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BenQ MP512 ST

Manufacturer: BenQ America Corp. Part number: MP512 ST

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$479.00 - $659.99 at 11 online stores

CNET Editor rating:
3.0 stars Good
Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 2 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; User reviews; Specifications; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: Priced less than a midsize flat-screen LCD TV, BenQ's MP512 ST DLP projector is a solid, affordable option for people who want a big screen for casual use or gaming.
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CNET editors' review

BenQ MP512 ST

price range: $479.00 - $659.99

Reviewed by: Kevin Miller
Edited by: David Katzmaier
Reviewed on: 10/09/2008
Released on: 06/15/2008

The good: Extremely affordable; relatively deep black levels for an entry-level projector.

The bad: Color accuracy leaves a bit to be desired; short on features; resolution too low for serious home theater use; not ideal for screen sizes larger than 92 inches wide.

The bottom line: Priced less than a midsize flat-screen LCD TV, BenQ's MP512 ST DLP projector is a solid, affordable option for people who want a big screen for casual use or gaming.

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BenQ's MP512 ST is a one-chip DLP-based front projector with a relatively low resolution of 800x600 (SVGA) that can be found for a ridiculously low price on the Internet. According to the company, this projector was designed specifically for the Nintendo Wii, a standard definition gaming platform. Owing to its surprisingly solid video quality, the little projector should serve perfectly well in that capacity, or, in a pinch, as a big display for HD sources, which look reasonably good as well. For less than $600, about the price of a cheap 32-inch LCD, I could see families using one of these projectors for gaming and casual big-screen movie watching.

Design
Don't expect any serious industrial design flair in a projector this inexpensive. My review sample was finished in a two-tone color scheme that's mostly white, with some silver trim around the lens assembly and on the sides near the vents. The MP512 ST is a small projector (3.5 inches tall by 10 inches wide by 8.4 inches deep), making it easy to tuck away on a ceiling and also easily portable as it weighs a mere 4.9 pounds.

As expected from a budget model, the remote control is nothing to write home about. The remote control is credit-card-size with tiny buttons, which supply the functionality necessary to navigate the menu. Oddly, the audio controls are buried in the menu and not available on the remote. The internal menu graphical user interface is relatively straightforward and easy to navigate.

Features
The BenQ MP512 ST is not loaded with features, but it does have some that are useful in maximizing its picture quality potential. Its first pertinent specification is its 800x600-pixel native resolution, which means this projector doesn't technically qualify as high definition. It will still display HD signals, of course, and simply scale them down to the available pixels, but don't expect the kind of detail you'll get with a high-resolution model.

I found the inclusion of two different categories of picture modes, Picture Mode and Reference Mode, a little confusing. Under Reference Mode there are choices called Dynamic, Standard, and Cinema, which do not let you change any of the picture parameters like contrast, brightness, and so on. If you want to tweak the projector's picture, you must select either User 1 or User 2 in Picture Mode. Then, under Reference Mode, you should choose Cinema, as it produces the smoothest most accurate picture as a starting point for fine tuning the image.

Selectable color temperatures include T1, T2, and T3. T3 measured fairly close to the broadcast standard of D65, and since there are no grayscale calibration controls, all I could do was select that mode and move on. For complete picture settings, check out the bottom of this blog post.

A digital zoom feature for zooming in on a section of the picture is available and is accessible from the remote control. This projector does not have an optical zoom control at the lens, so to size the image, you must physically move the unit or the screen back and forth. Focus is manual and available only at the lens.

Connectivity is a bit limited, but that is to be expected in a product in this price range. One HDMI input is the most important connection. There is also one 15-pin RGB/Component video input for a second HD capable source. For older NTSC sources, one S-Video and one composite video input are both included. I was pleasantly surprised to find an RS-232 control port, which I find unusual for a product in this price range.

Performance
The MP512 ST is not a serious home theater projector, and that was not BenQ's intent when they designed it. But for Wii gaming and other SD sources at a reasonable screen size of say 6-feet wide or so, it will deliver a pretty darn good picture for the money. It can' really compare with more-expensive HD projectors, however, so don't expect miracles from the MP512 ST in terms of picture quality.

The "screen door" effect, where the pixel structure appears overlaid like a screen door atop the image, is a real issue because of this unit's low 800x600-pixel resolution. This means pairing it with a smaller screen, where the structure will be less visible, is important. The BenQ is incapable of producing bright pictures, so again a smaller screen will yield a much higher contrast ratio, and consequently a better picture. I used it on my 92-inch diagonal Stewart Grayhawk RS screen and measured 10.5 footlamberts (ftl) of peak light output, which is slightly lower than the projected film specification in a movie theater of 12 ftl. I'd recommend a screen no larger than mine, and preferably smaller, in the 72-inch-wide range.

Those caveats aside, I have to say I was surprised how good a picture the MP512 ST delivered from both Blu-ray Discs and HD cable sources. The BBC 1080p version of "Planet Earth" looked impressive with nicely saturated colors and good detail. The T3 color temperature setting also produced a reasonably accurate grayscale, which was a welcome plus.

Black level performance on the MP512 ST was impressive for an 800x600-pixel resolution DLP projector, as evinced by its reproduction of The Assassination of Jessie James by the Coward Robert Ford on Blu-ray. This is an awesome transfer, but the movie's colors are somewhat muted and cold. The MP512 ST does a reasonably good job of reproducing the film's unique look.

