Review on BenQ HT2150ST 1080P Short Throw Projector: Enhanced Color Accuracy, Low Input Lag, Ideal for Gaming and Streaming Netflix & Prime Video - White by Coby Hall

This is a BenQ HT2150ST review. When I saw that Revain was pooling many models into one pool of reviews, I felt the need to clarify. I've only had the projector a few days so this is a honeymoon stage review and I'll try to remember to update this review later after I've had some time to look at it. In this review I will also be comparing the 2150ST to the Optoma GT1080. With all that said, let's move on to the review.**Picture Quality**The picture quality on this projector is simply outstanding. I'm very critical of everything I buy, especially when it comes to electronics. Compared to the Optoma GT1080, BenQ has better colors; same or better black levels; less rainbow effect (abbreviated OBE); and better focus uniformity (ideal). A lot of people are concerned about the rainbow effect, which is why I'm here to say it's virtually non-existent on BenQ. Optoma had a certain rosiness that wasn't bad by any means, but it turned up even without a specific search. It didn't bother me much, but now that I've used BenQ I feel spoiled. The only way I can literally observe the RBE is by setting up a high-contrast scene like a test grid and looking across the image. Even then, it takes me a few looks to find it. Black levels are the same or darker than my TV (Sony KDL W700B). For empirical comparison, the black level of a Sony TV is around 0.020 cd/m2 (taken from the W800B review on Rtings.com. The W800B is the W700B, only with 3D). This is with my projector used on a light green wall. In theory, a darker wall improves black level and overall contrast. Colors are even better than the Sony TV and much better and more natural than the Optoma (that and the lack of RBE thanks to 4X/6X speed, RGBRGB color wheel versus Optoma's 2x speed, non-RGBRGB color wheel). The final point of comparison in this category will be focus uniformity. Here BenQ wins without question. The Optoma had fairly washed out corners as well as chromatic aberration (especially in the top right corner) when using the center of the screen to adjust focus. This resulted in me having to find a balance between focusing in the top right corner and focusing in the center of the frame. Ben Q instantly delivered perfect focus with no chromatic aberration across the entire 135-inch image. In short, the image quality of this projector is remarkable. , and things that potential projector buyers can easily overlook. First of all, BenQ has MUCH more options in the menu than Optoma. Both have digital vertical keystone correction and traditional gamma, colour, contrast, adjustment etc. However, the Ben Q offers plenty of other settings for those who really want to tinker with the projector. My personal favorite is the color correction option, which adjusts the image based on the color of the projected surface. The remote has everything you use often/relatively often (I'll post a photo) Please note that at least one of the buttons (PiP) on this model is a dummy, at least as far as I can tell. The remote also has a red backlight (hooray! Illuminated remotes, just like the good old days!). The brightness of this remote is much more pleasing than the Optoma's blue backlight (the Optoma was really blinding). BenQ has a higher throw requirement than the GT1080, but both are inherently short throws, so don't. It's a huge problem. You can look up the specific values yourself if you want more detail. The BenQ is also a bit more forgiving than the Optoma when it comes to placement due to its 1.2x zoom capability. It also has a VGA port and a serial port, which the GT1080 doesn't have. ** Cost ** Given that this projector was released just a few months ago (August 2016), its total price is $1,000 ($1,060 after Michigan taxes). I'm not upset at all with the price I paid given the quality I received. I was a little let down by the Optoma, it lacked color and the issues I mentioned earlier bothered me enough to return it about a week later when I decided to buy a BenQ instead. The Optoma is now about $400 cheaper than the BenQ, so yes, the BenQ should deliver better overall quality. The GT1080 is a good projector, I know my words may sound like that, but this is an objective, critical assessment, no prizes will be awarded for participation. Although the Optoma is a lot cheaper, I think the BenQ is better for me, the higher price more than makes up for it. **Games** I'll keep it short and sweet. There is no noticeable input lag. I'd say it's equal to or faster than my Sony TV (24.3ms according to Rting's W800B test). Remember that ENTRY DELAY AND RESPONSE TIME IS NOT EVEN. At least 70% of the time when I see someone say "response time" they actually mean input lag. Input lag is what causes your controller to appear out of sync with your TV, e.g. B. when you press a button on the controller to get your character to do something and there is a delay before your on-screen character actually executes that command. Most people can't notice anything less than 30-35ms, while some people with a controller can notice anything over 10 or 20ms, although at this point it's not a problem even if it's visible. On the other hand, response time is related to how quickly the pixels on your screen can change color (usually from gray to gray or black to white). Response time on any decent display is 5ms or less. A slower response time will result in "fuzzy" or "fuzzy" images on your display. Think of it like in a movie or TV series where a character is on drugs and everything seems very fluid as they move or as if they are being followed. This is an extreme example, but it gets the point across. This projector uses Digital Light Processing (DLP) to create the image, with DLP ghosting/blurring is virtually impossible according to numerous articles. I never see reaction time symptoms because I shouldn't. Think of it like a 0 ms response time. ** Small things ** Both Optoma and BenQ were INCREDIBLY well packaged. BenQ even more. The remote control for BenQ has satisfactory tactile feedback/click. Both projectors have built-in speakers if required. I haven't used them on any of them so I can't comment on their capabilities but they are there. If you're going to buy a decent projector, you're going to need something better than built-in speakers, which is why I avoid using them. However, they have their place. It's great to know that I can take the projector to a friend's or outside and have a cinematic experience with no additional equipment other than a Blu-ray/DVD player, especially with the short throw making it easy to find a place to project. **Negatives** If I had to pick a few negatives it would be that the black level could be better and it could run a little cooler. It's not plasma level or OLED black level, but it's certainly on par with high-end LED TVs. The temperature level is something that doesn't significantly affect my viewing environment, but as a techie, it bothers me when a technology gets hot. Perhaps this high heat is simply inherent in traditional projector lamp technology, but it still worries me. To be honest, this is the only thing that I think could be improved about this projector. Also, I don't think you will find anything better at this price point. If I later update this review I will be sure to include any new or major issues I come across. ** Verdict ** When deciding between Optoma GT1080 and BenQ HT2150ST, choose BenQ. Both are good projectors, but the BenQ is a notch or two above the GT1080 in terms of quality and experience, and the price is only 1-1.5 notches higher.**Full Disclosure**I have both the Optoma GT1080 and Bought the BenQ HT2150ST with my own money. I have not received any compensation for reviewing these projectors. I'm just a 22 year old college student with high standards and a willingness to give credit where it's due and point out shortcomings so hopefully they can be rectified in the future. As one of the first reviews of this product, I really hope this is comprehensive enough for those looking to buy this projector. Thank you for reading!