With the V5010i, BenQ is once again striving for success and making another attempt to establish itself in the laser TV market. Although the previous models definitely had their merits, they revealed weaknesses in one place or another or no longer seemed up to date. With the BenQ V5010i, the Taiwanese manufacturer wants to make everything better and is presenting a triple laser light source with 2500 ANSI lumens and, with the well-known streaming stick integration, complete Android TV integration, which gives us access to all well-known streaming services and much more offers more. Of course, we didn't hesitate for long and subjected the BenQ V5000i to a detailed test. We waited until the first models were delivered so that we could carry out the test not on any pre-production model, but on a series model.

And that's exactly what happened and we took a close look at the BenQ V5010i, from the casing to the ports to the image quality and the range of functions. We critically question whether the BenQ V5000i has what it takes to compete in the price range around 3500 euros and to offer added value to the already very popular AWOL Vision, Hisense or Formovie Theater models. And yes, this is not an easy task. We're curious to see whether BenQ has done its homework.

With dimensions of 760 x 164 x 358 mm (WxHxD), the BenQ V5010i is one of the largest laser TV models currently available. The front is not straight, but has a small "wave". We are somewhat divided here. On the one hand, the design decision has a loosening effect, on the other hand, it annoys my inner "monk". So it remains a matter of taste. A clear advantage of the large housing is that it offers a lot of space for speakers and you can hear that! But more on that later when we talk about the sound system.

The technical aspect

In its latest model, BenQ uses an advanced RGB laser diode light source from the renowned manufacturer Nichia, which is also used by other providers who rely on RGB laser light sources. This state-of-the-art light source is cleverly combined with a 0,47-inch Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) from Texas Instruments. Such a setup is widespread and proven in the industry. The projector's native resolution is in the Full HD range, but thanks to the innovative XPR shifting technology, it is effectively expanded to an impressive 4K resolution.

From a technical perspective, BenQ's decision to switch from a Bluecore to an RGB laser light source for the successor model seems well-considered and brings with it a variety of advantages. Although this step may not be considered a groundbreaking innovation, it does position BenQ on a technical level with current laser TV models. By using an advanced laser light source, combined with excellent signal processing and a comprehensive range of functions, BenQ cannot revolutionize the market, but can firmly assert itself among the competitors. This much can already be revealed: In the area of ​​complete signal processing, BenQ can also convince positively with the V5010i. We will talk about this combined with the topic of image quality and image performance.

Connections

Sound system

Behind the elegant fabric cover on the front there is a powerful sound system that is unrivaled among laser TV models. Many models in this category cannot match the sound quality that this system has to offer. While it can't completely replace a high-quality home theater system, it represents a compelling alternative, especially for those who have previously been happy with the TV and soundbar combination. Compared to a mid-range soundbar, this system can definitely compete.

The key to its exceptional sound quality lies in the advanced technology it uses. A digital signal processor IC controls an acoustically optimized 2300 cubic centimeter volume enclosure designed to have minimal resonance. This dual-channel audio design integrates two 5-watt tweeters and two 15-watt woofers, enabling a wide frequency response. This configuration optimizes the bass and extends the mids and highs, resulting in a spacious soundstage and full dynamic range.

Android TV & operation

The BenQ V5010i may not have its own smart operating system, but it is complemented by an Android TV Stick that is fully integrated into the device's design. This cleverly integrated stick allows the user to use the full range of Smart TV functions without the external appearance of the projector being affected by additional devices. What is particularly practical is that the included remote control can control both the Laser TV and the Android TV Stick. This means that only a single remote control is required to operate both devices, which significantly increases user-friendliness.

The integration of the Android TV Stick brings with it a variety of advantages. On the one hand, users have access to the Google Play Store, which offers a wide range of apps and games. Whether it's the latest streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or Disney+, or music and gaming apps - the possibilities are almost endless. Furthermore, Android TV enables the use of Google Assistant directly via the remote control. This provides convenient voice control to search content, open apps, or even control smart home devices without leaving the couch.

Another advantage is the adaptability of the operating system. Users can customize the interface according to their preferences, creating a personal and intuitive user experience. Android TV also supports the Chromecast function, which allows content to be transferred directly from a smartphone, tablet or laptop to the big screen. This makes it easier to share photos, videos and music in your own living room.

In summary, the BenQ V5010i, complemented by the Android TV Stick, offers a comprehensive smart TV experience that impresses with a wide selection of apps, voice control, customization and easy content transfer. Users benefit from ease of use and the ability to make their entertainment seamless - all controlled with just one remote control.

Local contrast enhancement, tone mapping & image quality

Local Contrast Enhancement (LCE) is a technology that aims to improve contrast at a local level within an image. LCE analyzes individual areas of the image and adjusts the brightness and contrast of each segment to produce clearer and more detailed images.

