BenQ W1080ST 1080p Short Throw 3D DLP Video Projector - Photo Profile
Here is a photo of the BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector, and its included accessories.
Starting the back is the supplied carrying case, CD-ROM (provides full user guide), a separate quick setup guide, and warranty information card.
Also shown on the table, starting on the left side of the projector is the supplied detachable AC power cord, wireless remote control, 2 AAA remote control batteries, and on the right side of the projector is a VGA PC Monitor connection cable.
Also shown on is the detachable lens cover for the projector.
Proceed to the next photo.
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - Front View
Here is a close-up photo of the front view of the BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector.
On the left side is the vent, behind which is the fan and lamp assembly. On the bottom of in the center is the height adjuster button and foot that raises and lowers the front of the projector for different screen height setups. There is another height adjustment foot located on the bottom right rear of the projector (look from the front of the projector).
Next is the lens, which is shown uncovered. What makes this lens different, is that it is Short Throw Lens, which enables the W1080ST to project a very large image with a very short distance from the projector to the screen. For example, the BenQ W1080ST can project a 100-inch 16x9 diagonal image at a distance of only about 5 feet. For details on lens specifications and performance, refer to my BenQ W1080ST Review.
Also, above and behind the lens, are the Focus/Zoom controls located in a recessed compartment. There are onboard function buttons on the rear top of the projector (out of focus in this photo). These will be shown in more detail later in this photo profile.
Finally, moving the right of the lens, in the upper right corner of the front of the projector is a small dark circle. This is a remote control sensor. There is another sensor on the top of the projector. The position of these sensors make it easier to control the projector the front or from behind, as well as when the projector is ceiling mounted.
Proceed to the next photo...
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - Zoom and Focus Controls
Pictured on this page are the Focus/Zoom adjustments of the BenQ W1080ST, which are positioned as part of the lens assembly. The large ring closest to the front of the projector is the Focus control, while the smaller ring with handle on it is Zoom control.
Proceed to the next photo...
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - Onboard Controls
Pictured on this page are the on-board controls for the BenQ W1080ST. These controls are also duplicated on the wireless remote control, which is shown later in this gallery.
Starting on the left side of this photo is the top mounted remote control sensor, and, just below that is the Power button.
Next, along the top are three indicator lights labeled Power, Temp, and Lamp. Using orange, green, and red colors, these indicators display the operating status of the projector.
When the projector is turned on the Power indicator will flash green and then will remain solid green during operation. When this indicator displays Orange continuously, the projector is stand-by mode, but if it is flashing orange, the projector is in cool down mode.
The Temp indicator should not be lit when the projector is in operation. If it does light up (red) then the projector is too hot and should be turned off.
Likewise, the Lamp indicator should also be off during normal operation, if there is a problem with the Lamp, this indicator will flash orange or red.
Moving down to rest of the photo are the actual onboard controls. Some buttons perform double duty depending on what you need to do.
Starting on the top left of the first row are the Menu Enter/Exit, Vertical Keystone/Menu selection Up, and Auto Picture Set. Moving to the second row are the combination Menu left/right selection and volume up and down buttons (the BenQ W1080ST has a built-in speaker - which is located on side of the projector), and Picture Mode Settings access button, which also services as the On-Screen Display Menu display button.
Finally, along the bottom row are the ECO/Blank, which is used to shut off the projected image without turning off the projector. This saves both lamp life and conserves power for those times when you may need to leave the room unattended for a short time. Moving right, is the Vertical Keystone down button, and finally, on right corner is the Source Selection button.
It is important to note that all of the buttons available on the projector are also accessible via the provided remote control. However, having controls available on the projector is an added convenience - that is, unless the projector has been ceiling mounted.
For a look at the connections provided on the BenQ W1080ST, which are located on the rear of the projector, proceed to the next photo.
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - Connections
Here is a look at the rear connection panel of the BenQ W1080ST, which shows the connections provided.
Starting on the left side of the top row top row are two HDMI inputs. These allow the connection of HDMI or DVI source components(such as an HD-Cable or HD-Satellite Box, DVD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD Player). Sources with DVI outputs can be connected to an HDMI input of the BenQ W1080ST Home W1080ST via a DVI-HDMI adapter cable.
