At this point, we have put a few more hours of use on the lamp of our BenQ W1000 1080p projector, the much sought after newest addition to the under $1K 1080p projector market. For those of you waiting patiently, it seems the BenQ W1000 is now apparently in stock and readily available for ordering! Interested Puget Sound residents, contact us today to reserve yours! If I were to sum up what I think of the BenQ W1000 projection system in as few words as possible..."BUY IT" would be those words. As far as the 1080p $1K market goes...the BenQ W1ooo is in Sounds Great Audio Video's opinion the "BEST BUY PROJECTOR"!
We have seen a few projectors in our days and visited many a theater in the past, in addition we've viewed the picture on almost every brand, size, and model of 1080p HDTV Televisions - plasmas, LCDs, and the new LEDs. And from that point of view, we can't believe the clarity, crispness, and contrast of blu-ray discs viewed on our budget projection system that combines the BenQ W1000 with an 84" Electric screen and blu-ray player. Our latest testing has ranged from viewing various high definition and standard definition cable television shows, downloadable/streaming content via Netflix and YouTube options on the blu-ray player, blu-ray discs, DVDs, and basic family friendly Wii sports games. We've done just a little bit of calibration, but ultimately returned to settings nearly identical to the out of the box default settings. Again, for the do it yourself or portable user this makes operation or set up easy in a variety of environments and helps to cut down the cost and time of professional installation.
I've read other reviews that criticize the style, appearance, and control placement on the BenQ W1000 - however, as a woman, I find the case, lens, and overall design to be much more appealing than most projectors on the market. It hands down wins this category when compared to the other two under $1000 1080p projectors. As mentioned in the previous review, the connectivity is ample and convenient, bulb access is right where I need it, lamp life on eco mode is a stellar 4000 hours, and the projector is virtually silent when operating. Obviously after only a few weeks, I have no way of knowing how maintenance or reliability over time will be...as I haven't had to do anything. I'll continue to update this review over time to reflect any problems, maintenance, warranty, customer service, etc. issues I encounter. But at this point, the experience has been spectacular.
The rainbow effect mentioned in the previous review continues to be visible to me mainly with scenes including white lettering/credits and such, but has yet to be seen by any one else. It's possibly just a weird personal issue as I have terrible vision to begin with, but again this tends to only occur in the beginning and end of a movie and does not effect the movie experience overall. Other weird occurrences, such as stagnant and moving lines in the screen, pixelation, focus issues, ghosting or shadowy writing, and jumping or skipping of the picture from time to time have all happened, but most of these events have been linked to the poorer quality things we viewed - DVDs, downloaded content, and certain lack-luster high definition cable programming. So, those things are to be expected.
No matter the content 480, 720, to 1080 it's still an amazingly crisp picture for the size and any flaws or picture degradation are understandable considering the lower resolution versus the gigantic size. For instance, one doesn't expect to see the most amazing picture on the Wii, but bowling with a life sized looking lane is pretty sweet, putting practice is pretty awesome, and the experience of playing on this size screen quickly makes you oblivious to the "lackluster picture quality". Some YouTube content looks lousy on a 21" computer monitor, and yes, much more on an 84" screen. It is what it is. Each progressive technology/signal quality provided the expected difference in picture on the BenQ W1000, and quality was always impressive. Again, this system is family-friendly more than the guru's pick. To the naked eye, this thing is jaw-dropping in every way, shape, and form!
That said, the blu-ray experience is completely mind-blowing! I personally have never much cared for going to the movie theater, and now I feel I never have to! Home Theater is worth it's weight in gold, even at today's ever increasing record gold prices! Gone are the days of the tall guy in front of me, the girl three seats over talking, the person behind me kicking my seat while chomping popcorn and slurping soda! Instead, I get the Gold Class Cinema experience at home, with fine dinner, drinks, comfy seating including blankets, and the ability to pause the film should any bathroom or munchie attack strike. We have viewed a variety of films on blu-ray such as: Coraline, Star Trek, Terminator Salvation, Horton Hears a Who, Monsters vs Aliens, Master and Commander, G.I. Joe, and a few others and some of these movies I had previously seen on DVD or in the theater. I was amazed at the difference in the quality and details of the movies I had previously missed. As a cinematography buff with little movie retention or memory skills, I am so excited to go back and watch all of older movies I've seen and loved to experience everything I missed the first time around!
For example, I saw Star Trek in the theater on IMAX and Digital Projection screens and recently watched it on blu-ray and the BenQ W1000 projection system - and I was shocked that at home, I was noticing the most subtle cinematography elements of the film (best example being when present Spock meets future Spock - Leonard Nemoy's face is blurred slightly. Originally suspecting the "cheap" projector, I suddenly realized the background was crisp and clear as were the pans to the young present Spock. The cinematography student in me suspects this has something to do with the present meeting the future and the fact that this event would possibly skew one's perspective. That, or my awesome picture pointed out a flaw not edited out. Debatable.
