BenQ HT2150ST DLP Projector Preview

See the complete review of the BenQ HT2150ST DLP Projector

Almost on the heels of my outgoing HT6050 sample, BenQ has sent me its HT2150ST Gaming Projector for review.

It shares many traits with that flagship model but comes in at a very attractive price point – $999.

It’s billed as a gaming projector and to that end, BenQ has engineered it to have low input lag. The menu even includes a Fast Mode option that drops latency to a level that will be invisible to all but the most skilled players. Imagine experiencing your favorite role-playing, strategy or shooter titles on a 100-inch screen! Now that’s entertainment.

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Lest you think the HT2150ST is only for gaming, it boasts some serious home theater chops too. In my initial exploration of the menu, I found nearly identical features to the HT6050. There is no THX certification but you still get a full suite of calibration controls including two point grayscale, color management and extremely precise gamma adjustments. Furthermore, the bulb has Normal, Eco and SmartEco modes. The latter adjusts output based on content and acts as a dynamic contrast control. There is no auto-iris here but SmartEco manages to increase contrast by 50-percent and bumps up output as well.

Speaking of light, this projector does quite a lot with its 240-watt bulb. Peak output in the Bright mode is over 80fL which means it can be used in a room with some ambient light. My initial calibration resulted in around 45fL with the lamp in Eco mode. Even this is plenty of power for those installing the unit in a multi-use media room.

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The HT2150ST is bit larger than most portables but it is light enough to pack up and carry. BenQ includes a nice soft case for this very purpose. At less than eight pounds, you can bring it along to gaming parties for a big-screen frag-fest. And you’ll enjoy decent audio from its built-in 10-watt stereo speakers.

This promises to be an interesting review. I’m already amazed at what you get for $999.

See the complete review of the BenQ HT2150ST DLP Projector

Chris Eberle

Chris' passion for audio began when he took up playing the bassoon at age 12. During his third year at the New England Conservatory of Music, he won a position with the West Point Band where he served for 26 years as principal bassoonist. He retired from the Army in 2013 and is now writing full time and performing as a freelance musician in Central Florida. As an avid movie lover, Chris was unable to turn away the 50-inch Samsung DLP TV that arrived at his door one day, thus launching him irrevocably into an obsession with home theater. Dissatisfied with the image quality of his new acquisition, Chris trained with the Imaging Science Foundation in 2006 and became a professional display calibrator. His ultimate theater desires were realized when he completed construction of a dedicated cinema/listening room in his home. Chris is extremely fortunate that his need for quality audio and video is shared and supported by his wife of over 25 years. In his spare time he enjoys riding his recumbent trike at least 100 miles per week, trying out new restaurants, going to theme parks and spending as much time as possible watching movies and listening to music. Chris enjoys bringing his observations and discoveries about every kind of home theater product to as many curious and well-informed readers as possible. He is proud to be a part of the Team and hopes to help everyone enjoy their AV experiences to the fullest.