Gaming has become a multi-billion dollar entertainment category and that reality has not been lost on the manufacturers of TVs, PC monitors, and gaming headsets. Samsung and LG have made a point of developing gaming specific 4K monitors and Sony just purchased Audeze because of its success in the gaming headset market. But when it comes to the projector market, there is a genuine need for better options that offer a AAA gaming experience that consumers can immerse themselves in.
With that in mind, BenQ, the leading DLP 4K projector brand and innovator of digital lifestyle devices, has announced three new 4K HDR smart projectors designed specifically for AAA console gaming
From Houston Wei, Senior Director of BenQ North America: “The latest additions to our new X Series gaming projectors bring a revolutionary shift to the world of large-screen gaming. Boasting authentic 4K HDR visual quality and minimal input lag, these projectors are the ultimate platform for an immersive AAA gaming experience in various settings,…The flagship X3100i redefines the ultimate dream gaming room standard without compromise. The X500i transforms any compact space into gaming hubs, and the X300G projector empowers gamers to establish gaming centers within their personal space.“
BenQ X-Series Gaming Projectors
Following closely after the success of the BenQ X3000i ($1,999), 2022’s best 4K gaming projector, the new X3100i, X500i, and X300G models incorporate BenQ’s detail enhancement engine.
All of the projectors incorporate an efficient, color-accurate LED light source, HDR-PRO, CinematicColor, and CinematicSound technologies, offering a richer and more immersive gaming experience than on previous models.
4K UHD
The heart of the X Series lies in BenQ’s innovative in-game detail refinement technology, delivering fully immersive gaming experiences filled with newly uncovered details and realism. True 4K resolution, consisting of 8.3 million distinct pixels via pixel shifting, complements the HDR-PRO technology optimized for projectors.
HDR-PRO
HDR-PRO employs SSI (Solid State Illumination), Dynamic Black, and HDR tone mapping techniques, resulting in vibrant contrasts and realistic shadows that reveal intricate details even in dim settings. Additionally, the theater-grade BenQ CinematicColor technology supports precise color accuracy with an extensive color gamut, encompassing subtle shades, reaching up to 100% DCI-P3 coverage.
CinematicSound
BenQ’s CinematicSound immerses X Series gamers with a 3D spatial audio environment crafted from its unique treVolo driver design and advanced sound processing.
Ultra-Fast Response
With a response time of 4.2ms (1080p @240Hz), the X Series ensures gamers can instantly react, guaranteeing unmatched in-game victories.
The X Series gaming projectors are designed for all gaming systems, offering various game modes such as role-playing, shooter, sports, and racing, with features like Auto Game Mode for optimized settings and input lag, SettingXChange for quick color shifts, and a built-in FPS Crosshair for precise targeting.
Smart Features
BenQ X Series gaming projectors feature Google-certified Android TV and built-in Netflix, offering a wide range of entertainment from apps to movies, sports, and even more games. They also support HDMI-eARC and S/PDIF (Digital Optical) connectivity for passing high-quality audio to external sound systems.
To put it simply, even if you are not a gamer, these projectors provide access to an array of home entertainment content options from streaming or physically connected sources
Projector Design
With a modern look, the X Series gaming projectors are designed for easy, flexible installation, featuring the right throw ratios, lens shift, 2D keystone, and digital or motorized zoom. They’re ideal for any gaming space, big or small.
Tip: Vertical lens shift is only included on the X3100i while the X300G is the only model with motorized zoom)
The X3100i is optimized for high-end users and is suitable for large rooms.
The X500i is well suited for a smaller room but can be used in a larger room depending on the projector and screen placement.
The X300G’s compact design is great for providing a big-screen gaming experience in a smaller room (such as a bedroom or studio apartment)
Comparison
| X3100i | X500i | X300G | |
| Display Technology | DLP | DLP | DLP |
| Light Source | LED | LED | LED |
| Light Output | 3,300 lumens | 2,200 lumens | 2,000 lumens |
| Resolution (via Pixel Shift) | 4K HDR | 4K HDR | 4K HDR |
| Color Coverage | 100% DCI-P3 | 84% DCI-P3/95% Rec 709 | 84% DCI-P3/95% Rec 709 |
| Contrast | 500,000:1 | 500,000:1 | 500,000:1 |
| Throw Ratio | 1.16 – 15 (100” @ 8.2 ft/2.5 meters | 0.69 – 0.83 (100” @ 5ft/1.44m) | 0.59 – 0.83 (100” @ 5 ft/1.44m) |
| Zoom | 1.3 x | 1.2 x | 1.2 x (Motorized) |
| Keystone Correction | 2D Keystone | 2D Keystone | 2D Keystone with Picture Rotation |
| Lens Shift | Vertical 40 to 60% | No | No |
| Game Modes | RPG/FPS/SPG/RCG | RPG/FPS/SPG | RPG/FPS/SPG |
| Input Lag (4k @ 60Hz) | 16.67 ms | 16.67 ms | 16.67 ms |
| Input Lag (1440p @ 120Hz) – Displayed at 1080p | 8.3 ms | 8.3 ms | 8.3 ms |
| Input Lag (1080p @60Hz) | 16.7 ms | 16.7 ms | 16.7 ms |
| Input Lag (1080p @ 120Hz) | 8.7 ms | 8.7 ms | 8.7 ms |
| Input Lag (1080p @ 240Hz) | 4.2 ms | 4.2 ms | 4.2ms |
| Smart OS | Google Certified Android TV with Netflix Built-in | Google Certified Android TV with Netflix Built-in | Google Certified Android TV with Netflix Built-in |
| Audio | 5 watt Trevelo Speaker x2 | 5 watt Trevelo Speaker x2 | 8 watt Trevelo Speaker x2 with Passive Radiator |
| Dimensions (WHD)Without Adjustment Feet | 10.7 x 7.8 x 10.2 inches (272 x 197.1 x 259.4 mm) | 14.1 x 4.6 x 9.6 inches (366 x 118 x 244 mm) | 8.3 x 7 x 7.2 inches (211 x 179.4 x 182 mm) |
| Weight | 15 lbs/6.8 kg | 7.9 lbs/3.6 kg | 6.6 lbs/3.0 kg |
| Price | $2,399 | $1,699 | $1,799 |
Game Mode Definitions: RPG (Role Playing Games), FPS (First Person Shooter), SPG (Shortest Proof Games), RCG (Role Playing Card Games)
Availability and Pricing
BenQ’s X3100i ($2,399) and X500i ($1,699) will be available to order in early November 2023 on BenQ.com. The X300G ($1,799) will be available to order in January 2024.
Beginning December 2023, the X3100i and X500i will be available for purchase on Amazon, Best Buy US, Adorama, B&H, and ProjectorPeople.
For more information: benq.com
Tip: You can see the new X Series gaming projectors in performance at the Tokyo Game Show 2023, booth 8 Hall-C18 at Gaming Hardware Area, from September 21-24, and TwitchCon 2023, booth #220, from October 20-22.
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