BenQ - HT3550

https://preview.redd.it/amtmqhvpem3f1.jpeg?width=4000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b534be9f005f227cff6fa7512db2d7b6dda14b52 We have a similar room with not much length to work with so I got a used benq ht3550 and a 100 inch screen. Works perfectly even with the window. I usually black out the window with a curtain, eventually I'll have something more permanent up there, but even without the curtain as long as it's not middle of the day it's fine. (This picture was taken around noon so not the ideal lighting)

HT3550

yes and no , it uses pixel shifting tech to "scale" to 4k , you are correct in saying its not native 4k , thanks for adding this

You're not wrong on the technical details ,Epson's sub-LS11000 models use 2x pixel shifting and don't hit the full 8.3 million pixels on screen like 4x-shift DLP projectors do. But calling it "only software upscaling" oversimplifies it. Epson’s pixel-shifting is still hardware-based and does provide a visible bump over native 1080p, even if it’s not full 4K.

Yeah, 8.3 million physical pixels sounds great on paper, but it’s not the whole story. Epson’s 3LCD projectors, even with 2x pixel shift, still hold their own with better color accuracy, brightness, and no rainbow effect. A lot of the cheaper 4K DLPs use that 0.47" chip with 4x wobble, which technically gets all the pixels on screen, but can come with motion artifacts and washed out blacks. So yeah, if you’re staring at paused 4K content up close, DLP might look sharper. But for actual viewing movies, gaming, sims. Epson’s image quality often just looks better overall. It’s not all about the pixel count.

The 2060 is very similar to the 2050 but doesn’t need bumbs and has hdr and will accept 4k input (I believe). Both are very good. The 3550 has 4k pixels. It’s not as bright so only good to 120” in a dim room. All three are solid options

I have a benQ 3550 that currently has some issues. (screen starts as dark some times when booting up, light bleed during AVR menu, and the colors just "seem" off). Instead of reparing or buying a new lamp I'm ready to upgrade. Is the 2720i a significant upgrade over the 3550?

I've had the HT3550 for 3 years and it has been a great protector for the price. I've been considering an upgrade to the Epson 5050ub, but don't know that the increase in performance will be worth spending ~$2500. Looking forward to hearing more about your comparison

How are you planning on dealing with the power brick? My current pj (Benq HT3550) is ceiling mounted but has an internal power supply.

I got my 3550 for $700. I'm sad now.

I'm not actually sad. I still see it as a steal. It was a joke.

I just got a BenQ 3550. A lot of people say it's not good for daytime, but honestly it's quite good. I got it manufacturer refurbed on Ebay for $750.

Picked between those new when the difference was a couple hundred dollars and went with the BenQ and am still super happy with it years later. A bit sharper and better color, less brightness and contrast compared to the Epson.

Those are both good projectors. The Benq is sharper and the epson has better blacks. Let us know your findings

Around a grand isn’t going to get you but a budget projector. You’re better off with a 82” TV unless you are willing to spend around $2-3k for something like the Epson 5050UB for decent picture. If your living room is light controlled you can get away with something cheaper like a Benq HT3550, I started around the same price range and wish I upgraded sooner to the Epson.

Building a theater in the house we just bought and needed to decide on a a projector. I Read all over that the Epson 5050ub is the best projector under $3000, and I was able to find one for $1700 with only 100 hours on it. Only an hour after I bought that I found a BenQ HT3550 for $300 with only 500 hours on it. I figured if I keep the epson I can sell the benq for at least what I paid. With the $1400 in savings I could budget a ton more to audio so I’m hoping the benq is good enough. Time to do some testing!

So I watched an animated spider man show and severance yesterday with both of them. I do not have a screen yet so I’m stuck watching these on a beige wall. Biggest differences is the epson is so much more viewable with the ambient light. I had several lights on in my room and I could see the image perfectly fine. The benq isn’t really bright enough to do that and looks really washed out with the lights on. Secondly, the lens shift on the epson is insanely good. I can move the image like entire feet instead of inches. When it comes to lights off is when it gets a lot closer. Without a proper screen it’s hard to say if the epson is $1400 better. They both look very good to me in dark viewing. I also need to look up the best settings for them so I’ll have to do another round of testing.

If you're a big fan of 3d, The Benq is better. But if not, stick with the epson.

Same, love my epson, I kept the Benq for outdoor movies for the family. If you’re projecting on a wall the least of your issues will be the rainbow ( it still sucks though )

Looks great. Got a mate with benq 4K projector and The feeling playing at 130 inch screen is amazing. This nebula projector looks even better. Enjoy!

I would go projector without a question. I have a BenQ 4k model and 120" screen and the movie watching is so much better.

Yes, still have the TV behind the drop down screen. Don't know why, barely use it since the projector has been in. Hard to go back from full immersive experience. BenQ 4K (few years old now, get many hours of each globe).