This month we will continue our series focused on gaming on a projector and this month we're looking at Halo Infinite. Halo has been a signature game for the Xbox gaming system for several years. This game was released in late 2021 and is the 6th installment in the Halo series. It is a first-person shooter game developed by 343 industries and published by Xbox game studios for the Windows and Xbox gaming systems. It is also available on the Steam streaming gaming platform.

Normally Kam Valentine, who is our resident gaming enthusiast, does most of our gaming reviews. However, he has a PlayStation and his gaming PC is currently broken, so I decided to tackle this article since I have an Xbox Series S. While I am not a hardcore gamer, I do enjoy playing these types of games on a large projector because it's almost like a large interactive movie.

BenQ sent Projector Reviews demo samples of the X3000i and TK700 gaming projectors to write our monthly gaming on a projector articles. BenQ is deeply embedded into the gaming world. And BenQ owns ZOWIE, the maker of gaming monitors for eSports. ZOWIE is BenQ’s brand dedicated to developing professional eSports equipment. So, having a series of gaming projectors from BenQ is a win for us gamers.

For this review, I utilized the BenQ TK700 we reviewed this projector a few months ago. The TK700, which retails for $1399, is a 4K lamp-based gaming projector with a rated brightness of 3,200 ANSI lumens. The projector’s high brightness makes it an excellent option for gaming or viewing the content in a room with moderate ambient light.

Since the BenQ TK700 is targeted at gaming enthusiasts who play games like Halo Infinite, BenQ knows that response time is critical. Switching the TK700’s Picture Mode from HDR10 to HDR Game gives you access to the projector’s Game Settings, where you can switch Fast Mode on or off. With Fast Mode turned on, the TK700 minimizes the response time between the input source and the displayed image.

The TK700 has a rated input lag of 4K@60Hz: 16.67ms, 1080p@240Hz: 4.16ms, 1080p@120Hz: 8.33ms, and 1080p@60Hz: 16.67ms. In addition to low lag, the projector includes a unique game mode for FPS gaming with audio, visual, and optimized latency settings.

I played the game in 4K@60fps as well as in 1080p at 120fps. The TK700’s low input lag rivals the best flat-panel TVs which ensures that gameplay will be responsive enough for all but the most serious competitive gamer and it far exceeds the needs of a casual gamer like me.

Halo Infinite can be played in multiplayer mode with/against others in games like Capture the Flag, Four Versus Four, and Big Team Battles. While more competitive gamers, like our reviewer Kam Valentine, would probably enjoy playing against others, I'm a casual gamer so I would probably get killed pretty quickly. Therefore, I prefer to play games like this in campaign mode because it gives me the opportunity to take my time and explore the world around me.

The game begins in 2559 when the UNSC ship Infinity was attacked and boarded by the Banished where Atriox defeats the Master Chief and dumps him in space. Six months later, a UNSC pilot recovers Master Chief floating adrift in space. While the Pilot wants to flee, Master Chief is hell-bent on continuing the fight against the Banished.

The Chief and Pilot travel to Zeta Halo, which has been mysteriously damaged severely. While on the ring, Master Chief locates the Weapon, an AI design used to imitate Cortana to capture her for deletion. Even though the Weapon claims she was successful in her mission, she has failed to self-delete as she was supposed to. Master Chief retrieves the Weapon, and experiences visions of Cortana's memories and thoughts left as residual data.

The game’s semi-open world structure allows you to freely explore parts of the ring-world Zeta Halo setting, which are segmented off from each other and initially impassable. As you explore, you will find Forward Operating Bases (FOBs), which can be captured once you have defeated the enemies in that area. These bases serve as fast-travel points.

Other points of interest found across Zeta Halo's surface include "high-value targets" to eliminate, Marine squads to rescue, and Banished propaganda towers to destroy. Completing these side objectives earns the player Valor, which is used to earn weapons and vehicles that players can access from FOBs.

While playing the game, you will use many of the same weapons and vehicles commonly found in the other Halo games. However, the game does add new abilities not available in the previous versions such as the Grapple Shot, which Master Chief uses to retrieve items and weapons from a distance, make a quick escape, or propel himself into the enemy during a melee attack.

As with all first-person shooter games, being able to see the enemy before they see you gives you a huge advantage. I am not skilled enough to take on multiple opponents all at once, so my best strategy when playing games like Halo Infinite is to take out targets one by one or a few at a time. Since I was using such a massive screen, it was much easier to see the enemy way out in the distance. This allowed me to sneak up on my targets and take them out and quickly go back into hiding.

Also, the TK700 projector’s HDR game mode makes it easier to see opponents standing in the shadows. The TK700 includes BenQ’s Black Detail Enhancement under the projector’s Game Settings. When Black Detail Enhancement is engaged, it is easier for you to see someone approaching in the dark so you can react faster. The TK700’s HDR Game mode also refines its projected image to help disclose movements and details in dark scenes while optimizing colors.

While playing Halo Infinite, I sat about 13 feet away from my 120” screen which delivers an immersive gaming experience that would be hard to match with even a large flat-panel display. While many PC gamers sit just a foot or so from their large gaming monitors, most console gamers sit much farther away from their flat-panel TVs. This makes the experience less immersive, and it also makes smaller targets harder to see. 

Another thing I noticed when playing an open-world game like Halo Infinite on a projector versus a computer monitor is other people in the house turn into spectators. As I mentioned earlier playing Halo Infinite, felt like I was the main character in an interactive movie. If anyone (i.e. my wife and kids) were in the room while I was playing, they would start telling me to “watch out,” “turn left” or “try that entrance”. They seemed as entertained watching the game as I was playing it.

Great sound is also essential if you want to be fully immersed in a gaming experience. Halo Infinite is full of sound effects which draw you into the game. This includes lots of witty banter from the Banished. Many times, you hear them long before you see them. The game supports surround sound so you can tell where the enemy is located even if they are behind you.

The TK700 has a built-in single 5-watt chamber speaker which sounded surprisingly good. However, if you are a gamer that wants to be genuinely enveloped in sound, you may want a more powerful external sound system. The TK700’s HDMI input #2 supports eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) input which can send multi-channel audio 5.1, 7.1, and Dolby Atmos from a game system to the external audio system.

I only had the opportunity to play Halo Infinite for a few days, so I only completed a couple of missions. The world is expansive enough to keep anyone engaged for several weeks. Overall, I really enjoyed the limited time I have spent playing Halo Infinite, and I look forward to continuing to explore new missions with Master Chief.

 In the coming months, Kam and I will be checking out more exciting game titles so be sure to keep checking back at Projector Reviews for our gaming on a projector articles.

This year, for CEDIA Expo 2022 CEDIA’s homepage stated, “The global membership association that serves the smart home technology industry through advocacy, connection, and education.” Last year, during CEDIA Expo 2021, their homepage stated, “Where Home Technology Lives. Get Connected, Educated, and Inspired.” Well, consider me connected, educated, and inspired. CEDIA Expo 2022 did not disappoint; the exposition was full of new technology that consumers will be happy to have. In this article I go over some of the more interesting offerings I came upon while at the show including some video highlights I took while there.

AWOL VISION

Steven Shulman, President of AWOL Vision has come into the Ultra-Short-Throw/Laser TV market swinging! During my interview with Steven, he said something that stuck with me. Steven told me “I’m not looking at the bottom line, I just want us (AWOL Vision) to make the best UST projector we can make.” 

AWOL Vision’s website states, “In March 2022, Incorporated with Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser technology, AWOL Vision launched the 150” 4K UHD 3D laser TV- LTV-3500 and TriChroma UST 4K UHD 3D Laser Projector-LTV-2500. With the color richness, lightweight, smartness and hassle-free set up, LTV-3500 and LTV-2500 make people’s dream of owning a real private movie theater within their budget become true. It brings the true immersive experience to people no matter they watch movie, TV drama, concerts, or sports events".

In August 2022, AWOL Vision launched the 120” rollable 4K UHD 3D Laser TV - AWOL Vision Vanish. Vanish TV can convert any room into a movie theater in minutes. People don’t have to worry about a large screen if they can’t get it into the room or set up on the wall anymore. Ultimately this innovation can help elevate the customer's viewing experience and ultimately, lifestyle, to next level. It should also be noted that CEDIA Expo 2022 was AWOL Vision’s first time as a CEDIA exhibitor.

AWOL Vision had their AWOL Vision Vanish Laser TV on display. The AWOL Vision Vanish Laser TV is a combination of the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Triple Laser UST projector, AWOL Vision Vanish Laser TV smart cabinet, and your choice of a 100-inch or 120-inch AWOL Vision Vanish ALR screen. Of course, on display, they had their 120-inch screen for all of the CEDIA participants to see. The AWOL Vision Vanish TV with the 120-inch screen option has a $14,999 MSRP.

The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 is a 4K Triple-Laser UST projector with 3,500 ANSI lumens. In addition, the projector has HDR10+, 3D capability, dual integrated 36-watt speakers, eARC, Dolby Atmos, just to name a handful of features. The LTV-3500 is also ready to stream (4K Max Fire TV Stick offered) and has a hidden compartment on the rear for an Amazon Fire Stick or comparable media streaming device.

The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 has an MSRP of $5,499. The LTV-2500 is $2,799 and includes an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K MAX. Lastly, in addition to online sales, Steven wanted to ensure everybody knew that on June 2022, AWOL Vision opened the first dedicated UST Triple Laser TV store ithe n United States. The store is located in Delray Beach, Florida.

Projector Reviews might be getting a demo sample of the AWOL Vision LTV-3500 in the near future, keep checking back at Projector Reviews for updates. In the meantime, take a look at the video we captured at CEDIA of the AWOL Vision booth:

LG

LG had their CineBeam HU915QB Premium 4K UHD Laser UST and CineBeam HU715QW 4K UHD Laser UST projectors on display and running demos. While LG is a leading manufacturer of flat-panel TVs, they understand that some customers are looking for a bigger and more immersive image than even the largest OLED or LCD TV can provide. The HU915QB is the part of LG CineBeam projector lineup and is the flagship UST model in their assortment. The CineBeam series of projectors are designed to make front projection more accessible and appealing to a wider range of consumers. Both projectors follow HGiG guidelines. HGiG helps gamers enjoy HDR games from gaming consoles like the PlayStation and Xbox.

The HU915QB is a 4K UST projector with a laser light source rated at 3,000 ANSI lumens. The HU915QB has HDR10, HLG and it uses the latest version of LG’s WebOS, which is what is found in their latest flat-panel TVs. This feature makes the projector very smart, so you have all the apps and capabilities also found in a Smart TV. It is nice that WebOS supports Netflix, because the app is not available on many smart projectors.

The HU715QW is a 4K UST projector with 2,500 ANSI lumens. The laser light source is rated to last up to 20,000 hours and it has dual integrated 20-watt speakers and a woofer. The LG HU715Q 4K UST projector was introduced as a more affordable consumer projector. However, the HU715Q still provides vivid imagery within a short projection distance and creates good images from 80-inches up to 120-inches. The HU715Q utilizes many of LG’s popular features and proprietary technologies discussed in detail in our LG HU85LS 4K UHD UST Smart Business Projector and LG HU85LA 4K UHD Smart Home Theater CineBeam Projector reviews.

Take a look at the video of the LG booth at CEDIA.

EPSON

Epson had several nicely done demo rooms located in the Omni Dallas Hotel Arts District. One room ran demos of the EpiqVision Ultra LS800 and the other ran demos of the Pro Cinema LS12000 4K PRO-UHD Laser Projector. They even had Shaq there to greet anyone who entered the room, sure it was a cardboard cutout of Shaq but hey, it still drew people in who wanted to take pictures with the life-size image of the legendary NBA player.

Philip and I got a great demo of the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800 projecting onto an Epson SilverFlex®120-inch Ultra ALR screen. The LS800 is 3-Chip 3LCD Ultra Short Throw Smart Streaming Laser Projector with 4,000 ANSI lumens of color and 4,000 ANSI lumens of white brightness. In addition, the projector has “Sound by Yamaha” via an integrated 2.1 channel audio system. The LS800 has a $3,499 MSRP.

We also saw the LS12000 which is Epson’s most advanced Pro Cinema Series projector to date, and it is designed to deliver the performance and features demanded by the most discerning video enthusiasts. The Epson Pro Cinema LS12000, which retails for $4999, is a 4K HDR-compatible laser home theater. The Pro Cinema LS12000 uses native 1080P 3LCD panels but the projector is equipped with the latest version of Epson’s 4K UHD Pro technology. This feature combines advanced pixel-shifting technology and a new Precision Glass Shift Plate with three individual high-definition LCD chips to produce 4K resolution (3840×2160 pixels) on screen. While native vs pixel-shifted resolution is still a heated debate among home theater enthusiasts, Epson’s proven pixel shift technology does deliver an image that is visibly sharper than a traditional native 1080p projector.

Here is a video we captured while visiting Epson:

SONY

Sony had a great demo utilizing their VPL-GTZ380 4K SXRD Laser Projector and a 220-inch Stewart Filmscreen. The VPL-GTZ380 is for those looking for the ultimate home theater experience. The VPL-GTZ380 is a 10,000 ANSI lumen, native 4K SXRD projector with an $80,000 (minus lens) MSRP.

I prepared to gather some photos and videos but was quickly told no photos or videos were allowed. There was a bunch of Top Gun Maverick footage that would get flagged online, so you’ll have to trust me on how good the demo looked. Better yet, check out Philip Jones’ full review on the VPL-GTZ380 4K SXRD Laser Projector since he had it for weeks upon weeks testing it.

Sony displayed their all-new lineup of 4K HDR Laser Home Theater Projectors with Native 4K SXRD Panels. The VPL-XW7000ES has a 3,200 ANSI lumen laser light source with a $28,000 MSRP. The VPL-XW6000ES is a 2,500 ANSI lumen laser projector with an MSRP of $12,000. The VPL-XW5000ES has a 2,000 ANSI lumen laser light source with a $6,000 MSRP.

Along with the all-new Native 4K SXRD panel, which provides full 4K resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixels, all three projectors have Sony’s X1™ Ultimate Processor, which brings the end-user the best of Sony’s image processing. 

Sony also had a conference room they loaded up with projectors for a projector shootout. First, Sony ran their XW5000 against Epson’s LS12000 and JVC’s NP5. Next Sony ran their XW6000 against JVC’s NZ7 and NZ8. Lastly, the Sony XW7000 was put up against the JVC NZ8 and NZ9. 

