Tech Review: BenQ W2700 True 4K UHD HDR-Pro Projector – “An incredible viewing experience”

BenQ very kindly sent over their W2700 True 4K UHD HDR-Pro Projector for me to take for a spin and I was very impressed with it. Straight out of the box, it is a lovely looking piece of kit.

It weighs 4.2kg and measures 38cm across so it can fit easily in most rooms you plan to use it. It would also be relatively easy to mount it on the ceiling. With the built-in 5W stereo speakers (which are pretty good for a projector), a short-throw ratio of 1.13-1.47:1, with a brightness rating of 2,000 ANSI lumens it is nice and easy to move around.

As with most of the projectors I have reviewed over the years, this one was nice and easy to set up and I was watching movie within a few minutes. Just connect it to your media player of choice and you are good to go. As I mentioned, the built-in speakers do a great job, but it is always better to hook it up to whatever surround sound or soundbar you have. On the back, there are two HDMI 2.0 sockets along with a powered USB 3.0 port and a separate 3.5mm audio-out jack.

I had it set up in the living room projecting onto a screen in both night and daytime conditions. I also had it set up in my bedroom, projecting on to the wall. In every situation, it gave a truly fantastic image.

The unit has Factory Calibrated Out-of-the-Box Color Accuracy, details of which come in a nice envelope in the box (details below) so you don’t really have to mess around with the settings if you just want to be watching something as soon as possible. Producing 4K UHD 3840×2160 resolution with 8.3 million distinct pixels for each frame, W2700 utilizes the new generation 0.47” single-DMD DLP technology. With four times the resolution of Full HD 1080p, 4K UHD reduces pixel blur.

Using special instruments and software, W2700 is tested and adjusted for precise D65 color temperature, gamma, black level, white level, neutral grey, RGBCMY color tracking, hue, saturation, brightness and output based on ITU-R Rec.709. All data from multiple interfaces is compiled for individual factory calibration reports, guaranteeing 100% Rec.709 with Delta E<3*, also implement an optimal DCI-P3 color table by BenQ exclusive CinematicColor technology to reproduce authentic colors of Hollywood films.

One of the big selling points for the W2700 is the use of “CinematicColor™ for Colors as Directors Envisioned.”

CinematicColor™ technology utilizes optimal colors to bring out accurate and enhanced images in your 4K Projector HDR Home Cinema. CinematicColor’s super wide DCI-P3 color space (covering far greater visible spectrum than Rec. 709), high native ANSI contrast ratio and ISFccc certified calibration ensure incredible image performances and deliver detailed, sharp and crisp visuals to accompany your pro cinema enjoyment.

Enhancing optimal colours for precise picture quality, BenQ CinematicColor™ technology reach American film industry’s up to 95% super wide DCI-P3 colour space, covering far greater visible spectrum than Rec. 709. With DCI-P3, W2700 perfectly reproduces authentic cinematic quality with wide and precise colour accuracy as how the directors have originally envisioned.

“As the director envisioned” is a bit of a mantra for this projector. BenQ are trying to bring a truly cinematic feel to the watching films at home. It does have a 4K Motion Enhancer mode that adds interpolation. As filmmakers, such as Guillermo del Toro, have asked manufacturers to stop using that, this option is switched off by default.

Using the lovely remote control you can dive into all the various options. Depending on where you use it, you may have to mess around with the various settings to get it just how you want it. However, there are a number of preset movie modes to suit most environments – D.Cinema Mode and HDR Mode (Wide Color Gamut Enabled) for dark rooms and Cinema Mode and HDR Mode for daylight and living rooms. The projector automatically selects the correct viewing mode when you plug in a HDR source.

As with all technology, prices are always coming down and the BenQ W2700 is just under £1400. That is not too bad for a decent 4K projector. While there are cheaper 4K projectors, the W2700’s superior colour reproduction does make it more worthwhile if you can splash out the little extra.

As with most projectors of this price range you are not getting a true 4K image. Using the magic of technology, it uses a DLP chip with a native 1,920 x 1,080 resolution. This shifts those pixels four times per frame to produce the appearance of a 4K image.

The picture quality is stunning in all modes and with all input. The colours are bright and vivid which the darker tones and blackness are deep and seductive. The D Cinema mode does have a gorgeous picture and wonderfully deep blacks, but works best when in a completely darkened room as the brightness and contrast are reduced a little. I did find that I was using Cinema mode the most when watching Blu-rays and streaming. Watching things in 4K and normal Blu-ray’s the picture was fantastic.

I never really had to tinker with the settings, but there are plenty of options to do so should the need arise. Instead, whenever I moved the unit to a different room or position, I just cycled through the modes and always found one that suited the area. However, when using DVD’s and when streaming services faltered due to poor wi-fi the picture quality suffered a little, but that is to be expected these days.

All in all, I was extremely happy with the BenQ W2700. It looks lovely and delivers an incredible viewing experience. If you are looking to set up a cinema room, or just want to make the most of the 4K films and games consoles you may have, then the W2700 is a great way to go if you don’t want to spend silly amounts of money.