BenQ W1070 : DLP Full HD, 3D Ready with lens-shift for 1000$ - Page 60

Then don't buy it. Some firm ware updating isn't as simple as updating drivers to a video card or other software changes. And as with some other Projectors what they call firmware updating is actually some hardware updating as well. What I was stating is that many in this thread have purchased this projector with the first firmware and are using it with no issue. There is no perfect projector out there, so go ahead and wait for it.

Updating the firmware requires a serial null modem cable and a USB converter for most. It is a little more complicated that just using a usb thumb drive to update the firmware. There may me several reasons why Benq will not allow end users to do the update including the fact that it could be modified by a hacker.

They also may be fearful that since the update is a little more complicated some people would have difficulty doing it.

Epson used the same method to upgrade firmware and they at first would not allow the end user to do it.

So, 1.04 is doing this as well? In that case, it sounds like updating the firmware from 1.03 to 1.04 may not help matters.

Hmmm... this doesn't sound like my fan issue at all. Could I have discovered a new bug?

My bad. I meant to say that I'm running firmware v 1.03 NOT 1.04. So, as far as I know if anyone is having trouble with 1.03 then 1.04 is likely the fix.

Ian

Incidentally, despite the trouble I've had with the projector itself, VA has been awesome. Before they even had any reason to placate me, they sent me a retroactively-applied free Disney Calibration Disc after I inquired, because I had placed my order a few days before that offer was announced. Great customer service.

Ian, thanks for the clarification.

What is all the chatter about firmware updates? I have an Epson 8350 that just plain works.

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My question was should I trade in for a W1070?.....----should I wait until things are resolved?

What do you work for BenQ? Why are you getting so defensive?

I am giving my thoughts on the firmware upgrade situation. Hence why it says my thoughts.

I don't need you to tell me what to buy or not to buy.

Calm down.

It requires all of what you said because they designed it that way. If they wanted to, it could be as simple as using a thumb stick.

I'm not deifying them for it, but I'm not going to sympathize with them for having a more complicated firmware update situation, when they are the ones that created it themselves to be just that way, either.

I can't agree more. It will just cost them in the long run. I spoke to someone at Benq and he even said they should allow home firmware upgrades.
Having said the above, I think that the problem is not unusual for a new unit. I have owned many projectors over the years and have had to do firmware updates. I had an Epson and had to send it in for the update. JVC does allow in home updates but they do require some knowledge to do them. The important thing is that Benq will do the updates and make things right. That can not be said for all companies.

Ive been thinking of getting a w1070 for my theater room. How do you guys find the black level in darkness? Will I be disappointed? I used to have a panasonic ax200u. I'm thinking of a 80 to 90 inch screen. I'm mosty intrested in the projector because of the 3d.

I suspect with a hacked firmware and a 1$ 300mhz hdmi port we could see this 850$ dollar projector support 120hz 1080p in 3D...which is probably why it's not user updatable, since they want us to buy next year's model that has those features.

The only thing actually broken with my projector's features is the vertical stretch in frame packed 3D. It stretches fine in SBS though, which is what I use for games anyway. So not a huge deal, but still kinda sucky for Cinemascope fans out there.

The only 3D I've seen that's better than this (having seen IMAX Under the Sea and wowed all my friends with it), was at the HFR IMAX Hobbit movie at 48hz. It was so bright and eye-strain free, smooth as butter. But this is very nice. Some other projectors out there can go brighter in 3D, so I guess that's something you'll have to decide. With a decent gain screen I suspect my 3D viewing will go up a lot. The black level is very decent, esp with Smart Eco on.

Just fired it up...LOVE IT! I'm coming from a viewsonic pro8200(had to adjust settings to get a good picture) and just out of the box I can already tell the difference, AWESOME picture. I'm running firmware 1.03 and after 45min no issues (shouldn't be any). Shutdown seemed to take the proper amount of time. I really like the projector so far, just hoping the ceiling install goes as planned tomorrow! I was a little skeptical, but it truly is a great projector, especially for the price $899! More info later...
Edited by JoeBoy73 - 1/30/13 at 7:23am

Yah, this projector is the sub-$1k killer. It's hard to recommend any other projector besides this one in the sub-1k market now, 6x color wheel is also absurd at this price, much less the 3D capability and the Benq sharpness (and Lens shift!!). I would feel better if I see it first though, but I'm pretty confident this one has the best image under $1k, because the Benq's have always done well anyways competing in the lower-end (and better sharpness than others in general).

