AVS › AVS Forum › Display Devices › Digital Projectors - Under $3,000 USD MSRP › BenQ W6000 value over Epson 8350?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

BenQ W6000 value over Epson 8350?

post #1 of 44
1/3/11 at 2:22pm
Thread Starter 
Hey everyone,

I know there is a dedicated thread for this projector in the >$3K forum, but new pricing should really put this firmly here. Basically this is getting some strong consideration from me at this new price point ($300 more than the Epson 8350 which I am also considering). The main thing getting me thinking of this PJ is it is a DLP with lens shift at a very good price point. The DLP image offset had always disqualified DLP for me until now. I currently have a Panny 900u LCD but really do enjoy the black levels on my TV which is a Samsung 65" DLP. Would there be a significant performance upgrade going from the 8350 to the BenQ W6000?
Reply
Reply

AVS Top Picks

post #2 of 44
1/3/11 at 2:29pm
The debate will rage........

This is more of a preference type deal....

Some prefer DLP over other techs...... Others prefer other techs over DLP.

I would rank these two about equal overall.
Reply
Reply
post #3 of 44
1/3/11 at 3:11pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by JOHNnDENVER View Post

The debate will rage........

This is more of a preference type deal....

Some prefer DLP over other techs...... Others prefer other techs over DLP.

I would rank these two about equal overall.

I am well aware of the DLP vs. LCD debate and yes agree it is a matter of preference. The only regret I have with my 900u is that I always seem to go for the focus to try to get the picture a little sharper. Granted this is a 4 yr old 720P LCD. I do enjoy the pop of my 1080P DLP RPTV though and would like to try to get a little more of that with my next projector. My only concerns would I guess be the fan noise of the BenQ and of course the additional $300.
Reply
Reply
post #4 of 44
1/3/11 at 7:54pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jandawil View Post

I am well aware of the DLP vs. LCD debate and yes agree it is a matter of preference. The only regret I have with my 900u is that I always seem to go for the focus to try to get the picture a little sharper. Granted this is a 4 yr old 720P LCD. I do enjoy the pop of my 1080P DLP RPTV though and would like to try to get a little more of that with my next projector. My only concerns would I guess be the fan noise of the BenQ and of course the additional $300.

Based on what you have said, the Benq is by far your best choice... They are not equally matched, especially if sharpness and pop as YOU described on your DLP TV is what you are after, not even close...

The Benq W6000 rivals all of the best mid range projectors (currently between $2000 and $3500) on PQ and black levels, while remaining the brightest of any mainstream $3500 and under HT projectors... The 8350 as an entry level projector, doesn't belong in the same discussion...
Reply
Reply
post #5 of 44
1/3/11 at 8:41pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ahamay17 View Post

The 8350 as an entry level projector, doesn't belong in the same discussion...

if you can compare 8350 with 8700ub, then you can compare 8350 with w6000.

the benq is a fair bit brighter, but also noisier and uses 400W vs 250W of power.

for the price the op mentioned, then w6000 would be my choice. however the epson might have better resale.
Reply
Reply
post #6 of 44
1/3/11 at 8:56pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by kimmik View Post

if you can compare 8350 with 8700ub, then you can compare 8350 with w6000.

And no one does except for the 8350 fanboys... Again they don't belong in the same discussion...
Reply
Reply
post #7 of 44
1/3/11 at 8:59pm
i own a 9500, and have had the 8100 and 8350.

there isn't much to them. the contrast isn't even that different - i've measured the 9500ub at 3400 native, and 8350 at 1550 native.

colour rendition too, pretty similar. i wouldn't dismiss the 8350 like you did so readily.
Reply
Reply
post #8 of 44
1/3/11 at 9:04pm
The W6000 retails for $2500. At the current discount sale price it has no competition. Best mode brightness is almost double the 8350 or nearly anything else for that matter in the $1000 to $2000 price range. I don't think it would be fair to compare the two. Sharpness of this projector alone is about as good as it gets.
Reply
Reply
post #9 of 44
1/3/11 at 9:51pm
Thread Starter 
Wow.... it seems like the w6000 at this price point is almost a no brainer. Agreed though....at $2500 this would not even be a discussion, but it's hard to ignore the price now. I think I'll call PP and ask how long this price is expected to continue. It may force my projector upgrade a couple of months early if I can convince the Mrs. Currently my 900u is making a very loud whining noise sometimes....I think its the fan since that's the only moving part that I'm aware of. I don't think it's the iris. Maybe I can milk it and convince her of the upgrade
Reply
Reply
post #10 of 44
1/3/11 at 10:04pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by jandawil View Post

