BenQ SP831 Projector; 5J.J1Y01.001 Projector Lamp

BenQ, a company best known for its economically priced projector models has recently been trying to capture audiences in the middle range by offering more options and better overall quality. BenQ used to be known as the throw away projector, the type you would buy if you had limited uses and if you did not have high expectations. However with the introduction of projectors like the SP831, BenQ is starting to build its line into one that accommodates many different users.

Designed over three years ago, the BenQ SP831 came onto the market at the modest price of $3000 USD and yet remained popular enough to continue its production run until July of 2010. The price has since dropped to just under $2000 USD and is much more accessible. A few key features make this projector attractive; however the picture quality is what ultimately drives sales of this machine. What makes this projector especially easy to use right out of the box is the ability to enable wired networking, allowing you to gain access to multiple computers and actually offer a split screen option. Split screen is great when you want to have a conversation to allow teachers and students to interact with one another.

The SP831 is quite bright with 4000 ANSI Lumens which is bright enough for most small venues with the lights turned on and larger venues with the lights slightly dim. The reason why it gets so bright is the 300W UHP projector lamp, which can be known as part number 5J.J1Y01.001 . It also has an alternative part number that is called the 5J.J2A01.001 . If used efficiently the projector lamp can last up to 3000 hours.

The contrast is not so great, but still is effective at 2000:1, and so you will still get some vivid colors, however your blacks will fade to grey over time, or at least appear that way. The resolution, while not HD, is pretty close at 1280x768p and can be compressed up to 1600x1200p. The native aspect ratio is 15:9, which can sometimes be a problem if you do want to watch most HD wide screen programs, as it will look like the screen is stretched or somewhat distorted.

Bonus features include a USB port, picture-in-picture, and Blackboard mode, which enables the projector to detect what kind surface the image is being projected onto. Therefore, if the colour of the surface is anything other than white, it will be able to adjust the colors to appear realistic rather than washed out.