BenQ has launched an interesting portable projector in 2021 that looks like a Bluetooth speaker but also offers big-screen visuals. The company has added a flagship model to the family that uses the ceiling, a flat surface that is not used for movie screenings.
Sporting a chunky waterdrop shape, the GV50 has the same pair of 4-watt mid-range drivers as the GV30 before it, but BenQ has upped the bass to a 10W woofer with the promise of satisfying Dolby Audio soundtracks to accompany ceiling-projected images.
Of course, you don't have to point the projection unit upward to watch content offered by Google TV (including Netflix) — and if your ceiling is textured like mine, you probably don't want to. The unit has 135 degrees of vertical projection flexibility, as well as a 360-degree horizontal range thanks to a rotating base so visuals can be thrown at a nearby wall or screen if available.
The DLP projection unit offers 1080p image resolution at up to 120 diagonal inches at a 16:9 aspect ratio, but the laser light source is only capable of 500 ANSI lumens – so viewing in the dark will give the best results. The GV50 benefits from autofocus, keystone correction, obstacle avoidance, screen adaption and digital zoom. The remote control can also be used to shift the rectangle vertically and horizontally.
BenQ
If you still can’t get the perfect angle when the device is placed on a nightstand, the base also features a nifty two-stage tilt option so you can angle it upwards. Other notable features include 24-bit colour, support for 92% of the Rec. 709 colour gamut, 100,000:1 contrast, and the ability to run HDR and HLG content.
The projector has a built-in battery for up to 2.5 hours of wireless use per charge (though brightness output will be reduced when unplugged), or 280 minutes when used solely as a Bluetooth speaker, and charges via USB-C. Other ports include HDMI with audio return, USC Type-A, and a headphone jack. Bluetooth 5.0 and 802.11ac Wi-Fi are also included, and there's AirPlay and Google Cast support.
“For today’s digital entertainment enthusiasts, the GV50 offers unparalleled flexibility to stream high-quality content in comfortable personalized spaces for the ultimate me-time,” said company president Peter YF Huang. “Even first-time projector users can easily replace their TV and enjoy cozy movie nights before bed.”
The BenQ GV50 has a suggested retail price of $799, but it's currently on sale for $599.
Product page: GV50