Everything was operated out-of-the-box utilizing the manufactures suggested modes. Sony stated no ISF calibrations were used on any projectors in the shootout because over 90% of installers do not have a ISF certified calibrators for calibrating their customer’s projectors. Most installers simply take the projector out of the box, install it, and then set them to the manufacturer’s suggested settings. It was quite interesting to see all these projectors operating side by side.

JVC

JVC unveiled a limited-edition projector celebrating the 25^th Anniversary of its D-ILA technology. JVC is calling the projector the JVC DLA-25LTD, with the 25LTD obviously representing its 25^th Anniversary of its D-ILA technology and the fact that it’s a limited edition. Rob Budde from JVC told me there will only be 25 of these DLA-25LTD projectors available in the United States. The DLA-25LTD’s optics are hand-picked and they will have ISF calibration done by Kris Deering. The DLA-25LTD has a 3,000 ANSI lumen BLU-Escent Laser Light Source and a 100mm 8K resolution all-glass lens. JVC states their projector has 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 cinema color gamut and is ISF certified. Every DLA-25LTD projector even comes with its own 25^th Anniversary plaque that is beautiful and worthy to be hung on the wall next to the projector. The JVC DLA-25LTD will cost the first 25 to buy it $29,999.95 and it will be available mid-December 2022.

JVC also displayed their DLA-NZ9 D-ILA Laser Projector, DLA-NZ8 D-ILA Laser Projector, and DLA-NZ7 D-ILA Laser Projectors. The JVC DLA-NZ9 is an HDR home theater projector that delivers true 4K resolution (4096 x 2160). It is the replacement for the award-winning DLA-NX9/RS3000 which we reviewed a while back. These JVC models all utilize their BLU-Escent laser light source, include 8K e-shift technology and they are the world’s first projectors to offer 48Gbps 8K/60p inputs.

With a retail price of $25,999, the DLA-NZ9 sits at the higher end of JVC’s D-ILA FPJ lineup but its high native contrast combined with 4K resolution results in exceptional performance. In addition, since this is a native 4K unit (unlike a 2K pixel shifting projector), it can faithfully reproduce all 8.8 million pixels found in 4K content.

Lastly, JVC stated they are pushing out Firmware 2.0 for all their D-ILA projectors. Part of the update includes a Picture Mode that will auto switch to Filmmaker Mode with a 2.4 gamma level when connected to a Kaleidescape Movie Player. The firmware update will be available mid-November 2022. I’ll be testing this out on my Kaleidescape Strato C Movie Player which is currently attached to a Kaleidescape Compact Terra 6TB Movie Server.

EPV PROJECTION SCREENS

I spoke with Ben Ramos and Jaime Abrego at the EPV Projection Screens booth. Ben showed me a DarkStar® Max UST-FR automated screen. The DarkStar® Max UST-FR is semi portable, once the projection screen retracts back into its casing, it’s relatively easy to move to a new location. The design features motorized scissor-backed cross spring risers that raise and lower the screen. The DarkStar® Max UST-FR FR is a non-invasive motorized free-standing electric UST front projection screen that features Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) and Ceiling Light Rejecting (CLR) ultra-short-throw projection screen material. During the demo, Ben held up a piece of the matte white projector screen material to illustrate the benefits of ALR/CLR screen made for UST projectors. The matte white screen washed out the projector’s image while the Dark Star® Max UST-FR automated screen stayed vivid under the intense brightness of the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center. 

EPV Projection Screens states, “The DarkStar UST material mitigates the washout effects of ambient light while boosting color saturation, contrast, and black/white dynamic range.” The DarkStar® Max UST-FR electric screen looked great even in the high ambient light environment of CEDIA Expo 2022 Dallas, Texas.

KALEIDESCAPE

Kaleidescape had their new Terra 88TB and compact Terra 22TB at CEDIA paired with a Strato C 4K movie players. The Strato C is a 4K UHD movie player that supports high dynamic range and lossless audio, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

In as little as 10 minutes, the Terra movie server line can download feature-length 4K movies on a gigabit internet connection. Kaleidescape provides visually lossless 4K Ultra HD (UHD) video and lossless multichannel audio. Kaleidescape’s video compression solution utilizes 4x to 5x the video bit rate of streaming digital video services.

Tired of searching through stacks of your favorite Blu-ray discs at movie time? A Terra movie server is ideal for customers looking to invest in a Kaleidescape system that can instantly play their favorite movies, television shows, and music events; When combined with the Strato C 4K movie player, the Terra movie server provides an unrivaled experience. The Kaleidescape system is absolutely something that must be seen in person to appreciate it fully.

HISENSE

Hisense displayed their 120L9G Laser TV. The 120L9G is Hisense’s L9G smart UST projector that comes with a 120-inch ALR projection screen. The Hisense L9G is a Tricolor laser-equipped smart ultra-short-throw projector with a brightness rated at 3,000 ANSI lumens that comes with an ALR projector screen at $5,999 MSRP (120-inch) and $5,499 MSRP (100-inch). These types of projectors are commonly referred to as “Laser TVs”. They are called Laser TV because these projectors are designed to be a viable replacement for a flat panel television.

For an ultra-short-throw projector to qualify as a TV replacement, they need to offer at least three things. First, it must be able to be used day or night. Second, it must deliver vibrant color regardless of ambient room light. Third, the UST projector must have all the functionality expected to be in a flat-panel TV. The Hisense L9G and L5G Series of UST projectors does all of this and more.

SAMSUNG

The Samsung Premiere LSP9T 4K Smart Laser Projector and its little brother, the Premiere LSP7T 4K Smart Laser Projector were out on display running demos for Samsung. The Premiere Smart Laser Projectors are Samsung’s first 4K ultra-short-throw smart projectors. Each year Flat-panel TVs get bigger and bigger. For example, Samsung offers several 85″ models starting at $1,800. However, Samsung realizes that some customers desire an even larger more immersive picture. The Premiere Series of Smart Laser Projectors are designed to appeal to those customers.

The Samsung LSP9T which we reviewed originally had a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $6,499 so it sells at a higher price point than many UST projectors. However, its premium features and build quality justify its premium price. For example, the Premiere LS9PT, like the Hisense 100L9G ($5,499 MSRP), utilizes an advanced triple laser light source capable of displaying colors that many flat-panel displays can’t display. 

The LSP9T and its little brother, the LSP7T, represent the best of Samsung when it comes to hardware, software, and product design. To quote Samsung, “The Premiere re-imagines the home cinema experience with an all-new compact design, 4K picture quality, and big sound for tight spaces that can be used for any at-home activity and living room arrangements.”

CEDIA EXPO 2023

Last year for CEDIA Expo 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana, many companies opted out of physically showing up in Indianapolis and instead only had a virtual presence. For CEDIA Expo 2022 in Dallas, Texas, companies returned to the CEDIA floor, and it was an amazing time. Like last year, I felt inspired by the technology I could see and touch. I also saw some really nice products and demonstrations. CEDIA Expo 2023 is scheduled to be held in Denver, Colorado. I hope to see you all there and for those who can’t make it, I’ll have video coverage for you.

Saints Row - Self Made is an action-adventure, open-world, gangland shoot ‘em up Role-Playing Game (RPG). Saints Row – Self Made is set in the American Southwest in a fictional city called Santo Ileso. It’s a reboot of the Saints Row series. Saints Row can be played single-player or co-op online. Saints Row - Self Made is published by Deep Silver, a division of Plaion GmbH, Austria, and developed by Deep Silver Volition LLC. Saints Row – Self Made was released on August 23, 2022.

Saints Row - Self Made is the fifth installment of the Saint Row series, following Saints Row (2006), Saints Row 2 (2008), Saints Row: The Third (2011), and Saints Row IV (2013). The game follows the Third Street Saints, which started as a common street gang. Most of the gameplay revolves around over-the-top gameplay, including a bunch of shooting, driving, and flying while building up your criminal empire.

BenQ sent Projector Reviews demo samples of the X3000i and TK700 gaming projectors to write our monthly gaming on projector articles. BenQ is deeply embedded into the gaming world. BenQ owns ZOWIE, the maker of gaming monitors for eSports. ZOWIE is BenQ’s brand dedicated to developing professional eSports equipment. So, having a series of gaming projectors from BenQ is a win for us gamers.

I paired Saints Row - Self Made with the BenQ X3000i 4K LED gaming projector for this gaming on a projector article. Next, I connected my PlayStation 5 to the BenQ X3000i via a 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 cable. I then projected it onto my new 100-inch (16:9) Elite Screens Aeon fixed frame projection screen with Elite’s EDGE FREE® technology and Elite’s CineWhite® UHD-B screen material. The CineWhite® UHD-B (Tensioned Matte White) is a 1.3 gain flexible front projection screen material that is ISF certified for achieving accurate color reproduction and image fidelity.

BenQ proudly boasts the X3000i’s ability to reproduce authentic colors in games utilizing BenQ’s CinematicColor™ technology. Hence, an ISF-certified screen only made sense for my new reference screen for these gaming reviews. Spoiler alert, BenQ’s CinematicColor™ technology paired together with the ISF-certified screen beautifully and provided me with an amazing visual experience.

BenQ’s X3000i with CinematicColor Ultra-Reality and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage provides a wide color gamut. The wider the color gamut, the more colors you can see in your gaming world and movies. BenQ states the X3000i was designed for use with PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch. BenQ also says the X3000i 4K 4LED gaming projector is designed for cinematic immersion in gameplay with 4LED HDR-PRO™, for grand scenery in authentic colors with dynamic virtual 3D sound from various directions. Lastly, The X3000i’s 4LED light source brightness is rated at 3000 ANSI lumens.

The X3000i has many specifications that make up a good gaming projector for an action-adventure RPG like Saints Row - Self Made. The X3000i has dedicated game modes for FPS, RPG, and SPG modes with audio, visual, and optimized latency settings for action-adventure games like Saints Row – Self Made. Additionally, BenQ states the X3000i has UHD graphics with a speedy 16.67ms input lag at 60Hz and 4.16ms input lag at 240Hz when set to display 1080p.

The BenQ X3000i projects a 100-inch image at 8.2 feet, perfect for my new reference 100-inch projection screen. Keep in mind that you can go bigger; the X3000i can also project a 150-inch image at 12.5 feet from the projection surface. Would you rather see an RPG character in Saints Row as a character only a few inches tall, or would you want to see the character measured in feet?

The even better question is would you want to see your opponents in a shoot ‘em up RPG like Saints Row on a 38-inch curved gaming monitor or, say, a 100-inch projector screen? I bet most would choose the significantly larger projector screen if the space were available. The level of big screen immersion utilizing a projector and a massive projector screen is unmatched with a gaming monitor or TV. Projecting onto a 100-inch screen made me feel like I was really in the game!

I will provide my initial impressions of gaming with a projector while playing Saints Row - Self Made. While keeping this article brief, I will hopefully provide enough information to decide if gaming on a projector is for you, especially with a game like Saints Row. However, the game itself is not brief. Saints Row can be played for hours and hours without ever getting bored because of the mixture of waging war against enemy factions, exotic weapons, and incredible vehicle options, all mixed with a dose of comedy and humor. The wit and humor, however, are toned way down from the previous Saints Row games. It’s almost as if Saints Row - Self Made is a test to see if gamers prefer the hysterically crude humor from previous versions or this new toned-down humor.

Saints Row – Self Made is set in the American Southwest in a fictional city called Santo Ileso with nine different territories. To grow your empire, you must contend with Marshall Defense Industries and two competing criminal street gangs: Los Panteros and The Idols. Luckily, you’re “The Boss” which means you can call in backup in the form of NPCs that are fellow gangsters when the going gets tough.

Placing the X3000i’s Picture Mode into HDR Game instead of HDR10 allows you to go into Game Settings, where the projector gives the choice of turning Fast Mode On or Off. With Fast Mode turned to On, the X3000i minimizes the response time between the input source and the displayed image. I, like all other gamers, want to minimize lag input. So, I, of course, set the X3000i’s Fast Mode to On for Saints Row -Self Made.

If you attack rival gang members, they’ll call for backup if you do not dispatch them quickly enough. If that cellphone call for help goes out, you’ll soon find yourself in a full-on running and gunning battle on the streets of Santo Ileso. When I pressed R2 on the PS5 remote to attack, I needed it to happen quickly without a laggy response because the rival criminals dodge attacks. You’ll get taken out quickly if you are not using a low-input lag gaming projector/display. You’ll appreciate the BenQ X3000i’s low 16.67ms input lag at 60Hz (4K) and 4.16ms input lag at 240Hz (1080p); it will help keep you alive in Saints Row.

While low lag is great, you won’t get very far in any game with dark and bright scenes if you can’t see what’s happening around you. As I like to say, nobody wants to be killed by an enemy they had no chance of seeing. The good news is that many games in 2022 have enhanced graphics with HDR. The human eye is more sensitive to color and contrast than it is to resolution. The inclusion of HDR support in games means you see everything in the bright and dark areas. Having a projector with HDR game mode like the X3000i is a good bonus because it allows you to take advantage of these new games with enhanced graphics.

One of the key features of Saints Row is the ability to customize your character, “The Boss,” with seemingly endless options for styling (clothing) down to their underwear. In addition, you can head over to the nearest Friendly Fire weapon store to purchase and even customize an insurmountable amount of firearms, bats, swords, and other weapons. Of course, you could also just attack your enemies and pick up whatever weapon they may happen to drop once you defeat them.

If you truly want to fully immerse yourself into a game, you will need the audio to match the visuals. Your projected image can be spectacular, but if the audio is uninspiring, you won’t really feel like you are being drawn into the game. Some projectors have enhanced audio capabilities for those who want to ditch built-in projector speakers for an even more immersive sound from the game. The X3000i, for example, has eARC support. Even though the HDMI-2 port on the rear of the X3000i simply says ARC, the X3000i most definitely has eARC support.

With eARC’s added capacity, the X3000i HDMI supports multiple audio outputs, including 2.0, 5.1, 7.1, and Dolby Atmos, to an external audio system. In addition, the following audio output formats are provided to achieve your desired audio performance: LPCM supports 2-channel audio output, RAW supports 5.1 channel audio output, and RAW+ supports Dolby Atmos audio Output. So, grab a projector that supports eARC to fully take advantage of the cinematic sounds built into many games.

