Posted on June 24, 2011 By Art Feierman
Check out our review of the award-winning BenQ MP780ST interactive projector.
The BenQ MX812ST is the most expensive projector in BenQ’s MX series, which includes the MX810ST projector we recently took a brief look at. The MX812ST and its MX siblings are all loosely related to the MP780ST, an interactive projector that earned our annual Best in Classroom Interactive Projector Award after being reviewed. This comparison is designed to help you decide if the MX812ST is better suited to your particular presentation needs than are the MP780ST, MW811ST, MX810ST and the rest of the MX series projectors.
The MX812ST (MSRP $2799) is the brightest in its family, boasting 3500 lumens. It has the same contrast ratio of 4600:1 as many of its siblings, promising that the whole family will give you an image that pops!
The “X” in MX812ST stands for XGA (1024×768) resolution, which is the standard. If you’re looking for widescreen, you should check out the MX812ST’s WXGA siblings, the MW811ST and the MP780ST. The “ST” in MX812ST stands for short throw. This means that you can place the projector only a small distance away from the screen – no shadows on the screen or being blinded during your presentation. This is great for the conference room or classroom if space is minimal but you still want a big image. However, the MX812ST has a fixed lens, so if you want to adjust the image size, you’ll have to move the projector yourself, which is made easy by getting a moveable cart.
The MX812ST is the only projector in its series that comes with an HDMI input, which allows for connection to an output source such as a DVD/BluRay player, gaming console, or cable/satellite box. HDMI means you can stream both digital video and audio content from an external source through your projector – definitely a good feature to have if your presentations require more than just still images.
The MX812ST also boasts two 10W built-in speakers (20W total), plus a microphone input! This is about the most you can get in terms of built-in speakers… That way, the MX812ST can tackle any sound requirements in your presentation, such as music or commentary, and it can help your voice carry during presentations to your audience.
The MX812ST also has wired networking control capabilities. But if you’re really looking for convenience, the MX812ST also has a USB input that allows for hassle-free, computer-less presentations straight from your USB storage device. Just load from your laptop ahead of time, slip it in your pocket or briefcase, and pull it out just in time for your presentation… Keeping things simple.
Click to enlarge. SO close
The MX812ST is 3D ready, which can put your presentation over the edge and really impress. It also offers remote mousing and closed captioning.
The photo below was taken using the MP780ST projector, which is somewhat similar to the BenQ MX812ST. With that noted, the images from the MX812ST projector will look a bit different since the MX812ST is brighter, but this will give you a taste.
Above, the MP780ST projector in Cinema mode.
Okay, the MX812ST or its siblings? The MX812ST is the brightest in its series, guaranteeing a great looking image even if you’ve got some ambient light or if you’re filling a larger screen. The MX812ST is also the most portable at 7.3 lbs., meaning you can take it pretty much anywhere. It comes with an HDMI input and 20W speakers, so it can handle your video and audio requirements. It has all sorts of great presentation features that are easy to use no matter your skill set.
The MX812ST is certainly bright enough, powerful enough, and loud enough to handle presentations in your medium-sized conference room.
Any of these projectors can give you a great image, but if you want the best feature set and have a bit of a bigger budget, the MX812ST is the projector you want for your conference or classroom.
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