Just to the right of the two HDMI inputs is a 12 volt trigger connection.
Next is set of Component (Red, Green, and Blue) Video connections.
Now, moving to the middle of the rear is a mini-USB port, followed by a the PC-in or VGA. This connection allows the BenQ W1080ST to connect to a PC or Laptop Monitor output. This is great for computer games or business presentations. The mini-USB port is used for service issues.
Just below the VGA inputs is an RS-232 connections. The RS-232 connection is provided for integrating the W1080ST within a custom control system.
Continuing to the right are the S-Video and Composite Video inputs. These inputs are useful for analog standard definition audio sources, such VCRs and camcorders.
Finally arriving at the far right is an audio in/out connection loop (green and blue mini-jacks - associated with the VGA PC/Monitor input), and finally, a set of RCA analog stereo audio input connections (red/white).
It is important to note that even the BenQ W1080ST has an onboard amplifier and speaker that is handy for presentation use, if using the projector in a home theater setup - always connect your source devices audio output to an external sound system for the best listening experience.
Note shown in this phot are the AC power receptacle or the Kensington Lock port, which are located out-of-sight on the bottom left and right of the rear of the projector.
For a look at the remote control provided with the BenQ W1080ST, proceed to the next photo.
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - Remote Control
Here is a look at the remote control for the BenQ W1080ST.
This remote is of average size and fits comfortable in an average-sized hand. Also, the remote has a backlight function, which allows easy use in a darkened room.
On the very top left is the Info button (displays in information on the projectors status as well as input source characteristics), and on the right is the Power On/Off button (red).
Just below the info and power buttons are the menu access and navigation buttons, aw well as the source selection button. The available input sources are: Comp (component), Video (composite), S-video, HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and PC (VGA).
Moving down is section that contains the Smart ECO, Aspect Ratio, and Volume Controls.
Continuing down to the bottom section of the remote, there are direct access buttons for additional functions, such as manual color setting controls, which include brightness, contrast, sharpness, color, tint. Also included are controls for Digital Zoom, close captioning, 3D Settings, Mute, Freeze and Test. The Test function displays a built-in test pattern that aids in setting up the image correctly on the screen.
For a look at a sampling of the onscreen menus, proceed to the next series of photos in this presentation.
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - Picture Settings Menu
Shown in this photo is the Picture Settings Menu.
1. Preset Mode: Provides several preset color, contrast, and brightness settings: Bright (when your room has a lot of light present), Cinema (best for viewing movies in a darkened room), Dynamic (provides extra brightness and contrast. Best suited for brightly lit rooms), Standard (for average dim-lit living rooms), 3D (optimized brightness and contrast to compensate for brightness when viewing 3D, User 1/User 2 (presets saved from using the settings below).
2. Brightness: Make the image brighter or darker.
3. Contrast: Changes the level of dark to light.
4. Color Saturation: Adjusts the degree of all colors together in the image.
5. Tint: Adjust the amount of green and magenta.
6. Sharpness: Adjusts the degree of edge enhancement in the image. This setting should be use sparingly as it can accentuate edge artifacts.
7. Color Temperature: Adjusts the Warmness (more red - outdoor look) or Blueness (more blue - indoor look) of the image.
8. Lamp Power: Adjusts the amount of light coming from and energy consumption of the lamp: Normal, Eco, and Smart Eco.
9. Advanced: Provides access to an additional sub-menu that provides settings for Black Level, Clarity (suppresses video noise), more precise Color Temperature Settings, Gamma, Brilliant Color, and Color Management.
10. Reset Picture Settings: Resets all changes picture settings back to factory defaults. Useful if you think you messed anything up when making changes.
Proceed to the next photo....
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - Display Settings Menu
Here is a look at the Display Settings Menu for the BenQ W1080ST:
1. Aspect Ratio: Allows the setting of the projector's aspect ratio. The options are:
Auto - When using HDMI this sets the ratio according to aspect ratio of the incoming signal.
