Tom's Holiday Buyer's Guide 2008, Part 1

BenQ CP270 XGA DLP Projector

http://www.benq.com/products/Projector/?product=1372
$999 ESP
By: Ed Tittel

Those in need of a quick-and-easy way to move big-image video capability around could do worse than to glom onto the BenQ CP270. Originally designed as a compact, portable video projector for business presentations – it weighs only 3.3 pounds and its dimensions are 7.5" x 8" x 3" – this 1280 x 1024 SXGA device can deal with computer output or DVD playback with ease. It uses TI’s DLP technology to create clear, crisp images as small as 19.2" x 24" to as large as 240" x 300" (that’s 20 x 25 feet!). To accommodate a variety of video hook-ups, the CP270 includes a VGA port, DVI-D, component video, S-Video, and composite video. It even comes with VGA and power cables and a soft-sided fabric carrying case with carrying handle and shoulder strap.

The CP270’s output is rated at 2000 ANSI lumens to help ensure a clear bright image. The TI BrilliantColor technology built into its DLP chipset boosts mid-tone colors on output to increase overall brightness and to boost color vibrancy and appeal. The unit also includes 3D color management software to let presenters or users fine-tune hue, saturation, and gain for primary colors to tweak picture quality for maximum effect. Those who use the CP270 with a variety of signal sources will find its support for 11 preset modes helpful, including Dynamic, sRGB, Cinema, Presentation, Standard (default), multiple selections for dark or colorful movies, AutoCAD, PowerPoint, and other popular graphics programs.

What sets the CP270 apart from other compact projectors comes from its conveniences. You can activate an on-screen timer to count down visually, which helps presenters stay on track and to keep audiences informed about remaining presentation time. There’s a wall color correction feature that lets users adjust for different display surfaces, such as blackboard, walls, or projection screens to help deliver a positive viewing experience. The CP270 also automatically scans for attached video sources as inputs are connected, so that content may be accessed as soon as it’s recognized. There’s also a compact remote control that provides access to all device controls and settings, so that users need not access the front panel directly while the projector is working.

Anybody who travels a lot to give presentations or display video will find the BenQ CP270 a useful and usable device. Even those in search of a compact medium-resolution video projector will find it satisfactory. If somebody on your Christmas list fits the description, why not consider picking one up?

Ed Tittel

Ed Tittel is a long-time IT writer, researcher and consultant, and occasional contributor to Tom’s Hardware. A Windows Insider MVP since 2018, he likes to cover OS-related driver, troubleshooting, and security topics.

  • ravenware
    Dell 3008WFP Ultrasharp 30"

    , we can’t think of any computer user who wouldn’t be thrilled to get one.

    Gamers. The 8ms response time is a little on the slow side.
    Reply
  • Portall
    Nope. You won't see difference between 8 and 4ms :)
    Reply
  • V3NOM
    well you can... CRT vs LCD is quite clear.
    Reply
  • cangelini
    I play on the prior year's model (3007) all the time without any problems. Don't pass up gaming on a 30" display without at least trying it for yourself!
    Reply
  • Dual-link DVI does NOT need two seperate cables. HDMI's video component IS DVI. I'm amazed this slipped through and into the article:

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_Visual_Interface
    Reply
  • radnor
    Well, you will actually. If you ever seen them side by side you will notice the difference. 5ms seems to be the sweet spot.
    Reply
  • LazyGarfield
    Interesting article! I´m still looking for the two beautiful women but cant find them :P
    Reply
  • Just a word of warning to anyone purchasing this monitor and wanting to watch Blu-Ray titles on it. If you use DVI as your input it can not display Blu-Ray titles above 1920 x 1080. Now I know this is the native res on the monitor. But HDCP will fail if the monitor's resolution is set any higher than this. This is due to a design flaw in the monitor's chipset. This wouldn't be a problem if all it meant was you had to reset the resolution when you want to watch a movie, but the problem is, 1920 x 1080 is not the same aspect ratio as 2560 x 1600. So your picture is vertically stretched. I know this because I bought one and spent hours in forums and on the phone with Dell before finding this out. I returned the monitor, because at $2000, there's no excuse for buggy HDCP support over DVI.
    Reply
  • what happened to the really cute girl you guys had last year ?
    Reply
  • xsamitt
    I think I'd take the 30 inch dell if it was free......Guess I won't be having one now for sure.lol.
    8 mills is just to slow.And Leigon thanks for the heads up.

    I do hope the new items to come are more interesting than this first round.
    Reply