BenQ W1350 in the test

BenQ closes with the new W1350 the small remaining gap between the derivatives of the W1070 / 1080 and the high-end entry-level model W1500. This applies to the equipment and especially to the price. For 1,250 euros, the slanted film presenter gets a compact projector that is equally suitable for both mobile and fixed installations. On the one hand, it is compact and light, its lens with a comparatively flexible 1.5x zoom and a small lensshift at times just placed somewhere, and a simple loudspeaker he has installed immediately. On the other hand, the rest of the equipment suggests use in a dedicated home cinema, such as the remote control with its useful key lighting.


Image quality


The connections also show the twilight of the BenQ W1350. Clearly, all current standards are represented in the form of sockets. One of the two HDMI inputs also understands MHL for the direct connection of mobile devices and multi-media players. BenQ also offers a radio adapter for wireless HDMI transmission. The USB port, which is intended exclusively for the power supply of such accessories, fits this purpose. The second USB port in the form of a mini-jack is for firmware update only.


VGA and Miniklinke Audiobuchse of the BenQ W1350 should rather be a relic from the portable corner. For this, the trigger output is quite clear for mounting in a home cinema with an electric roller blind, which can be precisely controlled with it. Almost exaggerated, but mobile, fast, useful are the stereo RCA inputs, whose signal however on the small Monolautsprecher of the BenQs land. The player plays already loud, if necessary, but offers the sound quality of a hands-free system. That may be okay for the funny cat video from Youtube, you can not enjoy a feature film.


Conclusion


3D gamers should look at the BenQ W1350 the standard shutter glasses, just like lovers of 3D movies on Blu-ray Disc. It works with a battery that is supposed to hold for 30 hours. Unfortunately, you need the enclosed special cable and a USB port instead of a standard Mini-USB cable. There is a fabric bag and a cleaning cloth. Other eyewear is available from BenQ for 59 euros. DLP-typically, the 3D-image looked crystal clear and free from ghost images and practically did not flicker. So you can endure 3D for hours.


The image quality of the BenQ W1350 liked the testers well for the given budget. The lens showed the square DLP mirrors sharp up into the distant images. A small pillow distortion and uniformly increasing chromatic aberration with small red seams are still typical in this price class. The 1.5x zoom, together with the Lensshift, offers a certain flexibility in the setup.


Also the image settings gave a balanced and subjectively crack-sharp image when choosing the right presets and a small calibration.


Above all, average color saturations and the depth of the image had a realistic effect, which is unfortunately rare in this price class. This allows films to be enjoyed exactly in the director's intended color scheme and their own collection of photos.


For the home cinema, BenQ offers the W1350 a pleasantly balanced package with all relevant functions, connections and a comparatively sharp lens. The illuminated remote is useful in the dark cinema.