My newly remodeled projector lab has a Definitive Technology Studio 3D Mini Sound Bar and Wireless Subwoofer with Dolby ATMOS and DTS:X specifically to test out ARC/eARC HDMI ports on projectors.

Game developer Deep Silver Volition LLC did a fantastic job with Saints Row’s music tracks and sound effects. Saints Row draws you into the gaming experience. The developers went out of their way to get licensed music added to the game. While operating a vehicle, you have your choice of ten in-game radio stations for a variety of music. Rap, Rock, Country, EDM, and traditional Mexican music are some choices. The sound quality of Saints Row, when played through a gaming projector with a capable integrated sound system like the X3000i, is excellent.

After all, the BenQ X3000i has treVolo tuned full-range speakers built-in, virtual 3D surround sound via Bongiovi DPS technology, and dedicated audio modes fine-tuned to bring out the sound details and directions of various game types and scenes. As expected, Saint Row sounded great whether played through the X3000i integrated audio system or through the X3000i’s HDMI eARC port connected to the soundbar.

I broke out a tape measure and took character measurements; My main character, “The Boss,” was over 30-inches during regular gameplay. The NPCs ranged from six to over thirty inches, depending on how close they were to my main character. The best part was that my aiming reticle was between two and six inches, depending on my firearm choice. It’s pretty darn hard to misalign your sights when your aiming reticle is six inches tall and your adversaries are thirty inches tall.

Saints Row – Self Made and a gaming projector goes hand in hand. Bigger is better for this game. A capable gaming projector and a large projector screen allow you to easily see your surroundings and the in-game mini-map that is ever present in the bottom left corner of the game screen. The mini map guides you to everything of interest near your character and helps you efficiently navigate the area. As you can see in the picture above, the mini map has a blue line to guide me to my next “Networking” mission at the train depot.
Gaming with a projector and a big screen is one of the most immersive gaming experiences you can have, minus having it on a Virtual Reality (VR) gaming headset. Still, those get heavy and hurt your head and eyes after a while…ask me how I know. It does not matter if you are a casual or competitive gamer; gaming with a gaming projector is an excellent way to make yourself feel like you’re in the game. It’s a blast, and you get to draw in a crowd of your closest friends and family to watch you as you game.

We have covered Rainbow Six - Extraction, Tiny Tina’s Wonderland, Horizon Forbidden West, Elden Ring, Gran Turismo 7, Dying Light 2, and now Saints Row. Stay tuned for more initial impressions of gaming on a projector in 2022 with games like Warhammer 40,000: Darktide and Halo Infinite. Keep checking back for more gaming on a projector articles; you don’t want to miss a thing!

Dying Light 2 - Stay Human is a fantasy action Role-Playing Game (RPG) survival horror game set in a zombie apocalyptic-themed open world. Dying Light 2 can be played single-player or play in up to four-player co-op online. The game was developed and published by Techland. Dying Light 2 was released on February 4, 2022.

Dying Light 2 is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. For PS5, Dying Light 2 - Standard Edition can be purchased for only $59.99. Dying Light 2 - Deluxe Edition comes with access to a story DLC #1, exclusive weapon charms, a legendary skin pack, printable wallpapers, digital comic, artbook, and soundtrack for $79.99. Lastly, Dying Light 2 - Ultimate Edition is $99.99. The Ultimate Edition has everything in the Deluxe Edition plus a 2-hour night XP boost, crafting items, and access to story DLC #2.

As I have said before, game developers and hardware manufacturers have been striving to enhance the gaming experience for years. I'm an avid gamer and have a custom-built liquid-cooled gaming computer running an EVGA GeForce RTX 3070 graphics card, Intel Core i9-9900K processor, ASUS ROG Strix Z390-H gaming motherboard, and 96GB of RAM.

In addition, my gaming rig is hooked up to a 34" Alienware ultrawide curved gaming monitor with numerous Razer accessories. As you can surmise, I think gaming with a capable computer and gaming monitor is great, or else I would not have spent my hard-earned money on my current setup. However, I'm here to articulate that gaming with a gaming projector and massive projector screen provides a different type of gaming experience.

BenQ sent Projector Reviews demo samples of the TK700 and X3000i gaming projectors to write our monthly gaming on projector articles. Did you know that BenQ owns ZOWIE, the makers of gaming monitors for eSports? ZOWIE is BenQ's brand dedicated to developing professional eSports equipment. But BenQ doesn't stop there; BenQ also has MOBIUZ gaming monitors.

As a matter of fact, as I was casually rooting around on BenQ's website the other day, when I noticed that BenQ has the MOBIUZ EX3210R - Dying Light 2: Stay Human Night Runner's Edition gaming monitor. The monitor even comes with Dying Light 2 for FREE until BenQ runs out of the exclusive gaming monitor! The EX3210R gaming monitor has Dying Light 2 graphics on the housing and monitor stand, a stylish and welcomed touch. You can check out the MOBIUZ EX3210R - Dying Light 2 gaming monitor by clicking here if you want to see it yourself.

As you can see, BenQ having a series of gaming projectors is no surprise. Gaming is clearly part of BenQ's DNA. The more research I did, the more I saw about BenQ and its involvement in advancing gaming for us gamers. So, I'd say BenQ has a gaming solution for you, whether gaming with a projector and projector screen or gaming with a PC and gaming monitor. Admittedly, the 34" Alienware ultrawide curved gaming monitor I have is starting to show its age. I might replace it with a 34" MOBIUZ ultrawide curved gaming monitor to check it out in person, but I digress. Let's get back to projector gaming.

I paired Dying Light 2 - Stay Human with the BenQ TK700 4K Short-Throw Console Gaming Projector for this gaming on a projector article. For this article, I connected my PlayStation 5 to the TK700 via a 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 cable. I then projected it onto a 110-inch Screen Innovations (SI) Solo Pro 2 Unity AT Pure White 1.3 gain screen.

BenQ states the TK700 is a 4K lamp-based gaming projector designed for competition console gaming. The TK700 is fine-tuned to provide a smooth, responsive gaming experience with clear images better to arm you for competition gaming or casual gameplay.

The TK700 also has BenQ's Black Detail Enhancement; it's found under Game Settings. With BenQ's Black Detail Enhancement, the gamer can detect and react faster to approaching dangers by quickly mapping out details in the dark. The TK700's HDR Game mode also refines its projected image to help disclose movements and details in dark scenes while optimizing colors. The TK700's lamp light source brightness is rated at 3,200 ANSI lumens and covers 96% of the Rec.709 color gamut.

Dying Light 2 - Stay Human is set 22 years after the original Dying Light and features a new protagonist named Aiden Caldwell (voiced by Jonah Scott). The game is set in the city of Villedor, a massive zombie-infested open world. Aiden is well equipped with various combat and parkour skills to take on zombie hordes and human adversaries. Aiden is, in fact, trying to "Stay Human" during the gameplay.

Unfortunately, Aiden, like virtually everyone else, is infected with the zombie virus. Staying in near-constant contact with sunlight and Safe Zones with strategically placed UV lights at night is the only thing keeping Aiden from turning into a zombie. You will stress as you struggle to keep Aiden's UV light meter charged; the meter depletes in minutes when in the dark and away from UV lights.

The best part about Dying Light 2 is the fluid parkour system. If you are a Traceur (Parkour practitioner), you may get a kick out of this game. Leaping from edges at terrifying heights and scaling skyscrapers allow you to explore the massive open world. Aiden can fling out a grappling hook to swing across gaps while a paraglider lets you soar over zombie-filled streets and across tall buildings. Of course, you'll want to stay above the streets as much as possible; they are filled with outlaws by day and mobs of zombies at night.

A zombie Howler is the worst opponent for me. If a Howler spots you, they will howl loudly and alert all zombies in the area to your presence, and they begin to chase after you. It is quite a hectic encounter because the zombies will chase after you wherever you go until you find a Safe Zone. This chase sequence is where the BenQ TK700's low 16.67ms input lag at 60Hz (4K) and 4.16ms input lag at 240Hz (1080p) really shines.

As you run, dodge, and parkour yourself to a Safe Zone, zombies flood in from everywhere, and you must be quick to get away; reaction time is critical. Oh, and then there are the Virals to challenge your reaction time too. Virals are speedy zombies that will pounce on you in a matter of seconds. Without a low input lag gaming device, you won't survive Dying Light 2.

A feature of Dying Light 2 is the ability to customize your character with gear. Kitting Aiden out from head to toe with headgear, chest pieces, bracers, gloves, and footwear will provide a stat boost to Aiden's abilities and serve as armor for protection: it also looks cool. Gear can be located almost anywhere in Villedor. Keep an eye out for chests, armoires, and crates; they usually have something useful. You could also get gear from vendors and loot it off bodies.

With all the gear and weapons found in Dying Light 2, you can build out Aiden into one of four classes and playstyles. The four classes are Tank, Brawler, Medic, and Ranger. Tank builds are suitable for taking multiple hits and mastering powerful two-handed weapons. Brawler builds are helpful for general combat with one-handed weapons. Medic builds specialize in parkour-based combat and healing. Lastly, Ranger builds focus on stealth and ranged attacks.

The experience of playing a game like Dying Light 2 with a gaming projector is absolutely fantastic. Thanks to the 110-inch image I projected with the BenQ TK700 gaming projector, I felt fully immersed in the open-world game as I played. In addition, using a projector for a game like Dying Light 2 made it easier to spot zombies and see what was happening around my character. It also made performing melee attacks with Aiden much easier due to the size of the human adversaries and zombies on my screen.

As you delve deep into the inner corridors of abandoned buildings and also as night falls, Villedor can get very dark. You’re just left there in the dark interior of buildings with a measly flashlight and creepy zombies most of the time. That said, you may find having a gaming projector with an HDR game mode helpful. A projector with an HDR game mode is a huge bonus because it allows you to take advantage of the game's enhanced graphics and peek into those creepy dark corners for zombies tucked away in shadows when all you have is a flashlight to cut through the darkness in hand.

Switching the TK700's Picture Mode from HDR10 to HDR Game allows you to go into Game Settings, where it gives the choice of turning Fast Mode on or off. With Fast Mode turned set to On, the TK700 minimizes the response time between the input source and the displayed image.

For example, when I press R1 on my PS5 controller to leap from a high-rise rooftop to a zipline or ledge, I need my character Aiden to do it quickly, or else Aiden could fall to his death. For that reason alone, I turned Fast Mode on for Dying Light 2. HDR Game mode paired with Fast Mode helped save me countless times while doing parkour throughout the game. Trust me; you do not want an ill-timed leap due to poor input lag when the repercussions could be landing in the middle of a mob of zombies or falling from such a distance that you die on impact.

With a gaming projector, you certainly have immersive visuals pulling you further into the gaming experience. But what about enhanced audio to further draw you into the experience? If you genuinely want to fully immerse yourself into a game, you will need the audio and visuals to match. Your projected image can be breathtaking, but if the audio is lackluster, you will not really feel like you are being drawn into the game.

Gaming on a projector with a game like Dying Light 2 is a terrifying experience because the zombies like to get in your face. Still, it's also an enjoyable experience because you feel like you're really immersed in the zombie world. Better yet, you can really spot those sneaky zombies trying to blend into their surroundings to surprise attack you. As you can see by the photo above, my large projector screen allowed me to easily spot the zombie hunching just beyond the doorway…not this time zombie, not this time! It does not matter if you are a casual or competitive gamer. Gaming with a projector paired with a big screen is exhilarating, and you should try it for yourself to see if you agree with me.

Since a critical element of Dying Light 2 is the ability to use the environment and parkour to get where you need to be, the easier you can see the environment and parkour opportunities, the easier it is to pull off your escape. If you want to see zombies and other dangers from a mile away easily, a gaming projector and large projector screen may be for you. If you enjoy having your family and friends, gather around as you game as if they were watching a big-screen movie, or you like multiplayer games with up to four split screens, gaming with a projector and massive projector screen is definitely for you.

We have covered Rainbow Six Extraction, Tiny Tina’s Wonderland, Horizon Forbidden West, Elden Ring, Gran Turismo 7, and now Dying Light 2. Stay tuned for more initial impressions of gaming on a projector with games like Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, Saints Row, and Halo Infinite. So keep checking back for more gaming on a projector articles; you won't want to miss a thing.

Nothing beats playing a driving game on a massive projection screen. In this article sponsored by BenQ, we will be looking at the ultimate console driving game, Gran Turismo 7. While Kam is our resident gamer at Projector Reviews, I leaped at the opportunity to review this version of Gran Turismo.

I've always loved this game series because I am a hard-core auto enthusiast and Gran Turismo 7 allows car fans like me to drive my favorite cars on some of the best tracks/roads in the world. I am not alone when it comes to being a crazed Gran Turismo fan. There is an online GT Sport racing series based on the game. This game series is why I have purchased every generation of PlayStation, starting with the PS1.

So, when I heard that game developer Polyphony Digital was working with Sony Interactive Entertainment on Gran Turismo 7, I went searching for a new PlayStation 5 Console. This is because Gran Turismo games have always been a way for Sony to highlight the full capabilities of their latest PlayStation gaming consoles.

Gran Turismo 7 is a Sony PlayStation exclusive and it is available on disc and digital download; the PS5 version retails for USD 69.99, while the PS4 version sells for $59.99.

The game includes a huge amount of cars and tracks, so it would take months to explore every aspect of this game. My goal is to give you a peak at what it’s like to play a high-end driving game on a projection system.

For this review, I utilized the BenQ TK700 we reviewed a few months ago. The TK700, which retails for $1399, is a 4K lamp-based gaming projector with a rated brightness of 3,200 ANSI lumens. The projector’s high brightness makes it an excellent option for gaming or viewing content in a room with moderate ambient light. I connected my PlayStation 5 to the BenQ TK700 via a 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 cable. I projected the TK700 onto my lab's 100-inch Elite Screen CineWhite 1.1 gain screen.

The TK700’s ability to deliver 3,200 ANSI lumens and display 96% Rec.709 color space ensures that the projector delivers a bright, colorful image while retaining highlight detail when in HDR Game mode.

You can select several views while playing Gran Turismo 7, but I usually choose the in-car view. When I was playing the game on my 100” screen, it felt like I was sitting inside a full-size vehicle looking through the windshield. Gran Turismo on a projection screen is the closest most of us will ever get to driving a multi-million-dollar sportscar at 150 miles an hour on the Tokyo Expressway.

