BenQ - X3100i

Have the same projector, beast of a projector and agree with your minor annoyance as mine does the same thing, but turn the av system up a few clicks and problem solved 😀

If this is a permanent installation, look at home theater projectors, or lifestyle models designed to be easily ceiling mounted. A proper 5.1 audio installation with an AV receiver is a must, especially in a dedicated space with a home you actually own. Run wiring in the walls before you paint, and you will have a life long proper surround system. Avoid equipment at the front of the room if possible. Run HDMI to the projector and make it so you can swap out that HDMI cable. Wireless/screen mirroring is generally quite a lousy way to do anything. Use a wired device like an Apple TV or a Chromecast. If you're just streaming, consider a Roku or similar. The lifestyle models, as seen in the video, and as recommended with the X1 are decent solutions for sure, but are trickier to ceiling mount if they don't have a 3-point or 4-point mounting structure as is common with traditional projectors. Plus, they rarely have zoom and lens shift is almost unheard of. These are more common features on traditional projectors. But, the Hisense C2 Pro is a model with good zoom but terrible mounting. The Nexigo Trivision Ultra is well reviewed and has 4-point mounting which is nice for a ceiling setup. No zoom, no lens shift, so positioning must be very accurate for best results, as is common. Super easy to setup are models like the Epson 3800, but they are lamp-based and pretty much past their prime. A shame we haven't seen a laser version of those models yet. The BenQ X500i or X3100i are considerations as is the TK710 (or TK710STi) which are decent traditional models. High end starts around $5000 with Epson, Sony, and JVC models, all worthy in a good theater. Not sure what you're really hoping to spend here. A fixed frame screen from Silver Ticket is a excellent way to go.

From what I've read (not compared myself), the HT3550 will be about half as bright. It also is using a lamp and the .47" DLP chip. All of which make it a model I wouldn't consider for a second over the TK710. I would consider the X500i, X3100i, or HT4550i. The larger DLP chip is something I consider far more important than many of the other considerations.

Native contrast of the 3100i has a lot left to be desired. MKii and Vision master pro are big advancements for the mid end consumer grade community. My only concern is with the reliability of these brands. In my time I've seen a lot of projectors go south rather quickly. Benq has a pretty good track record in my opinion.  You can't have the best of both worlds with these DLP projectors. Personally I'd rather live with a little input lag over borderline acceptable picture quality

For the price the 3100i is really good for gaming.

my votes for the x3100i

I think the led and laser models are best for ease of use and longevity. Benq has some of the cheaper ones: the ht2060 is 1080p but seems pretty solid and the cheapest option id go for. The x3100i (i have an older model of this one, lots of hours no issues yet) and the x500 are the two that are a step up. There is a laser one too I think that is between those but I don’t remember the model off the top of my head. Whatever you do make sure it fits your intended space, these models have limited image adjustment and keystone takes away a lot of the positives of these models. I also recommend a quality seller NOT amazon just in case you do need to deal with replacement/warranty stuff. A dedicated projector site will help you compare models easier too.

We don’t know about the valerian reliability yet. Just no way to know, too new. There is no way to beat the sun as it will put 300,000 lumens on a 10x10 screen. Projectors are 3,000 just just can’t compete. The valerian is likely pretty good, benq 3100 is a good choice as is the Epson 3800.

How's this compare to the benq x3100i?

I also have a x3100i. I use it at 50% -50% split between movies and games ( ps5 pro ). Sitting at 5m distance from 160” screen. Black level is great to me at night. Although my room is light controlled, little bit light creeps through edges, which doesn’t washout the projection but slightly affect the overall crispiness of the image. I project it on wall. I thought of buying a screen but I am so happy how the way it looks now so decided not buy at this time. Conclusion : if gaming is in your use case, you can’t ignore x3100i !!! PS: I play long games ( like division 2, COD, Elden Ring etc ) in eco mode and other content in dynamic.

X3100i doesn't have anywhere near the blacks or contrast. The true single pixel native contrast of the Valerion is similar to the dynamic contrast of the X3100i with EBL and everything. It's not even close. Also much lower gamut especially because it needs a filter to hit p3 while the Valerion hits BT2020 with no filter.

