Are these low end 4k projectors ?

[pcslookout]

BenQ TK800, BenQ HT2550, and Optoma UHD50?

If so would it be better to get mid range to high end 1080p projector instead ?

 

[Muadib]

I can't give my own review, because I haven't shopped for a 4k projector lately, but the reviews below should help.

https://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ-HT2550-review-update.htm
https://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ-TK800-review.htm
https://www.projectorcentral.com/Optoma-UHD50-review.htm

 

[13Gigatons]

Good: https://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-PowerLite_Home_Cinema_3100.htm

Better: https://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-Home_Cinema_5040UB.htm

Best: https://www.projectorcentral.com/Sony-VPL-VW295ES.htm

Look For:
1. Low Fan Noise
2. Zoom 1.6x or better
3. Lens Shift (at least vertical)
4. 2-year warranty or better
5. Low cost bulb replacement

The fake 4k projectors have been stripped down models who's only selling point is the 4k marketing term. The Sony is great but only if you $5 grand to spend. The Epson 3100 is on sale for $999 sometimes and it is pretty good.

 

[pcslookout]

Good: https://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-PowerLite_Home_Cinema_3100.htm

Better: https://www.projectorcentral.com/Epson-Home_Cinema_5040UB.htm

Best: https://www.projectorcentral.com/Sony-VPL-VW295ES.htm

Look For:
1. Low Fan Noise
2. Zoom 1.6x or better
3. Lens Shift (at least vertical)
4. 2-year warranty or better
5. Low cost bulb replacement

The fake 4k projectors have been stripped down models who's only selling point is the 4k marketing term. The Sony is great but only if you $5 grand to spend. The Epson 3100 is on sale for $999 sometimes and it is pretty good.

What about the BenQ HT3550 that just been released ?

 

[13Gigatons]

What about the BenQ HT3550 that just been released ?

It's a slight improvement over the older model. Zoom 1.3x and only 10% lens shift, the contrast is suppose to be improved though. In the right room it would be alright. Benq has always been hit or miss. They perform well but warranty service is always the weak spot.

Still no affordable "true" 4k projector on the market.

 

[pcslookout]

It's a slight improvement over the older model. Zoom 1.3x and only 10% lens shift, the contrast is suppose to be improved though. In the right room it would be alright. Benq has always been hit or miss. They perform well but warranty service is always the weak spot.

Still no affordable "true" 4k projector on the market.

So is it better to get a higher quality 1080p projector ($800 or more) than a lower quality 4k nontrue 4k projector ?

 

[13Gigatons]

So is it better to get a higher quality 1080p projector ($800 or more) than a lower quality 4k nontrue 4k projector ?

To some degree that would be a yes. The last models of 1080p are really good. Great picture quality, good contrast, good zoom, lens shift, etc. All that for the price of around $1000. And 1080p will look Good/Great to most people sitting ten feet from the screen.

But you give up 4k and HDR.....the manufacturers know they can sell watered down crippled versions of the faux 4k models and people will buy them just to get the 4k symbol.

So it's a toss up, buy a really good 1080p for $1000 or a watered down 4k model for $1500.

For Me:
1. Good Contrast Ratio (have dark room)
2. Warranty (BT3550 has 3-year warranty) (Buy from reputable dealer or direct from BenQ)

If I could trust Benq's warranty and the room works for it, I could recommend the BT3550.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I can't speak for 4k, but, compared to my past ownership of Mitsubishi 3800 and a cheap BenQ 1080p projector, the Sony hw45es is a HUGE upgrade. Even at 1080p, picture on a 106 inch screen is clear with minimal screen door effect as close as about 6 feet from the screen.
https://www.sony.com/electronics/projector/vpl-hw45es

I plan to keep this projector until possibly going for a 4K LED projector if/when a good one is on the market in 10ish years.

 

[Muse]

In my experience the vertical lens shift is critical because different sources have aspect ratios that force me to move the image up or down to get an angle I like. For instance, a 2.35:1 wide screen has to be lowered, whereas a 1.85:1 image needs to be higher. I use my PJ's horizontal lens shift occasionally, to get the image centered, but it's not nearly as useful/necessary.