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BenQ TH575 vs BenQ W1070
Hey everyone, Jim here from Gagadget. Today, I'm comparing two popular home theater projectors from BenQ: the TH575 and the classic W1070. Both offer Full HD 1080p resolution, 3D capability, and built-in speakers for all-in-one entertainment. But their differences in brightness, contrast, gaming features, and more can make one a better fit for your specific viewing needs.
I've spent quality time with both the TH575 and W1070, evaluating picture quality, ease of setup, fan noise, and overall value. In this in-depth comparison, I'll share my hands-on experience to help you decide which BenQ projector will best level up your big screen experience. Let's dive in!
BenQ TH575 vs W1070: Quick Overview
I respect your time and aim to provide only the essential information, skipping the fluff.
If you're in a hurry, here's my quick take: The BenQ TH575 is the clear choice for gaming with its dedicated Game Mode, lower input lag, and higher brightness. The BenQ W1070 counters with a slightly higher contrast ratio and vertical lens shift for easier installation.
I recommend the BenQ TH575 for serious gamers and living rooms with some ambient light. The gaming optimizations and 3,800 lumens make a real difference. But if your focus is movies in a light-controlled theater and you value contrast over raw brightness, the W1070 remains an excellent (and affordable) option.
Table of Contents
- BenQ TH575 vs W1070: Full Comparison
- BenQ W1070 vs TH575: Design
- BenQ TH575 or W1070: Owner Reviews
- BenQ TH575 and W1070 Alternatives
- Should You Buy the BenQ TH575 or W1070?
BenQ TH575 vs W1070: Full Comparison
| Specs | BenQ TH575 | BenQ W1070 |
| Image |
|
|
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 3,800 ANSI | 2,000 ANSI |
| Contrast Ratio | 15,000:1 | 10,000:1 |
| Display Tech | DLP x1 | DLP x1 |
| Input Lag (Gaming) | 16.7ms (1080p/60Hz) | 49ms |
| 3D Modes | Full HD 3D | Full HD 3D |
| Game Mode | Yes | No |
| Throw Ratio | 1.49 - 1.64 :1 | 1.15 - 1.50 :1 |
| Lens Shift | No | Vertical: ±5% |
| Image Size | 30" - 300" | 40" - 235" |
| Built-in Speaker | 10W x1 | 10W x1 |
| Audible Noise | 34dB (Normal) / 29dB (Eco) | 33dB (Normal) / 30dB (Eco) |
| Lamp Life | 4,000 hours (Normal) / 10,000 hours (LampSave) | 3,500 hours (Normal) / 6,000 hours (Eco) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 12.28" x 8.74" x 4.48" | 12.28" x 9.61" x 4.09" |
| Weight | 5.5 lbs | 5.7 lbs |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2012 |
Starting with image quality, both the BenQ TH575 and W1070 deliver sharp, detailed Full HD 1080p resolution. Text remains crisp even at smaller font sizes and HD movies look beautifully clear blown up on a 100"+ screen. 4K would be even better, but 1080p is still an excellent choice for most home theater setups.
The TH575 has a big advantage in brightness at 3,800 ANSI lumens vs the W1070's 2,000 lumens. This allows the TH575 to maintain a vivid, colorful picture in rooms with some light pollution like a living room with windows. The W1070 is best suited for darker, light-controlled spaces like a basement or dedicated theater.
However, the W1070 boasts a slightly higher native contrast ratio of 10,000:1 compared to the TH575's 15,000:1. In a pitch-black room, this gives the W1070's image a bit more depth and "pop", with inkier blacks and brighter highlights. But the difference is subtle - both projectors have very good contrast for the price.
For gaming, the TH575 is the clear winner with its specialized Game Mode and much lower 16.7ms input lag at 1080p/60Hz. This means faster response times and minimal delay between your controller and the on-screen action. The W1070's 49ms lag is playable for casual gaming but can feel sluggish in fast-paced genres.