Real - Displays all incoming images with no aspect ratio modification or resolution upscaling.
4:3 - Displays 4x3 images with black bars on left and right side of the image, wider aspect ration images are displayed with the 4:3 aspect ration with black bars on either side and on the top and bottom of the image.
Wide - Converts all incoming signals to the 16:9 aspect ratio. Incoming 4:3 images are stretched.
Anamorphic - Displays images from the center of the screen outward horizontally and vertically until the image reaches its full projected height and width - sort of more proportional display that the wide setting.
Letterbox - Displays images at their proper horizontal width, but resize the image height to 3/4 of that width. This is best used for content that is labeled as being in Letterbox format.
4. Keystone: - Adjusts the geometric shape of the screen so that it maintains a rectangular appearance. This is useful if the projector needs to be tilted up or down to place the image on the screen.
5. Overscan Adjustment - Adjusts the edges of the screen so that viewable portion of image is viewable - may result is some portions of the image to be concealed behind screen edges. Useful for concealing transmission or noise artifacts that may be visible on the edges of an image.
6. PC and Component YPbPr Tuning - Provides additional image settings when a PC is connected to the VGA input.
7. Digital Zoom - Allows you to digitally zoom in on the center of the image.
8. Film Mode - Activates a progressive scan function using the projector instead of the source. Useful when viewing Composite and S-Video sources.
9. 3D Comb Filter - Fine tunes the relationship between the color and B&W portions of the when using Composite or S-Video sources.
10. 3D - 3D Mode (Auto, Off, Frame Sequential, Frame Packing, Top-Bottom, Side-by-site), Synch Invert (Inverts the 3D signal - used with 3D glasses that display 3D images with reverse planes).
Proceed to the next photo...
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - Basic Settings Menu
Here is a look at the Basic Settings Menu of the BenQ W1080ST:
1. Language - Allows the choice of what language you want the menu to be displayed in.
2. Splash Screen - Provides three choice of what you want the turn on screen to look like: BenQ logo, Black, Blue.
3. Projector Position - Orients the projected image in accordance to how the projector is placed in relation to the screen (Front, Front Ceiling, Rear, Rear Ceiling).
4. Auto Off - Allows user to set an automatic projector shut-off time (can be set to disable in minute increments up to 180 minutes).
5. Sleep Timer - Somewhat redundant with Auto off - sets the projector to turn off using the same time increments.
6. Menu Settings - Allows setting of how long you want the menu displayed on the screen when making adjustments, the menu's position on the screen, and provides a blank reminder message.
7. Input Source - Gives users the option of selecting the active input source via this menu instead of scrolling using the remote or the projector's onboard controls.
8. Source Rename - Allows user to personalize the input source labels - for instance you can relabel HDMI 1 to Blu-ray.
9. Auto Source Search - Provides the ability for the projector automatically detect a source when it is turned on. This setting can be disabled, if desired.
Proceed to the next photo...
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - 3D Glasses
Shown above is a look at the general information page on the W1080ST's onscreen menu.
As you can see, you can see the active input source, the selected picture setting, the incoming signal resolution (480i/p, 720p, 1080i/p - note the display resolution is 1080p at 60Hz refresh rate), Color System, Lamp Hours used, 3D format, and currently installed projector version of the firmware.
Proceed to the next photo...
Although the BenQ W1080ST is a 3D-capable video projector, 3D glasses are not included in the box and require an optional purchase. Above is a photo of the glasses available for purchase.
The glasses are the DLP-Link Active Shutter type and come with a battery, but since they are not rechargeable you must periodically purchase a new battery (CR2032). As you can see the glasses come with soft carry bag and cleaning cloth.
For details, refer to the Offiial BenQ 3D Glasses Product Page - Compare Prices for the BenQ 3D glasses.
Final Take
The BenQ W1080ST is a video projector that features a practical design and easy-to-use operation. Also, with its short-throw lens and strong light output, this projector can project a large, bright, image in a relatively small space even with ambient light present.
For additional perspective on the features and performance of the BenQ W1080ST, also check out my Review and Video Performance Tests.
