Catalogs Hide
- 1 First Impressions
- 2 Introduce
- 3 Display
- 4 Features
- 5 User Feedback
First Impressions
As noted, low input lag is of utmost importance for gaming on a projector. Projectors in general are notorious for having lag that can top 100ms, which would cause a game's response to feel sluggish or that your reflexes are slow. For most gaming, I recommend finding something that is at least below 35ms, and if possible below 20ms (especially if you'll be playing against another player). The game picture mode on the BenQ TH685i turns on the projector's Fast Mode, which disables image correction and enhancements like keystone correction and shortens the time it takes to display the image by using an algorithm, therefore leading to a lower input lag. Fast Mode can be enabled in the other picture modes as well—although the Fast Mode option is off and grayed out with HDR. In Game mode, the TH685i has an input lag of only 16.4ms. Even outside of Game mode the projector's input lag measured only 33.1ms, still an impressive number for a projector and something many casual gamers wouldn't even feel. BenQ's literature states the TH685i can achieve 8.3ms of lag at 120Hz—a completely believable statement considering it's already measuring 16.4ms at 60Hz. The projector changes its refresh rate when a 120Hz signal is detected from a console or PC. (120Hz support wasn't turned on with early firmware versions, so be sure your projector's firmware is fully up to date.)The TH685i is a single-chip DLP projector that has a 6-segment (RGBWYC) color wheel. It has a native resolution of 1080p (1920x1080), although it accepts 4K (3840x2160) and downconverts the signal. And in the sub-$1,000 projector world that's becoming increasingly overtaken by LED and laser projection technologies, the TH685i uses a conventional lamp as a light source with a claimed light output of 3,500 ANSI lumens (although we measured lower on our sample). The lamp will last up to 15,000 hours in LampSave mode, which adjusts the power automatically based on the brightness of the content to elongate the lamp's life. Lamp life in Eco mode (which lowers the brightness overall) is up to 10,000 hours, in SmartEco mode (adjusting light based on content's brightness with a focus on image quality) it's 8,000 hours, and in Normal lamp life expectancy is 4,000 hours.
Introduce
| Parameter | BenQ TH685i |
|---|---|
Picture |  |
Reference Price | $799 |
Recommended Uses | Gaming |
Built-In Media | {'item_name': '3D Glasses', 'model': 'DGD5'}, {'item_name': 'Android TV Dongle', 'model': 'QS01'} |
Highlight | • Resolution: 1080p HDR-enabled, 4K compatible • Brightness: 3500 ANSI lumens • Image Size: 100-inch from 8.2 feet (2.5m) • Color Accuracy: 95% Rec. 709 • Gaming Performance: Low latency 8.3ms at 1080p/120Hz • Game Modes: Game Mode/Game Sound Mode • Eye Care: LumiExpert technology • Console Compatibility: PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One X, Google Stadia • Entertainment Platform: Google-certified Android TV, 5,000+ apps • Casting: Airplay and Chromecast support • Control: Remote for Android TV and projector |
Display
| Parameter | BenQ TH685i |
|---|---|
Screen Size | 30 Inches - 300 Inches |
Throw Distance | 1.13 Feet - 1.46 Feet |
Maximum Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
Native Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
Brightness | 3500 Lumen |
Display Type | DLP |
Viewing Experience | The BenQ TH685i projector offers a versatile range of seven SDR picture modes tailored for various viewing environments, including options specifically for gaming and cinema. Its Bright mode delivers impressive brightness levels, though it introduces a green tint, which may be acceptable for casual viewing. The Cinema mode stands out for its color accuracy, although it does exhibit a lower light output compared to Bright mode. Calibration capabilities are robust, allowing users to fine-tune color settings and grayscale, though some minor inaccuracies remain in certain colors. The projector performs well in displaying detail, particularly in bright scenes, and effectively handles HDR and 3D content when appropriate signals are detected. While it excels in ambient light, its performance in dark settings reveals some limitations, particularly with black levels affecting shadow detail. Overall, the TH685i is well-suited for mixed-use scenarios, offering a good balance of brightness and color accuracy, making it a solid choice for casual viewing, gaming, and binge-watching in moderate lighting conditions. |
Features
| Parameter | BenQ TH685i |
|---|---|
Video Encoding | AVC |
LightSource Life | 20000 Hours |
Controller Type | RCI067 |
Control Method | Remote |
Lamp Wattage | 245 Watts |
Wattage | 260 watts |
Connectivity Technology | USB, HDMI |
Hardware Connectivity | HDMI |
Compatible Devices | TV Stick |
Other Features | Internet Built-In, Speakers, Short Throw, 3d-Ready |
L x W x H | 18.3"L x 13.7"W x 7.2"H |
System Experience | The TH685i projector presents a well-constructed, compact design, measuring 4 x 12 x 9 inches and weighing 6.2 pounds. Its white casing gives it a clean, modern appearance, while the manual adjustment rings for zoom and focus, though somewhat challenging to fine-tune, offer a hands-on approach to image clarity. The projector's throw ratio of 1.13-1.46 allows for flexibility in placement, requiring a distance of 8 feet 3 inches to achieve a 100-inch image. A notable feature is the reconfigured input layout, which includes two HDMI 2.0 ports, one of which is dedicated to the included QS01 HDMI dongle, enhancing its streaming capabilities. The integration of this dongle, which lies flat and is concealed by a plastic cover, adds convenience and keeps the setup tidy. Overall, the TH685i combines functionality and aesthetic appeal, catering well to users looking for a straightforward and effective projection solution. |
User Feedback
Pros:• Amazing picture quality, especially for 4K HDR content
• Bright enough for daytime use with shades open
• Great for television and movies, with a significant upgrade from older models
• Decent sound quality for a projector
• Popular among gamers, offering good gaming performance
Cons:
• Frequent Wi-Fi connection issues requiring manual reconnection
• Complicated setup with multiple Android TV devices and remotes
• Limited surround sound support with built-in Android TV, requiring additional devices for full functionality
• Sound experience may not meet the expectations for audiophiles without a dedicated sound system
Overall Impression:
This projector stands out for its stunning picture quality and versatility for both gaming and movie watching. While it has connectivity challenges and a complicated remote setup, the visual performance makes it a worthwhile investment. Users looking for an immersive experience should consider enhancing their audio setup to complement the projector's capabilities. Overall, it's a solid choice for anyone seeking a high-quality home entertainment upgrade.
