BenQ W2720i

BenQ's W2720i is truly a projector for all seasons

- 

At first glance, the BenQ W2720i looks as though it could be a tough sell. Its builtin sound system, auto setup, unusual AI-bolstered performance enhancements and Google TV smart platform make it look like a casual living-room projector. Yet its relatively high price, Filmmaker Mode, 2500 lumens of claimed peak light output and the fact that it has been fully calibrated before shipping make it look like a serious home theatre projector.

Meanwhile, its support for 120Hz feeds and a Fast mode for reducing input lag even get you wondering if it's another of BenQ's dedicated gaming projectors.

The more you use the W2720i, though, the less it looks like a projector with an identity crisis and the more it looks like one of the finest projector all-rounders we have ever seen.

The W2720i's unusual positioning, with feet in two usually separate projector camps, makes direct competition hard to find. Based on price, though, we should mention BenQ's own X3100i and the Hisense C1.

While a fair bit larger than your average casual 'coffee table' projector, the W2720i is still quite pretty by projector standards. Its edges are all nicely rounded off and its smooth matt-grey finish looks and feels more premium than what is wrapped around many living room projectors.

The remote control is equally attractive, thanks to a nicely rounded shape that sits comfortably in your hand, a premium white gloss finish, and a logical, spacious (backlit) button layout.

Lamps for a lifetime

The W2720i's optics are built around a DLP system, illuminated by LED lamps claimed to deliver 30,000 hours of use without replacement. That's enough for around 15,000 movies – or one movie every day for 40 years.