I went with the BenQ TK700 they make it in a short throw as well if that matters. I tried the X3100 when it first came out and the running noise was so loud with it being suspended right above my head in the theater. I'm happy with the Tk700. It's my third BenQ. For the money it does everything I want it to do. It could have better colors especially in HDR but all around a solid projector for gaming and movies.

Unicorn possibly, I don’t see why you’re getting a projector if your wife won’t watch in the dark. Contrast is not good compared to a TV if any lights are on. It’s fine, but I wouldn’t say worth the cost. More like 90s era large rear projection tvs. I have an x3100i no problem with fan noise, looks good in the pitch black (not just dark) but I’d love to upgrade to an nz7 or thereabouts

I think the BenQ TK710 (not the older 700 series) is probably your best choice. The Epson 3800 might be an OK alternative but you give up a lot: namely a solid state lamp/laser, true 4K resolution, support for higher frame rates and DLP’s absolutely fantastic motion handling (which is mind blowing at 120/240Hz). The BenQ X3100i comes highly recommended. I reviewed the prior X3000i a few years back. It’s a great projector and the only one of these three that will give you some extra color gamut support for HDR. I really like the 4LED light engine for its vibrant colors. However it IS a bit pricier and I’m afraid the contrast isn’t nearly as good as the two above. Fine for big screen gaming but maybe a bit less satisfying while watching movies. Another dark horse contender would be the BenQ X500i. This is actually my favorite projector BenQ offers right now besides the HT4550i. It has excellent color and superb contrast— but it’s short throw only and the light output is borderline for a 120” display in a non-dedicated room.

I have x3100i and love it. 65% gaming 35%film. I have an ALR screen so even in room with some light (drapes during daytime) it looks fine. Night time it's great. The optical lens shift is really awesome for dialing in screen positioning too. It's not going to be tv bright, but I honestly prefer it because it doesn't cause as much fatigue on my eyes for longer gaming session. The lumen is also pretty high with the lcd system lasting a long life too.

It's not going to be great for competitive gaming, but then again, no projector will be. It has a 60Hz refresh rate and 27ms input lag. It's fine for casual gaming. But if you're playing competitive shooters, you might notice a difference if you're using a TV that is known for its lower latency. "The best" projector for gaming IMO, is the Epson LS12000, but it costs a couple thousand more. In a similar price range to the 5050UB, the BenQ X3100i is better for gaming and worse for pretty much everything else. If having a massive image for gaming is the top (or only) priority for you, this is the projector to get.

Then I would get this one (No Laser Speckle Problems!) : [https://geizhals.eu/benq-x3100i-a3088575.html?hloc=at&hloc=de&hloc=eu&hloc=pl&hloc=uk](https://geizhals.eu/benq-x3100i-a3088575.html?hloc=at&hloc=de&hloc=eu&hloc=pl&hloc=uk) And this Screen with the "Grau für Tagesnutzung" Fabric in 133" for 349 Euro: [https://esmart.de/leinwand/rahmen-leinwand/esmart-professional-mirale-rahmen-leinwand.html](https://esmart.de/leinwand/rahmen-leinwand/esmart-professional-mirale-rahmen-leinwand.html)

X3100 is not a "Lifestyle" Projector - it only has this unusual Design.

BS! Its not a "major step down in Quality"! And the X3100 has no "Laser Speckle" Problems!

Also not true! Every DLP Laser has "Laser Speckle". Some more, some less. Depending on the Screen you can also notice it more or less then. I have nothing to prove - you clearly did never see the X3100 in Action yourself !

X3100 for sure. RGB+LED instead of Single Laser and no "Laser Speckle" Problems!

BenQ x3000 or X3100

BenQ X3100 with a Silver Ticket Grey High Contrast Screen!

Have the 3100x since about half a year and am super happy for 4k gaming and movies. Only minor annoyance so far: Fan gets a little louder if it's not winter. But if a room ventilator or ac is running I don't notice it / it doesn't seem to get louder.

I have an Epson 3200 and Benq TK850 I’m looking to sell if you’re considering second hand. No issues with either. Bought the Epson to use while the TK850 is at Benq getting a new DMD installed then decided to buy a Benq x3100i because I game a lot.