BenQ W5000 Home Theater Projector: Physical Tour

Cosmetically the major difference is in the trim rings around the lens. The W5000 lacks the motorized zoom and focus that most of those listed offer, but still provides motorized lens shift.

From the front, the large zoom lens is center mounted with an outer focus ring, and inner zoom ring, for setup. The W5000 claims a 1.2:1 zoom ratio, slightly better than previous BenQ 1080p projectors (1.15:1), and slightly less versatile, than their 720p PE8720, which sported a 1.35:1 zoom. The 1.2:1 range is typical for DLP projectors, and far less than the typical 1.8:1 to 2.1:1 found on most LCoS (Sony and JVC projectors), and 3LCD projectors. Also to be found on the front, is the front Infra-red sensor for the remote control. Below the front, are two screw thread adjustable feet. The W5000 has its exhaust vents in the front, so shelf mounting is definitely an option if your screen size and room dimensions, match up. Some, who desire to shelf mount in the rear of the room, may find that they have to select a screen within a certain size range, to match with the distance to the shelf, and the limited range of the zoom. In my own room, for example, with my 128″ diagonal screen, and the rear wall being 20.5 feet back, the W5000 works just fine. If my room was only 17 feet deep, my screen would be too large, and if my room was 24 feet deep, my screen would be a little too small.

Overall, the W5000 is one of the largest home theater projectors, but an impressive one, especially with that large lens hood. It is about the size of the JVC RS1 and RS2, but a little taller, and finished in off white, and silver, making it appear bulkier than the JVC, which is finished in black. No doubt some would prefer the W5000 to have a darker finish, but we can’t all get what we want.

The W5000 is most impressive, though, when watching content, so it’s time to consider this BenQ W5000 projector’s image quality.