BenQ MP771

Performance
I must praise the setup options, which are simple and easily accessible through the menu. Keystone setting is directly accessible from the projector's top panel, via well laid-out controls. The remote too has separate buttons for contrast and brightness, so quick calibration is possible. The native resolution is XGA, though it displays up to 1080p.

A small issue, and I hope this is an issue with only my review piece, is that the screen sometimes flickers a bit when changing to full HD resolution. I found that if you change the preset to Cinema, Standard, etc., this problem gets solved.

The projector does get a bit jittery while in high-def. I played a Blu-ray and a DVD (Pan’s Labyrinth and DVE test disc respectively), and I found the picture has bit of a problem with fine detail. If you go close to the image, even with the best focus setting you can see black and neighboring white pixels flirting with each other, color-wise. This is obviously much lower in the native XGA resolution. I ran Windows and played around with MS office, but the problem persisted.

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That was the negative part; now for the good. The depth and color of the image was commendable. The contrast and brightness were very impressive, and black levels came in the bandwidth quite decently. If you're watching a film sitting at a nominal distance from the image, the detail problem can be forgotten, as the vibrancy in the image is compelling. Motion is decent, though a little lag and other artifacts do make an appearance now and then.

Finally, coming to the short throw, I must say this is pretty impressive. I placed the projector barely two feet away, and I got a nice 75-inch image. Getting a 100-inch image is very easy. This a definite plus.

Conclusion
This BenQ projector costs Rs 85,990 plus taxes. I would say it's great for cinema; but not so much for presentations. Games also look sexy. Credit is due for the large screen sizes obtainable, but the high price and less than picture-perfect image put this projector in middling territory, so to speak. Home theater buffs should certainly demo it.