However, this isn't the only thing I've noticed as suddenly in other movies the film-makers' intended subtle cinematic nuances seem to just jump right out and stare me in the face. I'm feeling immersed in the picture and engrossed in the experience, stepping completely out of myself and my life or stress for the 2 hours or so of the movie...totally distracted and engrossed. Combined with our 7.1 Onkyo receiver and Jamo speaker surround system, the experience is better than any theater I've been to. Whether it's a simple stereo two speaker tower set up, small home theater in a box, or a fancy higher end surround sound package...I cannot stress the importance of a good sound system to pair with your home theater - be it a projection system or a flat panel television system. I truly feel I'm "getting my money's worth" out of my movie rental or purchase and cable television service between the projection and surround sound system.
A
s far as the BenQ W1000 projector goes, this is your everyday home theater package for the average home movie enthusiast. Those interested in a dedicated home theater might want more out of their system, so it's not really for that market. This is a family oriented and budget-friendly package that in total retails approximately $3000 with installation. Optional add on with home theater in a box 5.1 surround sound system installed for $4000 or go for the higher end 5.1 Onkyo/Jamo system for around $5000. We also offer various home theater and living room furnishing sets from microfiber sectionals, to leather club chairs, recliners, and sofas to complete the entire room. Add on packages range from $1500-$3000 for the furniture sets depending on style.(Contact us for pictures and info!)
While in this economy or any for that matter, $3-5000 is by no means cheap, it does bring a 1080p HDTV home theater and true 5.1 surround sound into a more reasonable price range. And the quality of the audio and video experience is that of a system twice it's price! With the BenQ W1000 you can get an 84" to 92" diagonal screen with a picture as clear as your average 1080p flat panel television at about the same price! In all, the picture is equivalent to about 4 x 42" television screens. This picture dwarfs the 65" plus flat panel televisions, offering a better picture for half the price. In a small to average room such as our 16 x 20 demo space, it is quite an impressive site from anywhere in the room. There's nothing like kicking back in your favorite comfy chair, cuddling up under your favorite blanket and watching the latest blockbuster in theater style in the comfort of your own living room. When you consider the price of a ticket and concessions at your local movie theater, this system pays for itself in no time! Believe it or not some say this is the best time to invest in a home theater system! In addition to the savings on movie nights out, a theater system, whole house audio, and other technical additions like security and networking increase the value and desirability of your home. So, in a terrible housing market and a time when everyone needs to tighten the purse strings a bit...a home theater can save you money or potentially make you money in the sale of your home. From that perspective $3-5000 is a deal! This About.com article discusses the ins and outs of that theory better.
So back to sum up this edition of the review, all in all after a few weeks of settling in, I'm tremendously happy in our choice of under $1000K 1080p projector, the BenQ W1000. With no complaints as of yet. While I have yet to see the picture on an Optoma HD20, I can't quite get over it's looks...superficial but true. And Vivitek, I've heard good things about your 1080p projector, but in my eyes, ears, and experience, BenQ's reputation and years of experience in this market greatly outweigh yours. So, this girl is going with the BenQ W1000 and recommends those of you looking for an inexpensive home theater do too.
I welcome comments and opinions from owners of the other models counter to that. However, most feedback that I've read seems like others are getting a great first impression as well.
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Remember, if you happen to be in the Pacific Northwest - we service from Everett, WA to Portland, OR and everywhere in between. Prices mentioned above happen to be our average residential installation package pricing, which includes all equipment (projector, screen, blu-ray - and optional surround sound packages), cabling, power outlet relocation (if needed), wire, and more. Some set-ups may cost extra depending on home construction, size of room, etc.
At Sounds Great Audio Video we provide all-inclusive easy to purchase high quality/low budget packaged systems that alleviate the confusion of today's digital age and endless array of electronics products, options, and gizmos. Whether you're looking for whole house audio, surround sound, flat panel television mounting, or a projection system we have a package to fit your needs. Or even if you simply need to figure out why your VCR isn't working, you need a cable outlet moved, or maybe you're moving and need a de-install/re-install of your wall mounted flat panel...we do all of that. Cliche to say, but 'no job too big or small' - we do it all! We're a small town, Olympia based, husband and wife team that delivers honest, affordable, and attentive serve and quality products and fair prices. While we don't have a fancy showroom we do have examples of the products which we can happily demo by appointment in our home or possibly even yours. We're fully licensed, bonded, and insured, have excellent references and years of experience.
See our website, check us out on facebook, twitter, see past install pictures on our flickr page or contact us by phone @ 360-588-6699 or email us @ info@soundsgreatav.com for more details.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have audio video electronics needs or questions. We're here to help! Comments are encouraged - we welcome any other opinions from experts and/or BenQ W1000 owners here.
As always THANKS FOR READING!
Sounds Great Audio Video
Office: 360-588-6699
Email: info@soundsgreatav.com
