Product Previews

BenQ MH530FHD Compact DLP Projector Preview

I recently received BenQ’s new MH530FHD DLP Projector for review. It’s a compact model with a single Texas Instruments DarkChip 3 DMD powered by an efficient 203-watt UHP lamp that’s good for a claimed 3300 lumens.

It also offers full 1080p resolution, 3D, and flexible connectivity with two HDMI ports and support for legacy analog source components.

The all-white chassis weighs in at less than six pounds but that doesn’t mean it’s light on performance. Two movie-worthy picture modes ensure accurate color for home theater enthusiasts. And for those still interested in 3D, it works with any DLP-Link glasses which means you can enjoy the format for not a lot of extra money.
Speaking of finance, the MH530FHD won’t take too much of yours at its low price of $599. What are you giving up in terms of features? Not much as it turns out. The lens has a reasonable zoom range of 1.28-1.56 with a fixed offset of 107% above-axis. Installation is made easier with adjustable feet and keystone correction. It also has a very quiet fan, rated at 32dB max and 29dB in the lamp’s Economic mode. A SmartEco setting acts like an auto-iris to boost contrast for an image with bright color and depth.

My initial impression is that the MH530FHD is a very well-engineered display built for maximum efficiency and value. Its picture is bright and super-sharp from edge to edge. It also has some of the best 3D I’ve seen yet thanks to generous light output and no visible crosstalk.

I’m looking forward to spending time with this new projector and will have complete benchmarks plus viewing impressions done in a couple of weeks.

See the complete review of the BenQ MH530FHD Compact 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.