Introducing the BenQ GV50, a projector that's sure to turn heads with its unique design. Imagine a small wheel of cheese, poised on a magnetically attached base - that's the GV50 for you! But this projector isn't just about looks; it's a step in a new direction for BenQ's GV line.
The GV50 swaps out the LEDs of its predecessors for a laser light source, offering a brighter and more vibrant picture. However, it's not all sunshine and rainbows; the GV50 lacks the drop-resistance rating of earlier models and comes with a higher price tag. But here's where it gets controversial... is it worth the extra cost?
Let's dive into the details. The GV50 is slightly larger than the GV31, measuring 8.3 by 5.1 by 7.5 inches (HWD). Its wheel-shaped design makes it easy to carry, with a finger loop for convenience. The magnetic stand keeps it stable, preventing any accidental roll-aways.
Under the hood, the GV50 boasts a DLP chip with a native resolution of 1920 x 1080. BenQ rates its brightness at 500 ANSI lumens, which is impressive for a portable projector. The laser-phosphor light source is designed to last up to 20,000 hours in full-power mode or 30,000 hours in Eco mode.
Setup is a breeze with the GV50. It comes pre-installed with Google TV, so you can start streaming right away. You'll find one HDMI port, one USB Type-A, and one USB Type-C port for connectivity. Both USB ports can read files from memory devices, and the Type-C port supports wired mirroring for mobile devices. Wireless mirroring is also an option for both Android and iOS devices.
The lens lacks optical zoom, but the GV50's compact size allows for easy adjustment by simply moving it closer or farther from the screen. You can also rotate and tilt the projector to adjust the image position vertically, making it versatile for different projection scenarios.
Keystone correction is automatically enabled, ensuring a squared-off image. While digital adjustments can impact brightness and introduce artifacts, the GV50's auto features make setup faster, especially when adjusting image height. The autofocus is a handy feature, although manual adjustment is possible for those who prefer it.
The 18-watt audio system, featuring a 10-watt chamber woofer, delivers good quality sound for a casual viewing experience. You can also connect external speakers via the HDMI port (with ARC support) or the 3.5mm audio output.
Now, let's talk image quality. For SDR input, the GV50 offers five predefined picture modes with limited customization. I found the Custom mode to be the best choice, allowing me to adjust contrast, saturation, sharpness, hue, and color gain. While it lacked a traditional brightness setting, my adjustments resulted in a watchable picture with nicely saturated neutral colors. However, shadow detail in dark scenes was lacking, which could be an issue for those who enjoy watching movies with darker scenes.
For HDR input, the GV50 switches to an HDR menu with the same predefined modes, but with "HDR" added to the names. Here, I chose Custom mode again and adjusted the blue gain to reduce a subtle blue shift. The overall brightness of midtone and brighter scenes was slightly darker in HDR, which is common for projectors supporting HDR. However, dark scenes were brighter and shadow detail was significantly improved. Color quality and contrast remained consistent with SDR.
In terms of rainbow artifacts, I noticed fewer red/green/blue flashes compared to other DLP models. But if you're particularly sensitive to these artifacts, it's best to buy from a dealer with a return policy to ensure you're satisfied.
The GV50 is not suitable for 3D enthusiasts, but casual gamers will appreciate its low input lag. My tests measured it at 22.3 milliseconds for 60Hz input, which is more than adequate for most gaming needs.
When it comes to brightness, the GV50's 500 ANSI lumens rating is for its maximum setting, which shows a noticeable green shift. For my preferred settings, the brightness was closer to 350-375 lumens, which is suitable for a 90-inch image in a dark room. I found a 78-inch diagonal size to be more comfortable, even with a low level of ambient light.
So, is the BenQ GV50 worth the investment? It offers a unique design, laser brightness, and good HDR performance. However, its lack of drop-resistance and higher price tag may be deal-breakers for some. What do you think? Is the GV50 a projector you'd consider for your home entertainment setup? Let's discuss in the comments!
