The BenQ GP520 is a standard-throw, transportable 4K HDR LED-based projector. It is designed to transform everyday rooms into convincing media spaces, making it suitable for movies, sports, and gaming. The unit utilizes DLP XPR pixel-shifting technology to produce a full 8.3-million-pixel UHD image and offers extensive HDR support. Its design is aimed at users seeking an easy-to-use, inclusive big-screen experience without needing specialized installation or a dedicated cinema room. The projector’s pitch is simple: providing a 4K HDR smart projector that is easy to live with and set up, offering casual cinema and home entertainment.
Key features highlighted include bright, pin-sharp images with wide HDR support, a surprisingly capable built-in sound system, and excellent automated setup. The system is portable enough to move between rooms, although the substantial external power brick required limits true portability. The chassis is described as utilitarian, featuring a dark-grey, cube-like finish. Basic operation can be handled via a row of physical control buttons on the unit, supplemented by a supplied remote zapper which includes fast track buttons for streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video.
However, potential drawbacks include limited black levels, no support for high frame-rate gaming, and a requirement for significant throw distance. From a performance standpoint, while it delivers bright, sharp 4K entertainment with minimal setup, it is noted that it does not match the dynamic nuance of a dedicated home cinema projector. For users who aspire to create a traditional home theatre, the GP520 might be best avoided. The pricing is positioned at £999 (or $999 US/£1,999 AUD), placing it within BenQ’s LED lifestyle-cinema range.
Despite limitations in specialized streaming services, the projector integrates Google TV, offering a comprehensive selection of popular streamers. Users can also connect supplementary devices such as a Blu-ray player or a Freely streaming telly box. Overall, the GP520 is recommended for casual cinema use and general sports entertainment, delivering a massive, bright 4K picture onto any clear wall space. It offers scale and impressive sharpness without the complication of demanding a dedicated cinema environment.
Source: Trusted Reviews