BenQ TK850i 4K SMART HOME ENTERTAINMENT PROJECTOR REVIEW-SPECIAL FEATURES 2

BenQ TK850i 4K SMART HOME ENTERTAINMENT PROJECTOR - SPECIAL FEATURES 2: 3D, Android TV OS, WiFi, Google Assistant,

3D, like in a theater, allows you to be more immersed in the experience. 3D projectors for home theater allow the user to play 3D games and watch compatible 3D movies. While 3D content is no longer taking the world of movies and gaming by storm, it is still available, and BenQ has decided to re-create your home entertainment with the combination of industry-leading 3D technologies.

The BenQ TK850i features a 3D function that allows you to enjoy 3D movies, videos, sporting events and games in a more realistic way, by adding depth to the image when you are wearing a pair of optional compatible 3D glasses.

Today’s smart projectors, like the TK850i, have caught up with the smart television. The TK850i gives you access to apps and services like Google Play, Prime Video and YouTube right on the projector with the included BenQ Android TV dongle. Now you don’t have to split your time between a projector for movies and a TV for streaming. With the included media stick, you can watch all your content on the same big screen home theater.

Once installed, the included Android TV USB dongle acts as a streaming and media box with many channels and apps built-in. It simplifies streaming, as you no longer need to run HDMI and power cables to a game console or PC. With the Android TV dongle, there’s no cable mess to deal with and no separate power supply required. Just plug the Android TV device into HDMI and power it from a USB port on your projector and that’s it. You’re good to go. With much of today's streamed content being formatted for 4K HDR, it’s a shame to not use your projector for that as well.

As Android TV gains more prominence in the marketplace, expect additional apps and services to become available. As of this writing, for example, the TK850i streaming stick does not support Netflix but you can easily cast Netflix from your phone or PC. If you want it all built into one system you can use a separate media box like the new Chromecast with Google TV or an Amazon FireTV, or a game console to watch Netflix content. .

FYI, when you log into the Google Play app store, you will see an option to download and install Netflix for Android TV. Frustratingly, the Netflix app will launch and take you to the profile login screen if you already have set up Netflix for Android TV on another device. Just when you think it’s going to work, you get an error message and have to close the app. As of the date of this review, it’s not working.

The BenQ TK850i streaming stick comes with Chromecast built in. In addition, Google-certified Android TV has built-in Chromecast technology. Cast your favorite entertainment (movies, TV shows, music, games, sports, photos, videos and more) from your Android or iOS device, Mac or Windows computer or Chromebook to your projector, all without needing to purchase a TV stick.

The TK850i’s media adaptor also supports AirPlay, with a compatible Apple device, so now you can stream to your projector or share your photos with everyone in the room.

Android TV with Google Assistant provides you with a smarter viewing experience. Yes, you can easily search and watch movies, stream apps and play games. But, what I find really useful about my Google Assistant is that I can ask questions and see answers from Google on the big screen.

I use the Google Assistant to help me manage different tasks and get a clear picture of my day, like scheduling or viewing upcoming events and setting and receiving reminders, plus I can even add items to my shopping list.