Release date of the BenQ w1080st & First Reviews - Page 3

any difference in uniformity between min/mid/max zoom? lens design is always a tradeoff in aspects of performance, and it could be that there is a 'sweet spot', likely more near the longest throw.

Just pulled the trigger today on the W1080ST. I purchased from Projector People here in the states. My first projector - - to be used primarily for movies - - 2.40.1 Cinemascope. I currently have a Samsung 65" LED mounted on the wall for all 16 X 9 content. I'm sure I'll watch some sports on the Projector - - especially hockey - - so these older eyes can see the puck better.

The screen I purchased is not that expensive - the FAVI Entertainment 100" - Electric, 1.3 gain, white matte, 16 X 9. Good reviews from most of the people who rated it on Amazon.com. Since I am space challenged with shorter ceiling height in my man cave, this is the first projector that really will work - - plus it's right next to a ceiling light (mostly unused) that will be the source of electricity.

All being run through a Pioneer SC65 and OPPO BDP 103 Bluray player. Man cave is in the basement, so no windows. I do like to have some lights on and with the LED, that has never been a problem. (Mostly dark - I also use a "bias" light with the LED TV)

With all that being said - - any tips on setup? Movie settings? Ye wise and knowledgeable projector people - - any comments & helpful suggestions are greatly appreciated. I'm really looking forward to adding this "feature" to my HT setup.

Thanks for the suggestion. I didn't have a ton of time last night but I did bring it down from just under full zoom to just above no zoom and it did look quite a bit better. I'm fairly flexible on where the image and projector can go so that's not a deal breaker as long as it fixes the distortion issue.

Posting closeup pics of the center/sides/corners at min/mid/max zoom would be appreciated if you get the time

Quick question for you - - and my goal is to get the best picture possible.

Screen size - 100 Diagonal (!6 X 9)

Recommend Throw Distance is as follows:

Minimum Distance - 60"
Average Distance - 66"
Max Distance - 72"

If I understand you correctly - - the best PQ is with "Minimum Zoom" - - hence towards the "Max Distance" number? (Which means you can dial down (reduce picture size) and opposed to increasing size?)

Lastly - - I'm not sure this makes any difference, but main use of the projector will be for 2.35/2.40:1 - - Letterbox movies.

I agree. I keep hearing about the distortions, but its hard tell if it is an acceptable amount or if it is really noticeable. I really want to jump on this projector cause it would fit my room perfectly, but I'm hesitant. Would be nice to see a review and some pictures of the distortions.

I'll see what I can do about pics. In the mean time I did some measuring of the test pattern grid. I only measured the horizonal with of the rectangles since that was the only place I was seeing distortion. The diagonal wasn't actualy measured, I just used a base height of 64" and used the calculator to figure out what the equivalent diagonal was. For reference, everything below is in inches.

131" Diagonal Full Zoom (1.00x according to the calculator)
TL=6.75
CL=7
BL=7.125

TC=7.125
C=7.375
BC=7.625

TR=7.75
CR=7.875
BR=8

109" Diagonal No Zoom (1.2x) - In the same location
TL=5.75
CL=5.875
BL=5.875

TC=6.125
C=6.25
BC=6.25

TR=6.375
CR=6.375
BR=6.5

131" Diagonal No Zoom (1.2x) - Moved further back obviously
TL=7
CL=7.25
BL=7.375

TC=7
C=7.25
BC=7.375

TR=7
CR=7.125
BR=7.25

As you can see, on the 130" examples the distortion using full zoom at that size was almost about an inch wider from left to right. When not using the zoom it seemed to only be different by an 1/8" or so going left to right. From top to bottom things didn't seem to change that much between using the zoom and not using it and there was about a 3/8" difference from the top and bottom. For anyone planning to use this as a screen in the 130" or large range, I would certainly say not to use the zoom if it all possible. I'll see if I can get some pictures posted soon. After reducing the zoom I really don't see any distortion like I did before.

I am still having the clicking sound every 5-10 seconds after powering off the unit (during the cool down). It even clicks a few times after the fan stops. Anyone know if this is normal for BenQs?
Edited by sketch660 - 3/2/13 at 8:17am

I don't use the zoom at all that explains why I couldn't see any distortion. With zero zoom it looks perfect to me with no issues focusing the whole picture. I did have an issue with the optoma not being able to focus the entire picture perfectly. I don't hear any clicking from the fan on my unit. You can change the settings to quick cool and then you won't have the fan on after you shut down, will this hurt the projector if you enable it?

I agree. I have my pj almost exactly 72" from a 100" 16x9 screen and cant see any distortion. I also dont notice any difference in darkness from one side of screen to the other.

I also didn't see any difference in darkness from one side to the other. When using no zoom, other than the clicking noise after turning it off it's great. If it keeps up I may exchange it but at this point I don't think I'll be sending it back for any other model as the short throw makes it great for interactive games (e.g. Wii, Connect, PS Move). I just need to box it in so no stray remotes end up taking it out.