It's almost like Benq said let's make a $1350 projector and price it at $899 and kill everyone off to take market share. I am just waiting for another sale and I'll go ahead and buy one just to see it most likely, then resell it to a member for break-even of a max loss of $50, but need to get it cheap before I dig in as don't want to waste too much money just testing a projector.

I can dig it coderguy! No worries for you because you have big brother w7000! Although I would be interested in hearing your thoughts as well!

I suspect you might be right. Whether BenQ has come out with the W1070 to try to knock off their competition or not, they just might do so due to what the projector does so well. I'd be interested in your thoughts when you get to test one out.

I'm a new owner of the W1070 - but I also have the Epson 5010. And although the blacks are better with the 5010, the image isn't anywhere near as pleasing as from the W1070.

It's awesome that my $899.00 projector can so effortlessly kick my $2,600.00 projector's butt! For any Blu-ray that I really look forward to seeing in all-its-glory, it won't be my 5010 doing the projection.

In the room I have both units in, the little BenQ is able to fill the screen with the approx. 11' throw I have to work with! Nice!!! I have about 3 to 4 inches on both sides of the screen that the Epson can't reach. This alone is is a bonus . . . but the edge-to-edge sharpness and killer color offered for THE PRICE is astounding.

Ian

I wonder why BenQ do not advertise 144hz triple flash 3D at all because this feature was found earlier only in VERY expensive 3xDarkChip 4 projectors. This is unheard in this price range!

Visual Apex is offering some nice goodies now with it also, dust cover, a free Disney Calibration disk and they guarantee its 1.04.

Just got mine today. It has firmware 1.03. When I turned it off, the fan shut off immediately. I have eco cooling disabled. The build date was December 2012.
Edited by johnsmith808 - 1/30/13 at 2:23am

We know you have to bug to get one. Hope you decide soon and get a great deal. I and others would love to read your take on it. I am also sure you will have no trouble selling it to a member when you calibrate it. Just be sure you get it with 1.4 firmware.

Yah, well I kind of need to see if I can sell the Viewsonic first, having 4 projectors here is too many (JVC, Benq w7000, Pro8200 + w1070)

One never has too many projectors around!!! I know you will be able to sell the 1070 immediately after you check it out and calibrate it. On second though you might want to sell one of the others after you test the 1070,.

Thanks again for your great feedback. I guess we are the crazy ones being on this forum at this early hour of the morning.


Regarding firmware issues, it seems that several members with 103 firmware Dec build are having issues with the fan shutting off too early. I suggest that those with this problem contact Benq immediately since this can cause damage to the unit and bulb. I have firmware 102 and do not have the shut off issue. I also do not have the flicker issue because I am using Cinema mode and the Smarteco mode. It seems that the problem with flicker in 102 is with Smarteco and Dynamic. I am not using Keystone so that fix does not effect me. I am also going to wait to send it in to see if any more bugs are found in the next few months
Edited by rwestley - 1/30/13 at 3:54am

I saw that, have no use for dust cover though. A long hdmi cable would be nice substitute

I have the exact same build as you...I will have to double check my shutdown process this evening. I only had the pj on for about 45min last night and shutdown only once...

Anyone here using a wireless HDMI solution? Trying to get everything in order before purchasing and I'm curious what others have found that works for them.

I know that according to Projector Reviews, that the wireless HDMI of the 3020e and 5020e don't add any lag to gaming. Anyone know if this is true of all wireless HDMI or if Epson is unique in this respect? If it's not just Epson, anyone know of any others that don't introduce lag?

Thanks

Guarantee latest firmware huh? Don't really care about the disc or dust cover, but that's pretty interesting.

Thanks for the info.

I got my Sainsonic directly from China in 4 days (ebay / DHL).
After unpacking I found SAINSONIC ZODIAC model 904 (blue box). According to the specs on the box those are 120Hz glasses, but the seller claims they are 144Hz...

No way to check this as both types work with W1070
I've already had 2 pairs of year old 120Hz glasses at home...

I think that if you play a BD at 24p that this is were you will see the 120hz glasses not work.

That was my build date too. Glad to see evidence that I'm not the only one with this issue.

I've submitted my RMA request, and will be interested to see how quickly BenQ solves the problem. Since my projector was brand-new, I want a replacement, not a repair or firmware upgrade (not interested in waiting for them to get around to fixing my unit). Gotta say, BenQ's RMA process is positively antiquated. I have to FAX a form, then wait two days to see whether it's authorized? Then continue to wait them to receive my projector before they'll send a new one out? It's the 21st century, guys. Get with the times.