Geek box

TEST	RESULT	SCORE
Before color temp (20/80)	6250/6400	Good
After color temp	N/A
Before grayscale variation	+/- 131	Good
After grayscale variation
Color of red (x/y)	0.644/0.348	Average
Color of green	0.344/0.53	Poor
Color of blue	0.145/0.072	Average
Overscan	0.0%	Good
Defeatable edge enhancement	Y	Good
480i 2:3 pull-down, 24 fps	Pass	Good
1080i video resolution	Pass	Good
1080i film resolution	Fail	Poor

How we test TVs.

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User reviews

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Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 2 reviews
My rating: 0 stars

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8 stars

short-throw projector ideal for Wii gaming

by ioncore on October 16, 2008

Pros: very short projection distance (short-throw), light, flexible, low price, great for gaming, ok for DVDs

Cons: no zoom - but projector can easily be adjusted to overcome this

Summary: i bought this projector mostly for gaming with my Wii. The short-throw technology makes it possible to put the projector on a small table close to the wall and no-one ...

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Summary: i bought this projector mostly for gaming with my Wii. The short-throw technology makes it possible to put the projector on a small table close to the wall and no-one can stand within the light beam and therefore no shadows are blocking the view. It is very light and small and can be set up fast and easily. the resolution (800x600 SVGA) is enough for the Wii and also OK for watchin DVDs. Sadly it has no zoom so one has to adjust the distance to the wall to change the image size. not a big deal in my opinion. it is bright enough and also the contrast is good. the perfect solution for an enhanced gaming experience for a low prize. especially together with friends!

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8 stars

Good short-throw projector

by lolingo on September 26, 2008

Pros: 1. short-throw projection, i.e. can be used in very small rooms already.
2. very competitive pricing
3. low weight
4. good for business and gaming

Cons: 1. fixes zoom ration

Summary: This is a very favorable short-throw projector which provides a really good quality for a reasonable price. The short-throw technology makes it possible to get a large screen display even ...

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Summary: This is a very favorable short-throw projector which provides a really good quality for a reasonable price. The short-throw technology makes it possible to get a large screen display even in space-limited rooms which is often the case at home. For example, a distance of 220cm from the wall results in a screen size of 120 inches. This is definitely a strong point of the BenQ MP512 ST.

Moreover, the projector has a brightness of 2200 ANSI Lumens, contrast ration of 2500:1 and a resolution of 800x600 (SVGA).

The BenQ MP512 ST can be very well used for business and gaming purposes. Its low weight of only 2.2 Kg makes it easy to transport and handle.

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Specifications

Manufacturer: BenQ America Corp.
Part number: MP512 ST
Description: The stylish MP512 ST is your ideal short-throw projector for both business and pleasure. Now, you can experience the amazing flexibility whether you're traveling back and forth between clients or kicking back at home playing video games. Thanks to the special aspherical lens adopted by BenQ, the MP short-throw projectors only require half the projection distance of traditional projectors! With its short-throw ratio lens precisely calculated and positioned, the MP projectors are able to deliver large-screen projection in tight spaces without jeopardizing picture quality. This is something other brands cannot do for you. The snow white MP512 ST is built to please your eyes. The full-bodied design of this desktop projector - the extraordinary posterior, the barrel shaped lens and the one-of-a-kind leaflet cooling vents - shows how the designers at BenQ's Lifestyle Center work towards integrating function and style, bringing total visual enjoyment to your everyday life.

General
Device Type DLP projector
Built-in Devices Stereo speakers
Width 10 in
Depth 8.4 in
Height 3.5 in
Weight 4.9 lbs
Enclosure Color White
Projector / Panel
Image Brightness 2200 ANSI lumens
Image Contrast Ratio 2500:1
Image Size 2.3 ft - 25 ft
Throw Ratio 0.9:1
Resolution 800 x 600 (native) / 1280 x 1024 (resized)
Native Aspect Ratio 4:3
Color Support 24-bit (16.7 million colors)
Max Sync Rate (V x H) 85 Hz x 82 KHz
Lamp Type 185 Watt
Lamp Life Cycle 3000 hour(s) / 4000 hour(s) (economic mode)
OSD Languages Spanish, Chinese (simplified), French, German, Polish, Italian, Swedish, Thai, Czech, Dutch, Korean, English, Portuguese, Chinese (traditional), Turkish, Russian, Japanese
Features Freeze frame, Eco-Mode technology, SRGB color profile, BrilliantColor
Projector Lens System
Lens Aperture F/2.5
Zoom Type Manual
Video Input
Analog video format PAL, NTSC, SECAM
Analog video signal Composite video, RGB, S-Video, Component video
Digital video standard High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI)
Audio Input
Type None
Audio Output
Type Speaker(s) - Integrated
Sound output mode 3D Sound
Sound Output Mode:Output Power / Channel 5 Watt

Input Device
Type Remote control - External - Wireless
Expansion / Connectivity
Expansion Slot(s) None
Interfaces 1 x Component video input - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 x S-video input - 4 pin mini-DIN, 1 x HDMI - 19 pin HDMI Type A, 1 x Audio line-in - Mini-phone stereo 3.5 mm, 1 x RGB input - 15 pin HD D-Sub (HD-15), 1 x Composite video input - RCA
Miscellaneous
Cables Included 1 x VGA cable
Miscellaneous / Security Features (EC) Security lock slot (cable lock sold separately), Password protection
Power
Power Device Power supply - Internal
Power Consumption Operational 280 Watt
Power Consumption Operational ( Standby ) 5 Watt
Software / System Requirements
Software type Drivers & Utilities
DLP
DLP/LCD technology statement Instead of having glass panels (LCD) through which light is passed, the DLP chip's surface is made up of thousands of tiny mirrors each representing a single pixel.

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BenQ MP512 ST

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Software / System Requirements

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Manufacturer info