Projector Reviews

BenQ HT1070 DLP Projector Review Test Bench

Test Bench

Full-On/Full-Off Contrast Ratio: 1,706:1

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Pre- and post-calibration measurements were made in the BenQ HT1070’s Cinema preset. Maximum contrast measurements were made in Cinema mode with the Economic lamp setting active. With this configuration, the BenQ’s black level measured 0.015 ft-L and peak white 25.6 ft-L, for a contrast ratio of 1,706:1.

Highest peak brightness was delivered by the default settings in the Bright preset: 72.4 ft-L. The projector’s Sports and Vivid presets both yielded around 50 ft-L. Fan noise in this and other presets with lamp mode set to Normal was noticeable at my seat 4 feet behind the projector.

Before calibration, the BenQ’s Normal color temperature preset in Cinema mode delivered a mostly accurate but slightly bluish grayscale, with the Delta E averaging out to a respectable 2.2. Calibration improved that to 1.0, with a high of 3.3 at 10% brightness. (Delta E is a figure of merit that indicates how closely a display adheres to the Rec. 709 HD color standard. Experts generally agree that levels below 3 are visibly indistinguishable from perfect color tracking.)

With the Cinema mode’s default settings active, the BenQ’s measured color points were mostly off target, with the Delta E averaging out to 5.7. Calibration using the projector’s color management system, which provided limited range for making adjustments, improved that number slightly to 3.8.

With the 2.2 Gamma preset selected, gamma in the Cinema mode averaged 2.2 and displayed mostly smooth tracking up until the 80-IRE point. Post-calibration, gamma was more linear, closely tracking 2.2 for the full measured brightness range.

Picture uniformity was excellent, with gray full-field test patterns showing no visible tinting. The BenQ performed unevenly on our suite of video processing tests. Clipping, luma, and chroma resolution all checked out fine, but the HT1070 received a failing grade with HD and SD 2:2 pulldown patterns. That’s a somewhat common failure and one that won’t frequently come into play with day-to-day program material.—AG

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Billy's picture
Submitted by Billy on April 20, 2017 - 3:56pm

Damn, to get a 1080P projector for under $700 list! In 2000 I paid 6K for a 720P Sony W10HT, I thought THAT was a bargain! Glad I didn't wait 17 years for the better deal, would have missed out on a lot of great fun. In 2010 upgraded to a Sony 1080P, that was only 3.5K, another great buy, or so I thought. Our kids are just getting out of college and lament no theater sized experience like they grew up with (a 10 foot screen is addictive) Might steer them this way. Of course, when a 4K 65 inch flat screen is only a grand, might be a hard sell. Technology marches on, a'int it grand?!!!! 4K projection calls out my name every night after the lights are out. That siren song is hard to resist, of course it might steer my marriage onto the rocks, too. Think I might hold out for a roll up 10 foot OLED to replace my screen. Don't laugh, the way things are going, by 2020 when I plan to upgrade again, might be fiscally practical.

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