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BenQ TK850i 4K SMART HOME ENTERTAINMENT PROJECTOR

Posted on February 12, 2021 by Art Feierman

BENQ TK850i SMART HOME ENTERTAINMENT PROJECTOR REVIEW

The BenQ TK850i is an excellent home theater projector that sells at a MSRP of $1699. Built off of Texas Instruments, highly regarded 0.47" DMD DLP system and utilizing XPR technology the TK850i is a powerful pairing TI and BenQ technologies, that, together, create the impressive 4K image projected on screen. The TK850i is a pixel shifting projector that displays a native 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels on screen.

The TK850i is one of the latest of a series of 4K UHD projectors from BenQ. Those of you familiar with BenQ models like the HT3550 and 3550i, as well as the non-smart version of this projector the TK850, will be happy to see that BenQ has used much of the same technology that made these projectors such strong performers.

Here at projector reviews we have been fortunate enough to do detailed testing of the BenQ models that share the TK850i design aesthetics. Previous models like the HT3550 and 3550i were praised for their ability to create a remarkably good 4K image, in large part due to its implementation of HDR technology. As with its previous offerings the BenQ TK850i is one of the best, in class, projectors at handling 4K HDR content. As you will see below this performance advantage is anchored in BenQ’s expertise at image processing. Specifically, BenQ Auto Tone Mapping and Color Mapping technologies combined with BenQ’s Dynamic Iris technology give this projector the ability to improve image quality in almost any HDR content displayed.

With the TK850i BenQ has managed to increase the projectors light output by a third when compared to previous models like the HT3550. This increase means that the TK850i will perform remarkably well both in darkened rooms or in rooms with uncontrolled ambient lighting.

If you are thinking about stepping up to a 4K home theater projector then put the BenQ TK850i on your list of projectors to strongly consider buying.

Highly recommended projector award
BenQ TK850i Specs
Price $1699
Technology DLP with XPR (0.47” DMD)
Native Resolution 1920x1080x4
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim) 3000
Contrast 30,000:1
Zoom Lens Ratio 1.3x
Lens Shift Yes
Lamp Life 4,000 Hours
Weight 9.3 Lbs.
Warranty 3 Years/20,000 Hours

OVERVIEW

The BenQ TK850i is a single-chip DLP projector, sporting Texas Instruments “smaller” 0.47” 4K UHD DLP chip set. The TK850i projector claims 3000 lumens and has a list price of $1699.

This is a projector designed to handle the latest and greatest 4K content with HDR. One really nice feature to note is that the TK850i supports both HDR10 and HLG HDR. The TK850i features a dynamic iris designed to enhance black level performance. The lens on this projector features a modest vertical lens shift of +/-10% which is always better than using the projector’s keystone correction for squaring up the image. There’s an onboard speaker system featuring two 5-watt speakers that gives the TK850i some decent stand-alone sound capabilities should you choose to use it without plugging into an external sound system.

The BenQ TK850i is a relatively small home theater projector, measuring 14.96 x 5 x 10.35 in and weighing in at 9.3 lbs.

The TK850i uses a 0.47” DMD DLP projector that creates a 4K image through the use of pixel shifting. Pixel shifting uses a native resolution 1920×1080 sensor to fire the same pixel four times, shifting where it hits the screen slightly each time, to create a total of 8.3 million distinct pixels on the screen.

BenQ claims the TK850i produces a brightness of 3000 lumens, which we’ll be testing. When looking at the TK850i by the numbers, it appears to be quite a projector. Let’s see if it holds up to testing.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 On-Screen Resolution
  • 3D-Compatible
  • Android TV OS via Included Adapter
  • Wi-Fi Connectivity via Included Adapter
  • Google Assistant via Included Adapter
  • 15,000 hours light source life in SmartEco Mode (10K Eco, 4K Normal)
  • 10-Element, 8-Group Lens Array
  • 1.3x Zoom and 1.13 to 1.47:1 Throw Ratio
  • Two HDMI 2.0b Inputs
  • Analog Audio Output
  • USB Type-A 3.1 Gen. 1
  • Built-In 10-Watt Stereo Speakers
  • HDR-PRO™ technology for authentic HDR
  • HDR10 & HLG Compatibility Brightness of 3000 ANSI Lumens
  • Contrast Ratio (FOFO) 30,000:1 (Dynamic Iris)
  • 98% of Rec.709 color accuracy
  • Dynamic Iris improves black levels
  • Dimensions: 12’”W x 4”H x 9”D
  • Weight: 9.2 lbs.

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