BenQ V7050i produced one of the best looking images we have seen from a Laser TV
Ninety percent of the ultra-short-throw projectors on the market today utilize the same DLP chip. Projectors at this price point, built from similar components, are separated only by the capabilities of the engineers and programmers that produced them. Think of these manufacturers as chefs. Given the same tools and ingredients, the chefs' skill and experience determine how good or bad the meals they prepare will taste. If the BenQ V7050i were a meal, it would be five star. In my experience, BenQ has done an outstanding job with the V7050i.
After using the V7050i for a couple of weeks now, I have to say that I am incredibly impressed. This projector delivers a noticeably crisper, more detailed, and colorful image than I have seen to date on any other ultra-short-throw projector in its class. It's superb.
BenQ V7050i Laser TV
As far as HD and 4K SDR performance go, the V7050i exceeded our expectations. This projector comes pre-calibrated from BenQ, so out-of-the-box they have put their best foot forward.
The BenQ V7050i slightly outperformed its rated brightness of 2,500 ANSI lumens. Its brightness has a lot to do with the V7050i's Laser Light Source and the BenQ's implementation of their proprietary technologies like HDR-Pro and CinematicColor.
The V7050i's HDR performance was noticeably better than many of the DLP projectors that we have reviewed. I've seen DLP projectors where the HDR implementation makes the image look worse. That's not the case with this BenQ Laser TV.
The BenQ DLP (0.47" DMD) imager reproduces 4K content in SDR and HDR incredibly well. The laser light source is specified to last up to 20,000 hours and provide virtually maintenance-free performance when operated in Normal Lamp mode. The light source will likely outlast the rest of the projector.
BenQ experts appear to have finely tuned every out-of-the-box mode, unlike most projectors that I review in this price range. It's not uncommon for a manufacturer to attempt to have one or two preset modes perform to the best of their abilities. However, BenQ appears to have taken a different path with the V7050i. To my eye, it seems their engineers were looking to squeeze as much performance as they could from each of the projector's preset modes. This attention to detail should provide BenQ customers with an excellent entertainment experience out-of-the-box. All but the most discerning customers would be happy with FILMMAKER mode and would feel compelled to have the unit calibrated.
BenQ also has packed the V7050i with a range of manual picture adjustments that will allow you to tweak the projector to your heart's content, should you be so inclined.
The BenQ V7050i on a UST screen in a dark room
The V7050i, when paired with a light rejecting screen, knocks it out of the park in a dark room. The picture this Laser TV produces is stunning.
I was a little nervous when I turned on the lights to evaluate the picture in a well-lit room. The BenQ 7050i is not the brightest ultra-short-throw projector I have reviewed, but that's not the point. It's easy to crank the light source up to eleven and gain lumens, but that usually comes at a cost in the loss of contrast and color. BenQ gave their experts the time and tools they needed to achieve a good balance between brightness and color, even in a well-lit room.
The BenQ V7050i on a UST screen in a room with ambient light
With the lights on, I'm not saying that the picture looked the same as with the lights off. I am saying that, with the lights on and the right screen, the picture was better than I expected. Instead of a completely washed out greenish-blue image, the V7050i maintained enough of its balance that colors were good, visibly better than other DLP projectors I've reviewed with the lights on. The performance of this projector was good enough that I would have it in my living room with no reservations.
Over the few years, we have reviewed several good-looking Laser TVs including models from brands like LG, HiSense, and Optoma. Only Samsung LSP9T ($6499 SRP) surpassed the V7050i in picture quality. The LSP9T smart features are better integrated and it utilizes a tri-color laser light source so it can reproduce colors that the V7050i just cannot. However, the Samsung LSP9T costs $3000 more than the V7050i. Due to its outstanding picture. beautiful design and above-average sound quality, we are giving the BenQ V7050i a "Highly Recommended" award.
