Imagine transforming your living room into a movie theater and enjoying your favorite films with loved ones from the comfort of your own home. Projectors make this a reality, but selecting the right one requires some thought and consideration.
To save our readers the trouble, we connected with Rajeev Singh, Managing Director of BenQ India, to cut through the noise and discuss the most crucial aspects to consider when purchasing a projector.
In this exclusive conversation, he provides a practical buying guide, empowering the buyers with the knowledge to choose the right projector that matches their requirements and elevates their home entertainment experience.
Q. Where does the indian projectors market stand today?
A. The Indian projector market has seen remarkable growth since the pandemic, driven by changing consumer habits. A key factor is the rising demand for immersive home theater experiences [on big screens], as consumers seek to replicate the cinematic ambiance of multiplexes in their living spaces.
In addition to the shifting consumer preferences, the availability of advanced laser technology, 4K resolution (same as that on conventional TVs), and HDR support has made projectors more appealing.
For the entire year 2024, BenQ maintained its leadership as the No. 1 brand in 4K UHD projectors, capturing a 52% market share. Additionally, BenQ led the portable projector category for the year, achieving a 56% market share.
Rajeev highlights how projectors appeal to a younger audience that consumes digital content. He also mentions how projectors use reflective light technology, making them better for longer viewing sessions. During the conversation, Rajeev also shared a fascinating insight about how the financial capital of India, Mumbai, is the biggest projector market.
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Q. How many different types of projectors are there?
A. In terms of display technologies, DLP (Digital Light Processing) projectors utilize tiny mirrors to produce images known for their smooth video and high contrast ratios, making them ideal for home theaters and business presentations.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) projectors use liquid crystal panels to project primary colors, offering high brightness and clear images, but may have limitations in color accuracy and motion handling.
LCOS (Liquid Crystal on Silicon) projectors combine elements from LCD and DLP to deliver high-resolution images with reduced screen door effects, which are suitable for high-end applications.
While LED projectors are known for their energy efficiency, compact size, and long-lasting light source, laser projectors offer higher brightness and extended lifespans.
Q. What are the three main things someone should look for in a projector?
A. According to BenQ, these are the three main things to look for while getting a projector.
- First, display resolution and brightness are fundamental. For modern content, choose a resolution of at least Full HD (1080p); 4K offers noticeably sharper images on larger screens. Brightness (measured in ANSI lumens) determines where and when you can use your projector. 2,000+ lumens are suitable for rooms with ambient light, while 1,000-1,500 lumens are sufficient for controlled, dark environments.
- Second, consider the light source technology, which impacts both image quality and long-term ownership costs. Traditional lamps offer lower upfront costs but require replacement every 3,000 to 5,000 hours. LED and laser sources last 20,000+ hours (potentially the projector’s entire lifespan) and maintain consistent brightness and color over time.
- Third, evaluate the throw ratio and flexibility of placement. This determines how far your projector must be from the screen to create your desired image size. Short-throw projectors can create large images from just 3-4 feet away, ideal for smaller rooms, while standard throw projectors need more distance. Features like lens shift, zoom, and keystone correction provide additional installation flexibility.
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Q. Can people with smaller spaces, such as someone with a 10×10 ft living room or bedroom, install a projector?
A. People with smaller 10 × 10 ft spaces can absolutely install a projector, but the type matters significantly.
Short-throw projectors are ideal for compact rooms, as they can project large images (80-100 inches) from just 3-5 feet away from the wall or screen. Ultra-short-throw models can sit even closer, just inches from the wall, while displaying impressive screen sizes.
Standard long-throw projectors typically require 8-12 feet of distance for similarly sized images, making them impractical for tight spaces.
BenQ’s upcoming GP520 model especially supports features like auto keystone correction and digital zoom, specifically designed to work in open spaces with flexible installation options, making it suitable for compact living environments where traditional projector placement might be challenging.
Q. What do you think is the budget that an Indian household willing to set up a home entertainment system with a good-quality projector should have (and how does it compare with traditional home theater setups with a television)?
A. For Indian households, a quality home entertainment projector setup typically requires ₹1,00,000-3,50,000. Entry-level 1080p portable projectors start around ₹50,000-80,000, while 4K models with smart features range from ₹1,50,000-3,00,000. Additional costs include a screen (₹10,000-₹ 30,000), an audio system (₹50,000- ₹ 80,000), and installation.
