The BenQ W5850, a DLP [abc]HD Ready[/abc] [abc]2 160p[/abc] and [abc]3D Ready[/abc] model, has just expanded the brand's range. And while its reference and design bring it closer to the W5800, the differences between the two models are nonetheless significant.
BenQ W5850 Vs BenQ W5800, what are the main differences?££££
First of all, it is important to (re)specify that the W5800 is a fixed lens model, unlike the W5850, a specimen with interchangeable lenses. The latter, with a 1-1.6 ratio, is supplied in the W5850 box and must be mounted by the reseller/consumer when installing the video projector. Why the optics on one side and the projector on the other, you might ask? It's because of the weight of the optics. Built into the W5850, it poses a significant risk of breakage or damage to the product during transport. In the near future, three other optics will be offered by BenQ (via integrators and professional stores): 1.5-2.45 ratio (that of the W5800), 0.7-0.9 ratio, and 0.5 ratio. This will make it possible to change the position of the W5850 in relation to the screen if the user wishes. Returning to the original W5850 optics, they are entirely new: 100% glass and made up of 16 lenses arranged in 12 groups. It is also optimized for the 1.5 ratio, thus offering a 20% higher contrast (with deeper blacks) than the W5800 operating at the same value.
Another notable development available on the BenQ W5850 is optimized management of the HDR10 signal with the Dynamic Tone Mapping process. The latter complements the various video processing features of the HDR Pro functionality already present, namely the Local Contrast Enhancer which, as its name suggests, generally improves the contrast for a significantly more detailed rendering, the Local Contrast Enhancer which divides each image into approximately 1,000 independently processed zones (each with its own gamma curve) for more displayed nuances and increased dynamics, and the Dynamic Black for precise adjustment, either image by image, of the brightness level in their bright and dark sections.
BenQ W5850, AI Cinema mode££££
The BenQ W5850 features AI Cinema mode. Artificial intelligence analyzes the nature of the displayed images in real time and optimizes its processing. A close-up of a face will not be displayed on the projection screen like a wide-angle view of a landscape. Similarly, a specific algorithm for managing streaming content is included. Compressed, sometimes heavily, rendering these very large on a canvas can be daunting. This mode is present to compensate for these defects as much as possible.
BenQ W5850, the other main specifications££££
For the rest, we find on the BenQ W5850 the exclusive CinematicColor technology for a coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut announced at 100% (without the presence of WCG filter, a first) via a calibration report [abc]THX[/abc] and [abc]ISF[/abc] carried out in the factory. The BenQ W5850 displays specifications perfectly adapted to Home Cinema sessions, in particular from HDR sources, with a Delta E of less than 2 guaranteed. Of course, like the W5800, the BenQ W5850 is based on the 0.47'' (1.2 cm) DMD chip signed Texas Instrument which has 1,920 x 1,080 pixels to generate an Ultra HD 4K image through the XPR4 process (wobulation). The mirrors' hyper-high switching speed (7 microseconds) is used via specific video processing to create 8 million pixels for each displayed image (one real pixel ultimately gives four pixels).
The light source is a laser (blue) phosphor-treated for a brightness of 2,600 lumens (reduced to 1,900 lumens after certified D65 calibration) and a stated lifespan of 20,000 hours (Normal world) / 25,000 hours (Economy mode). Namely, the Lens Shift (+/-50% horizontal, +/-15% vertical) offers significant freedom of placement.
As already mentioned, based on HDR-PRO technology specifically optimized for video projection, the BenQ W5850 supports [abc]HDR10[/abc]/HDR10+ and [abc]HDR HLG[/abc] formats. The contrast ratio is 1,000:1 in Native mode and 2,500,000:1 in Dynamic mode, and ISF and Filmmaker modes are included.
The MediaTek MT9669 Quad Core video processor, from the TV world, is still in use. It offers MEMC motion compensation and grayscale calibration is still possible on 11 points. Still on the menu: a 1.6x motorized zoom to display a diagonal of up to 200'' (508 cm), 180" (457 cm) with 4 meters of distance. The display offered by the BenQ W5850 mentions up to [abc]2 160p[/abc]/60 or [abc]1 080p[/abc]/120.
BenQ W5850, sound section££££
The audio section is devoid of speakers. But the eARC function of the HDMI 1 input with Pass-Through [abc]Dolby Atmos[/abc] allows connection to a Home Cinema system. Finally, BenQ announces for its latest product an extreme discretion thanks to an optimization of the ventilation with a noise of 30 dB maximum in Normal mode, 27 dB in Eco mode.
BenQ W5850, the connectivity££££
The connectivity includes an [abc]HDMI[/abc] 2.1 input, one 2.0b obedience, both [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.2 certified and one of which has the [abc]eARC[/abc] function as already mentioned, plus an [abc]RS-232[/abc]C. Also present: an [abc]optical[/abc] output, an [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port and two powered [abc]USB[/abc] Host ports.
Immediate availability. Recommended price: 5,299 euros.
Reminder of the key features of the BenQ W5850:
• Mono-[abc]DLP[/abc] type
• [abc]Ultra HD[/abc] resolution
• Native resolution: 1,920 x 1,080 pixels (3,840 x 2,160 with Texas Instrument XPR4 wobbling technology)
• DMD chip: TI 0.47''
• Contrast: 2,500,000:1
• Light source: laser (blue) + phosphor
• Brightness: 2,600 lumens
• CinematicColor functions
• Motion Compensation functions
• Local Contrast Enhancer functions
• HDR-Pro functions
• Global Contrast Enhancer functions
• Dynamic Black functions
• Dynamic Tone Mapping functions
• Filmmaker mode
• [abc]HDR10[/abc] compatibility
• [abc]HDR10+[/abc] compatibility
• [abc]3D Ready[/abc] compatibility ([abc]BD 3D[/abc] and DLP Link)
• [abc]HDR HLG[/abc] compatibility
• [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.2 compatibility
• [abc]eARC[/abc] compatibility
• Gamut: 100% DCI-P3
• 3D compatibility: yes
• Connections: 1 x [abc]HDMI[/abc] 2.1 input, 1 x [abc]HDMI[/abc] 2.0b input, both certified [abc]HDCP[/abc] 2.2 and one with [abc]eARC[/abc] function, 1 [abc]RS-232[/abc]C, 1 [abc]optical[/abc] output, 1 [abc]Ethernet[/abc] port and 2 [abc]USB[/abc] Host powered ports
• Zoom: 1.6x motorized
• Noise level: 27 dB in Eco mode, 30 dB in Normal mode
• Certification: ISF, THX
• Lamp life: 25,000 h in Eco mode and 20,000 h in Normal mode
• Lens Shift: Lens Shift (+/-50% horizontal, +/-15% vertical)
• Weight: 10.5 kg
• Power consumption: 380 W in Normal mode / 240 W in Eco mode
• Dimensions (L x H x D): 525.2 x 392.7 x 145.7 mm