Gaming in 4K is not new, especially with the PS4 Pro being popular or Netflix-shows being released in 4K. Most people would play on a 4K television, but there is one cool alternative: a 4K projector.
We teamed up with BenQ and Energy Sistem to create a cinema experience, but still have a room where we could walk around (so not completely dark). BenQ sent over the BenQ W1700, which is great for gaming or watching movies in a well lit room. The biggest issue with a projector is that it always needs to be dark, but not with the W1700. It projects amazingly well in a very well lit room (see video) and it’s still sharp in 4K, bright and colourful.
We tested the projector with a PS4 Pro and Spiderman and had a blast. Together with the Energy Sistem Tower 7 (two of them) we created some kind of cinema space. It was extremely easy to connect one of the sound-towers to the projector via AUX. After that it was just a press of the button away (on both of the speakers) to connect them wirelessly and get stereo sound with a lot of bass.
If you watch the video you might think that the projector is not as clear as we’re claiming, but the video just doesn’t do this device justice. Off course we have to remember that the projector costs around 1.500$, which is not cheap, but compared to other 4K projectors still a good buy. Besides, it also won the EISA award for best buy projector, which means a lot.
Now, if you’re a hardcore gamer there are some alternatives for you. The W1700 might be very bright and 4K, it’s not short throw (for smaller rooms) and it doesn’t have a high frame rate for online gaming for example. That’s where the BenQ W1210ST comes in. This one is a bit cheaper, but has low input lag for smooth gaming and a mode specifically for gaming. Besides, it also has better speakers (would still recommend external ones though for the full experience).
But what if you even have a brighter room? Then you can go for the TK800. It has a high brightness mode, but the colours are not on par compared to the W1700.
VERDICT
THe BenQ W1700 is an awesome projector that comes in at a price. The 4K is really exceptional and it works perfectly in a well-lit room, which is a plus. Offcourse you’ll need a projection screen or wall to get the best out of this projector. Together with the two Energy Sistem Tower 7’s we had a blast playing on the PS4 Pro! Link to the projector and the speakers.
