
BenQ - TH685P
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Based on 1 year's data from Feb 15, 2026 How it works
Reasons why I think the Epson is a bad call * Not True 4k uses Pixel shifting which IMO isn't great and isn't actually higher fidelity its a lie * This can introduce flicker which I don't like. It gives my friends headaches * LCD based which introduces native motion blur * Low Rated Bulb Hours (only 5000 in eco mode) * Uses Frame interpolation to smooth images (Looks blurry IMO) * 3000 ANSI Lumens Reasons why I'd buy a BenQ Th685p instead * 700 Euros (200 Cheaper) * Low input Lag on Fast mode (8ms at 120hz) * 1080p 120Hz Supported for High refresh rate gaming * High Rated Bulb Hours (8000 in Smart Eco 10000 in Eco) * Not LCD based so doesn't introduce as much motion blur * 3500 ANSI Lumens so a little bit brighter * Projector Bulbs are explicitly listed as an exclusion for the upcoming EU regulation so don't worry about it * I personally own this projector and it looks great! * For best out of the box settings. * Fast mode on * Profile Game * Color Temp Cool Set Blue Gain to 110 * Fan Rated 29DB in Eco "A quiet bedroom at night" is about what that sounds like and it has the brightness natively to look great in Eco mode * Fan Rated for 35Db in Normal Mode "Leaves rustling in the wind" Neither bothered me With the extra money saved on the BenQ 685p you could also buy yourself a nice screen either automatic or pull down! The quality of your screen is just as important as your projector keep that in mind! For a light controlled environment like you are describing a 0.9 Gain Screen is your best bet. It'll help preserve black levels. 1.0 will also look great but avoid anything above that as it will blow out your image. Example of a decent screen [Screen Note this screen is ALR which for your use case you don't need.](https://vividstormscreen.com/products/vividstorm-alr-slimline-motorized-tension-obsidian-long-throw-alr-projector-screen?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping+ads&utm_campaign=multifeed+google+shopping+xml&gQT=1) Materials to make your own [CineGrey 1.0 Gain Material from good brand](https://shop.elitescreens.com/products/elite-screen-designer-cut?variant=43798222733527) [Lower Gain but Cheaper Quality](https://www.amazon.com/Projector-Screen-Material-Fabric-68x116/dp/B07ZV52CFL?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=AU2OYCG120SQ7&gPromoCode=9887143402271754890&gQT=1#customerReviews) .85 Gain **The Screen I would recommend and with the money saved easily fits in your budget.** [100-135 Inches .9 Gain Perfect Screen for your use Case](https://www.amazon.com/QualGear-135-Inch-Fixed-Projector-Screen/dp/B01N6PVOMU?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1)
Decent unit but the input lag is too high for gaming. The BenQ TH685P would be a better choice.
There is also the 880 without the zoom which I have and I also have the TH685i which is very similar to TH575 but has a bit more features. Personally I prefer the BenQ but everyone's taste is different. Definitely Epson if you know you are sensitive to the rainbow effect.
A 50" image you are honestly better off buying a TV. What specifically requires you to use a projector? Also not that the image from 8 feet is going to be around 80" give or take depending on zoom and no keystoning. Usually 100" or 120" is the sweet spot for home projectors. Another model to consider is the TH685P from benq as it will give you the option for 120Hz refresh if latency is a concern. They also have some short throw models if throw distance is a concern. Do note that for the majority of projectors latency can double if using keystoning along with degrading the image. Make sure you understand the throw and offset setting to ensure the projector actually works in the room before buying.
TH685i Epson has its own issues also. Not from warranty as no idea on that front but should be good. The issue with Epson is if the light engine goes after warranty the projector is garbage as it is crazy expensive to get the replacement part from Epson. DLP projectors can be fixed much easier. But DLP does have more moving parts so there is a trade-off.
A “midrange” projector is more like $800-$2000. If $500 is too much already then your options are limited to ones that I personally wouldn’t even bother spending money on. I’d probably just buy a 65in tv for $300-$500. If you’re dead set on a projector then I suggest buying refurbished. A refurbished BenQ TH685i projector will cost you around $600. It is made for gaming and great for watching movies, YouTube etc…I have owned one and absolutely loved it.
I JUST got a used benq th685 & it's absolutely beautiful however i found the rainbow shift in low light gaming to be too straining for my eyes. (Think skyrim caves are full of rainbows now lol) Any recommendations for a different projector?
Mine died after 7 years. Got the benq th685 its way better. Imo
Its solid. I mostly use projector for gaming. The epson had to have all curtains closed, and only ambient light(20 ish watts max) wife used to come in and turn overhead on. Would wash the whole screen. With the benq it still washes a little,but barely noticeable. Verry low lag rate that you dont notice any. And the picture is amazing. Im at 120" if you go bigger im sure its not as good. It is a short throw. I am at 9 foot away to get 120". I couldn't be happier.....unless it was cheaper.lol
Ah yeah, walls don’t move easily. Funny, I have the exact same projector and 110” vevor screen. Just curious, do you notice any stretch marks on your screen. It’s not a huge deal, but I notice them every now and then. As for projectors, I think the BenQ TH685P would work, might cost a little more though.
If u lose 4k and go all the way with 1080p for gaming this will be ur options: 2025/26 BenQ X3100i 1080p @ 240Hz 4.2ms €2.339 2024 ViewSonic LX700-4K 1080p @ 240Hz 4.2ms €1.399 2023 Optoma UHD38x 1080p @ 240Hz 4.2ms €1.019 2022 Acer Predator GD711 1080p @ 240Hz 4.2ms €1.100 2021 BenQ TK700STi 1080p @ 240Hz 4.2ms €1.249 2021 ViewSonic PX748-4K 1080p @ 240Hz 4.2ms €999 2020 BenQ TH685i 1080p @ 120Hz 8.3ms €650 (Refurb) 2019 Optoma UHD42 1080p @ 240Hz 4.2ms €800 (Used)
Benq had one was amazing, cost 800 or so but you’ll get a cheaper used one, had no issues and it looked really good native 1080p, it was a gaming one so low input lag too and I put an amazon fire stick into it to make it smart
1080p120hz projector. i like benq's and get a better sub!!!!
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