The cheapest I've seen it for is $1099. If you wait a couple months I'm sure something close to $1000 will pop up but I don't think you'll see it any lower than that for the next 6 months or so. It really depends on how long you want to wait for.

This is a very popular projector, so I'm not sure that the price is going to drop down at all in the upcoming months.

Also - Amazon shows a one to two month delivery window with a price of $1,099.00. I purchased from Projector People in the states last Friday and haven't gotten a ship date from them, yet. Here's what my rep. said today - - and I quote:

"Our Benq rep happens to be here today, and I asked her about the delivery timeframe on the W1080ST. They’ve been working on the firmware issues, so they delayed shipment for a week or so. She doesn’t have a firm date yet, but she wants to make sure they don’t have the issues they had with the W7000 and the W1070 pop up with this unit. They will ship it directly to you, once they get them in hand."

So - I'm not sure if this is Projector People jive, BenQ jive, or just demand exceeding supply. I hope to find out soon.

I also just wanted to note that the clicking sound that was occuring after turning off the projector seems to have stopped for the last 3-4 times I've used it. Guess it just needed some breaking in or something. At the moment everything seems to be working great.

Just want to clarify the zoom issue people are seeing.

If you use zoom on this projector *at all* (zoom in) people are seeing some issues with half screen darker and edge-to-edge focus?
If you keep the zoom lens wide open (1.0 zoom) then people are NOT seeing these issues?

thx

I have the w1070 and have had focus issues in one or both corners until I realized that the alignment wasn't right. Use a laser light or the grid and measure the height of the edges to make sure the PJ center is perfectly perpendicular to the screen center. Maybe the w1080 has different focus issues, but there is zero difference between left and right, I think someone said that regarding another model so let's not jump the gun and start false rumours about a projector that's not even out. Benq makes good stuff! it's not perfect, but so what.

Also, the w1070 has very short throw, seriously I am sitting four feet from my wall, the projector is 12 feet back and it's perfectly fine. If you use the calculator you might realize you don't even need that short a throw, the w1070 is already very short. I wouldn't go for a bigger picture at this distance anyway (my zoom isn't even out and it's still too big at this viewing distance).

I wouldn't worry about NVidia 3DTV play at 1080p/120 this year. I think it'll be next year before those start coming out. You need 300 mhz hdmi input ports for that anyway, I believe.

12 feet is NOT at all very short throw.

Perhaps 12 feet from other wall. He said he's sitting 4 feet from the wall, perhaps the back wall.
For 12 feet of throw, you may get 140" of projection, which is much bigger than others, perhaps around 100".

Short throw is about projector placement and I don't have 12 feet to work with. I have a short throw projector and I get a 92" image with the projector placed less than 5 feet from the screen. I'd have to go back about another four feet with the w1070, and I don't have the space.

depends on screen size. Most people tend to prefer a viewing distance of about 1.5 screen widths, with a few preferring 1.25 or even a bit lower. For the majority of people, the w1070's minimum throw ratio of 1.15 allows for placement in front of the front row of seats. While the w1070 may not be as short throw as the w1080st, compare the 1.15 minimum throw ratio to what the big boys think is a 'short throw' lens for a home theater projector:
Runco LS-5 Short Throw Lens Option: 1.56-1.86
Sim2 Lumis 3D Solo Short Throw Lens Option: 1.37-1.66
DPI Titan Reference Short Throw Options: .67 (Fixed), 1.39-1.87 (Zoom)

Only the optional fixed lens from DPI for their flagship projector is in the w1080st range. It is expensive to produce a quality short-throw lens (short-throw zooms even more so), and there are performance sacrifices (especially for DLP) that lead most to the longer throw options for home theater. Data projectors are a different story, as most users are very willing to sacrifice contrast for brightness and uniformity. I suspect gamers are willing to make those same sacrifices to get the PJ in front of the gaming area (where standing up won't block the projection!).
Now, rear projection is a different story.

I think the advice you were given was simply to make sure the w1070 won't work for you, and it sounds like you've done that. Best of luck.

I only have had it table mounted so the focus issue very well could be an alignment issue. I have only seen the top right corner out of alignment so I'm not sure if mounting will help. I was hoping to get it on the ceiling this weekend but it looks like that may not be happening due to some unexpected company coming over. Once I get it up I'll report if this is still an issue.

What's with the lack of activity in this thread? Not many W1080ST's out there, yet?

There is a deeper thread on the W1070 - - understandable, since it's been out a while, but it would be great to hear/see more about this PJ.

I appreciate any and all experiences from folks who already have this projector. I should receive my W1080ST next week and will gladly post info on installation, PT, etc.

FYI - regarding "Flush Mounts" and working with smaller ceiling heights and the need to minimize the "drop" from the ceiling - distance wise.