The TH575 also has a slight edge in rainbow effect (RBE) handling thanks to an improved color wheel design. This pesky color separation artifact is less visible on the TH575, especially in high-contrast scenes. But neither projector is immune and sensitive viewers may still notice occasional flashes.
Both BenQ models support Full HD 3D for immersive movie viewing. Just keep in mind you'll need compatible DLP-Link glasses which are not included. 3D also cuts light output roughly in half, so the TH575's higher brightness is even more valuable here.
The W1070 offers a bit more placement flexibility with its 1.15-1.50 throw ratio and ±5% vertical lens shift. At a 120" diagonal 16:9 screen, it can sit as close as 10 feet or as far as 13 feet away, with some wiggle room to shift the lens up or down. The TH575 needs to be 11-13 feet from the same screen and relies on digital keystone correction.
Finally, the two projectors are nearly identical in fan noise, with the TH575 measuring 34dB vs the W1070's 33dB in Normal lamp mode. Both drop to a whisper-quiet 29-30dB in Eco mode which is suitable for all but the quietest dialogue-driven scenes. Just don't expect either one to be totally silent.
BenQ W1070 vs TH575: Design
The BenQ W1070 and TH575 sport similar all-white chassis with offset lens positions and rear-facing inputs. Both have a clean, modern look that's compact enough for coffee table placement but sturdy enough for ceiling mounting. The TH575 is slightly taller while the W1070 is a bit deeper.
BenQ W1070 Design
BenQ TH575 Design
Onboard controls are minimal, with a power button and basic menu navigation keys on the top panel. The W1070 uses a traditional IR remote while the TH575 upgrades to a slick backlit model with quick-access buttons for the most commonly used settings.
The input panels are logically laid out, with dual HDMI ports, a USB power port, RS-232 for automation systems, and a 3.5mm audio output. The W1070 adds component, composite, and VGA legacy inputs for older devices. Neither has an optical audio out for surround sound systems so you'll need to use the HDMI ARC port or route audio separately.
As for portability, both projectors are relatively compact and lightweight for their size class. The W1070 is slightly heavier at 5.7 lbs vs the TH575's 5.5 lbs. But the included carrying case and approachable dimensions make them reasonably easy to transport for a movie night at a friend's place or a backyard screening.
Just be aware that as lamp-based DLP projectors, the BenQ W1070 and TH575 need to be kept upright and shouldn't be jostled during operation. The delicate bulbs and color wheels require a bit more TLC than solid-state LED or laser models. But with proper care, both can deliver years of big screen enjoyment.
BenQ TH575 or W1070: Owner Reviews
Let's see what actual buyers have to say about their experiences with the BenQ TH575 and W1070 projectors:
BenQ TH575 Owner Reviews
Praises: "The colors are incredibly vivid and punchy, even with some daylight coming through the blinds. The Game Mode makes a huge difference for fast-paced titles."
"Installation was super easy with the zoom and keystone adjustments. I had a bright, sharp 120" picture up and running in under 10 minutes."
***
Drawbacks: "The black levels are just OK - in a totally dark room you can see some grayish haze in shadows and letterbox bars. Not a dealbreaker but noticeable coming from my OLED TV."
"The built-in speaker is pretty weak. It's fine for casual viewing but for movies and gaming you really need external audio for the full experience."
BenQ W1070 Owner Reviews
Praises: "I'm blown away by the image quality, especially for the price. Blu-rays and Netflix look incredibly sharp and detailed at 100". The contrast and color are excellent."
"The short throw lens and vertical shift are great for my small space. I have it on a low table about 10 feet from a 110" screen and the picture is perfectly aligned with no digital keystone."
***
Drawbacks: "The input lag is a bit high for competitive gaming. I notice a slight delay in first-person shooters compared to playing on a monitor."
"The lamp is really bright but runs pretty hot. After a 2-hour movie the top of the projector is almost too hot to touch. Make sure you have good ventilation!"
