BenQ Laser Projectors

[enjay]

Does anyone have any experience of these? I've had a supplier tell me they're awesome, and why they're so much better than Casio LEDs. His points were a) "rapid deterioration" of the red LED on Casios, and b) Casios being inconsistent over time due to dual light source.

 

Any comments from anyone, either on the BenQ or confirming/denying his remarks about the Casio?

[mdench]

We have been using casio xj-m130s for the last 2 and bit years. Only had one fail any others issuea have been cable related dodgy vga etc they have been lovely and had no complaints. Only got a few more on site to change over

[Chris_Cook]

Theres quite a few people running casio projectors here. We run both models of the laser hybrid projectors and haven't had a single problem yet. Some have been in 2 years now, others coming up to a year.

 

I think if a competitor/supplier makes a claim like that, they should be prepared to back it up with some facts and examples, not just pet theories.

[enjay]

I think if a competitor/supplier makes a claim like that, they should be prepared to back it up with some facts and examples, not just pet theories.

I'm inclined to agree. He also told me that BenQ are better because they specialise in projectors, while Casio make watches and calculators.

[localzuk]

The skinny Casio models have an issue or 2 with heat in my experience, but the 'bigger' models are fine.

 

Also, saying BenQ specialise in projectors is a little odd, considering they make cameras and monitors too.

[sparkeh]

We mostly have Casio here and have been in for a few years with no issues. I think I remember that the early Casio had some issues but they are all sorted now.

 

Don't really understand the comments about making watches and suchlike, sounds like FUD to me.

[enjay]

The skinny Casio models have an issue or 2 with heat in my experience, but the 'bigger' models are fine.

Interesting you say that, as I've heard that before (possibly from you!). I asked a different supplier, who checked with Casio. They came back saying that they do run hotter than normal projectors, however that is intended and they have a normal failure rate on them. What "issues with heat" do you have?

[localzuk]

Interesting you say that, as I've heard that before (possibly from you!). I asked a different supplier, who checked with Casio. They came back saying that they do run hotter than normal projectors, however that is intended and they have a normal failure rate on them. What "issues with heat" do you have?

 

We've had to have 3 of our 6 repaired so far, 1 of them twice. However, we were early adopters, so we may have those early ones that sparkeh mentions.

 

However, Casio warranty can't be faulted. They send a temp replacement until the faulty one is repaired.

[enjay]

So, it seems like people are generally fans of the Casio. Does anyone have any of the BenQ ones for comparison?

[PracticalAV]

Have fitted a large-ish number of the Casio's over the years and remember when the first units came out, amongst claims of 20,000hr lifetime. We've only had two go down with major pixel failures, but they were replaced under warranty without any trouble. No different than other brands in terms of early life failure, but clearly superior on lamp performance criteria.

 

The Casio do run hot, particularly the skinny "XJA" type, which look gorgeous, but can be a bit noisy if it's hanging near to your head. There is also an "M" series which is a bit cheaper and housed in a slightly bigger chassis which runs a bit cooler. Originally, the M series had inferior optics which meant that it didn't have the zoom range of the A series. The A type would drop onto most ceiling poles and just zoom to fit - whereas the M usually needed a pole move. I think the M and the A now have the same zoom range - so all good.

 

I would obviously recommend them if you can afford the extra cost.

 

As for the BenQ, I wouldn't let the ramblings of a sales person influence you either way. The old "watches and calculators" argument is years out of date. BenQ may well deliver a quality product too, but they haven't been out as long and been tried and tested in the field as long. Hopefully they will offer a competitor to the Casio and provide some competition on price.