Official Product Page
Here is a photo of the BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector, and its included accessories.
Starting the back is the supplied carrying case, CD-ROM (provides full user guide), a separate quick setup guide, and warranty information card.
Also shown on the table, starting on the left side of the projector is the supplied detachable AC power cord, wireless remote control, 2 AAA remote control batteries, and on the right side of the projector is a VGA PC Monitor connection cable.
Also shown on is the detachable lens cover for the projector.
Proceed to the next photo.
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - Front View
Here is a close-up photo of the front view of the BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector.
On the left side is the vent, behind which is the fan and lamp assembly. On the bottom of in the center is the height adjuster button and foot that raises and lowers the front of the projector for different screen height setups. There is another height adjustment foot located on the bottom right rear of the projector (look from the front of the projector).
Next is the lens, which is shown uncovered. What makes this lens different, is that it is Short Throw Lens, which enables the W1080ST to project a very large image with a very short distance from the projector to the screen. For example, the BenQ W1080ST can project a 100-inch 16x9 diagonal image at a distance of only about 5 feet. For details on lens specifications and performance, refer to my BenQ W1080ST Review.
Also, above and behind the lens, are the Focus/Zoom controls located in a recessed compartment. There are onboard function buttons on the rear top of the projector (out of focus in this photo). These will be shown in more detail later in this photo profile.
Finally, moving the right of the lens, in the upper right corner of the front of the projector is a small dark circle. This is a remote control sensor. There is another sensor on the top of the projector. The position of these sensors make it easier to control the projector the front or from behind, as well as when the projector is ceiling mounted.
Proceed to the next photo...
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - Zoom and Focus Controls
Pictured on this page are the Focus/Zoom adjustments of the BenQ W1080ST, which are positioned as part of the lens assembly. The large ring closest to the front of the projector is the Focus control, while the smaller ring with handle on it is Zoom control.
Proceed to the next photo...
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - Onboard Controls
Pictured on this page are the on-board controls for the BenQ W1080ST. These controls are also duplicated on the wireless remote control, which is shown later in this gallery.
Starting on the left side of this photo is the top mounted remote control sensor, and, just below that is the Power button.
Next, along the top are three indicator lights labeled Power, Temp, and Lamp. Using orange, green, and red colors, these indicators display the operating status of the projector.
When the projector is turned on the Power indicator will flash green and then will remain solid green during operation. When this indicator displays Orange continuously, the projector is stand-by mode, but if it is flashing orange, the projector is in cool down mode.
The Temp indicator should not be lit when the projector is in operation. If it does light up (red) then the projector is too hot and should be turned off.
Likewise, the Lamp indicator should also be off during normal operation, if there is a problem with the Lamp, this indicator will flash orange or red.
Moving down to rest of the photo are the actual onboard controls. Some buttons perform double duty depending on what you need to do.
Starting on the top left of the first row are the Menu Enter/Exit, Vertical Keystone/Menu selection Up, and Auto Picture Set. Moving to the second row are the combination Menu left/right selection and volume up and down buttons (the BenQ W1080ST has a built-in speaker - which is located on side of the projector), and Picture Mode Settings access button, which also services as the On-Screen Display Menu display button.
Finally, along the bottom row are the ECO/Blank, which is used to shut off the projected image without turning off the projector. This saves both lamp life and conserves power for those times when you may need to leave the room unattended for a short time. Moving right, is the Vertical Keystone down button, and finally, on right corner is the Source Selection button.
It is important to note that all of the buttons available on the projector are also accessible via the provided remote control. However, having controls available on the projector is an added convenience - that is, unless the projector has been ceiling mounted.
For a look at the connections provided on the BenQ W1080ST, which are located on the rear of the projector, proceed to the next photo.
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - Connections
Here is a look at the rear connection panel of the BenQ W1080ST, which shows the connections provided.
Starting on the left side of the top row top row are two HDMI inputs. These allow the connection of HDMI or DVI source components(such as an HD-Cable or HD-Satellite Box, DVD, Blu-ray, or HD-DVD Player). Sources with DVI outputs can be connected to an HDMI input of the BenQ W1080ST Home W1080ST via a DVI-HDMI adapter cable.
