BenQ Projectors (Refurb): HT3550 True 4K HDR 2000 ANSI Lumens Projector Expired

Hmm… I can't speak for every laser projectors vs these two. But, I did look into quite a bit into laser projectors from LG, Epson, Viewsonic and ultra short throw models from LG/Samsung/Optoma and would like to share my decision logic for choosing BenQ over them. Hope this helps.

- I determined my comfortable price range first. These BenQs are below $1500 price point. This is relatively speaking "cheap" for 4K projectors. The laser PJ can easily go anywhere between $1500-6000.

- Assuming it is a good laser projector and when compared on paper, the laser projectors ideally should give better image quality than DLP. From reading reviews and screenshot samples of laser PJ, I did not see enough positive response in terms of image quality for the price difference for my usage. I basically identified myself as average enthusiast.

- Lamp hours - Laser PJ claim about 15,000 hours lifetime. BenQ claims 4000 for normal, 15,000 on Eco (some reviewers say real usage hours should be between 4000-6000 unless you like your images really bright). The bulbs for these BenQ projectors are currently $119 on BenQ's website. It can be annoying to replace the bulbs more often, but eventually BenQ would've saved more money in the long run. (Esp considering, I could only watch 3-5 movies max per any given week).

- Ultra short throw (UST) laser PJ – laser UST can be used on regular wall/painted wall/white or grey screen. But, by doing so, you lose a lot of the projected light. The light is shot upward from the PJ, then bounce to the ceiling, not to the viewers. It is recommended to get UST specific projectors that bounce light to the viewers (ambient light rejecting screen or ALR). And, NOT every ALR screen is designed for UST. Some of the ALR models rejected lights to wrong direction and can give you worse image quality by spending more on screen.

- And, these screens are very expensive ($500-700ish for 100" ish, $700-1200ish for 120" for screen alone depending on what size you want).

- Basically, for the same amount of money, traditional throw PJ usually gives better image quality for less convenience.

- Many UST PJs don't support size greater than 120". This is another major limitation compared to traditional long throw projectors.

- Pricing... assuming you get a deal on laser PJ, the proper UST laser set up will easily run you more than $3000, which is about double of these BenQ with decent screens. Following is pricing info on UST laser PJ I had...

Samsung LSP7T - 2200 lumens - MSRP of $3800. $2000 last fall thru EDU deal. I put offer in for green foot website place in December. One authorized dealer countered with $2237. Might not be bright enough if used in bright room. Generally well regarded laser UST PJ.

Samsung LSP9T - Didn't do too much research on this since this was way out of my budget. One notable issue is 9T uses triple laser sources and can have what they call "speckle" issue. Giving grainy image that many users find annoying. Some preferred 7T over 9T, because of this.

Optoma P2 - Normally $3000-3200ish... $2500 deal ended on 1/2 on many retailers. This one has more user reviews stating they don't like user interface and having hardware issues.

BenQ V7050i - Normally $3500. $3000 on sale last BF. Very well reviewed unit from what I've seen.

Other notable one.. Viewsonic LED X1000-4k. Ultrashort, $1900 on pssav.com was best price I could find. I confirmed with Viewsonic that pssav is not an authorized seller on their list, but buying it new from them would still give you Viewsonic's warranty. Their reviews seemed worth a shot, but I have not shopped from them directly before. Please, do own research on them if you ever go with this route.

It's probably too much info for your quick question, but I decided to provide everything I wish I knew after researching. I hope this could help you or anyone out there reading this