Leveraging its CinematicColor technology and the latest DLP chipset, BenQ is now shipping the first sub-$10K installation projectors designed to deliver true 4K high dynamic range (HDR).
According to the company, the CinePro Series HT8060 and HT9060 4K UHD HDR projectors were designed to recreate the cinema experience at home, starting with the latest DLP chipset that’s used in almost every digital and IMAX theater. This chip eliminates pixel shifting and blending, producing 8.3 million distinct pixels for true 4K UHD performance. Furthering color and contrast quality, the THX-Certified HT8060 utilizes BenQ’s CinematicColor and Rec.709, assuring 100-percent coverage of the industry-acknowledged color gamut.
They are available at $7,999 (HT8060) and $8,999 (HT9060) from BenQDirect and authorized resellers including ADI, Projector Superstore, Projector People, and SnapAV.
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BenQ provides a factory calibration report to ensure the projector was tested and adjusted for precise D65 color temperature, gamma, black level, white level, neutral gray, RGBCMY color tracking, hue, saturation, brightness, and output from different interfaces based on ITU-R Rec. 709.
The HT9060 combines CinematicColor with the Philips ColorSpark HLD LED system to reach the American film industry’s super-wide DCI-P3 color space, covering a far greater visible spectrum than Rec. 709 and delivering three times the light output of current LED technology. As a result, viewers never have to hassle with lamp replacements that can lose brightness over time and can enjoy phenomenal picture quality for years to come, even in highly lit environments. In addition, a proprietary, 14-element, six-group and 4K-optimized lens that was built from the ground up pulls the image from the chip while preserving even the subtlest details in perfect clarity – keeping the original brightness while minimizing chromatic aberration.
Hyper-Realistic Video Quality
The projector-optimized HDR used in the CinePro 4K UHD Series took BenQ more than a year to develop and perfect. Based on BenQ’s black equalizer technology found in the company’s gaming monitors, the projectors’ HDR is tailored to perfectly balanced color saturation and rich color scale, revealing the details lost in dark areas without losing clarity or displaying incorrect greyscales. In addition, auto color and accurate tone mapping offer greater brightness and contrast, so every detail conceived in the director’s mind but originally hidden is revealed in every scene. Both projectors are compatible with the optional Panamorph Paladin anamorphic lens, which delivers the immersive 2.4:1 aspect ratio of commercial cinemas without letterboxing, delivering 2 million more pixels for increased brightness and detail to recreate the full cinema experience right at home.
Installation Mastered for Home Cinemas
BenQ’s CinePro Series were engineered to offer special features, including one that enables integrators to quickly and easily install and configure the projectors with flexible adjustment tools, including horizontal and vertical lens shift. By incorporating the Imaging Science Foundation’s (ISF) ISFccc Certified Visual Calibration, the image and color performance of these projectors can be customized for any space, along with preset light balance modes for day and night.
The projectors’ 1.5X big zoom provides imaging from a wide range of throw distances and mounting and placement options. With front-facing ventilation, they’re ideal for a subtle ceiling-mount or concealing within a cabinet or wall inset, while the sleek modern design makes them blend into any space.
Both units are compatible with most ceiling mounts, allowing installers to switch out old technology quickly as homeowners look to upgrade their viewing experience. Finally, the video and power signal ports are separated to accommodate thick cables and HDMI/power cable locks, ensuring effortless connection while preventing system failure related to unintended disconnection.
