BenQ TH575 | 1080P Gaming Projector Review

If you’re a gamer looking for a projector that enhances your experience without breaking the bank, the BenQ TH575 is a strong contender. Known for its exceptional 1080p resolution, a 16.7ms low input lag, and a punchy 3800 lumens brightness, this projector packs enough punch for immersive gaming and casual movie nights alike. Whether it’s in a dim-lit basement or a sunny living room, it’s versatile enough to handle a wide variety of setups.

Design and Build Quality

Let’s start with the looks. The BenQ TH575 won’t win any beauty pageants, but what it lacks in glamour, it makes up for in practicality. Its compact design makes it a perfect fit for just about any room. It won’t hog your space, which is always a bonus when you’re trying to cram a gaming setup into a small apartment. Plus, the intuitive button layout gives you the kind of no-nonsense control you want, especially when the action heats up mid-game.

Speaking of controls, the remote might seem old school with its infrared technology, but it gets the job done. Sure, you’ve got to point it right at the projector, but at least it won’t drop connection, unlike Bluetooth counterparts. You might even appreciate the reliability once you get the hang of it.

Picture Quality

Now, let’s talk about where this projector really shines: picture quality. Boasting a 1080P resolution, the clarity on the TH575 is exactly what you need to spot that enemy lurking in the shadows or marvel at the finer details in your favorite game’s environment. The sharpness is no joke. While it’s not 4K, it delivers crisp images that work for a wide variety of games and movies alike. It’s not so much about the raw numbers as how smooth and vibrant everything looks. You’re not going to get lost in pixelated messes with this one.

Color-wise, the TH575 does a decent job. You’ll get good color accuracy in most scenes, although green might be slightly off in darker moments. For most users, this won’t be noticeable, but if you’re a purist, keep that in mind. The 3800 lumens brightness makes up for it in well-lit environments, so even in the middle of the day, your image stays bright and clear.

Gaming Features

As far as gaming goes, this projector has one major selling point: the low input lag. Clocking in at just 16.7ms, it’s quick enough to handle fast-paced gaming without leaving you screaming at the screen in frustration. Whether you’re playing competitive shooters or a more relaxed single-player campaign, it feels responsive, as if you were playing on a dedicated gaming monitor.

The Enhanced Game Mode is like a cherry on top. It tweaks the visuals to make them sharper, reducing any murkiness in dark scenes and giving an edge in clarity where it counts. You’ll appreciate this feature, especially in FPS games where every detail matters. If you’re someone who enjoys multiplayer gaming, this mode helps you keep up with the action and stay competitive.

Brightness and Image Modes

When it comes to brightness, BenQ TH575 delivers, with its 3800 lumens pushing out enough light to handle even brightly lit rooms. Want to watch a movie during the day without blackout curtains? No problem. The projector’s brightness ensures your image remains visible and vibrant, though there is a tradeoff in contrast when you crank up the brightness.

There are several Image Modes to tinker with, depending on your room setup and preferences. The modes, from Cinema to Sports and Brightness, offer varying levels of contrast and color warmth. The Game Mode enhances contrast, giving your games more depth, which is especially noticeable in darker scenes. You’ll quickly find the one that feels best for your space, but avoid the Bright Mode unless you enjoy a greenish tint and a bit of digital noise creeping in.

Audio Performance

Let’s be honest—the built-in speakers on most projectors aren’t going to blow you away, and the BenQ TH575 is no different. It’s adequate for casual use, especially if you’re just playing a quick game or catching up on a Netflix series, but for a more immersive experience, external speakers are highly recommended.

One quirk with the audio setup is that if you mount the projector overhead, the audio can feel a little off-center. You may notice the sound coming from one side, which is a bit disorienting when watching or playing. But again, if you’re serious about your audio, you’ll likely be pairing this projector with a sound system anyway.

Ease of Use and Setup

Setup is straightforward with the TH575, which is a plus for anyone who doesn’t want to spend hours adjusting settings. The Auto Vertical Keystone correction is a handy feature, automatically adjusting the image to maintain a square projection, even if the projector isn’t perfectly aligned. However, you’ll still want to get the projector as centered as possible, as horizontal keystone adjustments are a bit more finicky.

When it comes to Throw Distance, the TH575 does require a bit of space. With a throw ratio of 1.49 to 1.64, you’re looking at needing some decent distance to get a large image. It’s something to think about if you’re working with limited room.

The connectivity options are robust. You’ve got dual HDMI ports, USB inputs, and more, which makes it easy to connect your console, PC, or streaming device without needing an external switch.

Fan Noise & Heat Management

Every projector generates some noise, and while the BenQ TH575 is no whisper-quiet angel, the fan noise is relatively mild compared to other models in its range. It can become noticeable during quieter gaming moments or movies, but not enough to be a dealbreaker. The heat management is efficient enough that the projector stays cool even after extended use, so you won’t have to worry about it overheating mid-game.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared to its peers, like the Optoma HD146X and ViewSonic X1, the TH575 holds its own in terms of brightness and input lag. While some competitors offer better built-in sound or higher resolution, BenQ’s focus on delivering smooth gaming performance at a more affordable price gives it an edge for budget-conscious gamers. The ViewSonic X1 might offer better color accuracy, but it’s also pricier, and firmware issues have plagued its reputation.

If you’re weighing your options, the TH575 comes out as a strong contender for gamers who value responsiveness and brightness over ultra-precise color.

Final Verdict

For gamers on a budget or anyone who enjoys watching movies in their spare time, the BenQ TH575 is an all-around solid choice. It doesn’t have the frills of more expensive projectors, but it nails the fundamentals—sharp image quality, low input lag, and enough brightness to handle nearly any room setting. Sure, you might want to invest in some external speakers, but with all its features and a competitive price point, it’s hard to complain.