Each car’s cockpit view is rendered with amazing accuracy. For example, the interior of the 70’s Datsun Z car in my Gran Turismo 7 car collection looked nearly identical to the real vehicle I have sitting in my garage.

The projector’s accurate out-of-the-box color reproduction ensured the Ferrari Red looked like Ferrari Red in real life. The BenQ TK700 HDR game mode delivered a vivid image while maintaining highlight details like clouds in the bright sky. With or without raytracing, GT7 delivered the most realistic-looking driving gaming experience from a gaming console I have ever seen.

The PS5 version of Gran Turismo also supports immersive 3D Audio. This technology does a great job accurately recreating directional sounds coming at you. While the projector’s 5-watt sound system is surprisingly good for its compact size, I wanted to utilize a bigger sound system. I connected my PlayStation 5 directly to the TK700 and fed the audio to my soundbar using the projector’s Enhanced Audio Return Channel (eARC) enabled HDMI connection. HDMI eARC can pass very high bandwidth and supports uncompressed audio surround formats such as Dolby TrueHD and DTS Master Audio. This ensures that the A/V receiver or soundbar receives the maximum quality audio signal that my PlayStation 5 could deliver.

Gran Turismo 7 is described as a “real driving simulator,” and the game’s physics simulation model has been carefully refined over 25 years to deliver the most immersive and realistic driving experience possible. Factors like the time of day and weather conditions impact handling and even engine output. For example, when it rains, tire grip is reduced where there are puddles. Whether you’re driving a Porsche 911 or a modified Subaru WRX, every car looks and drives how you would expect them to in the real world.

Gran Turismo 7 is designed to be challenging to the driving game fan but still enjoyable for the casual gamer. You could spend months exploring road courses around the world and collecting and customizing vehicles. The game is centered around a car-themed resort full of different pavilions.

If you are playing solo, you will spend most of your time in the World Circuit Pavilion, where you’ll find tracks and events on three continents - Europe, America, and Asia-Oceania.

To learn the driving fundamentals like braking and cornering, there is a License Center Pavilion where you are awarded trophies and credit by completing time trails as quickly as possible.

When you complete challenges or win races, you are rewarded with vehicles to add to your collection and credits. For example, you collect a themed trio of vehicles like European compact and classic cars by achieving goals listed in the menu books available at the GT Café Pavilion. You will gradually unlock the rest of the pavilions and additional challenges along the way.  

While the game costs about $70, I spent $20 on 2,000,000 credits to buy and modify the additional cars for my collection. While I could have earned the vehicles and credits by winning races, I was too slow and impatient, so I took the easy route. There is a Used Car Pavilion where you can spend credits buying additional cars to add to your collection.

There are over 400 cars to choose from and nearly 100 different track layouts. Not only is there a huge variety of vehicles, but users can also enhance their rides' performance. In fact, more than 60 tuning parts are available for each car in the game.

If you want to customize the look of your cars, more than 650 aero parts and 130-plus wheels are available. You could spend days in the Tuning Shop and GT Auto Pavilions just modifying your race car before you even hit the track. Livery Editor lets players edit the exterior appearance of their car, like changing the paint color and adding stickers/decals. There are over 1200 available paint colors.

Your vehicles are stored in the Garage Pavilion for you to admire. Use the Scapes mode to take photographs of your favorite cars in more than 2500 locales. Each "Spot" was captured with HDR technology and projected in amazing detail by the BenQ TK700 on my 100” screen. Lastly, you can share your photos, designs, and replay with other enthusiasts around the world in the Showcase area

If you really want to maximize your GT7 gaming, you should seriously consider purchasing a steering wheel and peddle set. There are several great options available from companies like Thrustmaster and Logitech. As we mention, the TK700’s input lag is just 16ms when gaming 4K@60P, so when you turn the steering wheel, the one shown on screen responds nearly instantly.

Even if you just use the DualSense controller included with the PlayStation®5, GT7 makes full use of the Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers so the controller’s vibration closely matches what is happening on screen.

Up to 24 people can compete online, but the game includes a two-player split-screen option so you and your buddy can sit on the couch and race other. This is another situation where gaming on a massive projection screen is much better than utilizing a tiny 55” or 65” TV.

I do not consider myself a hardcore gamer and have the reflex of a three-toed sloth, but because I am such a big car enthusiast and there was much to explore, I enjoyed playing Gran Turismo 7. In the past, I have used projectors to play older versions of Gran Turismo, but the immersive bright HDR image delivered by the BenQ TK700 enhanced the game experience.

Next month, Kam will be reviewing Dying Light 2: Stay Human with the BenQ TK700 Gaming Projector. So, if you are into post-apocalyptic open-world survival games be sure to keep checking back at Projector Reviews; you do not want to miss any of our projector gaming reviews.

Elden Ring is a fantasy action Role-Playing Game (RPG) that can be played single-player or online with other players. The game was developed by FromSoftware, Inc and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Elden Ring was released on February 25, 2022. Elden Ring is available on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC. For PS5, Elden Ring: Standard Edition can be had for only $59.99, and Elden Ring: Deluxe Edition, which comes with a digital artbook and OST, will set you back $79.99.

BenQ states the X3000i was designed for use with PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Nintendo Switch. BenQ also says the X3000i 4K 4LED gaming projector is designed for cinematic immersion in gameplay with 4LED HDR-PRO™, for grand scenery in authentic colors with dynamic virtual 3D sound from various directions. In addition, the X3000i has BenQ’s CinematicColor Ultra-Reality with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut coverage. The wider the color gamut, the more colors you can see in your gaming world and movies. The X3000i’s 4LED light source brightness is rated at 3000 ANSI lumens.

The X3000i has dedicated game modes for FPS, RPG, and SPG modes with audio, visual, and optimized latency settings for action-packed games like Elden Ring. BenQ states the X3000i has UHD graphics with a speedy 16.67ms input lag at 60Hz and 4.16ms input lag at 240Hz when set to display 1080p. The BenQ X3000i projects a 100-inch image at 8.2 feet and a 150-inch image at 12.5 feet from the projection surface. The X3000i has all the specifications to make it a good choice for a fantasy-action RPG like Elden Ring.

This article will provide my initial impressions of playing Elden Ring with a gaming projector. Although some gamers are fully exploring and beating Elden Ring in 80+ hours, many more will find that Elden Ring is one of those RPGs that can be played for over 100 hours. The more you play, the more is learned about the game’s mechanics, character builds, and world interactions. If you are familiar with FromSoftware Inc, titles like Bloodborne, Dark Souls 2, Sekiro, and Demon Souls, your learning curve will not be as bad as mine.

Elden Ring is an action RPG with vast, awe-inspiring landscapes and shadowy, complex dungeons that are seamlessly connected. The character you create is “Tarnished” of no renown, guided by grace to brandish the power of the Elden Ring and become an Elden Lord in the Lands Between. You can jump on your trusty two-horned spectral steed named Torrent and explore the far reaches of the Lands Between, where you can discover new items and equipment to make your character more formidable. A wide variety of weapons, magical abilities, and skills can be found throughout the stunning open world. Best of all, you can level up your character’s attributes to improve melee, ranged, or magical combat.

Be forewarned, Elden Ring is a challenging game to play and master. Most standard enemies need only a handful of hits to kill you. Main bosses are even worse; some only need one to three hits to kill your character. Speaking of character death, your character drops all of their Runes (Elden Ring upgrading currency) upon their death. You get only one chance to return to the scene of your death to recover your lost Runes. If your character fails and dies again, those Runes are lost forever. It is quite a frustrating experience, but it does force you to alter your playing style to be more thought out and conservative. Game progression is a slow, torturous grind that will reward perseverance.

Elden Ring is fantastic on a gaming projector when not getting shot by arrows in the butt, forehead, and chest. Take a look at these photos above; I kept getting hit by arrows in the worst places; this game is ruthless. Elden Ring is hands down one of the most satisfying action RPGs I have played in a long time. Due to Elden Ring’s difficulty level, it is incredibly gratifying when you start mastering your combat style, boost your stats, and hone your skills.

Gamers can choose from ten different characters: Samurai, Wretch, Prophet, Confessor, Astrologer, Bandit, Prisoner, Vagabond, Warrior, and Hero. The Samurai was my primary character with its ability to gracefully swing a Katan and fire a deadly longbow. I am going out on a limb here and stating that making a Samurai Bleed Dexterity build that wields dual Uchigatanas should be the most fun for many gamers looking to play Elden Ring. Give it a try and see if you agree.

My secondary character was the Vagabond, for when I felt like being an ironclad walking tank with a devastating two-handed sword for heavy attacks. A key feature of Elden Ring is the ability to choose and build your character as you see fit. No matter if you favor strength, agility, stealth, or magic, there is a character build you get to make to suit your style.

The experience of playing a game like Elden Ring with a gaming projector is amazing. I felt fully immersed in the open-world game as I played, thanks to the 110-inch image I projected with the X3000i gaming projector. In addition, using a projector for a game like Elden Ring made it easier to see what was happening around my character. It also made aiming my Samurai’s longbow a lot easier due to the size of the aiming reticle.

We cannot forget about the sound quality of Elden Ring when played through a gaming projector. You will want to have a decent audio system for this game. Although Elden Ring is a relatively quiet game, with just the sounds of nature and the constantly changing weather surrounding your character. However, the sounds that come with the boss fights are loud and epic. The boss fight music goes big, boldly, and brings a sense of looming doom.

The BenQ X3000i projector used for this article has dual 5-watt built-in chamber speakers with dynamic stereo enhancement powered by Bongiovi DPS technology. Nevertheless, hooking your projector up to an audio system for even bigger sound and some extra bass is always a nice bonus. Many projectors allow users to connect them to an AV Receiver via eARC/ARC HDMI ports which will take full advantage of sounds that indicate where an enemy is attacking from or cinematic music that is built into many games.

If you are a casual gamer or a competitive gamer, gaming on a projector with a game like Elden Ring is something that should be experienced. You cannot duplicate the gaming experience of a gaming projector projecting Elden Ring onto a massive screen; everything is bigger and better. My Samurai measured well over two feet tall. A key element of Elden Ring is the ability to dodge, duck, and roll away from incoming attacks. The better you see an incoming attack, the easier it is to avoid the sword swing or spell. Bigger is better here; you want to easily see and avoid danger.

You can ask yourself, when gaming, would you prefer a character that is only a couple of inches tall with a small aiming reticle, or would you want a 29-inch-tall character with a giant aiming reticle? Everybody has personal preferences, so your answer will tell you if gaming with a projector is for you or not.

Whether on your spectral steed or going at it on foot, you will feel fully immersed in the open world of Elden Ring. A high lumen, color-accurate gaming projector that delivers brilliant big-screen HDR gaming images makes the experience of gaming on a projector exhilarating. Also, a Collector’s Edition is available for those who really love Elden Ring. It comes with some fabulous additions like a statue of Malenia, a 40-page hardcover artbook, Elden Ring digital soundtrack, and an exclusive Steelbook™.

Stay tuned for more initial impressions of gaming on a projector with games like Assassin’s Creed 15^th Anniversary, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, Dying Light 2, and Saints Row. Also, you all are in for a special treat. I just handed Technical Editor and Lead Reviewer Philp Jones the BenQ TK700 console gaming projector for some Gran Turismo 7 gaming sessions. So keep checking back for Philip’s gaming on a projector with Gran Turismo 7 article; you will not want to miss it.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is an epic semi-open world Action-Adventure game that can be played co-op, multiplayer, or single-player. The game was developed by Gearbox Software and published by 2K and was released on March 24, 2022. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is available across all platforms. That means you can enjoy Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands if you own a PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, or PC. You will need to purchase Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands: Next-Level Edition for $69.99 or Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands: Chaotic Great Edition for $79.99 to match up with the new-gen optimizations for the PlayStation and Xbox. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands: Standard Edition can be had for only $59.99 if you game from a Microsoft Windows-based computer, a PS4, or Xbox One. You will also need to have an Epic Games or Steam (coming soon) account if gaming from a PC.

I paired Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands with the BenQ TK700 4K Short-Throw Console Gaming Projector for this gaming on a projector article. The projector is on loan to Projector Reviews to write these gaming articles. I projected it onto my110-inch Screen Innovations (SI) Solo Pro 2 Unity AT Pure White 1.3 gain screen. If you want to learn more about the TK700, check out my full review of the BenQ TK700 4K Short-Throw Console Gaming Projector by clicking here.

The BenQ TK700 is a 4K lamp-based gaming projector designed for competition console gaming. The TK700’s lamp light source brightness is rated at 3,200 ANSI lumens. The TK700 has BenQ’s Black Detail Enhancement. With BenQ’s Black Detail Enhancement, the gamer can detect and react faster to approaching dangers by quickly mapping out details in the dark. The TK700 refines its projected image to help disclose movements and details in dark scenes.

The TK700 has a preset FPS gaming mode with audio, visual, and optimized latency settings for fast-paced games like Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. BenQ states the TK700 has True 4K UHD graphics with a speedy 16.67ms input lag at 60Hz and 4.16ms input lag at 240Hz when set to display 1080p. The TK700 has a 1.3x zoom lens and produces a 150-inch image at 12.03 feet from the projection surface. As you can see, the TK700 has the specifications perfect for a game like Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands.

While this is not a full review of the game, I want to provide you with my initial impressions of the game and how well it did or did not play while using a gaming projector. Of course, I could go on for pages and pages about all the details of the game, especially since your character can be indefinitely customized as you level up.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is a first-person looter shooter game in every sense of the term. The game is loaded with so much whimsical mayhem that you could run around for hours, days, weeks, and months laughing at the dialogue as you hack and slash your way through the game. Take a moment and listen to the smack-talking skeletons; they are hilarious. You embark on an epic adventure to stop the tyrannical Dragon Lord. Your hero is fully customizable down to your hero’s weaponry, clothing, and colors. A gamer will not get easily bored because you refine your build and expand your ever-changing arsenal as you level up.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is packed with some outstanding actors. The Dragon Lord is voiced by Will Arnett, Frette the robot is voiced by Wanda Sykes, and Captain Valentine is voiced by Andy Samberg. I found myself frequently laughing as they all have entertaining dialogues. Gearbox Software and 2K spared no expense on getting the voice actors needed to bring Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands to a level expected of them.

