AVS Forum Special Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Northern, VA - Washington, DC
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I believe the W1070 is similarly bright to the Sony.
I will say this: Projectors require dark for best performance. If you have light walls, a light ceiling, and light carpet, you've given up any reasonable request for a 'best image'. You don't have light control because you are putting 1,000+ lumens into a room that is a giant reflector. The projector will light up the room, and that light will reflect around and fall right back on the screen.
I think if you are buying it and thinking about using it in the future in a good room, then you know what the plan is. But, I would think that the W1070 and the Sony would look very similar in the room you actually have right now, and the value lost due to a poor room is a significant factor in all of this. For black levels, the Sony will still really deliver in the dark scenes, but for mixed contrast viewing situations, the reflected light would drop contrast ratios significantly.
As for 'dimmable lighting if required'... I'm thinking you either have no lights on at all, or localized spotlights at the back of the room on dimmers.
Lighting control is extremely important and doesn't mean shades and a light switch, because that can describe any room of any house after dark. It's the room itself that needs the light to be controlled. The secondary light that comes off the screen and is rather intense.
But, that's going to all impact image quality. Once you know this, you may adjust your expectations and considerations accordingly.
In a weak room, I would opt for the BenQ, and you have a weak room at the moment.
In perspective, I have a weak room, and I opted for the BenQ. When I finish my basement and turn it into a much stronger room, I will evaluate my options then, but that's likely 3 years or more from now.
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