BenQ MX810ST review

As the price suggests, you get some cutting-edge features with this projector, including a 0.61:1 ratio short-throw lens that can project a huge 81-inch image from a distance of just 1m. The MX810ST is 3D-ready and includes an Ethernet port. Coupled with BenQ’s LAN management software, this allows an administrator to monitor and operate the projector from a workstation, adjust the settings and check the diagnostics.

It’s a single-chip DLP model offering an XGA resolution (1,024 x 768) and 2,500 lumens brightness, making it ideal for use in a classroom. It feels solid and there are plenty of connectivity options, including USB, D-SUB, composite video, S-Video, microphone and audio ports.

The MX810ST comes with a well-designed and large remote handset, complete with a handy laser pointer that emits a small red beam. Auto and manual keystone correction are also provided. Setup presented us with no problems; this really is a plug-and-play model. PC-less presentations can be made with a USB flash drive, but note that the MX810ST is only compatible with half a dozen image file formats (including JPEG, GIF and TIFF), so if you want to show PowerPoint presentations you’re still going to need a PC.

This is a very quiet projector. Beefy stereo 10-watt speakers provide plenty of volume for a large classroom, with our only complaint being that bass frequencies lack some punch. The MX810ST’s audio performance is complemented by its impressive image quality. With a sky-high 4,600:1 contrast ratio, it’s little wonder that pictures were crisp and vibrant, with a wide dynamic range.

In addition to half a dozen picture modes, including dynamic and cinema, you can also fine-tune the image by adjusting a number of parameters, including brightness, contrast, colour, tint and sharpness. In practice, though, you’ll rarely need to use these features.

The fact it can project 3D images means you can be reassured you’re future-proofing your investment to some degree; more and more 3D educational content is likely to appear. Lamp life is 3,500 hours under normal usage and a replacement lamp costs £94 exc VAT, so running costs are excellent too. Add it all up and the MX810ST is a very impressive all-rounder.