The last character I would like to mention is Her Royal Highness Queen Butt Stallion. Yes, you read that correctly, this character's name is Butt Stallion. Queen Butt Stallion is an “enchanted diamond Binicorn.” Yes, she is a unicorn, but with two horns, I am telling you, this game is full of mystical madness.

The gameplay is hilarious and ridiculous in the most fun way you can imagine. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands has a Dungeon and Dragons (D&D) vibe. In fact, Tiny Tina calls her unpredictable fantasy world game, Bonkers, and Badasses (B&B), and she is the Dungeon Master, or shall I say, the Bonker Master.

The experience of playing a game like Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is fantastic. I felt fully immersed in the game as I played, thanks to the 110-inch image I projected onto. I even played Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands on a split screen which supports up to 4 players. It should be noted that only PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S users will be able to make use of the 4-player split-screen. Gaming on a projector with a big screen really proved its worth once we started multiplayer gaming sessions. Splitting the screen was no big deal; we all still had a considerable portion of the screen to game on, unlike splitting the screen on your standard-sized TV or gaming monitor.

Tiny Tina’s Wonderland is bright and colorful one minute and then dark and shadowy the next minute. There are even portions of the game where you have darkness and brightness all in the same scene. So having a gaming projector with an HDR game mode is helpful, especially since Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is a 4K HDR game.

We cannot forget about the sound quality of Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands when played through a gaming projector. So naturally, you will want to have a decent audio system for this game. This is because there are so many sounds and audio indicators built into Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands. I utilized the BenQ TK700 projector, which has a decent built-in audio system using a single 5-watt speaker. However, attach your projector to an audio system if you want an even bigger sound and some extra bass. Many projectors allow users to connect them to an AV Receiver via eARC/ARC HDMI ports which will take full advantage of Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands’ high-quality sound that comes at you from every direction.

I will leave you with this. Gaming on a projector with a game like Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is a blast! You cannot duplicate the gaming experience of a projector projecting onto a massive screen if you use a TV or gaming monitor. Play Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands with two to four players playing on a split screen utilizing a TV. Then, try it again with a gaming projector and a 100-inch or bigger projector screen.

I can almost guarantee you will prefer the bigger screen, especially if you have access to a high lumen, color-accurate HDR projector. Brilliant big-screen HDR gaming images delivered with perfectly balanced color saturation and brightness were what I experienced when I combined Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands with BenQ’s TK700 4K Short-Throw Console Gaming Projector.

Meeting Room/Classroom projectors are smaller projectors with features like advanced networking, collaboration and wireless capabilities, and PC-Free Presenting which are useful in both education and business environments. The primary function of a projector in a K-12 classroom environment is to provide a display solution for presentations and other course materials. Choosing the right business and education projector for this type of room depends largely on the environment itself (lighting conditions, etc.,) and also on specific feature needs.

Projectors Listed in this Section

EPSON BRIGHTLINK 1485FI

The Epson Brightlink 1485Fi is a 1080p interactive 3LCD laser projector that provides 5,000 lumens of brightness along with a virtually maintenance-free 20,000-hour laser light source. T The 1485Fi is designed to be a reliable, bright, interactive display that supports easy reading, instruction, and communication.

The 1485Fi projects up to a 100-inch, 16:9 image or up to a 120-inch super-wide, 16:6 image. In case you are wondering why Epson chose to offer a 16:6 aspect ratio, go and measure a standard width classroom blackboard or whiteboard, and your question will be answered. The 1485Fi offers up to 95 percent more interactive space than a 75″ flat panel.

The 1485Fi’s built-in Miracast functionality allows for content to be displayed between Miracast devices such as phones and tablets. Miracast allows users to display their multimedia content wirelessly, including high-resolution pictures and high-definition (HD) video content, even if a Wi-Fi network is not available. This enables local attendees to share content from a compatible laptop screen with a conference room projector in real-time.

The Epson 1485Fi is a great addition to Epson’s norm shattering line of whiteboard projectors. Epson has built a projector that takes collaboration to a new level and though they could not have foreseen the current Covid effects on business and education, the 1485Fi is an even more valuable tool for today’s normal. In both schools and companies around the world, limited on-site staff and remote staff can collaborate more effectively and safely than ever before.

The Epson 1485Fi is a well-thought-out, intelligently featured projector that has proven itself ready to take on the challenge of collaborative learning in both the classroom and boardroom even in our current situation.

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PANASONIC PT-LRZ35U

The Panasonic PT-LRZ35 Series is their first portable projector to use a discrete RGB LED light source. Panasonic designed this new light engine with the goal of producing superior color reproduction and enhanced picture quality, which is ideal for art or science classrooms and any application requiring precise color accuracy, such as corporate presentations or artistic renderings.

The PT-LRZ25 delivers WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) resolution and has a rated brightness of 3,500 lumens. The PT-LRZ35U, with its use of discrete RGB LEDs, gives Panasonic a real advantage over its traditional competitors. We were so impressed with the improved picture performance and color quality of the PT-LRZ35U that we gave it a special interest award.

The PT-LRZ35U is PJLink compatible which is a unified standard that allows the operation and control of data projectors. It enables the connection of projectors manufactured by different vendors to communicate enabling easy construction of environments that are mixed with different models and systems and easy replacement of systems that are already in place.

LG HU85LS

The LG HU85LS is a 4K DLP Laser Ultra-Short Throw Smart Projector with a suggested retail price of $5,999. Since the HU85LS is an ultra-throw projector the chassis sits less than 8 inches from 120” screen, so it can be placed on a credenza or table in the front of the room.

While the HU85LA commands a premium price over many UST projectors, it offers a lot of performance and features for its price. The LG HU85LS has a rated brightness of 2700 lumen, and its Laser light source will last up to 20,000 hours.

Even though the LG HU85LS has a good built-in audio system, many users may still want to connect it to an AV Receiver in a conference room to take advantage of the high-quality sound available from many of the projector’s streaming apps. HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel) supports multi-channel audio, including Dolby Atmos.

The LG HU85LS utilizes a 3-channel laser system along with a larger DLP chip so it is one of the higher priced ultra-short throw models. The HU85LS price is competitive with other premium Laser TVs that utilize a multi-channel laser light source, like the Samsung LSP7T. However, the HU85LS is one of the only Laser TV models targeted at the business and education market.

Great picture, Smart features, and low maintenance make the LG HU85LS a compelling alternative to a large flat panel TV, especially in a meeting space or classroom where space is at a premium.

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VIEWSONIC M2

The ViewSonic M2 Smart portable 1080P LED projector with Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers. It is a Full HD (1,920 x 1,080) 500 ANSI Lumens (1,200 LED) projector capable of up to 30,000 hours of operation in normal mode. The M2 is a compact business and home media projector with built-in Smart TV interface, document viewer, and screen-mirroring capabilities.

The M2 has a “shorter throw lens” that makes it convenient to use in small spaces such as offices, classrooms, or dorm rooms. It can project up to a 100” screen at just under 9 feet from the projection surface.

With the built-in media player, you can either download your content in a variety of formats directly to the internal storage and play directly from there or use an external hard drive or thumb drive with your content already stored. The M2 has 16GB of internal storage, and 10GB available for user storage. The media player supports the following document types: doc, docx, xls, slsx, ppt, pptx, and pdf.

M2 is also equipped with Wi-Fi (via dongle) as well, which makes it easy to move the projector from room to room while still accessing the unit’s internal apps and services.

Due to its compact size, you can take the M2 anywhere, LED light source make it bright enough to be used in a room with some ambient light. With the addition of smart features, and built-in premium dual Harman Kardon sound system, the ViewSonic M2 is an excellent portable projector option for a conference room, dorm, bedroom, or backyard theater.

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VIEWSONIC LS625W

The Viewsonic LS625W is a 3200-lumen WXGA (1280 x 800) DLP projector. The LS625W has a native resolution of WXGA (1280×800). Its internal video processor can scale video from PCs and Macintosh computers at resolutions from 640×480 to 1920×1200, giving you the flexibility to display a wide variety of content.

The LS625W measures 15.1″ x 5.8″ x 11.5″ (WxHxD) and weighs in at 13.7 pounds, which is fairly svelte. It is a short-throw projector, which means it can be placed relatively close to the screen—in this case, 2.6 to 3.7 feet. Thanks to its zoom lens, it can fill a screen measuring 70 to 100 inches diagonally

With its bright laser/phosphor light source that lasts up to 20,000 hours, short throw distance, and network-management capability, not to mention the whiteboard module, the LS625W seems ideally suited to an educational environment.

The projector’s WXGA resolution provides a widescreen 16:10 aspect ratio, which is sure to make it very popular for new installations. If you’re shopping for a new projector to install in a classroom, the LS625W is worth a close look.

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BENQ EW800ST

The BenQ EW800ST is 3,300-lumen WXGA (1280 x 800) DLP short throw Projector with smart capabilities. It won our Best in Classroom Smartest Projector Award and it is primarily positioned as a classroom projector but is suitable for conference rooms and meeting rooms where its feature set would be useful.

BenQ calls this an interactive projector, but it is not interactive in the same sense of other interactive projectors we’ve reviewed. Those types of projectors allow for annotation of presentations and lesson material with interactive pens or finger-touch technology. This does not have that, but it does have several smart capabilities that streamline efficiency and make it a solid choice for a classroom application.

The EW800ST sports 1 HDMI, a computer interface, 3 USBs, and even an old analog computer input. It also has an audio output, and a serial port for command and control. Audio comes from a single 2-watt speaker that has respectable volume and should handle most regular K-12 classrooms. Audio is not a strength but there is an audio out, if needed, which can feed a powered speaker system or a PA system. Bluetooth is another option for audio.

The remote control even has a laser pointer on it, and, unlike many competitors, EW800ST it supports 3D. While the EW800ST is a bulb-based projector, at full power, the lamp is rated for a healthy 5,000 hours.

The EW800ST turns out to be an overall very competitive lower cost projector for the classroom, that comes with all that networking. The smarts, however, add an additional level of capabilities that can be taken advantage of in teaching environments.

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EPSON POWERLITE U50

The Epson PowerLite U50 is a 3LCD, WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution projector with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. This Epson is well suited for bright classrooms and conference rooms, thanks to its high lumen output and 3LCD technology. Whether you are looking for a projector for business or education environments, this Epson is certainly one to consider.

The Epson PowerLite U50 is a lamp-based projector, with a lifespan of up to 17,000 in its ECO modes. At full power, the projector has a lamp life of up to 10,000 hours, which is on the high end for lamp-based projectors operating at full power.

The Epson PowerLite U50 through using wireless sharing with Epson iProjection App, teachers and students can connect up to 50 devices simultaneously (Chromebook, iOS, Android, Mac and PC screens) and display content from up to four devices at one time

The Epson PowerLite U50 is an excellent choice for multiple applications. In the education space, it is well suited for K-12 classrooms, conference rooms, and even small to medium-sized auditoriums or multi-purpose rooms. The speaker is loud enough to fill a K-12 classroom or normal conference room.

With excellent color in multiple modes, including some of the brighter modes, presentations will look great, even in the face of some serious ambient light. This projector is well suited for conference rooms, boardrooms, training spaces, and trade show booths.

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SHARP NEC MC372X

The SHARP NEC MC372X is a small footprint, XGA (1,024 x 768) 3LCD projector with a 1.2x zoom lens and rated brightness of 3,700 ANSI lumens. For those looking for an affordable classroom projector, SHARP NEC offers two different series which are the MC series and the ME series. There are two models in the MC series, the MC372X and the MC382W which we reviewed as well.

The SHARP NEC MC372X is one of the brightest projectors in its class and it offers one of the longest-rated bulb life. The SHARP NEC MC372X’s replaceable lamp is rated for up to 15,000 hours in ECO mode.

 

The MC372X is compatible with their MultiPresenter application software which allows the projection of multiple images on a single screen. This free software gives the user the ability to display what is on their device’s screen (computer, smartphone, tablet) on the MC372X via a wired or wireless LAN network. Not only can you display images, PDFs, and webpages, you can even mirror the camera of your mobile device.

The MC372X offers both vertical and horizontal adjustment while many units in its price point only offered vertical adjustment. The MC372X not only offers traditional vertical and horizontal keystone correction, but it also offers PINCUSHION and CORNERSTONE adjustments.

The MC372X is the least expensive projector offered by SHARP NEC. It offers good performance and lots of features. Overall, this projector is a great choice for a classroom setting at a great price. 

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SHARP NEC MC382W

The SHARP NEC NP-MC382W is 3800-lumen WXGA (1280×800) 3LCD projector, well suited for business and education environments. This projector is compact and portable, making it easy to transfer between conference rooms, boardrooms, and classrooms. Feature-laden and versatile, NP-MC382W is fit for a variety of applications in both the business and education environments, including exhibitions, K-12 classrooms, meeting rooms, conference rooms, and even retail spaces

The SHARP NEC MC382W won our Best in Classroom Price Performance Award in 2020-2021. This projector had excellent color performance, a good feature set, and a super affordable price for K-12 classrooms.

Add it all up, and the SHARP NEC NP-MC382W is a rather exceptional performer considering the roughly $500 to $550 street price, brightness, and advanced networking (including Crestron support). SHARP NEC offers education discounts via their Star Student Program, which is available to school districts and educators in North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean so it will cost educators even less – even in single quantities, never mind school or district-wide implementations.

It may not be the top performer in our K-12 class this year, but it is an impressive performer, for what is normally barely above an entry-level price. That’s what we call having great Price/Performance, so that’s the award it was given last year.

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OPTOMA EH330UST

The Optoma EH330UST is a 3,600 lumen Full HD (1920x1080) DLP projector for business and education applications. This ultra-short throw projector can project a beautiful 100” image from just inches away. The ultra-short throw design, is highly desirable for classroom environments where wall-mounted installation is prominent.

The EH330UST supports Crestron RoomView and PJLink. Both of these programs allow for the command and control of multiple projectors at a time, which is particularly useful for schools and offices that have many projectors in their fleet.

 

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Epson PRO EX10000

The Pro EX10000 is a 4500 lumen 3LCD Full HD Wireless laser projector equipped with Miracast. At the time of our review, Epson stated the Pro EX10000 (retail price $1299,99) is their most advanced business projector to date.

