BenQ recently announced that it is now shipping its W1080ST short-throw full HD 3D home projector, delivering 1080p resolution and 3D within just six feet of the screen.
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The W1080ST delivers full 3D connectivity from external devices such as Blu-ray players and gaming consoles, and supports formats and standards including NVIDIA 3DTV Play, DLP Link, and dual HDMI. Designed with the high-end DLP Dark Chip 3 (DC3) -- typically reserved for higher-priced models -- the W1080ST offers 1080p picture quality, a 10,000:1 contrast ratio, and built-in 10-watt stereo speakers for added convenience.
The short-throw W1080ST delivers an image more than 100 inches wide at less than six feet away from the screen. To safeguard close-range installations, the W1080ST also features an "Auto Blank" mode that blocks light output when objects are detected in front of the lens. Useful for coffee-table setups and other short-throw scenarios in small spaces, the mode avoids flashing light directly in users' eyes when crossing the projection.
By integrating BenQ's SmartEco technology, the W1080ST further cuts costs and energy consumption. In "SmartEco" mode, the projector automatically adjusts lamp power to maximize power savings. To further reduce power consumption, a "no source detected" mode automatically lowers brightness to 30 percent when no display has been detected for more than three minutes. In the "Eco Blank" mode, the projector is reportedly capable of power savings up to 70 percent. In addition, the W1080ST does not require filters to clean or replace, which further reduces the projector's total cost of ownership.
To enable color calibration right out of the box, the W1080ST comes with a Rec. 709 color gamut, meaning users can enjoy projected color images that match film studio and television broadcast standards. The W1080ST offers independent 3D color control and the flexibility of performance/color adjustment with three preset modes and two user modes.
The W1080ST is also ISFccc-certified by the Imaging Science Foundation (ISF). ISFccc enables viewers to enjoy a calibrated picture with two optimized modes -- ISF Day and ISF Night. Furthermore, at 6.4 pounds the projector is portable enough to take the movie or gaming experience to other locations if desired.
The W1080ST is available now in the U.S. at a retail price of $1,299.
Additional Resources
• Read more projector news from Home Theater Review.
• See reviews in our Video Projector Review section.