Compared to TVs, projectors deliver truly immersive cinema-like experiences with massive screens (100-150″) at a fraction of TV costs (a 98″ TV ranges between 8-9L). They’re gentler on eyes with reflected rather than direct light, offer flexible placement options, and create a premium theatrical atmosphere.
Q. Does the projector market have segments?
BenQ, a prominent player in this market, has focused on creating projectors tailored to different room types and user lifestyles. For dark rooms or home cinema setups, BenQ’s projectors emphasize high contrast ratios and 4K HDR capabilities to provide immersive viewing experiences with vibrant colors and deep blacks.
- In living rooms with ambient light, BenQ designs projectors with high brightness levels to ensure clear visuals even during the day.
- For gaming rooms, BenQ’s projectors prioritize low input lag and high refresh rates to provide seamless gaming experiences.
- Lastly, BenQ’s portable projectors are designed for flexibility, catering to both indoor presentations and outdoor movie nights.
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Q. How about the maintenance of a projector? I’ve heard that projectors might need regular cleaning, lamp replacement, etc. Do you think that the maintenance costs are a hurdle in making projectors mainstream?
A. Projector maintenance varies based on the type of light source used. Traditional lamp-based projectors require periodic bulb replacements, which can cost between ₹5,000–₹15,000 per bulb.
However, LED and laser light sources have significantly reduced these maintenance needs.
Laser projectors, such as the BenQ W5800, offer a lifespan of up to 30,000 hours in Eco mode, reducing the need for replacements.
Q. What measures or precautions should users take to make their projectors last a long time?
- Opting for laser & LED models is advisable, as they offer significantly longer lifespans compared to traditional lamps.
- Ensuring proper ventilation is crucial; adequate airflow prevents overheating, a major cause of component failure. Regular maintenance is essential.
- Periodically cleaning the lens and air filters (if present) helps maintain optimal image quality and prevents dust buildup.
- Finally, using surge protection safeguards the projector from power fluctuations that can damage internal components.
Q. Do projectors last as long as traditional televisions (with a typical lifespan of around five to eight years)?
A. Yes, projectors can last as long as, or even longer than, traditional televisions, depending on the type of light source used. Laser and LED projectors offer exceptional longevity, with up to 30,000 hours of lifespan.
For instance, using a projector for 8 hours daily can last approximately 10 years without requiring a replacement. This extended lifespan makes modern projectors comparable to TVs in durability.
Rajeev also mentions how new-age projectors are dust-proof and come with IP ratings.
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Q. How has BenQ infused AI into its projectors?
A. BenQ has strategically incorporated AI across its product lineup to enhance the user experience. In
projectors, the W2720i projector features AI-powered cinema modes that automatically adapt to ambient lighting conditions and optimize content in real-time.
These AI systems analyze screen size, distance, and room conditions to deliver optimal picture quality without manual adjustments. Upcoming launches, such as the GP520 and W5850, have also integrated AI into home entertainment projectors.
Q. Is there a new product on the horizon, something that you would like to reveal exclusively to SmartPrix?
In the projector space, we plan to launch the GV50, a portable Full HD projector designed for immersive experiences in dimly lit environments. It boasts a long-lasting laser light source and flexible projection angles.
Its compact design integrates a 2.1-channel audio system and smart features like Google TV, making it ideal for both home theater and on-the-go entertainment. It has already won international acclaim, with accolades such as the VGP 2025 Special Prize and the Good Design Award 2024.
One of the most notable upcoming releases is the XL2586X+ gaming monitor, which will be the world’s first 600Hz monitor—a significant advancement beyond the current market offerings. This flagship ZOWIE model features a newly developed Fast TN panel, improved color performance, and DyAc 2 technology for exceptional motion clarity.
Additionally, BenQ is preparing to launch four new MOBIUZ gaming monitors in May 2025: the EX271U (4K/165Hz), EX271Q (QHD/180Hz), EX271 (FHD/180Hz), and EX251 (FHD/220Hz)—all featuring AI Contrast technology and new Gamer-Experienced-Color capabilities tailored to different game genres.
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