Overall, owners of both projectors are very satisfied with the image quality and overall value. BenQ TH575 buyers rave about the high brightness, vivid colors, easy setup, and gaming performance. Some wish for deeper black levels and better onboard audio but feel the pros far outweigh the cons.
BenQ W1070 reviews praise the sharp Full HD picture, impressive contrast, and flexible installation. A few gamers are slightly disappointed by the input lag and competitive players may want a faster model. But for cinematic gaming and media watching, most W1070 owners remain thoroughly impressed - especially for the price.
Neither projector is immune from typical DLP quirks like rainbows and hot-running lamps. But the vast majority of buyers say these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme. Both the TH575 and W1070 deliver an immersive, room-filling experience that leaves users excited to consume content on the big screen.
BenQ TH575 and W1070 Alternatives
If you're not completely sold on the BenQ TH575 or W1070, here are a couple other 1080p projectors to consider in the same price range:
- Optoma HD39HDR: A high-brightness gaming projector with 4,000 lumens, 120Hz refresh rate, 8.4ms input lag, 50,000:1 contrast ratio, and HDR support;
- Epson Home Cinema 1080: A versatile 3LCD model with 3,400 lumens, 16ms input lag, 16,000:1 contrast, Android TV streaming, and robust 2 x 10W speakers.
The Optoma HD39HDR is a formidable alternative for dedicated gamers. Its 120Hz refresh rate and 8.4ms ultra-low latency provide a slight competitive edge over the BenQ TH575. The higher 4,000 lumen brightness and 50,000:1 contrast ratio also make for a punchier, more dynamic picture. Just be prepared to pay a bit more for the added performance.
On the other hand, the Epson Home Cinema 1080 prioritizes all-around media watching. The 3LCD design means zero rainbow effect for sensitive eyes and a bright, color-rich picture for SDR content. The 16ms input lag is plenty responsive for casual gaming, and the built-in Android TV and substantial 20W audio make it a true plug-and-play entertainment machine.
Should You Buy the BenQ TH575 or W1070?
After extensive hands-on testing, it's clear the BenQ TH575 vs BenQ W1070 both deliver on the core promise of big screen thrills for an attainable price. Whether you're gaming, streaming, or watching Blu-rays, these 1080p DLP powerhouses serve up a sharp, vibrant, immersive picture that puts any similarly priced TV to shame. With thoughtful features like 3D support, integrated audio, and flexible setup, they're fantastic values for first-time buyers and enthusiasts alike.
For most people, I recommend the newer BenQ TH575. The substantially higher brightness, lower input lag, and dedicated Game Mode make it a clear winner for mixed-use spaces and gaming. The punchy 3,800 lumens maintain better contrast and color saturation with some room light, and the 16ms response time is a huge upgrade for fast-paced play. Toss in a more user-friendly remote, updated HDMI 2.0 ports, and a 10,000 hour lamp life (in Eco mode), and you have an impressively complete package for the price.
That said, the classic BenQ W1070 still has a lot to offer for certain setups. If you mostly watch movies in a light-controlled room and value inky black levels, the W1070's higher 10,000:1 native contrast ratio gives it a slight edge in overall picture quality. The short throw lens and vertical shift also make it a hair easier to position in some rooms - especially with a fixed screen. And if you don't need cutting-edge gaming features, the W1070's lower street price can be very attractive.
Whichever model you choose, you're getting a highly capable and user-friendly projector that punches well above its weight. The BenQ TH575 and W1070 both sport a balanced, natural picture, simple setup, and durable construction that will serve you well for everything from movie night to the big game. If you've been on the fence about jumping to projection, either one is an excellent entry point to the big screen lifestyle.
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have any other questions as you shop for your first (or next) home theater projector. I'm always happy to help my fellow AV geeks navigate the ever-changing projection landscape. May your screen be big and your popcorn be fresh!
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