Using the internally generated test pattern (a white grid upon a black background used for sizing the image to the screen), I found that lowering it to 0 noticeably darkened the grid’s lines. Pixel Enhancer was chameleon-like within its range of 0 to 15 (8 being the factory setting). I also left it at its default setting of zero. Likewise, Color Enhancer primarily accented middle tones, creating a sunburn look on faces when ramped up. As I moved through settings 1 through 5 (on my Stewart Filmscreen StudioTek 130 screen, with the lights on), Flesh Tone incrementally added warm, reddish enhancement to faces and made blue shades brighter, ultimately adding a “glow” to faces. Flesh Tone comes out of the box set to zero and is intended to bring about more natural skintones in high ambient light conditions. It defaults to off for all picture modes, but with judicial use, it was beneficial in eliminating motion artifacts (see more below). Motion Enhancer inserts up to 36 interpolated frames in between sequences for smooth, fluid motion with 60-frames-per-second video. The video controls include Motion Enhancer, Flesh Tone, Color Enhancer, and Pixel Enhancer. 709 and excellent out-of-the-box performance.īenQ calls its suite of advanced audio and (mostly) video processing features CinemaMaster. During assembly, every machine is said to receive precision, hands-on adjustment at multiple points in the manufacturing process, ensuring strict adherence to Rec.

709 HD color standard but can also retain long-term color stability with a sharp, detailed image. Rounding out the connections are a DC 12-volt trigger, a 3D sync port for use with active-shutter 3D RF glasses, an RS-232 DB-9 pin connector for automation, and a USB type B jack used as a service access portal.Īlong with the projector’s 1080p resolution and 3D capabilities, BenQ boasts of the immaculate attention paid during design to create a package that not only can accurately produce the international Rec. (This kit wasn’t sent for testing.) Legacy analog component and composite video inputs mate with analog stereo and audio in/out minijacks, and there’s an analog PC input via a D-sub 15-pin connector. An HDMI jumper between the receiver and one of the HDMI jacks on the projector completes the wireless connection, which is said to have less than 1-millisecond latency. The rear panel has two HDMI inputs (one MHL compatible), which can be complemented by a wireless HDMI interface kit (WDP01) featuring a dual-HDMI input transmitter with a specified range of 100 feet (structure-dependent) and a receiver powered by the projector’s USB Type A (5-volt/1.5-amp) jack. For tabletop use, a central front bar support descends by way of a release button, locking at the desired height as the two thumbscrew rear feet permit tri-planar balancing of the 9.24-pound unit.

We still want more from the black level and greater detail throughout for it to score the full five stars, but if you’re keen to get the big screen experience for under £500, you could just find the Epson EH-TW5300 scratches that itch.Proportionately compact at 13 x 4.7 x 9.7 inches, the mostly gloss white HT4050 is trimmed by a dark gray front fascia with connecting accent panels that wrap around to the rear input panel.

MORE: This Sony projector can be controlled by hand gestures Verdict Once again though, these are things you have to accept with this price tag – this is about as budget as budget projectors get, and despite our complaints its picture is perfectly watchable. Other niggles come by way of a remote that isn’t backlit, making it tricky to use in the dark, and the projector running rather noisily in ‘normal’ lamp mode – if your room is dark enough, you’ll want to keep it in ‘eco’ for the quietest performance. There’s a noise-reduction option in the menu but we find this affects the overall detail too much – a trade off we’re not willing to make. We don’t notice any real issues with motion, so steer well clear of the motion processing options, but there is some picture noise at times. Colours look a touch on the muted side in darker scenes, but it’s nothing to grumble about. Colours are well judged though, with the EH-TW5300 showing real adeptness at balancing subtle shades with a richer, punchier colour palette.

Best small projector 2016