Just to the right of the two HDMI inputs is a 12 volt trigger connection.
Next is set of Component (Red, Green, and Blue) Video connections.
Now, moving to the middle of the rear is a mini-USB port, followed by a the PC-in or VGA. This connection allows the BenQ W1080ST to connect to a PC or Laptop Monitor output. This is great for computer games or business presentations. The mini-USB port is used for service issues.
Just below the VGA inputs is an RS-232 connections. The RS-232 connection is provided for integrating the W1080ST within a custom control system.
Continuing to the right are the S-Video and Composite Video inputs. These inputs are useful for analog standard definition audio sources, such VCRs and camcorders.
Finally arriving at the far right is an audio in/out connection loop (green and blue mini-jacks - associated with the VGA PC/Monitor input), and finally, a set of RCA analog stereo audio input connections (red/white).
It is important to note that even the BenQ W1080ST has an onboard amplifier and speaker that is handy for presentation use, if using the projector in a home theater setup - always connect your source devices audio output to an external sound system for the best listening experience.
Note shown in this phot are the AC power receptacle or the Kensington Lock port, which are located out-of-sight on the bottom left and right of the rear of the projector.
For a look at the remote control provided with the BenQ W1080ST, proceed to the next photo.
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - Remote Control
Here is a look at the remote control for the BenQ W1080ST.
This remote is of average size and fits comfortable in an average-sized hand. Also, the remote has a backlight function, which allows easy use in a darkened room.
On the very top left is the Info button (displays in information on the projectors status as well as input source characteristics), and on the right is the Power On/Off button (red).
Just below the info and power buttons are the menu access and navigation buttons, aw well as the source selection button. The available input sources are: Comp (component), Video (composite), S-video, HDMI 1, HDMI 2, and PC (VGA).
Moving down is section that contains the Smart ECO, Aspect Ratio, and Volume Controls.
Continuing down to the bottom section of the remote, there are direct access buttons for additional functions, such as manual color setting controls, which include brightness, contrast, sharpness, color, tint. Also included are controls for Digital Zoom, close captioning, 3D Settings, Mute, Freeze and Test. The Test function displays a built-in test pattern that aids in setting up the image correctly on the screen.
For a look at a sampling of the onscreen menus, proceed to the next series of photos in this presentation.
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - Picture Settings Menu
Shown in this photo is the Picture Settings Menu.
1. Preset Mode: Provides several preset color, contrast, and brightness settings: Bright (when your room has a lot of light present), Cinema (best for viewing movies in a darkened room), Dynamic (provides extra brightness and contrast. Best suited for brightly lit rooms), Standard (for average dim-lit living rooms), 3D (optimized brightness and contrast to compensate for brightness when viewing 3D, User 1/User 2 (presets saved from using the settings below).
2. Brightness: Make the image brighter or darker.
3. Contrast: Changes the level of dark to light.
4. Color Saturation: Adjusts the degree of all colors together in the image.
5. Tint: Adjust the amount of green and magenta.
6. Sharpness: Adjusts the degree of edge enhancement in the image. This setting should be use sparingly as it can accentuate edge artifacts.
7. Color Temperature: Adjusts the Warmness (more red - outdoor look) or Blueness (more blue - indoor look) of the image.
8. Lamp Power: Adjusts the amount of light coming from and energy consumption of the lamp: Normal, Eco, and Smart Eco.
9. Advanced: Provides access to an additional sub-menu that provides settings for Black Level, Clarity (suppresses video noise), more precise Color Temperature Settings, Gamma, Brilliant Color, and Color Management.
10. Reset Picture Settings: Resets all changes picture settings back to factory defaults. Useful if you think you messed anything up when making changes.
Proceed to the next photo....
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - Display Settings Menu
Here is a look at the Display Settings Menu for the BenQ W1080ST:
1. Aspect Ratio: Allows the setting of the projector's aspect ratio. The options are:
Auto - When using HDMI this sets the ratio according to aspect ratio of the incoming signal.
Real - Displays all incoming images with no aspect ratio modification or resolution upscaling.
