Review: Full HD DLP projector BenQ W1070+W
A wireless update of a classic
In almost every projector price class, there are models that become popular favourites because their performance is particularly well balanced. As they age, they become true “classics” and serve as a reference for a long time. But time does not stand still, requirements rise and new models push onto the market – it is time for an update…
The BenQ W1070 is one of these classics: for a long time it was one of the most popular entry-level projectors, conjuring an image onto the screen that was impressive in many respects for well under €1,000. The main reason was its precise adjustment options, which could hold their own even against high-end projectors. Its popularity remains unbroken. Now BenQ has revised the model and made various detailed improvements, resulting in better operation, more brightness and, above all, wireless picture transmission. In exemplary honest fashion, BenQ does not advertise these improvements as a revolutionary new device but simply calls the new version “W1070+”, which is currently available for around €780.
At €999, the bundle with the wireless transmitter is also still below the magic €1,000 mark, if only just. We examined the latter in detail.
1. Chassis, technology & installation
Visually, the W1070+ has not changed; it looks exactly like its predecessor.
The chassis appeals with a modern, if unspectacularly conservative, design in living room-friendly white and silver. Thanks to moderate throw distances, the projector is compatible with most living rooms in this country, at least when ceiling-mounted.
The common image width of 2.5 m can be projected from a distance of just 3 m, making large images possible even in small rooms. The 1.3x zoom also offers flexibility for further adaptation to the room.
What is spectacular in this price class is the presence of optical lens shift, which allows the image to be shifted mechanically by 20% vertically to compensate for individual room heights. Adjusting it with a screwdriver is awkward, though; other manufacturers have solved this more elegantly (albeit in higher price classes).
Zoom & focus are adjusted manually on the lens
If the optical lens shift is not sufficient, the projector also offers digital keystone correction for angled placement – on the W1070+ now both vertically and horizontally, so the projector can also project at an angle from the side. But: digital correction always causes a loss of resolution and image scaling that leads to loss of detail, so we recommend using the optical lens shift.
The W1070+ offers a generous range of connections on the back: in addition to two HDMI inputs (one with MHL support since the “+” version), all relevant analogue inputs are also on board.
The WirelessHD transmitter (WFHD), which transmits all picture signals (including 3D) completely wirelessly over a distance of up to 30 m, spares you the usual cable clutter between source and projector, which in our experience always involves a long run. Unfortunately, the receiver is not integrated into the projector but has to be screwed onto the chassis with relatively great effort.
And you cannot do entirely without cables: on the back, picture (via HDMI) and power (via USB) have to be cabled externally. At least no additional power supply is needed, as with many other wireless solutions.
Fan noise is not ideally solved either: already audible in eco mode, the projector produces considerable noise, especially in Smart Eco or full lamp mode, which will bother sensitive ears.
All in all, features and setup are above average for this price class. With numerous inputs, optical lens shift and a WirelessHD transmitter, installation should be possible in any living room. Points are deducted for details such as the awkward screwdriver adjustment, the external cabling of the receiver and the not-so-quiet fan.
2. Operation & features
Since the W1070, the manufacturer has advertised versatile adjustment options and an ISF licence that is even supposed to lead to optimum results “automatically”. In fact, the adjustment options in the picture menu are extremely versatile and almost unique for a projector in this price class.
With colour management and RGB controls, picture adjustment should be no problem, which we check in the picture section of this test. The other setting options are also versatile, but the menu layout (despite improvements in the “+” model) is still not very clear and takes some getting used to.
There is little to criticise about the supplied remote control either: it is compact, well structured and has electric backlighting for dark rooms. Thanks to the ergonomic directional pad in the centre, it can easily be operated blind. A lot is offered here for this affordable price class.
3. Picture quality
That leaves picture quality to examine, especially colour, brightness, contrast and sharpness. Is the BenQ W1070+W really as good as its reputation? It is also interesting to see whether the wireless transmitter really does not compromise picture quality. The results are identical to those of the sister model W1080+, which we have already examined.
Colour reproduction
Neutral colour reproduction requires the three primary colours red, green and blue (colour gamut) to be matched as closely as possible to the standard, as well as a white balance of colourless greyscale to the video standard of 6500K / D65.
Optimised colour gamut of the BenQ W1070+
Colour management pays off when matching the primary colours: their hue and saturation can be optimised very well to the target values required by the standard. Colour brightness is also on target, with no colour over- or underemphasised. What remains is a slight green weakness with a tendency towards a yellow tint, which was accepted in favour of better use of brightness.
