Product Description

The W500 features an iris-like lens design that mimics our own eye, adjusting the aperture after analyzing the incoming video signal. The aperture is contracted during dark scenes for truer black tones and enhanced detail, while it is enlarged for bright scenes to maximize light output and enable a wider dynamic range. No matter what type of content is on, the W500 ensures that you get the very best viewing experience. The W500 not only converts SD content such as analog TV broadcasts to HD-quality video, but it analyzes an amazing 1,024 pixels in the source for each pixel in the final HD version for native HD-like picture quality.

Product Details

• Brand: BenQ
• Model: W500
• Platform: Windows
• Format: CD
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 4.70" h x 10.90" w x 13.70" l, 23.00 pounds

Features

• 720p (1280 x 720) Native Resolution
• 1100 ANSI Lumens
• Dynamic Iris
• Hollywood Quality Video Processing for HD
• 2D Keystone

Customer Reviews

Exceeding my Expectations
I thought about a projector for a long time and finally decided upon this one based on it's lens-shifting capabilities (I was also looking at the Mitsubishi 1500). I have a low ceiling and thought that the Misubishi's fixed lens might be difficult to use properly. This is my first projector and I've logged ~50 hours so far between games, movies, and general computer usage. It has far exceeded all my expectations.

Setup was simple. I took it out of the box, plugged it in, shut the lights off, and turned it on. I then was able to focus, zoom, and shift as appropriate with ease. I'm currently running this with an image just shy of 120" on a wood textured gray wall which I thought would be terrible for projecting on and it looks excellent. I can't wait to mount it permanently and get a screen which I would bet will enhance the experience that much more. I'll probably update later with pictures and further thoughts.

The only con I can think of currently is that it only has 1 HDMI port. But I knew that going in and there's all sorts of methods to work around that. After reading the few reviews on Amazon I kind of think they are written by people who are reviewing this based on its specs, without actually having seen or used the projector.

In short this projector has done nothing but impress me from the first minute and I can only hope that it will continue to do so. All my friends and relatives who have seen it so far are in awe, and several are now considering purchasing a projector. This is an excellent entry-level high def projector with a ton of features for a great price.

If you're like me and you have been looking at this projector for a while and have been hesitant, do yourself a favor and buy it. It's doing everything I had hoped it would do and more.

Exceptional value for a true home theater experience
The BenQ w500 home theater projector truly lived up to my expectations of how movies and HD television should be experienced. Upscaled DVDs look incredible and although LCD technology can't quite reach the black levels of DLP, it by no means detracts from my enjoyment of this projector. My home theater seating is approximately 11 feet away from 108" diagonal screen with the only notable "screen door effect" (visible pixels) showing up with some text, although I think that may also be the result of mpeg compression artifacts. Besides the outstanding value this proector offers in upfront cost, the replacement bulbs are considerably less expensive than competing projectors in this segment. As with all home theater projectors you do need to control the room lighting for the best viewing experience, but I would not hesitate to highly suggest the BenQ w500 make your short list when in the market for a home theater projector.

AWESOME
I do not know what the low rating people voted this projector so low for! Just because of one miserable problem they consider the whole company is at fault. BenQ is known for their awesome customer service. Back to this projector though, it's outstanding. Tweak everything to your liking with it's awesome menu especially for colors. With HDMI and 2 Components and a D-SUB what more is there to ask? HQV does an outstanding effect on SD content (DVD, most computer medias, tv channels) and above and beyond on HD format. Economy mode makes it decently quiet. Add in a 5.1 home theater system and everything is great. This is an excellent 720p projector and not to mention the bulb price isn't more than half of the known 720p projector such as Mitsubishi HC1500 or Panasonic PX200AU.