BenQ TH685P Gaming Projector: Can 1080p Gaming and 4K Support Really Deliver Unmatched Performance at 8.3ms Latency?

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In a market flooded with flashy gaming projectors, the BenQ TH685P claims to stand out with impressive specs and features. But does it really live up to the hype, or is it just another box promising high performance but falling short in real-world gaming scenarios?

With its 120Hz refresh rate and 8.3ms low latency, it positions itself as a serious contender for gamers seeking that edge in competitive play. But let's consider the reality of using a projector for gaming—is it really a viable alternative to traditional screens, or are we just chasing a trend?

We’ll dive into the TH685P's promises of vibrant colors, HDR support, and built-in audio, and explore how it performs during those intense gaming sessions. Is it worth the investment, or should you stick to your trusted monitor? Let’s find out.

Spec​

Parameter	BenQ TH685P Gaming Projector​
Picture​	​
Reference Price​	$749​
Recommended Uses​	Gaming​
Built-In Media​	Remote Control, Warranty Card, Quick Start Guide​
Highlight​	PLEASE NOTE: TH685P does not have VGA-in or Monitor-Out when compared to the TH685 AUDIO W/EQUALIZER: integrated 5 watt speaker by treVolo, with an equalizer, for excellence in audio. 1080P 4K SUPPORTED HDR READY: 3500 ANSI lumen brightness; 1080p HDR-enabled w/4K compatibility; 100-inch images from 8.2 feet (2.5m) away; stunning color 95% Rec. 709 HDR COMPATIBLE: This Gaming and TV ProjectorHDR10 Technology with 4K supported inputs, enhances brighter whites and deeper black levels for an enhanced viewing experience GEARED FOR GAMING: Low latency 8.3ms at 1080p/120Hz low input lag, Game Mode/Game Sound Mode fine-tune audio and images, LumiExpert defeats eye strain during extended play. One of the best Gaming projectors
Screen Size​	30 Inches - 300 Inches​
Throw Distance​	1.8 Feet - 1.5 Feet​
Contrast Ratio​	10000:1​
Maximum Resolution​	1920 x 1200 Pixels​
Native Resolution​	1920 x 1080​
Brightness​	3500 lumen​
Display Type​	DLP​
Controller Type​	Button Control​
Control Method​	Voice​
Lamp Wattage​	5 Watts​
Wattage​	297 watts​
Connectivity Technology​	HDMI​
Hardware Connectivity​	VGA, HDMI​
Compatible Devices​	Smartphone​
Other Features​	Speakers, Internet Ready, 3d-Ready​
L x W x H​	12.28"L x 8.56"W x 4.33"H​
Item Weight​	6.2 Pounds​

System Experience​

When I decided to upgrade my projector, I was a bit hesitant considering the price point, but having spent months researching and reminiscing about my trusty W1070 from a decade ago, I felt it was time to make a change. Setting up the new device was a breeze, and I was excited to see how it would perform in my living room, which has a skylight that often made it challenging to enjoy my previous projector. I did have a minor hiccup during initial setup where the projector shut off unexpectedly while I was adjusting its position, which left me a bit anxious. Thankfully, it powered back on after a few moments, but it did raise concerns about reliability.

Viewing Experience​

Let me tell you, the picture quality is absolutely stunning! The brightness is significantly better than my old W1070, allowing me to enjoy movies and games even during the day without straining my eyes. The colors truly pop, and the sharpness of the image makes everything feel immersive, whether I'm gaming or watching films. I was initially worried about the clarity in well-lit conditions, but this projector handles ambient light like a champ.

Other Experience​

I’ve enjoyed using this projector for gaming, and it doesn’t disappoint. The low input lag enhances the experience, making it feel reactive and fluid. Despite not having all the smart features or extra ports, it nails the essentials, and I love how it looks aesthetically in my space. However, I did encounter some quirks, like the automatic input switching that can be a bit annoying when closing games.

Conclusion​

Pros:
- Bright and vibrant picture quality, even in daylight
- Excellent for gaming with low input lag
- Simple setup process
- Aesthetically pleasing design
- Good sound quality from the built-in speaker

Cons:
- The unexpected shutdown during the initial setup was concerning
- No horizontal keystone adjustment, which can be tricky for placement
- The projector generates a lot of heat, which could be an issue in small rooms
- Automatic input switching can be inconvenient

Overall Evaluation:
Overall, I'm genuinely happy with my purchase. The performance is impressive for the price, and it’s clear that I made the right choice in upgrading. The projector has exceeded my expectations, particularly in bright settings and while gaming. Sure, there are a few minor drawbacks, but they don't overshadow the fantastic quality I’m getting. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a solid projector without breaking the bank.

 

[DealsFishman]

I got this thing, and it totally crapped out in a year. Had to ship it to NY for insurance, took 6 weeks to get it back, and then it only lasted 3 months before going blank again. Seriously, not worth the money at all!

 

[Curtis_Baefield]

Just got this thing, and the picture is awesome—super bright and clear! But it keeps shutting down every 7 minutes because it overheats, no matter where I put it. I even followed the manual and had it mounted upside down with plenty of space. Tried it right side up on a cold floor, but it still overheats. So yeah, I'm returning it. Total bummer!

 

[fosterzar]

My lamp burned out in October, and Benq wanted me to ship back the whole projector and wait two weeks for a fix. No thanks, that’s a hassle!

 

[NetworkingJesus]

So, I’m in this conference room with those super bright lights, you know the kind? I’ve tried five other projectors that claimed they could handle all this light, but this one actually delivers! The colors pop too.

 

[Astro51450]

I needed a projector for the gym, even with some lights on, and it totally delivered! The image was super bright and looked great on a big wall. I’d totally recommend it!