Due to its best-in-class color and white brightness, the EX10000 is ideal for displaying presentations, spreadsheets, and videos on a large screen, even in a room with higher ambient light. Epson states the Pro EX10000 can project vivid images up to 300-inches; yes, that’s a 25-foot image.

Users can also wirelessly connect compatible computers, smartphones, or tablets via Miracast and interact with the content wirelessly. Meaning, you can move more freely around the conference room or classroom instead of having your devices attached by a cable to the projector.

At an MSRP of $1,299.99, the Pro EX10000 is quite the deal for a business and education Full HD 1080p Wireless Laser Projector with Miracast. The Epson Pro EX10000 is an excellent addition to Epson’s business and education projector offerings.

Best of all, when you are not using the Pro EX10000 for its primary purpose – productivity; the projector looks good enough to watch movies and play video games.

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EPSON POWERLITE 725W

The Epson PowerLite 725W provides a WXGA (1280 x 800) 3LCD Ultra-Short-Throw projector. The 725W is a reliable, bright, interactive display that supports easy reading, instruction, and communication. The 725W projects up to a 120-inch, 16:10 image which is 95% more interactive space than a 75″ flat panel.

The PowerLite 725W is an ultra-short-throw (UST) projector designed to be placed within inches of the screen or wall. The advantage of this is that the facilitator’s shadow on the image is minimized. The projector can be placed on a desk or other surface below the screen or mounted on the wall above the screen, with an optional wall mount.

The Epson PowerLite 725W measured well over its manufacturer’s claim of 4,000 lumens of brightness. Quite honestly, with this projector’s brightness, you could project a larger image than Epson suggests depending on the content being displayed.

The 725W projector provides many of Epson's more expensive collaboration tools its performance has been reduced just enough to be a more budget-conscious option compared to their higher-end interactive whiteboard projectors like the 1485Fi. The Epson 725W is an excellent addition to Epson’s whiteboard projector offerings

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BENQ EH600

BenQ describes the EH600 as the World’s first Android-based smart projector designed specifically for business applications. It is a Full HD (1,920 x1,080) DLP projector capable of 3,500 lumens rated brightness. Its SmartEco mode delivers an extended lamp life of 15,000 hours reducing the cost of ownership as well as energy consumption.

In addition, through the WPS Office app, you can present Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint directly from a USB drive or the projector’s built-in storage along with a built-in Firefox browser that allows facilitators to project directly from the Internet during class.

The combination of classroom smart features, Full HD resolution, and 3500 lumens of brightness make the BenQ EH600 an excellent solution for schools and businesses looking for a compact smart projector that offers high brightness and low cost of ownership.

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BENQ LU710

The BENQ LU710 is a WUXGA DLP Laser projector that is focused on the meeting and conference applications. It offers WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) resolution and is rated to deliver 4,000 lumens of light output. The unit’s laser light engine is rated for up to 20,000 hours in its Normal (high power) mode.

While many projectors at this price point only offer vertical keystone correction, the LU710 is equipped with two-dimensional keystone correction with a range of ±30°. The 2D Keystone feature dramatically reduces the trapezoid effect, which occurs when a projector is installed off-center. It even has Auto Keystone Correction to further simplify setup.

With its bright laser/phosphor light source that lasts up to 20,000 hours, high contrast ratio, low-maintenance design, and network-management capability, the LU710 would be a good option for many meeting and conference room environments.

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Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01

"As today's hybrid lifestyles continue to evolve, it is important that professionals are equipped with solutions that are easily adaptable to various environments and suitable for a range of applications,” said Kenny Tang, Product Manager, Projectors, Epson America, Inc. "Whether presenting to peers during the day or hosting a movie night with friends, larger and more immersive viewing makes a big difference. With the EpiqVision Flex projectors, users will experience the best of both worlds with technology that offers convenience, versatility, and most importantly, incredibly bright and engaging big-screen images."

It's important to highlight that Epson evaluates the white output of the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 using ISO Lumens, as defined by the International Organization for Standardization, rather than ANSI Lumens, the standard set by the American National Standards Institute. Both ISO Lumens and ANSI Lumens are utilized in the projector industry as units to measure the brightness, or light output, of a projector. While they serve the same basic function, their measurement methodologies do differ. For more detailed insights on the distinctions between ANSI and ISO Lumens, please refer to the Brightness section of this review.

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Epson PowerLite L265F 1080p 3LCD

Epson sees the 2023 EpiqVision and PowerLite series projectors as being able to meet the needs of their customers, drastically evolving meeting, education, and promotional spaces.

"Today's displays need to be large and wide enough to accommodate all aspects of viewing, sharing, and interactivity for better in-person and remote participant engagement." —Remi Del Mar, senior product manager, Epson America, Inc.  

The Epson PowerLite L265F uses Epson's proprietary 3-chip 1080p 3LCD technology. I won't go into detail, but click the link if you want more information. I want to mention why I think Epson used 1,080p chips instead of WUXGA or 4K. A big reason for this is cost. The explanation is all in the name. 3LCD means there are three LCD imagers compared to a single DLP chip, the largest competitive imager used in projectors.

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Epson PowerLite L570U 3LCD

Weighing in at 18.7 lbs, the PowerLite L570U is a medium-sized projector that is easy to transport and set up by one person. Its projected screen of up to 500" makes it an excellent solution for classrooms, conference rooms, churches, or art installations. It is one of three different L-series models available in the 2023 lineup that is equipped with 4K Enhancement, including the L770U and L775U. The Epson PowerLite L570U is listed at $3,149.00 at the time of this review, offering a lower price point with 5,200 lumens of brightness compared to the other models in the L-series, which have a higher price point with up to 7,000 lumens of brightness.

Along with the high resolution and large screen size, you can use the built-in support for 16:6 and 21:9 aspect ratios. When these different aspect ratios are used, you can improve video conferencing experience. The 21:9 aspect ratio, often called ultrawide or widescreen, offers several benefits when video conferencing.  The wider aspect ratio provides a broader field of view, allowing you to see more content on the screen. This can create a more immersive experience during video conferences, making you feel more connected to the participants.

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SONY VPL-PHZ61 WUXGA 3LCD

3LCD projectors like the VPL-PHZ61 can display equal color and white lumens compared to 1-chip DLP projectors, whose color output does not match the white light output. 3LCD projectors never suffer from DLP's rainbow effect, which looks like rainbows appearing across the displayed image. Even with improvements in DLP technology, about 5% of the population, including myself, can still see this issue.

This year, Sony upgraded the VPL-PHZ61's Intelligence Settings to version 3.0, which automatically controls temperature based on the installation environment, frequency of use, and several other parameters for long-term, stable operation. What is nice about this feature is that the user can select from four different room types: Meeting Room/Classroom, Museum, Entertainment, and Multi-screens.

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BenQ LK936ST 4K Golf Simulation and Home Entertainment Projector

The BenQ LK936ST is a 4K HDR-capable short-throw laser projector with a manufacturer-rated 5,100 lumens of brightness and 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast. This projector has the perfect features and performance for golf simulators and meets the needs of high-end home theater owners.

BenQ has been a part of the professional golf simulator market for over a decade, making projection products to meet the specific projection needs of this fast-growing industry. Short throw, bright, and recently higher resolution projectors as more professional golf simulators support 4K resolution.

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Optoma ML1080 Portable RGB Laser Projector

The Optoma ML1080 is an ultra-compact RGB laser full HD 1080p projector that retails for $999.00. While it is one of Optoma’s most compact and portable projectors, the ML1080 includes several notable features that make it an excellent solution for consumer and professional applications.  

There are portable 4K projectors on the market that cost less than the Optoma ML1080 but most can't deliver the color reproduction, onscreen contrast, and brightness of the ML1080. So, while the ML1080 displays less resolution, its picture quality makes it stand out against the competition.

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Epson PowerLite L265F 1080p 3LCD Laser Business Projector 

The Epson PowerLite L265F is a 1080p, 3-chip 3LCD professional projector with a solid-state laser light source that sells for an MSRP of $1,535. The PowerLite L265F could easily fit in a conference room, restaurant, corporate lobby, or lecture hall but is primarily designed to meet the specific requirements of the digital signage product channel. The L265F can be mounted at any angle in a 360-degree radius and can project an image as large as 310 inches diagonally.

Epson sees the 2023 EpiqVision and PowerLite series projectors as being able to meet the needs of their customers, drastically evolving meeting, education, and promotional spaces.

"Today's displays need to be large and wide enough to accommodate all aspects of viewing, sharing, and interactivity for better in-person and remote participant engagement." —Remi Del Mar, senior product manager, Epson America, Inc.  

READ THE REVIEW

 

Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 Portable Projector

Epson has introduced a new 3-chip 3LCD projector named the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 Portable Projector, retailing at $429.00. They describe it as the perfect companion for both business necessities and an enhanced entertainment experience. The lamp-based EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 offers WXGA (1280 × 800) native resolution but supports video display formats up to Full HD (1920 x 1080). The projector can deliver 3000 lumens of brightness for a compact package. 

"As today's hybrid lifestyles continue to evolve, it is important that professionals are equipped with solutions that are easily adaptable to various environments and suitable for a range of applications,” said Kenny Tang, Product Manager, Projectors, Epson America, Inc. "Whether presenting to peers during the day or hosting a movie night with friends, larger and more immersive viewing makes a big difference. With the EpiqVision Flex projectors, users will experience the best of both worlds with technology that offers convenience, versatility, and most importantly, incredibly bright and engaging big-screen images."

Epson states that the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01 has the capacity to project images over 300 inches. I do not have a 300 inch projector screen, but when put to the test in my projector lab, it exhibited superb performance at 100 inches. The vertical and horizontal keystone correction of the EpiqVision Flex CO-W01, combined with its zoom and manual focus capabilities, makes it an ideal choice for individuals who frequently need to relocate the projector.

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Epson PowerLite L570U 3LCD Laser Business Projector

The Epson PowerLite L570U, which retails for $3149.00 is part of Epson's 2023 lineup of projectors specifically designed for large venues. With its 3LCD technology and 5,200 lumens of brightness, this high-performance laser projector delivers exceptional image quality and due to its 20,000-hour laser light source, it is almost maintenance-free. 

Weighing in at 18.7 lbs, the PowerLite L570U is a medium-sized projector that is easy to transport and set up by one person. Its projected screen of up to 500" makes it an excellent solution for classrooms, conference rooms, churches, or art installations. It is one of three different L-series models available in the 2023 lineup that is equipped with 4K Enhancement, including the L770U and L775U. The Epson PowerLite L570U is listed at $3,149.00 at the time of this review, offering a lower price point with 5,200 lumens of brightness compared to the other models in the L-series, which have a higher price point with up to 7,000 lumens of brightness.

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SONY VPL-PHZ61 WUXGA 3LCD Business Projector

The VPL-PHZ61 is one of two new 3LCD projectors in Sony’s ultra-compact projector series, that sells for an MSRP of $3,437.50. The VPL-PHZ61 is a WUXGA (1920 × 1200) professional projector designed for conference rooms, university lecture halls, large classrooms, entertainment venues, and e-sport applications. This projector displays a manufacturer-rated brightness of 6,400 ANSI lumens of brightness.

In short, take everything I liked about the VPL-PHZ60 projector, improve many things (not all) I didn’t like about it, and add some completely new (to these products) convenience features.

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Panasonic PT-FRQ50 4K DLP Business/Education Laser Projector

The Panasonic PT-FRQ50 is a SOLID SHINE, professional, DLP laser projector that can display 4K (3,840 x 2,160 pixels) resolution with a rated brightness of 5,200 lumens. The PT-FRQ50 is an installation-class projector that uses a laser/phosphor wheel light engine and is rated to deliver 20,000 hours of low-maintenance operation in Normal light mode. This projector offers smooth and detailed 4K images, easy system integration, and high reliability.

The Panasonic PT-FRQ50 is a 5,200-lumen, 4K installation projector with a laser/phosphor light engine rated for 20,000 hours of low-maintenance operation. The PT-FRQ50 features one of Texas Instruments' newest (0.65") DLP Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) chips. Panasonic claims the unit can deliver a dynamic contrast ratio of 20,000;1.

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LG ProBeam BU53PST 4K Laser Projector

The LG ProBeam BU53PST is a compact new 4K short-throw laser DLP projector that retails for $4,299 MSRP. It utilizes a multi-channel laser light source, provides a 3,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio, and delivers up to 5,000 ANSI lumens of brightness.

We reviewed the other LG model in this series, the LG ProBeam BU60PST, and were impressed by the projector's picture quality and feature set. Check out our review by clicking the link.

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Epson PowerLite L730U 7000 Lumen 3LCD Laser Projector

The Epson PowerLite L730U is a 3-chip 3LCD laser projector selling for $4,181 MSRP. 

The PowerLite L730U is part of the Epson L Series line of 2022 projectors, comprised of eight new models. The latest L-Series contains six long-throw projectors and two short-throw models. These new L-Series models have the same cabinet design as Epson's previous ones, so they should fit nicely into an existing fleet of L inventory, providing installers and operators with consistent functionality and operation.

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BenQ LH820ST 1080P Short-Throw Laser Golf Simulator Projector

The BenQ LH820ST is a native Full HD (1,920 x 1,080p) short throw, DLP (digital light processing) laser projector designed primarily for the golf simulation market. The LH820ST is designed with black level and color performance in mind, offering a manufacturer-rated 3,600 ANSI lumens of brightness and a 3,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. The LH820ST can display 90% of the Rec.709 color space and features a 16.7 ms high-speed HDMI input. The LH820ST is bright, colorful, fast, and available now at authorized BenQ resellers for an MSRP of $1,899.

To better assist the user in getting the highest quality full-screen image possible, the LH820ST comes with BenQ’s Screen Fill technology. Screen Fill allows the projector to switch resolutions for the best screen aspect ratio coverage. The screen fill feature maximizes the displayed pixel count while working to avoid image distortion. The Screen Fill feature is controlled through the projector’s on-screen menus, allowing users to spend more time swinging a club and less time adjusting the image in their computer’s graphics card or Windows’ display settings. Instead, they can use the projector’s on-screen menu.

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WE WISH TO THANK EPSON FOR SPONSORING THE
2022-2023 EDUCATION AND BUSINESS REPORT AND BUYER’S GUIDE.

