BenQ TH671ST Review

Sup, fellow tech enthusiasts! Jim from gg here, and boy, do I have a story for you. Remember when I said I'd never replace my trusty TV for gaming? Well, the BenQ TH671ST just made me eat my words – and I'm loving every bite.

For the last few weeks, this compact powerhouse has been the star of my late-night gaming marathons and weekend movie binges. It's turned my modest apartment into a cinema, a race track, and a battlefield – all without me having to move my couch. My neighbors probably think I've started an underground fight club. (First rule: don't talk about projection club?)

So, grab your controller, refill that snack bowl, and let me tell you why the BenQ TH671ST might just be the upgrade your gaming setup didn't know it needed. Trust me, your K/D ratio will thank you!

Table of Contents:

• BenQ TH671ST: Specs
• Look and Feel
• From Box to Battlefield
• Image Quality Breakdown
• Features and Connections
• Audio Analysis
• The Gaming Experience
• TH671ST User Feedback
• BenQ TH671ST Alternatives

BenQ TH671ST: Specs

Alright, stat junkies, let's dive into what makes this bad boy tick:

The BenQ TH671ST is like that friend who's annoyingly good at everything. Full HD? Check. Brightness that could double as a lighthouse? Yep. Contrast ratio that makes my old TV weep? You bet.

But the real MVP here is that short-throw lens. At just 1.5 meters, you're getting a whopping 100-inch image. That's perfect for those of us who don't live in mansions. (Looking at you, tiny studio apartment!)

And can we talk about that lamp life? 15,000 hours in LampSave mode is no joke. That's like binge-watching "The Simpsons" from start to finish... seven times. Challenge accepted, BenQ!

Look and Feel

Let's be real: most projectors have the aesthetic appeal of a brick. But the TH671ST? It's got style. It's sleek, it's white, and it wouldn't look out of place in a modern art gallery. (Note to self: pitch "Projector Art" to local gallery.)

At 2.7 kg, it's not exactly pocket-sized, but it's portable enough to move around without breaking a sweat. I've had it in my living room, bedroom, and even tried it in the kitchen. (Pro tip: Don't game while cooking. Nobody likes the taste of burnt popcorn.)

The build quality is solid too. It survived an encounter with my overzealous cat who decided it was the perfect perch. (Sorry, Mr. Whiskers, but this isn't a $600 cat bed.)

From Box to Battlefield

Setting up the TH671ST is easier than getting a game over in "Elden Ring". Here's the play-by-play:

1. Unbox (Ooh, new tech smell!)
2. Find a spot (Wall, ceiling, refrigerator door – get creative!)
3. Plug in (Yes, it needs power. No, your thoughts can't run it.)
4. Connect your gear (It's got ports for days)
5. Power on and enjoy the show

The vertical keystone correction is a lifesaver. It's like having a tiny wizard inside, making sure your image is perfect even when your placement is... let's say, creative. I've projected on slanted walls, textured surfaces, and even tried it on my shower curtain. (Don't ask. Late-night gaming leads to weird ideas.)

Image Quality Breakdown

Time to talk pixels, people. The TH671ST's Full HD resolution might not sound earth-shattering in the age of 4K, but trust me, it delivers.

Playing "God of War" on this beast was a revelation. Kratos' beard has never looked so majestic, nor so terrifying. The 3000 ANSI lumens mean you don't need to live in a cave to enjoy your games. I've played at high noon and the image still pops like fireworks on New Year's Eve.

The 10,000:1 contrast ratio isn't just a number – it's a game-changer. In "Resident Evil Village," the dark corners have never been so ominously dark, and the specular highlights on those creepy dolls? Chef's kiss.

Color reproduction is on point too, with over 92% coverage of the Rec.709 spectrum. "Overwatch" looked so good, I almost forgot to actually play the objective. (Sorry, team. That payload isn't going to move itself.)

Features and Connections

The TH671ST is like the Swiss Army knife of projectors. Here's what you're working with:

• 2 HDMI ports: For your console and streaming stick. No fighting over ports!
• VGA port: For when you want to game like it's 1999
• USB-A port: Power that streaming stick or charge your controller

The lack of USB-C is a bit of a bummer. It's 2024, BenQ – get with the program!

The built-in 5W speaker is a nice touch for those impromptu gaming sessions. It won't shake your walls, but it's good enough for some quick Smash Bros. action.

There's also a range of picture modes, including a low-latency game mode that'll give you the edge in those clutch moments. Just don't blame the projector when you still can't beat that boss. Some of us just aren't cut out to be the Elden Lord. (Not bitter at all. Nope.)

Audio Analysis

Let's address the elephant in the room: the 5W speaker. Is it going to replace your surround sound system? Not a chance. But is it better than no sound at all? You bet your headshot it is.