4:3 - Displays 4x3 images with black bars on left and right side of the image, wider aspect ration images are displayed with the 4:3 aspect ration with black bars on either side and on the top and bottom of the image.
Wide - Converts all incoming signals to the 16:9 aspect ratio. Incoming 4:3 images are stretched.
Anamorphic - Displays images from the center of the screen outward horizontally and vertically until the image reaches its full projected height and width - sort of more proportional display that the wide setting.
Letterbox - Displays images at their proper horizontal width, but resize the image height to 3/4 of that width. This is best used for content that is labeled as being in Letterbox format.
4. Keystone: - Adjusts the geometric shape of the screen so that it maintains a rectangular appearance. This is useful if the projector needs to be tilted up or down to place the image on the screen.
5. Overscan Adjustment - Adjusts the edges of the screen so that viewable portion of image is viewable - may result is some portions of the image to be concealed behind screen edges. Useful for concealing transmission or noise artifacts that may be visible on the edges of an image.
6. PC and Component YPbPr Tuning - Provides additional image settings when a PC is connected to the VGA input.
7. Digital Zoom - Allows you to digitally zoom in on the center of the image.
8. Film Mode - Activates a progressive scan function using the projector instead of the source. Useful when viewing Composite and S-Video sources.
9. 3D Comb Filter - Fine tunes the relationship between the color and B&W portions of the when using Composite or S-Video sources.
10. 3D - 3D Mode (Auto, Off, Frame Sequential, Frame Packing, Top-Bottom, Side-by-site), Synch Invert (Inverts the 3D signal - used with 3D glasses that display 3D images with reverse planes).
Proceed to the next photo...
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - Basic Settings Menu
Here is a look at the Basic Settings Menu of the BenQ W1080ST:
1. Language - Allows the choice of what language you want the menu to be displayed in.
2. Splash Screen - Provides three choice of what you want the turn on screen to look like: BenQ logo, Black, Blue.
3. Projector Position - Orients the projected image in accordance to how the projector is placed in relation to the screen (Front, Front Ceiling, Rear, Rear Ceiling).
4. Auto Off - Allows user to set an automatic projector shut-off time (can be set to disable in minute increments up to 180 minutes).
5. Sleep Timer - Somewhat redundant with Auto off - sets the projector to turn off using the same time increments.
6. Menu Settings - Allows setting of how long you want the menu displayed on the screen when making adjustments, the menu's position on the screen, and provides a blank reminder message.
7. Input Source - Gives users the option of selecting the active input source via this menu instead of scrolling using the remote or the projector's onboard controls.
8. Source Rename - Allows user to personalize the input source labels - for instance you can relabel HDMI 1 to Blu-ray.
9. Auto Source Search - Provides the ability for the projector automatically detect a source when it is turned on. This setting can be disabled, if desired.
Proceed to the next photo...
BenQ W1080ST DLP Video Projector - 3D Glasses
Shown above is a look at the general information page on the W1080ST's onscreen menu.
As you can see, you can see the active input source, the selected picture setting, the incoming signal resolution (480i/p, 720p, 1080i/p - note the display resolution is 1080p at 60Hz refresh rate), Color System, Lamp Hours used, 3D format, and currently installed projector version of the firmware.
Proceed to the next photo...
Although the BenQ W1080ST is a 3D-capable video projector, 3D glasses are not included in the box and require an optional purchase. Above is a photo of the glasses available for purchase.
The glasses are the DLP-Link Active Shutter type and come with a battery, but since they are not rechargeable you must periodically purchase a new battery (CR2032). As you can see the glasses come with soft carry bag and cleaning cloth.
For details, refer to the Offiial BenQ 3D Glasses Product Page - Compare Prices for the BenQ 3D glasses.
Final Take
The BenQ W1080ST is a video projector that features a practical design and easy-to-use operation. Also, with its short-throw lens and strong light output, this projector can project a large, bright, image in a relatively small space even with ambient light present.
For additional perspective on the features and performance of the BenQ W1080ST, also check out my Review and Video Performance Tests.
Official Product Page