Wow.... it seems like the w6000 at this price point is almost a no brainer. Agreed though....at $2500 this would not even be a discussion, but it's hard to ignore the price now. I think I'll call PP and ask how long this price is expected to continue. It may force my projector upgrade a couple of months early if I can convince the Mrs. Currently my 900u is making a very loud whining noise sometimes....I think its the fan since that's the only moving part that I'm aware of. I don't think it's the iris. Maybe I can milk it and convince her of the upgrade

I planned a upgrade soon as well. I planned to spend much more than the the discount price of the BenQ. The current price of the w6000 is making it very difficult to pass up such a great deal. I'm contemplating buying one myself. The closes DLPs to it are the Vivitek 5080 and Infocus SP8602. Both are nearly double the W6000's selling price.
Reply
Reply
post #11 of 44
1/4/11 at 2:02am
Do a Google on w6000 you will find it for 1499.00.
nice projector
Reply
Reply
post #12 of 44
1/4/11 at 3:00am
I was going back and forth between these two. If I recall the BenQ has a 1 year warranty vs. a 2 year warranty with the Epson, has a lower lamp life of only 2000-3000 in normal mode vs. 4000 of the Epson, has a greater distance requirement to fill the same screen dimensions, measured brightness on the 6000 ws marginally better if not the same as the 8350 if I recall with the 6000's higher brightness mode having a big green push, and that about sums it up off the top of my head. It is definitely a different target market projector but I would suggest reading the projector reviews review in addition to other reviews before deciding myself.
Reply
Reply
post #13 of 44
1/4/11 at 8:51am
Quote:
Originally Posted by kimmik View Post

i own a 9500, and have had the 8100 and 8350.

there isn't much to them. the contrast isn't even that different - i've measured the 9500ub at 3400 native, and 8350 at 1550 native.

colour rendition too, pretty similar. i wouldn't dismiss the 8350 like you did so readily.

I didn't dismiss it as a very good projector and/or value... While addressing the OP's desire for sharpness and to match the pop of his 1080p DLP tv, I said and am saying they don't belong in the same discussion...
Reply
Reply
post #14 of 44
1/4/11 at 9:15am
Quote:
Originally Posted by NickTF View Post

I was going back and forth between these two. If I recall the BenQ has a 1 year warranty vs. a 2 year warranty with the Epson, has a lower lamp life of only 2000-3000 in normal mode vs. 4000 of the Epson, has a greater distance requirement to fill the same screen dimensions, measured brightness on the 6000 ws marginally better if not the same as the 8350 if I recall with the 6000's higher brightness mode having a big green push, and that about sums it up off the top of my head. It is definitely a different target market projector but I would suggest reading the projector reviews review in addition to other reviews before deciding myself.

Actual measured brightness of the W6000 is 400 lumens brighter then the 8350 at their brightest, and the W6000 doubles the 8350 in best modes...
Reply
Reply
post #15 of 44
1/4/11 at 9:17am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ahamay17 View Post

Based on what you have said, the Benq is by far your best choice... They are not equally matched, especially if sharpness and pop as YOU described on your DLP TV is what you are after, not even close...

The Benq W6000 rivals all of the best mid range projectors (currently between $2000 and $3500) on PQ and black levels, while remaining the brightest of any mainstream $3500 and under HT projectors... The 8350 as an entry level projector, doesn't belong in the same discussion...

That is telling it like it is. While the 8350 is a very good entry level projector, it is not in the same class as the Benq.
Reply
Reply
post #16 of 44
1/4/11 at 9:44am
Quote:
Originally Posted by snoopy555 View Post

Do a Google on w6000 you will find it for 1499.00.
nice projector

I am seriously considering this for my new HT setup.

Read a review at (projector reviews)

http://www.projectorreviews.com/1080...rd_winners.php

Other contestants are Epson 8500 and LG CF181D. BenQ W6000 is at the top of my list. For $1499 its a sweet deal. Its rated number 2 according to the site mentioned above. Its ahead in natural PQ, sharpness, brightness but is a little behind in black levels compared to the Epson. If you read the reviews yourself, you will probably agree that its the best bang for the buck.

What do you guys think about this site? Seems like this guy is pretty thorough.
Reply
Reply
post #17 of 44
1/4/11 at 12:12pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ahamay17 View Post

Actual measured brightness of the W6000 is 400 lumens brighter then the 8350 at their brightest, and the W6000 doubles the 8350 in best modes...

http://www.projectorreviews.com/epso...nce.php#bright

Epson 8350 at max zoom (like I have it mounted nearly)

Effect of zoom on lumen output (Dynamic mode):

Zoom out: 1640
Mid-zoom: 1378
Zoom in: 987

Epson 8350 at mid point

Dynamic= 1378 @ 6810
Living Room= 1010 @ 8717
Natural= 459 @ 6233
Cinema= 463 @ 6517
x.v.Color= 447 @ 6045

http://www.projectorreviews.com/benq...erformance.php

Not sure where the zoom is on the Benq w6000 anyone know that they measure all output at mid zoom?