For casual gaming or a quick Netflix binge, it does the job. I played through "Stardew Valley" with just the built-in speaker, and the chill soundtrack came through clear as a bell. When I fired up "Call of Duty," though, I felt like I was in more of a peashooter fight than a warzone.

My advice? For story-driven games or indie titles, the built-in speaker is fine. For anything where audio cues matter (I'm looking at you, battle royale games), you'll want to hook up some external speakers or a good headset.

The Gaming Experience

This is where the TH671ST really flexes its muscles. The low input lag is a game-changer, especially for fighting games and shooters. I went from blaming my TV for my poor "Street Fighter" performance to... well, blaming my lack of skill. But hey, progress!

The short throw ratio means you can get a massive image without needing a massive room. I've been playing "Forza Horizon 5" on a 120-inch screen, and let me tell you, drifting around corners has never felt so immersive. I'm pretty sure I've developed motion sickness, but it's totally worth it.

One thing to note: the fan can get a bit loud during intense gaming sessions. But unless you're playing something like "Stardew Valley," you probably won't notice it over the game audio. And if you do, well, that's just the sound of the TH671ST working hard to make your gaming dreams come true.

TH671ST User Feedback

Don't just take my word for it. Here's what the people are saying about the TH671ST:

"This projector turned my man cave into a gamer's paradise. My wife now refers to me as 'that guy who lives in the basement'."

***

"The fan noise is noticeable during quiet scenes. It's like my projector is trying to have a conversation with me."

***

"Picture quality is insane for the price. I can see every pore on my character's face. It's... unsettling."

***

"Great for gaming, but no USB-C? Come on, BenQ, it's not 2010 anymore!"

The consensus? It's a hit with gamers and movie buffs alike. The picture quality and low lag are the stars of the show, while the fan noise and lack of USB-C are the main gripes. Can't win 'em all, I guess.

BenQ TH671ST Alternatives

Not sold on the TH671ST? Here are a couple of alternatives to consider:

1. Optoma GT1080HDR: Another short-throw gaming projector with slightly better input lag. It's like choosing between a sports car and a muscle car – both are fast, but in slightly different ways.
2. ViewSonic PX701-4K: If you're willing to sacrifice short throw for 4K resolution, this might be your jam. It's like trading in your nimble sports car for a luxury sedan – less agile, but boy, does it look good.

The Optoma GT1080HDR is the go-to if you're all about that gaming life. It's like the TH671ST's cousin who spent all summer at gamer boot camp.

The ViewSonic PX701-4K, on the other hand, is for those who demand 4K and don't mind rearranging their room to get it. It's like choosing between being able to touch your toes or having really strong arms. Both are good, but which one fits your lifestyle better?

Is the BenQ TH671ST Your Next Gaming Buddy?

Alright, let's wrap this up. After weeks of intense "testing" (read: gaming my heart out), here's the deal with the BenQ TH671ST:

This projector is like that friend who's always up for a good time. Movie marathon? Check. All-night gaming session? You bet. Impromptu dance party with life-size Just Dance characters? ...Don't judge me.

The short throw is a game-changer for small spaces, the image quality will make your eyeballs sing, and the low input lag might just give you the edge in your next online match. It's not perfect – the fan can get a bit chatty, and the lack of USB-C is a head-scratcher – but for the price, it's a solid choice for anyone looking to supersize their gaming experience

But let's be real for a second. If you're a casual gamer who just wants to enjoy some Mario Kart on a big screen, this projector is probably overkill. It's like buying a race car to do grocery runs. Sure, it'll get the job done, but you're not using it to its full potential.

On the flip side, if you're a dedicated gamer looking to elevate your setup without breaking the bank, the TH671ST is a no-brainer. It's the sweet spot between performance and price that'll make both your games and your wallet happy.

Just a word of warning: once you go big, it's hard to go back. I tried playing on my regular TV after a week with the TH671ST, and it felt like I was gaming on a postage stamp. My eyes have been spoiled, and I regret nothing.

So, should you buy it? If you've got the space (and a understanding roommate/spouse/cat), go for it. Your K/D ratio might not improve, but I guarantee your gaming experience will. Just don't blame me when you start measuring every wall in your house, looking for new places to project.

This is Jim, signing off. I'm off to convince my girlfriend that we absolutely need to project Overwatch on the side of our apartment building. Wish me luck!

Level Up Your Knowledge:

• BenQ Projector Showdown: Which One Reigns Supreme?
• Samsung's The Premiere: Is It Worth the Premium?
• Optoma GT1080HDR vs Benq TH671ST
• AWOL Vision Projectors: A Vision of the Future?
• Epson EF11: Small Package, Big Performance?