Home cinema projectors span a wide range of prices and performance. High-end models mimicking the local cineplex can cost upwards of $6,000, while budget options under $1,000 often sacrifice brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. Many of our favorites sit in the middle, and the BenQ TK705STi short-throw projector is a prime example. It aims to deliver excellent value, especially for gamers.
Gaming Performance That Impresses
The main reason to consider this 4K projector is its low-latency performance and massive screen size. Playing Forza Horizon 6 on Xbox or PC on a 10-foot screen feels incredibly immersive. Controller inputs feel immediate, and the game runs with precision, almost like on a gaming monitor. The Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) disables extra image processing for responsive gameplay. In HDR gaming mode, colors are crisp and vivid, though contrast doesn't match high-end cinema projectors. The built-in speakers are underwhelming; during intense battles in Senua's Saga: Hellblade II, rain sounds like sandpaper. Connecting external speakers via an AV receiver solves this issue.
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Movie and TV Quality Falls Short
Despite excelling in gaming, the TK705STi's movie and TV performance is average at best. Colors look flat, with reds less saturated than on premium models like the Leica Cine Play 1. Contrast is lacking: dark scenes in films such as Tron: Ares on Disney+ appear too dark, and raising brightness only washes out the image without adding detail. Daytime viewing is also disappointing; bright scenes look washed out, sometimes making faces unrecognizable. Sports in 4K on YouTube TV appear clear and bright, but colors remain flat. For cinephiles, this projector is not the right choice.
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Features and Ease of Use
The TK705STi has a 0.8:1 throw ratio, allowing placement a few feet from the wall. It includes two HDMI ports, one USB 2.0, and one USB-C, but lacks Ethernet and optical audio output. It supports Wi-Fi 6 but not 120Hz refresh or VRR. The auto-keystone correction is finicky, often requiring manual adjustment. The remote is functional, with well-placed buttons. Google TV is intuitive, though the QR code setup sometimes fails, requiring manual login. The metal build is sturdy, but the legs are slightly shaky; a bump can cause image jostle and re-trigger keystone correction.
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Overall Verdict and Links
The BenQ TK705STi firmly sits in the midrange category, which is not a bad thing. For gamers seeking a giant low-latency screen, it's a great deal. For movie enthusiasts, image quality is only adequate. If you need versatility, consider other options. As with some smart home devices, like Nest thermostats that recently faced voice control issues, this projector has its limitations. For more on projection technology, check the Wikipedia page on short-throw projectors.
Source: https://www.wired.com/review/benq-tk705sti-4k-projector
