The world of projectors is no longer just about movies. The huge leap in both gaming interest and gaming graphical quality in recent years has seen more and more gamers turn to projectors to take their immersion in gaming worlds to a whole new level. BenQ has been at the forefront of catering to this new gaming-focused projection market, so it’s no surprise that the brand is expanding its gaming projector lineup with two new models: the TK710 and TK710STi.
What is surprising, however, is how aggressively these new DLP models are priced for the head-turning specs they offer. The TK710 is expected to retail for $1,799 / £1,349, while the TK710STi has an RRP of $1,999 / £1,599, despite both models offering laser lighting systems, 4K playback (using DLP projection’s pixel-shifting technology), and the ability to play games or high dynamic range video.
The TK710 is a new laser-illuminated gaming projector for casual use that offers HDR and 4K support, along with … [+]
These headline features really only scratch the surface of the TK710 and TK710STi’s attractions. Both, for example, are said to deliver a high peak brightness of 3,200 ANSI Lumens, reflecting their positioning in BenQ’s lineup as “casual” gaming projectors designed to work in a living room or guest room environment where blocking out all ambient light can be a challenge.
In addition to video support for the HDR10 and HLG formats, both projectors feature HDR gaming modes, meaning gamers with HDR-capable consoles and PCs don’t have to stick with SDR to avoid lag.
In addition to helping the TK710 and TK710STi achieve their remarkable brightness levels, their laser lighting systems essentially eliminate the need to keep replacing lamps over the life of the projectors. BenQ quotes a lifespan of 20,000 hours for each of the projectors’ lasers – enough for 10,000 two-hour movies, or (certainly) to satisfy even the most extreme Call Of Duty addiction.
Like other recent BenQ gaming projectors, the TK710 and TK710STi feature a number of specialized gaming presets optimized for RPG and FPS games. Input lag on both models is claimed to be 16.7ms with 4K/60Hz feeds, compared to just 4.2ms with the 1080p/240Hz feeds. Both projectors handle these impressively well.
The main difference between BenQ’s new gaming projector duo is that, as the ST part of the name suggests, the TK710STi comes equipped with a short-throw lens so that it can be placed in smaller rooms or, perhaps, closer to the screen in a normal room, so that it’s not so close to your seating positions. To be more specific about this difference, where the TK710 can produce a 100-inch image from 8.4 feet from the screen and a 120-inch image from 10 feet, the TK710STi can produce a 100-inch image from five feet and a 120-inch image from six feet. The TK710STi also comes with an Android TV dongle, giving the projector built-in streaming capabilities.
“We recognize the need for dynamic, easy-to-use and versatile projectors,” said Houston Wei, senior director of BenQ North America. “With the TK710 and TK710STi, gamers and movie enthusiasts can experience stunning visuals and blazing-fast gaming in virtually any environment.”
Both of BenQ’s new gaming projectors are available now through the brand’s US and UK websites, as well as other independent projector retailers.
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