BenQ MX880UST DLP Ultra-Short Throw Projector - A Comparison

The BenQ MX880UST is similar to the MP780ST projector which we did review

This article discusses the BenQ MX880UST's differences.

BenQ MX880UST Projector Comparison

Click to enlarge. So close.

The BenQ MX880UST is part of BenQ’s MX series, which includes the MX810ST and MX812ST projectors we recently took a brief look at, as well as their widescreen sibling, the MW811ST. The MX880UST and its siblings are all related to the MP780ST, an interactive projector that earned our annual Best in Classroom Interactive Projector Award after being reviewed. This comparison is designed to help you decide if the MX880UST is better suited to your particular presentation needs than are the MP780ST, MX812ST, MW811ST, MX810ST and the rest of the projectors in the series.

Click Image to Enlarge

Always helpful, BenQ conveniently provides hints to the main features of each projector through the model’s name. The “X” in MX880UST stands for XGA (1024x768) resolution, which is the standard. (If you’re looking for widescreen, you should check out the MX880UST’s WXGA siblings, the MW811ST and the MP780ST.

But what sets the MX880UST apart is the additional letter in its title that the others do not have – the “U” in MX880UST. This means that the MX880UST is an ultra-short throw projector, or that you can place it extremely close to your screen and still project a large image. With an impressive throw ratio of 0.3:1, the MX880UST can project a 78” image at just 1.69 feet away from the screen – and that’s measuring from the mirror near the rear of the projector, not the front! Wow!

Otherwise, the MX880UST (MSRP $2099), like many of its siblings, has a brightness of 2500 lumens, which is a solid amount. It is a bit lower contrast than the other projectors in the series, with a contrast ratio of 3000:1.

The MX880UST also boasts two 10W built-in speakers (20W total), plus a microphone input! This is about the most you can get in terms of built-in speakers… That way, the MX880UST can tackle any sound requirements in your presentation, such as music or commentary, and it can help your voice carry during presentations to your audience.

While the MX880UST does not have an HDMI input, it does have a USB input that allows for hassle-free, computer-less presentations straight from your USB storage device. So if you’re really looking for convenience, just load your presentation onto your USB drive ahead of time, slip it in your pocket or briefcase, and pull it out just in time for your presentation… Keeping things simple. The MX880UST also has wired networking control capabilities.

The MX880UST is 3D ready, which can put your presentation over the edge and really impress. It also offers remote mousing and closed captioning.

Much larger than any of its siblings, the MX880UST weighs in at 12.3 lbs. So it’s not really portable, but it'll work just fine if you’re planning on leaving it in a classroom or conference room and only moving it somewhere close on occasion, such as down the hall.

The photo below was taken using the MP780ST projector, which has the same contrast and brightness as the BenQ MX880UST. However, the images from the MX880UST projector will look a bit different, since the MX880UST is not widescreen.