I ended up purchasing the Chief RPAU-W Universal Mount. From top to bottom of the W1080ST - - it should be six inches. (Not to the lens - to the bottom of the projector)

Just in case, I also ordered the "Lateral Shift Bracket" for the RPA - which will allow for 2.25 inches of lateral movement - - right or left- - AFTER it is mounted to the ceiling.

From my understanding - - if you can minimize the number of adjustments with this projector (like zero - since no horizontal lens shift and minimal vertical lens shift) - - and have it properly aligned so it's parallel with the screen and completely straight - - you'll get the best results.

Cheers to everyone!

Checking out the projector calc, it is telling me that the lens need only be 2 inches from the top of the screen.

Is this right? That seems wrong to me being so short of a drop.

Thats about right from my drop ceiling tiles to the center of the PJ lens is about 3" on my set up.

W1080ST to be delivered this Thursday, March 14th, 2013, direct from BenQ in California. Being shipped "Fed Ex Ground."

FYI - order date was March 1st, 2013 - - so it took a little time to get scheduled and shipped. Not sure what the experience has been with Amazon.

I'm still really on the fence with the W1080ST and the W1070. Seems like the W1080ST has some issues with focus and distortion if you try to use the zoom and over on the W1070 thread, there seems to be several people having problems lately.

I really want to love this projector, but just not ready to pull the trigger.

Understandable. Not every product is perfect, but you should be able to find a projector that can properly focus - - that's for sure!

I've read and re-read all the posts - - in the W1070 thread and this one. I don't have a choice between the two projectors because I need the short throw distance that the W1080ST provides. But - - I can set it up at the longer distance - - minimal zoom location.

From my understanding, it really shouldn't make that much difference using the "Zoom" with the W1080ST because of the short throw distance to begin with. But I'll set mine up around 70" for a 100" Diagonal screen.

The other tip I heard was to minimize lens shift if at all possible. That will require spot on installation - - but once it's set, it should be good from there. And proper alignment - - I mean dead set straight and parallel to the screen - - centered.

For me - - there are no other projectors in this price range with these features. The adventure begins later this week!

Hi all. I joined the forum just to post in this thread. I recently got a nice new apartment with my lady friend, and as a result, a whole new family room to set up. The wall where the screen goes is 20 feet wide by 8 feet tall, so my current 40" TV looks comically small, and to say that the viewing experience is "sub-optimal" is something of an understatement. A Woot sale of a projector got me seriously thinking about projection as my new home theater solution, which naturally led me to this particular device.

My space is just about 20 feet wide, 16 feet deep, with an 8 foot ceiling. I am a n00b when it comes to this stuff so please tell me if I'm wrong, but it seems like a 100" diagonal picture centered up on the 20 by 8 wall, with a viewing distance of about 12 feet would be "the sweet spot" for the room.

Complicating matters slightly, the screen would / will be primarily used to watch HD video content, but also for gaming. At this point I have very little interest in 3D and do no planning on using this feature, nor do I plan on doing any image processing within the projector (I use a purpose-built computer for media playback, and it does a fine job of making sure everything coming out of it is 1080P/60 looking good. Even more fun, I plan on using a Kinect in the room if at all possible. It is the Kinect which partially led me to looking at a short-throw solution.

From what I've read here & elsewhere, the W1080ST works perfectly fine in terms of focus and image distortion if you don't use any zoom. To get a 100" picture with no zoom, you need roughly 72 inches (6 feet) of throw. Is this correct? If it is that would work perfectly with my sketched out setup, which has the projector installation at 6 feet out from the screen/ wall, a Kinect play area / open area from 6 feet to 12 feet, and then the couch / seating at 12 feet out. I don't "love" my Kinect, and it isn't the most important thing ever to me, its just a cool thing that I'd like to be able to use.

The only niggling question I have is, from what people have mentioned here, it seems like the W1080ST does not have a lot of play / wiggle room when it comes to its vertical placement.
People have said in this thread that the projector needs to be within about 3" of the top of the screen. Is that right? Like, if I were to mount it about 6" down from the ceiling, then the top of my image would be ~9" from the ceiling? This is the bit I am unclear on, and BenQ hasn't actually put up any documentation for the ST (the site has links but they just go to the 1070 PDFs).

The other concern I have with this unit is the noise level. Some people have compared it to some other projectors, but I'm inexperienced in this area so I have little frame of reference.
I was thinking about building a custom piece of furniture with one or two 200mm fans and some sneaky noise baffles so that the project could be actively cooled but still be mostly enclosed. This could work to reduce the noise level and also keep it safe from spilled drinks, accidents, and morons.

What do you guys think, terrible ideas? Good ideas? I am not totally against the idea of saving up a bit more money for something better, but from what people have said here, there isn't a lot of competition in the short throw market.

As I said, I'm shooting for a 100" display and my room is 16 feet deep, and I'd like to have a relatively quiet setup (my eyes aren't the most awesome but my ears are pretty sensitive).

Look closer. The manual for the W1070 is the same for the W1080ST. It has all the mounting info for the W1080ST.