optional wireless "dongle")
Standard networking, AMX compatible
Presentation timer (a nice touch some will really like)
Basic remote mousing, page up/down via USB - essentially limited interactivity
Extremely source flexible: project fromcomputer, network, USB Display (from source) and USB Reader (PC free)
Eco-Blank - low power instant blanking of the screen
Should offer excellent long term price/performance when used a great deal

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While acceptable, the 1485 lumens was no match in brightness compared to traditional lamp projectors (until their lamps get old)
No zoom, so placement is critical to achieve your desired image size (typical of the projector type)
High price tag - almost $2000 street price is very high for the brightness, even for a projector this feature laden
No optional full interactivity - BenQ does support this projector with various electronic white boards.
Modest color shift issue with Macbook with its Display and Color LCD both set to 1280x800
Could definitely be quieter - a bit higher pitch than most