By: Dipin Sehdev

BenQ is making waves in the home theater projector market with the W2720i, a 4K UHD projector boasting innovative features designed to elevate your viewing experience. This projector leverages cutting-edge AI technology alongside robust HDR support to deliver exceptional picture quality in various lighting conditions and with diverse content types.

AI Cinema Mode: Personalized Viewing for Every Environment

The W2720i's marquee feature is its AI Cinema Mode. This intelligent system utilizes artificial intelligence to dynamically adjust image parameters based on the surrounding environment. The projector's sensors detect ambient light levels and optimize color accuracy, brightness, and contrast in real-time. This ensures optimal viewing quality regardless of whether you're enjoying a movie in a darkened room or a brightly lit living area.

For enthusiasts who prefer a static picture profile, the W2720i also offers a Filmmaker Mode. This mode adheres to industry-standard color settings, ideal for dedicated home theaters with controlled lighting conditions.

Exceptional HDR Performance

The W2720i delivers exceptional HDR (High Dynamic Range) performance with support for HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG formats. HDR10+ offers scene-by-scene adjustments, preserving detail across a wider range of lighting conditions within the content. Additionally, BenQ's proprietary HDR-PRO technology further enhances the HDR experience. This suite of features includes Global Contrast Enhancer, Local Contrast Enhancer, and Dynamic Black, all working together to automatically adjust contrast and brightness based on the content being displayed.

Unwavering Color Accuracy

BenQ prioritizes color fidelity in the W2720i through its CinematicColor technology. Each projector undergoes rigorous factory calibration by a THX and ISF-trained team to meet stringent color accuracy standards. This calibration ensures D65 color temperature and delta E errors below 3, a threshold where deviations are imperceptible to the human eye. Each projector also ships with a calibration report documenting these precise measurements.

Technical Specifications

• Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels)
• Brightness: 2500 ANSI lumens
• Light Source: 4LED light source with 30,000 hours lifespan (Eco mode)
• Color Gamut: 90% DCI-P3
• HDR Support: HDR10, HDR10+, HLG
• Contrast Ratio: 500,000:1 (dynamic)
• Lens Shift: Vertical (±5%)
• Image Throw Ratio: 1.13 - 1.47:1
• Smart TV: Android TV with Chromecast built-in
• Connectivity: 3x HDMI 2.1 ports (with HDCP 2.3), S/PDIF (optical audio), USB Type-A, RS-232, 12V trigger
• Audio: Dolby Atmos support via eARC

Additional Features

• Gaming Compatibility: Low latency of 17.9ms on one HDMI port, supports 120Hz refresh rates
• Screen Size: Projects a 120-inch image from a distance of 2.7 meters
• Image Adjustments: 8-point manual corner-fit correction
• Convenience Features: Auto Screen Fit technology for automatic image sizing

Availability and Pricing

The BenQ W2720i is currently available for purchase in the UK at a price of £1,999. While US pricing hasn't been officially announced, it's expected to be around $2,592.

Why This Matters

The BenQ W2720i represents a significant advancement in projector technology. Its AI Cinema Mode offers a personalized viewing experience by adapting to various lighting conditions. Additionally, its robust HDR support, meticulous color calibration, and extensive features make it a compelling option for serious home theater enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. The use of AI for tone mapping in projectors is a potential game-changer, as achieving accurate tone mapping is a historically complex challenge. If this technology becomes a trend, it could significantly improve the user experience with projectors in various lighting environments. We look forward to the reviews and CE Critic Score.