/ By Jennifer Stringfellow
Click to enlarge. So close. The BenQ W6000 is a projector that has rather excellent dark shadow detail. That compares very favorably with the Home Cinema 8500UB which I have often said "isn't the best at shadow detail".
Click Image to EnlargeShadow detail is indeed a particular strength of the BenQ, compared to the Epson, although the Epson isn't bad. Shadow detail performance is therefore pretty much a reverse compared to black level performance, where the Epson is "best in class", and the BenQ only very good. Personally I'd rather have the black level performance, and a slight loss of shadow detail, than the other way around. Still, the BenQ shadow detail is impressive.
Above, Epson on the left, BenQ on the right. Look for details around the blinds, and behind his head on the left
The BenQ W6000 isn't particularly great, right out of the box. With Brilliant Color off, the image is pretty good, but a touch thin on green. With it on, it's way strong on reds and still thin on greens. By comparison.
The Epson Home Cinema 8500UB has it's THX mode (something new for this year), which is almost dead on. The Epson wins this easily, though the BenQ does well.
Click to enlarge. SO close
Click to enlarge. So close. Once however they are calibrated, the BenQ's color improves and puts the two projectors on an equal footing. Which one has the better skin tones, most accurate colors, etc., will probably be determined by which one gets the better calibration.
Click Image to EnlargeAgain, the Epson Home Cinema 8500UB, and the image is smaller to compensate for the Epson being).