Cinema = 1061 @ 5719 (866 @ 6624 w/BC off)
Dynamic = 1751 @ 5790 (1061 @ 6787 w/BC off)
Standard = 1008 @ 9255 (823 @ 10399 w/BC off)

Don't get me wrong I expect the Benq to have the better image given it's higher original price point but the other things you give up to get that image must be considered. They matter more to some and less to others. I'm sure you can't go wrong either way.
Reply
Reply
post #18 of 44
1/4/11 at 1:22pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by NickTF View Post

I expect the Benq to have the better image given it's higher original price point but the other things you give up to get that image must be considered.

Believe me I am considering them. There are pro's and cons seemingly on this projector.

Pros:
Better image quality (DLP preference I know)
Finally an affordable DLP with lens shift
Better blacks
No convergence issues as with LCD
Very bright image even on low lamp
Sharp sharp sharp!

Cons:
Possible RBE (although I have never seen them on my 65" RPTV)
noise level (29 DB on low lamp)
$300 more in cost
Possible DLP image noise and artifacts.


Still...at an original street of near $3000 one would gather this has to be a solid projector.
Reply
Reply
post #19 of 44
1/4/11 at 2:26pm
B&H is having a sale on the W6000 for $1500 till the end of the month. If I were still in the market for a projector I wouldn't think twice about getting that. I have a few W1000+'s and they are very nice, but the W6000 is a much better machine.
Reply
Reply
post #20 of 44
1/4/11 at 2:36pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snipe3000 View Post

B&H is having a sale on the W6000 for $1500 till the end of the month. If I were still in the market for a projector I wouldn't think twice about getting that. I have a few W1000+'s and they are very nice, but the W6000 is a much better machine.

PP also has it for $1499 and they are great...and an AVS sponsor which also doesn't suck.

.....correction....Just checked and PP upped it to $2199. Bummer. You snooze you lose. I would have rather bought it from PP.
Reply
Reply
post #21 of 44
1/4/11 at 4:05pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snipe3000 View Post

B&H is having a sale on the W6000 for $1500 till the end of the month. If I were still in the market for a projector I wouldn't think twice about getting that. I have a few W1000+'s and they are very nice, but the W6000 is a much better machine.

Nice price. And B&H is a pretty reliable outfit.
Reply
Reply
post #22 of 44
1/4/11 at 6:16pm
Thread Starter 
Well it looks like my deadline to convince the Mrs. to let me get this is until the end of the month. $700 off is a very good incentive.
Reply
Reply
post #23 of 44
1/5/11 at 6:12am
IMHO you're not going to go wrong with either. The Epson warranty (including a 2 year warranty on the fricken bulb lol) was really hard for me to pay $300-$600 more to not recieve if you see what i'm saying. 15% better PQ vs. 50% or so (random made up numbers) difference in warranty. Also, google prices of bulbs. This may be a concern for your or it may not. Given my PJ is my every day t.v. my concerns aren't like everyone elses.
Reply
Reply
post #24 of 44
1/5/11 at 8:14am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by NickTF View Post

IMHO you're not going to go wrong with either. The Epson warranty (including a 2 year warranty on the fricken bulb lol) was really hard for me to pay $300-$600 more to not recieve if you see what i'm saying. 15% better PQ vs. 50% or so (random made up numbers) difference in warranty. Also, google prices of bulbs. This may be a concern for your or it may not. Given my PJ is my every day t.v. my concerns aren't like everyone elses.

I agree 100% about lamp cost being a huge factor. I did research that and the BenQ lamp cost is actually pretty good. Visual Apex has it for $329 which is actually cheaper than one for my Panasonic 900u. I know that whatever I choose will be a HUGE upgrade for me over my 900u with 2900 hours on the lamp. Also this project or was supposed to be the "cheap one" that would tide me over until 1080P 3D ready projectors were affordable and there was actually some real 3D content out there worth making the jump. Jury is still out on how long that will take to be a reality.
Reply
Reply
post #25 of 44
1/5/11 at 8:35am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jandawil View Post

I agree 100% about lamp cost being a huge factor. I did research that and the BenQ lamp cost is actually pretty good. Visual Apex has it for $329 which is actually cheaper than one for my Panasonic 900u. I know that whatever I choose will be a HUGE upgrade for me over my 900u with 2900 hours on the lamp. Also this project or was supposed to be the "cheap one" that would tide me over until 1080P 3D ready projectors were affordable and there was actually some real 3D content out there worth making the jump. Jury is still out on how long that will take to be a reality.