Advantages:

• Improved image details: By adjusting brightness and contrast in small areas of the image, details in both very bright and very dark areas of the image become more clearly visible.
• Increased image depth: LCE leads to an improved perception of image depth by increasing the contrast between light and dark areas, which is particularly beneficial when displaying shadows and highlights.

LCE enables a more precise representation of fine structures and textures in visual content, which is especially useful in scenes with complex lighting conditions such as sunrises or dark interiors. It prevents image "washout" and preserves visual quality across the entire image.

Tone mapping is a technique used to adjust high dynamic range (HDR) images so that they can be displayed correctly on devices with lower dynamic ranges. Tone mapping reduces dynamic range without losing detail in the lightest or darkest areas.

Advantages:

• Optimized color representation: Tone mapping adjusts colors and brightness to appear more natural, even on devices that cannot support the original dynamic range of the content.
• Improved overall perception: By matching the intensity of light sources in the image to the display capabilities of the V5000i, a more compelling and pleasant viewing experience is achieved.

Tone mapping on the BenQ V5010i enables consistent display of HDR content, preserving color accuracy and intensity. It helps preserve the details in the highlights and shadows and prevents color distortion or overexposure that can occur when displaying HDR content directly on Laser TV models. These technologies contribute significantly to improving the quality of the representation of digital images by enabling a more realistic and detailed visual experience.

interframe calculation

MEMC stands for Motion Estimation/Motion Compensation, which means motion estimation/motion compensation in German. This technology is commonly used in televisions and other display devices to improve image quality when displaying fast-moving videos. The BenQ V5010i uses MEMC to calculate intermediate images between frames of a video, resulting in smoother and sharper playback. MEMC interframe computation works by detecting motion patterns in successive frames and then generating artificial interframes to smooth the transition between those frames. For example, if an object on the screen is moving quickly from left to right, MEMC can create intermediate images between frames to make the movement appear more natural and less jerky.

The BenQ V5010i uses MEMC to improve image quality and video playback, especially for fast-moving content such as sports or action movies. By reducing motion blur and judder, users can enjoy a more immersive viewing experience. In general, as with other home cinema projectors, BenQ delivers high-quality intermediate image calculation, which offers extreme added value when used in the right amount.

BenQ's SSI dimming technology

BenQ's SSI dimming technology is part of their HDR-PRO technology, which aims to improve the image quality of their projectors, this is also used on the BenQ V5010i. SSI stands for Solid State Illumination and uses a dynamic iris or blackout technique that does not require a physical iris. This allows for quick adjustment to changes in image brightness and provides improved contrast representation—up to 20% higher compared to other technologies in this category. This technology is particularly effective at displaying light and dark areas of the image, improving overall image quality with deeper blacks and more vibrant colors.

This, along with other features such as HDR Tone Mapping and Local Contrast Enhancer, ensures that the BenQ V5010i's visual output is vibrant and faithful to the original content, especially in scenes where managing contrast and brightness is crucial. The goal is to provide a cinema-like experience as close as possible to the director's vision, with accurate color reproduction and detailed image reproduction.

The technologies used by BenQ ensure outstanding, first-class image reproduction. Especially in combination with SSI dimming technology, BenQ achieves a contrast ratio of 4000:1, setting a clear standard among currently available RGB laser TV models. However, without active laser dimming, the contrast performance falls short of expectations. Therefore, the integration of this technology is a crucial factor in achieving outstanding image quality. This requires the use of Smart Eco mode, as laser dimming is only possible with this combination.

Gaming

The V5000i delivers the best image quality for movies and has all the features for particularly smooth gaming. The BenQ V5010i is able to automatically detect ALLM signals (Auto Low Latency Mode), for example from game consoles such as the PS5, Xbox or Switch. It also allows particularly low latency settings for all game genres: Input latency specifications for common resolutions and refresh rates: 4K@60Hz: 17.9ms / 1080p@60Hz: 17,9ms / 1080p@120Hz: 21,2 ms / 1080p@240 Hz: 8.7ms

Operating noise

The BenQ V5010i also performs no better or worse than the current competition when it comes to operating noise. You can say that the devices are now all at the same or similar level in terms of noise. Neither annoyingly loud nor whisper quiet. In this context, your own perception and feelings also play an important role.

Conclusion

One thing is certain: With the V5000i, the Taiwanese manufacturer BenQ is not revolutionizing the entire laser TV market, but is primarily bringing a very high-quality laser TV model onto the market that stands out thanks to its range of functions, signal processing, local contrast enhancement, tone Mapping and the resulting image quality can be convincing. In this price category, the BenQ V5000i finds itself among high-quality competing products, which could ultimately reduce the decision to the finer details of whether to choose the BenQ V5010i or another model. Local Contrast Enhancement? Design? Housing? 3D? Fan noise? Operating system? Input lag? – The list is long ;)

Our BenQ V5000i video presentation