The GV30 utilizes many of BenQ’s popular features and proprietary technologies discussed in our BenQ X1300I andBenQ TK700STI projector reviews. I will summarize some of the more notable BenQ features found on the GV30.
Built-In Battery
The GV30 has a built-in battery that is rated to last up to 2.5 hours. I consistently got over 2.5 hours of video playback on my demo GV30. I was able to get 3 hours and 7 minutes of video playback. 3 hours and 7 minutes of battery-powered playback time allowed me to watch all of the military science fiction film, The Tomorrow War (2hr 18min), and most of the action thriller film Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse (1hr 49min). I watched the same two movies as from my BenQ GS50 review to keep things consistent.
The projector’s Picture Mode was on Cinema, Sound Mode was on Cinema, and Power Mode was on Normal. The volume was set at level 12, which was the perfect volume level for my viewing position, approximately 6 feet to the rear of the projector.
BenQ CinematicColor™ Technology
BenQ Ensures Color Accuracy for CinematicColor™ Projectors like the GV30.
The GV30 has optimized picture modes powered by CinematicColor™ and 97% Rec.709 wide color gamut for accurate color, authentically reproducing the colors directors have intended to show in their content. BenQ’s specially designed and custom calibrated color wheel that can display reds 1.3 times brighter than many of its competitors is what allows BenQ to make this possible.
BenQ states, “BenQ CinematicColor™ offers theatrical viewing without compromise. Professional-level color performance makes your content look its best and retain cinematic quality, even in outdoor environments.” BenQ says they ensure color accuracy for all of their CinematicColor™ projectors.
Smart Features
The GV30 has plenty of apps for hours of entertainment.
End-users can use the GV30 to stream or play video games directly from the Android TV interface. Android TV has 5000+ native Google Play apps for hours of entertainment. The GV30 remote control has one button app access to exclusive Amazon Prime originals and their extensive collection of 4K movies and shows.
Netflix is not natively available on BenQ smart projector. BenQ provides the following notice, “Netflix only supports specific authorized devices and is not natively available on BenQ smart home projectors. Please follow these recommended viewing procedures. If you want to watch Netflix, you need to install the dedicated BenQ “Apps Manager” via Google Play. Most importantly, please be sure to install the “BenQ Smart Control” app for navigation.”
To use the Netflix app, you need to follow the three steps below:
1. Install the dedicated app “Apps Manager” via Google Play.
2. Install “Aptoide.”
3. Install the “Netflix” app within Aptoide.
If you want to watch Netflix with the GV30, I recommend following BenQ’s step-by-step procedures or using a third-party device like an Apple TV for Netflix.
Google Assistant is only a button press away, and it even tells jokes.
The projector can be voice-controlled via Google Assistant and worked great on the GV30. With its built-in microphone, the remote is used to control a wide variety of functions using only your voice. Press and hold down the colored microphone icon button to activate the microphone for Google Assistant. I used voice control for things like “play some music,” “tell me the forecast today,” and “switch to YouTube.” The GV30 responded appropriately to all of the voice commands I gave it. The projector even told me a joke when I said, “tell me a joke,” the GV30 had some pretty funny, family-friendly jokes ready for me.
Project wirelessly with an iPhone or Android phone; AirPlay is supported.
The GV30 supports AirPlay for end-users like me who are entirely enveloped up in the Apple ecosystem. With AirPlay, the end-user can stream directly to the projector from an iPhone, iPad, or MacBook. The Google-certified Android TV has built-in Chromecast technology. With Chromecast, the end-user can cast their favorite type of entertainment – movies, shows, music, photos, games, and more from Android or iOS devices. Macs, Chromebooks, and Windows-based PCs all work with the GV30’s built-in Chromecast.
Media Playback
The GV30 has a built-in media player with 16GB of internal storage. The internal storage could be used to store music or some of your favorite movies on the projector.
The BenQ GV30 supports USB Type C flash devices up to 128GB.
GV30 supports USB flash drives. The formats supported are NTFS, FAT, and FAT32. In addition, playing media content is supported with the USB Type-C input. The GV30 does not have USB Type-A input.
Image Correction Technology
The GV30’s 1D keystone is easy to use.
The GV30 has autofocus, and it works quickly to clear up the projected image. For example, I bumped into the GV30 I had on a tripod stand, and it refocused on the projector screen in a matter of seconds. The projector also has 1D keystone correction; ± 40 degrees auto vertical.
The BenQ GV30 paired great with the Elite Screens 55-inch Yard Master 2 portable projection screen, even with the yellowish room lights illuminating the room.
While reviewing the GV30, I stayed at a Hampton Inn. And like the Ayres Hotel & Spa I previously stayed in during the XGIMI Elfin review, the hotel room walls were a horrible yellowish orange color with a rough texture. Not to mention the yellowish-colored light bulbs the hotel decided to place in every light.
The BenQ GV30 and Elite Screens 55-inch Yard Master 2 took approximately five minutes to assemble in my hotel room.
I set my Elite Screens, 55-inch Yard Master 2 with a CineWhite® UHD-B screen up in my hotel room. I used the screen during my stay at the hotel instead of projecting directly onto the yellowish-orange walls. I always travel with a portable projector screen for my reviews for this exact reason. I could have projected directly onto the unsightly yellowish walls if I had no other options. However, the Yard Master was easy to use and provided a better viewing experience than the hotel wall.
