As BenQ unveils its new W5850, W4100i, and W2720i home cinema projectors, the brand continues to reinforce its dominance in projection technology. We spoke with Manish Bakshi, Managing Director of BenQ Middle East to understand the company’s long-term vision for light sources, the role of AI Cinema Mode, and how the brand ensures true-to-life colour accuracy across its models.

Q: Considering the new solid-state illumination across these models, can you walk us through BenQ’s long-term approach to light sources?

A: That’s a very good question, because we’ve been planning for this for a long time. It goes all the way back to 1997–1998, when BenQ launched its very first projector. At that time, we had the choice to follow LCD technology or DLP technology. Strategically, we decided to commit to DLP, primarily because of our long-standing partnership with Texas Instruments (TI), the manufacturer of DLP chips.

There are key differences between the two. LCD technology primarily uses mirrors, whereas DLP technology uses a DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) chip. Our decision to go with DLP has been validated by the market—today, 99% of home cinema and home entertainment projectors globally use DLP technology. That early choice has been instrumental in our global dominance of the home cinema and home entertainment segments.

As the industry evolved, we also embraced new innovations such as laser technology within the DLP framework. Using SSI (Solid-State Illumination), we incorporated both LED and laser options. For example, among the three models launched today:

• The W5850 uses the latest laser technology,
• While the W4100i and W2720i deploy LED technology.

This shows how we’ve successfully integrated evolving light sources while remaining firmly committed to DLP.

Q: How do you decide which technology to deploy for different segments?

A: Our decisions are always rooted in extensive research carried out on two levels:

1. Global research conducted at our headquarters.
2. Local research conducted by BenQ’s sales offices worldwide.

This dual approach allows us to combine grassroots feedback from regional markets with the global outlook of HQ. Together, they help identify which segments will see growth in the next five to eight years.

Of course, strategy alone isn’t enough. Once we decide on a direction, we need the manufacturing and marketing capabilities to execute. Here, our parent company, Qisda, plays a vital role as BenQ’s dedicated manufacturing arm. With R&D handled globally, production done at Qisda, and marketing executed by our worldwide sales offices, we ensure manufacturing and marketing stay perfectly in sync to launch products effectively across the globe.

Q: AI Cinema Mode is a big differentiator, especially for handling compressed streaming content. Can you explain the underlying technology and how you avoid over-processing?

A: Yes, today we’re introducing two models with AI Cinema Mode—the W4100i and W2720i. These are currently the only models in our home cinema darkroom lineup with this feature.

AI Cinema Mode is essentially a collaboration of hardware and software designed to enhance the viewing experience. In a darkroom, colour is the most critical factor that impresses viewers—beyond audio or ambience. If you can manage colour accuracy, you truly win the game.

Here’s how it works:

• It starts with the colour gamut, which defines how rich and accurate colours appear.
• Standard projectors may cover Rec.709, but our home cinema models go higher, covering DCI-P3, which is a much broader and higher-level gamut.
• The AI Cinema Mode uses this wide colour gamut, along with additional enhancements, to deliver crisper, sharper, and smarter images on screen.

This is the true strength of AI in these projectors. And while these two models already showcase strong AI features, I believe our R&D teams are likely working on even more advanced AI applications for the future.

On the issue of avoiding over-processing or artifacts, we’ve always been extremely clear and honest. From day one, BenQ has never overclocked or artificially inflated specifications—whether in projectors or monitors. Our global R&D and product teams only declare resolutions and processing levels that can be genuinely achieved. This honesty in specification ensures that users get natural enhancements without distortions.

Q: The W5850 is factory-calibrated to Delta E <2, while others are at Delta E <3. How do you ensure colour consistency over the projector’s lifetime?

A: Colour consistency is one of our strongest commitments. With DLP technology, combined with laser light sources (in models like the W5850) and a wide colour gamut (DCI-P3 with 4K SSI), we’re able to maintain exceptional colour accuracy.

The Delta E specification is very important:

• A Delta E <2 on the W5850 means virtually indistinguishable colour differences from true reference.
• A Delta E ❤ on other models is still excellent and far above industry averages.

To ensure consistency, all our projectors are factory-calibrated before they ship. Each unit comes with a certification in the box stating that calibration has been done. This makes additional recalibration unnecessary—the models arrive ready for accurate performance straight out of the box.