Projectors in the Conference Room/Lecture Hall category tend to be brighter, permanently mounted units and includes projectors that are well suited for larger university classrooms, lecture halls, auditoriums, as well as big K-12 multi-purpose rooms. These larger venue projectors often come with multiple lens options to best suit the specific application.

Projectors Listed In this Section

MAXELL MP-JU4001

The MP-JU4001 is part of Maxell’s 3LCD projector lineup which are designed to deliver high performance in a conference, boardroom, or classroom without breaking the bank. With the ability to deliver up to 4,000 lumens, combined with the reliability and longevity of a laser light engine, the Maxell MP-JU4001 projector could be the perfect solution for someone looking for a mid-brightness business class projector. 

The MP-JU4001’s native resolution is WUXGA HD (1,920 x 1,200) but the projector accepts 1080@30P content. WXGA is plenty sharp for K-12 applications. Its dynamic contrast is rated by Maxell to deliver 2,000,000:1. As with all 3LCD projectors, the Maxell MP-JU4001 produces as many color lumens as it does white lumens, which ensures a bright, vibrant image when utilized in a meeting room, classroom, or mid-size lecture hall.

Embedded networking offers the ability to manage and control multiple projectors over your LAN. Features include scheduling of events, centralized reporting, image transfer, and e-mail alerts for reactive and routine maintenance. The Maxell MP-JU4001 offers support for key command-and-control software like AMX, Crestron, and PJ-Link.

The Maxell MP-JU4001 is part of Maxell’s J-Series projector lineup and is intended to offer a mid-brightness business and education laser projector at an affordable price. Many 4,000-lumen business and education projectors under $2,000 are DLP units. Remember, the MP-JU4001 is a 3LCD unit; its color brightness output (lumens) equals its white lumen output which can result in better color reproduction.

The MP-JU4001’s buffet of features coupled with its sub $2000 pricing, 4,000 ANSI lumens brightness, compact chassis, and maintenance-free operation make it a great option for a classroom, or conference room.

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LG BU50NST

The LG ProBeam BU50NST is a compact projector designed for various ProAV applications, including business, education, hospitals, and museums. It provides UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution and is rated to deliver 5,000 ANSI lumens of light output. The projector’s powerful laser light source is rated for up 20,000 hours allowing years of near maintenance-free operation.

The ProBeam BU50NST is powered by LG’s WebOS with smart features designed for business and education purposes like (Miracast®) wireless screen mirroring, Wi-Fi, and a web browser.

The BU50NST offers 1.6x lens zoom along with horizontal and vertical lens shift, which is rare on DLP projectors at this price point. Combined with the 12-point warping function, these features reduce image distortion and allow precise alignment with the screen.

The BU50NST can deliver 4K UHD on-screen resolution by utilizing DLP with XPR technology from TI. 4K resolution delivers the highly detailed images often required in corporate and healthcare environments.

When considering the competition for the BU50NST there are only a few worthwhile comparisons. Models from Optoma, NEC, and first to market BenQ offer similar technology and output capacity. All of these units will deliver a similar level of performance; however, variations in chip size and lens quality, along with processing quality, will vary slightly. If a more flexible installation both optically and digitally is attractive and you want built-in wireless networking, screen sharing, and Bluetooth audio, along with WebOS for apps and web browsing, all integrated into a fresh modern design, then LG has a winning combo in the BU50NST.

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NEC P506QL

The NEC P506QL earned a Projector Reviews Highly Recommended Award because it offers 4K resolution, high brightness, accurate color reproduction, connectivity, and a laser light source’s longevity at a price that makes it a great value.

The NEC P506QL is a laser light engine-equipped installation class DLP projector capable of displaying 4K resolution with a current street price of $4,299. Its laser/phosphor wheel light engine can deliver 5,000 ANSI lumens and has a rated life of 20,000 hours.

The P506QL can simultaneously display content from multiple sources, such as four separate 1080p images at once, which is excellent for collaboration.

In addition to the usual Picture modes, NEC has included a DICOM Simulation mode to display B/W medical imaging (such as X-rays). This mode optimizes black/gray/white detail with a custom gamma curve.

The P506QL also includes network control features. NEC offers NaViSet Adminstrator2 software program, which can be used to monitor and control the P506QL projector.

The P506QL delivers high resolution along with the benefits of a low-maintenance laser light source. It is suitable for use in conference rooms, museums, and classrooms.

The NEC P506QL offers high brightness, accurate color reproduction, connectivity, and a laser light source’s longevity. While the P506QL is missing some features found on more expensive installation class projectors, it is still a great value and is highly recommended.

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MAXELL MP-TW4011

The Maxell MP-TW4011 is an ultra-short throw WXGA laser projector with a highly impressive lifespan. Maxell claims up to 50,000 hours of use when operating in Long Life 2 Mode – that’s the most I’ve ever seen on a projector. Even with heavy use – say, 6 hours a day in a typical 180-day school year – you’re looking at a projector that is slated to last up to 46 years.

The Maxell MP-TW4011 is first and foremost an interactive projector. These types of projectors are highly effective in school environments for engaging students of all learning styles – visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. Interactivity is a great way to get students involved with the lecture so that they are actively learning rather than passively taking notes and perhaps not integrating the lesson material.

You will be very hard-pressed to find another WXGA projector that can match this laser projector’s feature set and brightness! I certainly would have expected the Maxell TW4011 to have picked up a major award for performance or price performance if we had reviewed multiple interactive projectors this year.  It’s ideal for K-12, (budgets notwithstanding) and in the university lecture hall – especially so there when using them in pairs.

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OPTOMA ZU506T-W

The ZU506-T is a 5,000 lumen, DLP laser projector that is DICOM capable – with the contrast and capabilities to display medical films like MRIs CAT-Scans, etc. meeting teaching quality demands.

The 1.6:1 zoom combined with just a small amount of lens shift (15%, which is a bit better than typical for small DLP projectors that have shift). That makes for pretty good placement range (3LCD’s can exceed 50% shift, but that’s rarely needed).

The ZU506T has an HDbaseT input which allows you to use 1 cable to deliver your image, sound, and control to the projector. Optoma does offer an optional HDBastT transmitter to use for this solution.

The ZU506T is a serious “affordable laser” projector. While its list price is on the high side, street prices are not. There is little the 506-T cannot do, from very good placement flexibility to superior color. At just over 12 pounds, it is smaller and lighter (by at least 4 pounds) than the 3LCD competition, which also puts it with the Casio as the most portable, if mobility and brightness is required.

Count the ZU506-T as an especially well-thought-out projector with excellent performance, and (for education) a 5-year warranty, with…ready for this: 3 years of replacement program.

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PANASONIC PT-VMZ50

The Panasonic PT-VMZ50U is a small footprint 5,000 lumen WUXGA business projector with a laser/phosphor light engine which is rated for 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation.

The PT-VMZ50U fits right in the middle of Panasonic’s lineup of WUXGA portable laser projectors which range from the 4500 lumens PT-VMZ40U all the way up to 6000 lumens PT-VMZ60U. All three models utilize the same compact chassis (16”W x 5”H x 14”D) and they each weigh just under 16 pounds.

There are a couple of free software applications available from Panasonic that enable you to display your device’s screen (computer, smart phone, tablet) on the PT-VMZ50 via wired or wireless LAN.  This makes it easy project content from a source located across the room from the projector without having to run a long video cable.

The wired networking has one connector for LAN. And it also has HDBaseT for running HDMI up to 100 meters (affordably with CAT6). Somehow Panasonic managed to pack a respectable 10-watt speaker system into its compact design.

VIVITEK DH3660Z

The Vivitek DH3660Z is a 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution, DLP projector intended for business and education environments, though it is primarily positioned as a projector most suitable for conference rooms or meeting rooms. Nicely bright at 4,500 lumens, the image seems even more vivid thanks to its laser light engine.

This projector would also be at home in K-12 Classrooms, multipurpose rooms, small auditoriums, museums, and houses of worship in addition to conference rooms, meeting rooms, board rooms, other office environments, and even medical classrooms and facilities, thanks to its DICOM SIM. Mode.

This projector would also be at home in K-12 Classrooms, multipurpose rooms, small auditoriums, museums, and houses of worship in addition to conference rooms, meeting rooms, board rooms, other office environments, and even medical classrooms and facilities, thanks to its DICOM SIM. Mode.

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OPTOMA EH330UST

The Optoma EH330UST is a 3,600-lumen projector with DLP technology for business and education applications. This ultra-short throw projector can project a beautiful 100” image from just inches away. The EH330UST has a native resolution of 1080p (1920 x 1080), and a maximum resolution of WUXGA (1920 x 1200).

The Optoma EH330UST has an ultra-short throw design, which is highly desirable for classroom environments where wall-mounted installation is prominent. The projector has HDCast Pro for screen mirroring Android, Windows, Mac, and both Android and iOS Mobile Devices, as well as PC-Free presenting of photos and documents.

The Optoma EH330UST offers both standard wired RJ-45 for networking in addition to other networking features. It has compatibility with control software such as Crestron RoomView, Extron XTP, AMX, and PJ Link. The projector also has wireless capabilities via an optional wireless module, and is compatible with Android, Mac, and Android and iOS mobile devices. Its PC-Free media player works well too, with support for Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

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Sony VPL-FHZ85

The Sony VPL-FHZ85 is a 7,300 ANSI lumens/8,000 center lumens, 3LCD laser, interchangeable lens projector that sells for $6,999 MSRP. The VPL-FHZ85 is one of Sony’s 3LCD projectors that uses Sony’s proprietary laser light engine. Unlike many competitors, this projector can function in high ambient light environments while maintaining excellent color performance. 

The Sony VPL-FHZ85 is the smallest, lightest, and most advanced mid-range pro projection system Sony has introduced. It’s an excellent projector choice for almost any professional application where a high-end, mid-tier projector is needed, including lecture halls, boardrooms, and small to medium-sized auditoriums.

The VPL-FHZ85 is an excellent projector choice for almost any professional application where a high-end, mid-tier projector is needed, including lecture halls, boardrooms, small to medium-sized auditoriums, or high-end installations such as retail locations or museums.

This $6,999 commercial-grade projector has an incredibly bright and vibrant image providing excellent color and a whole host of useful features that make it an excellent choice for almost any professional use.

We highly recommend the Sony VPL-FHZ85.

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Panasonic PT-MZ880

The Panasonic PT-MZ880 is an 8,000 lumens WUXGA professional projector with a laser/phosphor light engine rated for 20,000 hours of low-maintenance operation. The PT-MZ880 delivers an exceptional 8,000 lumens of brightness because of the multiple solid-state laser modules that power its light engine.

While the PT-MZ880 is a WUXGA projector, it can accept 4K content via HDMI and DIGITAL LINK (HDBaseT) inputs for increased clarity and detail. The PT-MZ880 Series projector is also compatible with Panasonic’s PressIT™ Wireless Presentation System for easy plug and play (PnP) presentations and collaboration at the simple press of a button.

Panasonic PT-MZ880 owners also receive a 3-year part and labor warranty (3 years or 10,000 hours whichever comes first on the projector’s illumination components).

The PT-MZ880 is a 3LCD SOLID SHINE laser projector that Panasonic says they engineered to deliver vibrant, bright, and colorful image quality through a compact, lightweight design that is flexible enough to fit in almost any installation space. The MZ880 is purpose-built for environments that require continual use, such as classrooms where a projector is expected to run pretty much the entire school day for the whole year.

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Panasonic PT-FRZ60

The Panasonic PT-FRZ60 is an installation class DLP laser projector with WUXGA (1,920 x 1,200) resolution and rated brightness of 6,000 lumens. The PT-FRZ60 uses a laser/phosphor wheel light engine, rated to deliver 20,000 hours of low maintenance operation.

The PT-FRZ60 is part of Panasonic’s FRZ Series of WUXGA installation laser projectors which also includes the 5200-lumen PT-FRZ50 and the 5000-lumen short throw PT- FRZ55. All three models are housed in a similar chassis (approx. 19-5/8” W × 6-5/8” H 19-3/8” D) and weigh between 35 to 36 pounds each. The two main differentiators between the three models are brightness and lens type.

At just 30dB (in quiet mode), the projector is also extremely quiet for a 6000-lumen projector. Panasonic PT-FRZ60 owners also receive 3-year parts (or 12,000 hours whichever comes first) and labor warranty.

The PT-FRZ60 would be an excellent solution for lecture halls and museums where picture quality matters as much as brightness and ease of installation.

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LG PROBEAM BU60PST

The LG ProBeam BU60PST is a compact laser projector that retails for $4499. While it was designed for multiple professional applications such as conference rooms, hospitals, and museums it is also well suited for educational settings.

The BU60PST’s combination of high brightness, low maintenance, and good picture quality make it a compelling alternative to a large flat panel TV in a conference room, classroom, or any other professional application space.

It provides UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution and is rated to deliver 6,000 ANSI lumens of light output. The unit’s laser phosphor light engine has a rated life of 20,000 hours in Standard (high power) mode.

We reviewed both the LG ProBeam BU60PST and its consumer-focused cousin, the ProBeam GRU510N and we were impressed with both unit’s picture quality and feature set.  The ProBeam BU60PST is nearly identical to the ProBeam GRU510N projector, it is just brighter with some minor cosmetic updates. At 6000 ANSI lumens, the ProBeam BU60PST is the brightest projector that LG has ever produced.

Screen sharing and screen mirroring make it especially easy to project content from devices running the Windows or Android operating system, giving facilitators more options for displaying their lecture materials. Bluetooth sound output lets teachers wirelessly output the sound to a Bluetooth speaker or Bluetooth-enabled Hi-Fi or AV system.

The combination of high output, high resolution, and smart wireless capabilities make the ProBeam BU60PST a great value. A quick search to find another smart feature equipped 6000-lumen laser 4K projector with horizontal/vertical lens shift, will show that the ProBeam BU60PST is a rare beast. If you do find that competitive 6000-lumen laser business 4K projectors are much larger and retail for thousands more. If you are looking for a business projector for a classroom or meeting room, you should definitely check out the LG ProBeam BU60PST.

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LG ProBeam BU70QGA Professional Projector

The LG ProBeam BU70QGA, LG Professional's latest top-of-the-line 4K DLP projector, is priced at $5,499 MSRP. The projector  uses a multi-channel laser light source that can produce a brightness of up to 7,000 ANSI lumens with a Dynamic Contrast Ratio of 3,000,000:1. 

