When you’re shopping for the ultimate gaming projector, BenQ's newly announced X3000i is definitely a unit that you should consider. It is equipped with all features needed to deliver an enhanced gaming experience; ultra-low input lag, picture modes optimized for gaming along with a high-quality sound system and 4K HDR compatibility.
Back in February of 2021, I had the pleasure of reviewing the BenQ X1300i gaming projector for Projector Reviews. It was not perfect for sure, but despite some issues, overall, I liked what I saw. There were not that many projectors at the time that offered the unique combination of design, performance, and gaming-focused features.
The X1300i stood out from the crowd with its focus on elevating the quality of home entertainment content and gaming. In that review, I pointed out that the BenQ X1300i featured a long-lasting, bright, 4LED, phosphor light source, as well as a 5,000,000:01 high contrast ratio, low-maintenance design, treVolo-tuned sound system, and dedicated gaming sound and video modes. In short, the X1300i was a competitive choice for those of you considering buying a projector for gaming and all-around entertainment.
So here we are at the BenQ display area at CES 2022, looking at the X3000i 4K projector that is focused on 4K Gaming and Entertainment. The X3000i includes 4K HDR support and 3,000 lumens of LED-powered brightness, all packaged in the same stylish form factor as its predecessor, the X1300i.
Compared to the X1300i, BenQ upgraded this new projector with a 4K capable DLP Digital Micromirror Device and improved the unit's color reproduction.
More and more gamers are choosing large-format displays. Now that a 4K version of BenQ's gaming X series' projector is a reality, I think it is going to be a compelling option for gamers when this projector ships.
This new 4K projector is able to display a variety of content from high definition to ultra-high definition all the way up to 4K 60Hz with an input lag of 16.67 milliseconds, all while projecting an image up to a maximum of 150 inches diagonally. In addition, the new X3000i supports 1080P@240Hz playback with an input lag of just 4.16ms.
The BenQ X3000i is a 4LED projector that adds an additional blue "pump" LED to the RGB LEDs whose light is also converted to green via the ceramic phosphor medium to amplify the overall output of green light. This type of design also helps keep the surface area of the original three light-emitting diodes unchanged, thereby avoiding the need to significantly increase the projector size to accommodate larger LEDs and the additional heating they produce and shortening their lifespan.
Some of the main benefits of using an LED projector are the same as those of using familiar household light bulbs: their long lifespan and energy efficiency. On average, an LED projector provides up to 20,000 hours of use in a normal setting, while hitting up to 30,000 hours of use in Energy-Saving mode. This is almost 10 to 15 times the lifespan of a traditional projector’s lamp, helping LED projectors avoid the maintenance costs associated with lamp replacement.
Due to its LED light source, BenQ states the X3000i can reproduce 100% of the DCI-P3 which is commonly used in HDR video. This means the X3000 can display colors that many traditional bulbs or laser-based projectors cannot. This makes X3000i ideal for watching movies or playing video games with vivid colors.
The QS01 Smart Media Adaptor add smart functionality to the X3000i
Many owners will also utilize the X3000i to view all types of entertainment so they want a smart projector. The included BenQ QS01 media stick provides that Smart capability to the X3000i. The QS01 provides access to more than 5,000 of the latest Android apps, movies, TV shows, live sports, news, games, music, and services like Google Play, and YouTube™ anytime, anywhere across compatible devices.
In addition to an immersive image, great audio also enhances the gaming experience. The X3000i includes dedicated audio modes designed to optimize the sound experience based on the game type.
treVolo Auditory Edge with Bongiovi DPS
Like the X1300i, the new X3000i utilizes a treVolo-tuned 5W x 2 virtual surround system. Whether you're playing games, watching movies, or listening to music, you can enjoy its crisp and dynamic audio.
Bongiovi provides the DPS technology using a patented algorithm with 120 calibration points for real-time audio signal optimization. Expect added depth, clarity, definition, presence, and enhanced stereo field-imaging that enhances video games, apps, music, and movies when played through the projector's onboard speakers, external speakers, or headphones.
BenQ X3000i in the BenQ CES 2022 demo room
At CES2022, BenQ set up an X3000i in their demo space so we can experience the projector graming performance first hand. The projector's low game lag combined with bright accurate colors results in a great gaming experience from the connect Playstation 5.
The low game lag combined with bright accurate colors should result in a great gaming experience.
The BenQ representatives pointed out that the X3000i is designed for Open World Gamers and will provide an immersive experience, especially for this type of gamer. Based on our limited time with the X30001, we were impressed by the unit's video and audio performance. We really looking forward to conducting a detailed review of the X3000i in the near future.
. If you want more information on this and other BenQ products, please check out the BenQ website at www.BenQ.com. Also, check out all our other BenQ products reviews at www.projectorreviews.com.
