Posted on June 21, 2011 By Art Feierman
Check out our review of the award-winning BenQ MP780ST interactive projector.
The BenQ MX810ST is the XGA version of the MW811ST WXGA projector we recently took a brief look at. Both of these projectors are closely related to the BenQ MP780ST, an interactive projector that earned our annual Best in Classroom Interactive Projector Award after being reviewed.
The BenQ MX810ST is virtually identical to the MW811ST, except that its native resolution is 1024×768 (XGA) rather than widescreen WXGA (1280×800). This step down to standard resolution explains the slight price difference, as the MX810ST has an MSRP of $1999 instead of the MW811ST’s $2099 price tag.
The only other visible difference is the lamp life in full power. The MX810ST runs for 3500 hours versus the 4000 hours of the MW811ST. In the business realm, this isn’t a huge difference. But if you’re buying for education and you won’t have funds for more frequent lamp replacements, the extra 500 hours can go a long way!
So the basic rundown? The MX810ST, like the MW811ST, is a short throw DLP projector offering 2500 lumens of brightness and a 4600:1 contrast ratio – satisfactory in handling ambient light in your classroom or conference room. It weighs 7.5 lbs., meaning great portability if you’re moving it from room to room or even if you’re taking it on the road. The MX810ST also boasts two 10W built-in speakers (20W total), plus a microphone input! That way, the MX810ST is well equipped to handle any audio requirements you may have, and it can help your voice carry during presentations.
The MX810ST also has a built-in projector network control system, as well as a USB input that allows for convenient, hassle-free, computer-less presentations! It is also 3D ready, guaranteeing preparedness as 3D technology is on the rise, and not just in home entertainment anymore!
The photo below was taken using the BenQ MX810ST’s sibling, the MP780ST. With that noted, the images from the MX810ST projector should look very similar to the one we reviewed, since they have the same brightness.
Click to enlarge. SO close
But is the MX810ST a better choice for you than its award-winning relative, the MP780ST? For one, it’s slightly less expensive. If you’re replacing an older projector in your classroom or business setting, the MX810ST’s XGA resolution is probably ideal since your old screen was almost certainly a 4:3 aspect ratio as well. So if you’re not looking to buy a new screen on top of a new projector, sticking to an XGA model instead of switching to WXGA is more cost-friendly. The MX810ST’s full lamp life of 3500 hours is also higher than the MP780ST’s 3000 hours – again making it a good choice if you’re conscious about saving money on maintenance.
However, the MX810ST does not come with the HDMI input that the MP780ST has, plus it only offers a 1-year warranty (versus the MP780ST’s 3-year).
So its up to you what your budget can handle. Pay $100 less (MSRP) for the MX810ST and get longer lamp life, but a shorter warranty… Is the tradeoff worth it? Depends all on whether you’re going XGA or WXGA… But no matter which one you decide on, the MX810ST with and its sibling models will surely get the job done!
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