The BU70QGA represents a first for LG. The BU70QGA is LG's first ProBeam projector designed for the company's digital signage category of products. The BU70QGA laser projector suits various business and professional applications, including simulator markets and office meeting rooms, but is meant primarily for the digital signage market. In addition to being an incredibly useful professional projector, the BU70QGA has the performance chops to easily fit into the living rooms or home theater rooms of projection enthusiasts worldwide.

The BU70QGA displays a resolution of 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160), has a laser light source life of up to 20,000 hours, and features auto lens shift, zoom, and focus with a 1.6x optical zoom.

We reviewed other LG ProBeam models in the past, including the LG ProBeam BU60PST and, more recently, the BU53PST, and were very impressed by these projectors' picture qualities and feature sets. Check out our reviews by clicking the mode number/links above.

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Ricoh WUL6690 WUXGA Laser DLP Projector

The Ricoh PJ-WUL6690 is a WUXGA (1920 x 1200p) Laser DLP (Digital Light Processing) projector for $8,500. It has a manufacturer-rated brightness of 9,600 ANSI lumens of brightness and includes a long throw lens that can project up to 300-inch image.

The WUL6690 is one of three new Ricoh High-End series laser projectors the company calls installation-friendly and is designed for use in medium to large venues, lecture halls, and conference rooms. These units can easily be combined in pairs to cover even larger spaces. One of the key features of this new series is the projector's ability to handle custom setups and project images onto uneven or curved surfaces, projecting a 16:10 image up to 300 inches diagonally. Two projectors can be combined to create a larger image.

These new WUL series projectors feature electronic lens shift, zoom, focus, and powerful on-device geometric correction tools like corner adjustment and multipoint warping.

Ricoh's multi-module laser light source is at the heart of the WUL6690 and the four other projectors, which use multiple laser diodes to create a laser beam. Ricoh’s multiple-module laser is designed to ensure that if a single laser diode malfunctions, the overall light output of the projector remains relatively unaffected. This design significantly enhances laser stability and reliability. This laser is so stable that It reduces the chance that users will experience an inconvenient dip or loss of projection light at a critical point, like in the middle of presentations. This laser technology
displays crisp and vivid visuals even in well-lit surroundings, making the WUL6690 perfect for lecture halls, conference rooms, and other large venues.

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BenQ LU9750 PRO WUXGA 8,500 Lumen Large Venue Laser DLP Projector

The BenQ LU9750 is an ultra-bright 8,500 ANSI lumens professional projector compatible with interchangeable lenses (not included) that sells for $11,999 MSRP. The LU9750 has a manufacturer-rated DYNAMIC CONTRAST Ratio of 3,000,000:1 and a WUXGA (1,920×1,200 pixels) native resolution. BenQ lists image quality, installation flexibility, and long-term reliability as the three key benefits of the LU9750.

According to Futuresource, BenQ is the best-selling global projector brand powered by Texas Instruments DLP technology. BenQ professional projectors offer a wide range of professional installation solutions, including digital, laser, and interactive projectors designed for the enterprise, education, and corporate entertainment markets.

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Optoma ZU920TST PRO WUXGA 8,200 Lumen Laser Projector

The Optoma ZU920TST is an ultra-bright 8,200 ANSI lumen professional projector that sells for $12,999 MSRP. The ZU920TST has a manufacturer-rated DYNAMIC CONTRAST Ratio of 3,000,000:1 and a WUXGA (1,920×1,200 pixels) native resolution.

Let's take a close look at the 2022 Optoma ZU920TST.

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Epson PRO EB-PU1008W 3LCD Large Venue Laser Projector

The Epson EB-PU1008W is a WUXGA 8,500-lumen 4K-enhanced laser projector that accepts the full range of 4K content. This projector is designed for large venues, but its compact size and lightweight make it a great solution for various scenarios. The EB-PU1008W sells for an MSRP of $10,593.

The Epson EB-PU1008W delivers up to 8,500 lumens and 20,000 hours of light source life thanks to the projector's high-powered laser-light engine. The EB-PU1008W could be the perfect projector for the unique challenges associated with large-venue events. While this projector's light output is impressive, there is much more to this display than its brightness. The EB-PU1008W is also tremendously flexible, making it an excellent solution for a variety of applications.

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Sony VPL-FHZ85 Commercial Interchangeable Lens 3LCD Projector

The Sony VPL-FHZ85 is a 7,300 ANSI lumens/8,000 center lumens, 3LCD laser, interchangeable-lens projector that sells for $6,999 MSRP.

The VPL-FHZ85 is one of Sony's top-of-the-line, mid-tier projectors with a range of features and technologies that will make it perfect for use in higher education classrooms and lecture halls, conference and boardrooms, museums, houses of worship, medical training facilities, retail spaces, and even small to mid-sized entertainment venues. The VPL-FHZ85 is one of Sony's 3LCD projectors that uses Sony's proprietary laser light engine. Unlike many competitors, this projector can function in high ambient light environments while maintaining excellent color performance. 

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WE WISH TO THANK EPSON FOR SPONSORING THE
2022-2023 EDUCATION AND BUSINESS REPORT AND BUYER’S GUIDE.

The High-End and Specialty Projectors category includes stunningly bright projectors suitable for museums, big auditoriums, the largest lecture halls, as well as large houses of worship (i.e. mega-churches). The projectors in this group can also be used for specialty signage and related applications and include advanced capabilities such as edge blending and projection mapping.

Projectors Listed In This Section

EPSON PRO L1755UNL
SHARP NEC PX1005QL
PANASONIC PT-MZ16/BU
SONY VPL-VW5000ES
SONY VPL-GTZ280
SONY VPL-GTZ380

CHRISTIE DWU1400-GS 

EPSON PRO L1755UNL

The Epson Pro L1755UNL is a 15,000 lumen, large venue, 4K pixel shifting laser projector with WUXGA resolution, that can accept a full range of 4K content.

Epson currently offers a total of eight commercial laser projector chassis in its Epson L-Series lineup. Brightness ranges from 6,000 lumens delivered by the Pro L1100U all the way up to a retina-burning 30,000 lumens provided by the newly announced Pro L30000U. Less expensive L series projectors start around $2000 (without interchangeable lens options).

While there are powerful software-based projector mapping solutions, the ProL1755UNL has a Geometric Correction feature that lets you correct image distortion caused by projecting an image onto a curved or right-angled screen. You cannot combine traditional H/V keystone correction with the other image shape correction methods with projection mapping.

By utilizing Edge Blending, you can split an image over multiple projectors and display it as one large image while reducing the hard transition from one projector to another. Under the Blend Range menu’s sub-setting, you can fine-tune the blend’s starting position and the width of the blended area. You can use the projector’s Black Level setting to make the difference even less noticeable. The result is an image that looks seamless, like it’s being displayed by a single projector. However, Edge Blending can’t be combined with pixel shifting but that is okay in many situations where maximum flexibility is more important than absolute resolution.

Some of the projector models in the Pro L series can be purchased with or without the standard lens. Several of the models including the L1755U are also available in both black and white finishes. I reviewed the black finish L1755UNL, but there is an identical version in white, the L1750UNL.

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SHARP NEC PX1005QL

The SHARP NEC NP-PX1005QL won our Best in Class Performance Award in 2021. The SHARP NEC NP-PX1005QL is a great option for someone looking for a high-brightness native 4K installation projector. It can reproduce far more detail than a comparable Pixel Shifting projector. It would be ideal for displaying video, artwork, photos and other images that require a large amount of detail.

The NP-PX1005QL is one of the twelve projector models in SHARP NEC’s PX-Series lineup. All units in the PX series utilize DLP chips but they vary in resolution and brightness.

The NP-PX1005QL has all the connections you would expect on a higher-end business and education class projector including two DVI-D connections, dual HDMI 2.0b inputs, HDBaseT port, and four 3G-SDI Inputs.

HDBaseT lets you run HDMI distances of up to 100 meters (about 328 feet) over a low cost CAT5e/CAT6 wire. 3G-SDI allows the projector to interface directly with a video located up to 100 meters away via coax cable which makes it a great solution for live video production.

The NP-PX1005QL is 4K DLP unit so it can provide a crisper and clearer picture from 4K content than can be reproduced by pixel shifting 3LCD HD projectors in its price point. High brightness and excellent color combined with an incredibility sharp image from 4K content makes the SHARP NEC NP-PX1005QL a performance leader in its category.]

The SHARP NEC NP-PX1005QL retails for $24,000. If you are looking for a 10,000 lumen projector, you will have to choose between a Pixel Shifting 3LCD projector or a Native 4K DLP projector like the PX1005QL. If high resolution is one of your top priorities when looking for a flexible high-brightness installation projector, you should definitely consider the SHARP NEC NP-PX1005QL.

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PANASONIC PT-MZ16/BU

We were shocked at how much brightness the Panasonic PT-MZ16 could produce all while delivering outstanding out-of-the-box color reproduction. From its rear Information monitor to its wide variety of inputs, the PT-MZ16 is feature-packed. in addition, it has all the installation features you could want in a high-end education projector.

Panasonic PT-MZ16KL was amazingly bright considering its compact size. It delivered a measured 16,000 lumens which should be more than enough brightness to overcome ambient light found in a large lecture hall. The out-of-the-box picture quality was great with several of its preset picture mode delivering accurate colors.

The unit's Projector Warping feature allows you to correct the image distortion caused by projecting an image onto a curved screen. If you need more light output or want to utilize multiple projectors to display a larger, wider aspect image, the unit is also equipped with Edge Blending to make that goal easier. All adjustments can be made using Panasonic’s free Geometry Manager Pro software.

The Panasonic is the brightest projector I have ever had in my test space. in addition to delivering an outstanding picture, the PT-MZ16KL had every connection and feature you would need in a museum or large lecture hall installation. The PT-MZ16KL can deliver an amazing 16,000 lumens brightness along with outstanding picture quality from a very compact chassis. The Panasonic PT-MZ16KL is truly a uniquely capable projector.

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SONY VPL-VW5000ES / GTZ280

When the VPL-VW5000ES came to market, it was the most advanced home cinema projector in the world. It's more business-focused twin brother the GTZ280 is particularly suitable for demanding multi-projection applications in 2D or 3D, with consistently homogeneous brightness. The additional infrared laser source makes the VPL-GTZ280 ideal for pilot training and rescue simulation applications using night-vision goggles.

The GTZ280 offers high-speed 4K 120 Hz signal processing (optional feature) which supports Frame Doubled or Dual Input 3D at 60p per eye with full 4K resolution, for impressively smooth, immersive stereoscopic simulations. The low transport delay contributes to an extremely responsive performance in fast-motion simulator applications.

During our review of the VW5000ES we noted that the color was outstanding, skin tones were typically beautiful and natural looking.

The VW5000ES supports HDR out of the box while it is an optional upgrade on the GTZ280. Since both projectors are exceptionally bright, HDR material looks rich and vibrant. The wider color gamut – BT2020 (REC709 is the standard for 1080p), provides colors that seem closer to real life in saturation, and realism.

The VW5000ES delivers excellent 1080p and 1080i viewing but fully comes into its own with 4K content and HDR. This makes the unit an excellent purchase for any venue where color accuracy and picture quality are important – like art galleries, planetariums, and museums.

The VPL-VW5000ES earned our Best Projector of the Year award in 2016. Although the VW5000ES and GTZ280 have been outclassed by some newer models (including the twice as bright successor VPL-GTZ380), it still remains a compelling choice for any education venue with the budget to enjoy stunning picture quality, and exceptional brightness, lots of lens shift, and large color spaces.

So even after six years on the market the VW5000ES and GTZ280 are still highly recommended. Check our review of the VW5000ES

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SONY VPL-GTZ380

If you are looking for the ultimate projector experience for your venue, consider Sony’s flagship projector, the VPL-GTZ380, which is a 10,000 lumen, native 4K SXRD projector that retails for $80,000 (minus lens).

Compared to its predecessor VW5000ES, the GTZ380 delivers much higher brightness and wider color gamut resulting in a massive increase in color volume. The GTZ380 can deliver twice the peak brightness of the VW5000ES and the chassis size is nearly identical – it only weighs about 24 more pounds.

Sony states that the GTZ380 is nearly 20% smaller than the next smallest 10,000 lumen native 4K projector on the market. Weighing just 112 pounds, it is both the most compact and lightest unit in its class.

The GTZ380 is also packed with “installer-friendly” features, including a motorized lens with tons of zoom and lens shift, including position memories. Picture position memories are great if you have masking screens or if you want to maximize the image size of 16:9 and widescreen on a 2.35:1 screen.

In addition, the GTZ380 has a large amount of zoom and horizontal/vertical lens shift capability, which makes installation a breeze, especially when trying to replace an older, previously mounted unit. The GTZ380 is an interchangeable lens projector it is often bundled with a 1.95:1 motorized standard throw ARC-F zoom lens (VPLL-Z8014) that has a throw ratio of 1.49:1 to 2.91:1. For even more installation flexibility, there is also a short-throw ARC-F lens available (VPLL-Z8008). The throw ratio of this lens is 0.85:1 to 1.09:1.

Quiet and compact, the VPL-GTZ380 features a four-corner mount design that’s ideally suited to multi-projection installations including large exhibitions, gallery spaces and planetarium domes. Ultra-deep black levels help reduce the visibility of intrusive banding when multiple projector images are edge-blended to create a super-sized picture.

The GTZ380 is intended for applications where the highest image quality is critical. While the unit will be most attractive to video enthusiasts looking for the ultimate home theater projector, you will also see it utilized for other higher education focused applications including training simulators, planetariums, and museums.

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Christie DWU1400-GS

The Christie DWU1400-GS is a single-chip WUXGA DLP laser projector that generates 12,000 ANSI lumens of manufacturer-rated brightness. The DWU1400-GS is the brightest projector in Christie's GS series of pro projectors. Even at such a high output level and running 24/7, the projector is estimated to have a 20,000-hour operational lifespan (to 50% brightness) when run at full power.

In the professional projection business, the brandscape is seemingly more stable, with core professional projection brands like Barco, Sony, and other familiar faces providing many of the available solutions. Christie Digital is one of the industry's best-known brands and a long-term participant in the professional projection category.

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2022-2023 EDUCATION AND BUSINESS REPORT AND BUYER’S GUIDE.