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The TK700STi’s low input lag and fast refresh rate make it a top choice for gamers seeking 4K cinematic visuals and great brightness, though contrast is mediocre and rainbow artifacts persist.
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Table of Contents
Product Snapshot
Overview
The BenQ TK700STi is the brand’s mid-range gaming projector, released in 2021. A 3-LCD DLP projector with native 1080p resolution and the ability to display UHD 4K content with pixel shifting, the TK700STi markets to gamers with its short .9:1 minimum throw ratio and low lag times for a 4K-capable projector.
The refresh rate maxes at a gaming-friendly 240Hz, though 4K signals are limited to 60Hz. Like the best projectors for console gaming, the TK700STi offers dedicated game modes that bypass the Android TV operating system. Inputs include a pair of HDMI 2.0 ports and USB-a ports.
The TK700STi has good image quality for gaming. Its 297-nit measured HDR brightness is slightly above average. Contrast, at a nominal 1010:1, is below average, meaning darker scenes may appear grayish. Color accuracy is good, but rainbow artifacts are noticeable. Input lag is very low, ranging from 20 ms in its laggiest mode to under 9 ms in 1080p 120Hz mode. The color gamut isn’t as wide as some. It’s 96% rec. 709 coverage is below average.
An adjustable throw ratio of .9:1 to 1.08:1 allows some placement flexibility, but there’s no lens shift. The keystone correction range is +/- 40º, which is average. Audio quality from the built-in 5W speakers isn’t as powerful as some projectors, and the TK700STi lacks audio ports for surround sound systems.
ReasonS to Buy
Good brightness
Above-average 297-nit SDR brightness suits gaming use. It boasts a 3000-lumen lamp output, greater than the average projector, which enables bright white scenes and up to 120” screen size
Low input lag
8-ms input lag at 1080p 120Hz and 16 ms input lag at 4k 60Hz, faster than ⅔ of 4K projectors tested
Great connectivity
Two HDMI 2.0 ports, USB ports, Android TV streaming dongle
Bluetooth-enabled for use with mobile devices
Convenient throw ratio for gaming
The throw ratio span of .9:1 to 1.08:1 suits most gaming setups. It can project a 100” screen from about 4’ away
Reason to Avoid
Subpar image quality
Its 1010:1 measured contrast is below average and means dark scenes may appear grayish
It also lacks a wide color gamut, over just 96% of Rec.709 color space rather than the wider DCI-P3 space, putting it in the bottom half of tested projectors.
Mediocre built-in audio quality
5W monophonic speaker has less output than the average
BenQ TK700STI Specs
3D Ready
Yes
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Brightness
3000 lumens
Contrast Ratio
10,000:1
Depth
9.70"
Digital Keystone
Yes
Display Technology
DLP
HDR
Yes
Height
4.3"
Integrated Speakers
Yes
Light Source
Laser
Light Source Life
10000 hrs
Max Distance
168"
Max Screen Size
200"
Min Distance
51"
Min Screen Size
60"
Noise Level
35 dB
Portable
Yes
Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Resolution
3840 x 2160 (4k)
Smart Functionality
Android TV, Bluetooth, Remote, USB
Sync Technology
–
TV Tuner
No
ThrowType
Short Throw
Video Inputs
HDMI 2.0, RS232, USB
Weight
6.8 lbs
Width
12"
Yes
–
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Projectors based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
SDR Brightness (nits)
276.1564
HDR Brightness (nits)
298.9976
SDR Brightness (Lumens)
0
HDR Brightness (Lumens)
0
SDR Color Temperature (K)
0
HDR Color Temperature (K)
0
Contrast Ratio (x:y)
1,010.8
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 uv)
0
Color Gamut % (Rec. 709)
0
Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020)
0
Color Gamut % (BT.2020)
0
Color Gamut % (BT. 709)
0
Input Lag (ms)
20
All Tests
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The BenQ TK700STi is the brand’s mid-range gaming projector, released in 2021. A 3-LCD DLP projector with native 1080p resolution and the ability to display…
The BenQ TK700STi is the brand’s mid-range gaming projector, released in 2021. A 3-LCD DLP projector with native 1080p resolution and the ability to display UHD 4K content with pixel shifting, the TK700STi markets to gamers with its short .9:1 minimum throw ratio and low lag times for a 4K-capable projector.
The refresh rate maxes at a gaming-friendly 240Hz, though 4K signals are limited to 60Hz. Like the best projectors for console gaming, the TK700STi offers dedicated game modes that bypass the Android TV operating system. Inputs include a pair of HDMI 2.0 ports and USB-a ports.
Compared to the BenQ Tk700sti, the Epson Home Cinema 3800 has a slightly lower tested SDR brightness of 275 nits vs. 276 nits. The BenQ…
Compared to the BenQ Tk700sti, the Epson Home Cinema 3800 has a slightly lower tested SDR brightness of 275 nits vs. 276 nits. The BenQ is more gaming-focused, with three dedicated game modes. The BenQ also has a shorter throw ratio range of .9:1 to 1.08:1, contrasting the Epson’s longer 1.32:1 to 2.15:1 ratio so that the Epson will be more suited to larger rooms and bigger screens. For another alternative, consider our Hissense PX2 review.
The Samsung Premiere LSP9t has a light output of 2800 lumens, slightly less than the Ben Q’s 3000, but can display a much wider color…
The Samsung Premiere LSP9t has a light output of 2800 lumens, slightly less than the Ben Q’s 3000, but can display a much wider color gamut, with 147% of the DCI-P3 space as opposed to 96% of the smaller rec. 709 color space. The Samsung has a more powerful built-in audio system, with 40W speakers, compared to the BenQ’s pair of 5W speakers. See our Samsung Premiere LSP9T review for more details. Or consider a different kind of projector with our ViewSonic PJD6251 review and learn more about the types of projectors and how DLP vs. LED projectors compare.
The BenQ TK700STi has more light output, at 3000 lumens than the X500i short-throw projector at 2200 lumens. The X500i’s minimum throw ratio of .69…
The BenQ TK700STi has more light output, at 3000 lumens than the X500i short-throw projector at 2200 lumens. The X500i’s minimum throw ratio of .69 is shorter than the TK700STi’s .9:1, making the X500i able to project a larger image from closer to the screen. Both models have a claimed 8 ms input lag at 120Hz.