Optimised white balance at 6500K / D65 white
Colour temperature gives no cause for criticism either: with just minor corrections in the picture menu, you get an excellent white balance with no visible deviations (even in dark scenes).
All in all, with subsequent optimisation the BenQ W1070+ achieves convincing and accurate colour reproduction that meets even high standards and can be rated very good in this price class. Only the slight yellow tint in green will bother perfectionists.
Brightness & contrast
The manufacturer advertises the W1070+ with a high light output of 2,300 lumens, 100 lumens more than its predecessor, the W1070. In our measurements, the W1070+ almost reaches this figure in Dynamic mode with the lamp in normal mode, at a measured 2,270 lumens – but with a noticeable green tint and therefore noticeably distorted colour reproduction. Calibrating to the correct colour temperature (see above) costs some brightness, leaving a still very good 1,620 lumens. However, this brightness refers solely to the maximum white level; the actual “Color Light Output” (the brightness of the primary colours added together) amounts to 1,420 lumens, achieved with the “Brilliant Color” function switched off.
Despite these losses in favour of the most perfect possible colour reproduction, this net brightness is very good and allows large screen sizes to be displayed brightly. The much quieter eco mode dims the picture by 30% and still offers a brightness of over 1,000 lumens. With these results, the W1070 proves to be an above-average bright home cinema projector; only the light distribution shows a visible drop towards the edges of the image on uniform surfaces.
The projector falls well short of the specified contrast of 10,000:1: using all contrast-enhancing measures (Smart Eco lamp mode, Brilliant Color maximised, native colour temperature), the W1070+ achieves a dynamic range of 3,500:1; the native panel contrast after colour calibration is around 1,800:1, and only 1,400:1 with Brilliant Color switched off. In combination with the high on-screen contrast (checkerboard approx. 500:1), these limited results still allow an extremely three-dimensional picture, but noticeable weaknesses show in the moderate black level, which covers dark scenes with a distracting grey veil.
Gamma preset "2.2"
Once again, the homogeneous brightness distribution straight out of the box deserves praise: shadow detail is just as good as highlight detail, and the image always looks correctly exposed.
Sharpness
The picture sharpness of the W1070+ is truly excellent: the incoming Full HD signal is projected onto the screen pixel-perfectly, so no scaling artefacts are provoked. In addition, the lens is able to put this full HD resolution onto the screen without distracting colour fringes or loss of sharpness towards the edges. The little projector does this better than many a projector in a higher price class.
Motion sharpness is not so good: the W1070+ has no frame interpolation at all, so 24p feature films judder in motion as in the cinema, and 50 Hz sports broadcasts blur noticeably during camera pans. The little projector’s results here are mediocre at best.
Detail reproduction does not suffer when using the wireless transmitter either; the full resolution is retained. We could not detect any compromises when using it in our tests.
3D performance
Even though no 3D glasses are included with the W1070+ (competitor Acer is more generous here), buying them later is worthwhile:
With 144 Hz triple flash (72 Hz per eye), it reproduces both perspectives completely flicker-free and easy on the eyes despite shutter glasses. Image separation is very good even with strong contrasts, so no distracting ghosting spoils the three-dimensional impression. Only the black level is somewhat impaired by the light pulses that disturb the glasses. Still, thanks to the advantages above, the W1070 leaves the LCD and LCOS competition behind – but frame interpolation is sorely missed, especially in 3D.
4. Conclusion
“Mission accomplished”: with the W1070+W, BenQ has improved its entry-level classic in many details and equipped it for this year: with optical lens shift, numerous inputs and a wireless HD transmitter, its technical features are unique in this price class; only the fan is not quiet enough and disturbs quiet film scenes at least.
Operation has been improved with new on-screen menus and a new remote control and shines with numerous adjustment options usually only offered in higher price classes. In places, however, the structure is still confusing and not very intuitive.
Good factory presets and numerous subsequent calibration options allow very good tuning of colour and exposure: the resulting picture impresses with natural reproduction and great depth in bright scenes. In the black level and dark film scenes, however, weaknesses inevitably show due to the limited native contrast. Brightness is high enough to reproduce daylight scenes convincingly and allow TV viewing even in rooms that are not completely darkened. 120 Hz frame interpolation for higher motion sharpness is sorely missed, but it is almost never offered in this price class.
Overall, the BenQ W1070+ is undoubtedly once again one of the best in its class and a good living room all-rounder that is well suited to TV, sport, video games and feature films. We are sure it will seamlessly continue its predecessor’s success…
Matching product categories in our shop:
Further guides:
- Projector buying guide using the BEAM method – overview of all guides