The Epson lamp is about $100 cheaper maybe a bit less. Good luck man you'll definitely enjoy either one!
Reply
Reply
post #26 of 44
1/5/11 at 3:00pm
Being a DLP fan this one stirs my interest, even though my Infocus 7210 is still putting out a very nice picture approaching 3000 hours on the lamp.

The big turn off for me is the lack of offset. The best you can do if you ceiling mount is have the lens of the projector hanging down to the top of the image. I like a steep offset to get the projector up high and out of the way. Otherwise it looks like this is a great projector an an excellent price, with typical DLP strengths of sharpness, pop and screen uniformity with the DLP tradeoffs (mostly fan/color wheel noise).

What's the color wheel speed on this? I've always had X4 wheels in my set-up and wouldn't want to go lower, paticularly on this bright a projector.

Kurt
Reply
Reply
post #27 of 44
1/5/11 at 3:19pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ktoolsie View Post

Being a DLP fan this one stirs my interest, even though my Infocus 7210 is still putting out a very nice picture approaching 3000 hours on the lamp.

The big turn off for me is the lack of offset. The best you can do if you ceiling mount is have the lens of the projector hanging down to the top of the image. I like a steep offset to get the projector up high and out of the way. Otherwise it looks like this is a great projector an an excellent price, with typical DLP strengths of sharpness, pop and screen uniformity with the DLP tradeoffs (mostly fan/color wheel noise).

What's the color wheel speed on this? I've always had X4 wheels in my set-up and wouldn't want to go lower, paticularly on this bright a projector.

Kurt

Wouldn't the lens shift accommodate for the lack of offset? Forgive my DLP ignorance as I am used to LCD which has unlimited placement options. You must have very high ceilings.
Reply
Reply
post #28 of 44
1/6/11 at 12:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by ktoolsie View Post

What's the color wheel speed on this? I've always had X4 wheels in my set-up and wouldn't want to go lower, paticularly on this bright a projector.

Kurt

4x on 60hz input and 6x on 48hz [24fps doubled]
Reply
Reply
post #29 of 44
1/6/11 at 8:28am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jandawil View Post

Wouldn't the lens shift accommodate for the lack of offset? Forgive my DLP ignorance as I am used to LCD which has unlimited placement options. You must have very high ceilings.

From Art's review on ProjectorReviews.com:

"The BenQ W60000 has 0 offset. Translated that means that the projector has just enough vertical lens shift to place the lens even with the top (or bottom) of the screen surface, or anywhere in between. "

So, if I ceilng mount, the highest up I can position the projector is so that the center of the lens is alligned with the top of my screen.

My home theater is in the basement, but my ceiling height down there is still just about 9ft. Also, my back row of seats sit on a riser. I would ideally mount a projector just behind the back row of seats. The zoom lens/throw ratio of the W6000 supports putting it this far from the screen. However, the projector would be much closer to ear level than my Infocus 7210. So much so that I'm pretty much forced to rule this projector out. DLPs are oft criticized for their long throws and steep offsets, but those are actually benefits in my configuration and support my desired projector placement - in the back of the room, up high on the ceiling.
Reply
Reply
post #30 of 44
1/6/11 at 8:51am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by ktoolsie View Post

From Art's review on ProjectorReviews.com:

"The BenQ W60000 has 0 offset. Translated that means that the projector has just enough vertical lens shift to place the lens even with the top (or bottom) of the screen surface, or anywhere in between. "

So, if I ceilng mount, the highest up I can position the projector is so that the center of the lens is alligned with the top of my screen.

My home theater is in the basement, but my ceiling height down there is still just about 9ft. Also, my back row of seats sit on a riser. I would ideally mount a projector just behind the back row of seats. The zoom lens/throw ratio of the W6000 supports putting it this far from the screen. However, the projector would be much closer to ear level than my Infocus 7210. So much so that I'm pretty much forced to rule this projector out. DLPs are oft criticized for their long throws and steep offsets, but those are actually benefits in my configuration and support my desired projector placement - in the back of the room, up high on the ceiling.


Yeah I just read that as well. That's what W6000 users are saying. You pretty much need to have the lens within the confines of the top or bottom of the screen. I think that may just work for my setup. Bummer it won't work out for you. Now I have to go measure.
Reply
Reply
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home

AVS Top Picks

AVS › AVS Forum › Display Devices › Digital Projectors - Under $3,000 USD MSRP › BenQ W6000 value over Epson 8350?