Here we will compare two home theater projectors: BenQ TK800M & Optoma UHD38. The two projectors have almost the same price, the BenQ TK800M has a $1336.77 list price while Optoma UHD38 is priced at $1399. When choosing between the projectors, you’ll find many differences, but also many core similarities.
Table of Contents
BenQ TK800M Projector Review
Overview:
BenQ TK800M is an upgraded model of TK800 and priced just $50 higher than its predecessor. It has done a lot of improvements in its newer model, for example Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG), As existing HDR technologies like Dolby Vision and HDR10 aren’t suitable for live broadcasts, it aims to solve this problem and provide broadcast-friendly HDR solutions.
Picture Quality:
Most importantly, BenQ TK800M offer 4K image quality, unlike other manufacturers who claim double HD or 2K as their marketing gimmick. It’s 8.3 million pixel makes picture quality more vivid and detailed. You can enjoy your movies without restriction on viewing distance or without noticing individual pixels.
Its DLP technology provides smoother video, high image resolution and generate “blacker” blacks.
Color and Brightness:
BenQ TK800M provides 3000 lumens of brightness, which is quite bright to watch in a semi or half lit room. Its brightness cut through the ambient light to make watching sports or playing games nice and clear.
The extra white lumens of TK800M does an excellent work for improving the contrast ratio of the projector. It’s Image contrast ratio is 10000:1, which is great for high ambient and living room use. As it has improved contrast on bright scenes and lower contrast in dark scene. Therefore, the picture comes out a little washed up in terms of contrast performance.
The color of BenQ TK800M is pretty great for a high brightness projector. It has ability to achieve more than 96% Rec. 709 color accuracy to deliver vivid colors in your living room even with ambient light. Furthermore, its 4k-optimized lens array provide increased light penetration with better image clarity and brightness.
Installation and set-up:
The BenQ TK800M provides good placement flexibility, sporting a 1.1x zoom and a decent amount of lens shift. Its projection distance for 120-inch screen is just 4290 mm – which means you will be able to table-top or ceiling mount. Its auto vertical keystone function corrects the trapezoid image due to varied projection and projects professionally square images.
In terms of connectivity, TK800M has two HDMI ports, one is for 4k devices and the other for 1080p devices. It also has VGA (computer video output), a 3.5 mm mini audio input and output and a 1 x 12V trigger control output.
Optoma UHD38 Projector Review
Overview:
The New Optoma UHD38 is an improved version over UHD30 and has better brightness and latency speed than its predecessors. It is a great projector for movies and gaming. It delivers high-quality picture and brightness even in a lit room.
Optoma UHD38’s 4K UHD resolution and 3D compatibility makes it perfect for cinematic experience, while high refresh rate of 240Hz and ultra-low input lag of 4.2ms makes the projector perfect for competitive gaming advantage.
Picture Quality:
Similar to BenQ TK800M, Optoma UHD38 is a true 4k projector with 8.3 million distinct pixels, with over four times the resolution of full HD 1080p. The UHD38 is built around a 3840-by-2160 pixel DLP chip, and delivers a high-resolution image with bright colors. Its contrast ratio is way higher than BenQ TK800M. With a contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1, it delivers exceptionally sharp and detailed images.
Color and Brightness:
Along with 4000 lumens of brightness, Optoma UHD38 delivers clear picture with better color and brightness in any room. The brightness is great, even with well lit room, you can see the image very well. The most notable quality is its HDR10 and HLG technologies, which delivers brighter whites and deeper black levels.
UHD38 incorporates RGBWRGBW 8 segment color wheel to achieve increased color ratio for richer and vivid image.
Installation and Set-up:
Optoma UHD38 is a long throw projector. If you have large space or require a larger image size, then a long throw projector will be more suitable to you.
You’ll need 14 feet to get a 150-inch picture, and 12 feet for 120 inches. This means the projector must be installed in the center of the ceiling in a large room, and avoid placing the projector on a table or stand.
Along with 1.1x zoom and ± 40 keystone correction make the projector easier to set up and allows fine-tune image placement.
In terms of connectivity, Optoma UHD38 has 2 HDMI port, VGA-in, an audio in & out, a USB and a 12-volt trigger. You can easily connect your gaming console, media players and other HDMI compatible devices.
BenQ TK800M vs Optoma UHD38: Conclusion
BenQ TK800M and Optoma UHD38 are both good projectors. Both the projector supports true 4k resolution and 3D formats. However, for most users, higher dynamic contrast ratio, and 8 segment color wheel of Optoma UHD38 will make a better choice. All the same, Optoma has only one year of warranty, while BenQ has three years of warranty. Optoma UHD38 is clearly a better projector than BenQ TK800M in almost every aspect.