BENQ CP210 and CP220 Portable DLP Projectors Review

Both the BenQ CP220 and CP210 have a Texas Instruments DLP microdisplay with a native XGA (1024 x 768) resolution. They will support video input resolutions from 640 x 350 to 1280 x 1024.

Portability

A portable weight is essential for a projector that needs to travel with you and BenQ delivers with the CP220 weighing in at 4 lb (1.8kg) and the CP120 at 3.8 lb (1.3kg). With dimensions of 9.76 x 3.09x 7.85 inches (248 x 785 x 199 mm) for the CP220 and 8.6 x 6.8x 2.4 inches (218 x 172 x 61 mm)for the CP210 both are a reasonable carrying size.

Brightness

With a high brightness of 2200 ANSI lumens, the BenQ CP220 makes it possible to deliver a bright projected image even in well illuminated environments and larger size venues such as conference rooms. The CP120 has a brightness of 1500 ANSI lumens which allows it to tolerate some light but some care would need to be taken when selecting projection locations. However, projected image brightness is affected by a number of factors such as the screen image size and individual situations need to be considered before making a purchase.

Quick Set-up

Any features which reduce set-up time are a bonus on a portable projector. All presenters will be impressed with the CP220 and CP210’s real-time auto-keystone feature which automatically checks the projector’s tilt angle and corrects the projected image immediately. The automatic keystone correction is vertical only and based on a tilt sensor inside the projector. Although a set-up time saver digital keystone correction is prone to introducing unwanted artifacts into the projected image. A second feature capable of reducing set-up times is the nine quick set application modes such as “brightest”, “presentation” and “photo” providing instant optimized settings for brightness, color saturation, and contrast for various common projection/presentation scenarios.

Installation Flexibility

A projected image size range from 31″ CP220 / 27” CP210 to 300″ with a throw ratio of 54″@6.6 feet mean you would have to set up both projectors a reasonable distance from the screen for an effective image size.

Noise Level

At the 34/31 dB CP220 and 37/34 dB CP210 (normal / economic mode) noise levels quoted both the BenQ projectors are not whisper quiet and some background noise will be noticeable – particularly with the CP210.

Long Lamp Life

BenQ CP220 features a lamp life of 3,000/4,000 hours (normal/economic modes) providing a reasonably long time between bulb changes. Purchase of a spare lamp would need to be based on factors such as the length of time away from base.

Contrast Ratio

The quoted contrast ratio is 2000:1 however, the testing method was not stated. Full On/ Full Off tests deliver higher test results than the ANSI test. However, the figure is satisfyingly high and matches what would be expected of a projector which can be used in well illuminated environments.

Quick Shut Down

Quite often a presenter needs to pack up and leave quickly for another incoming group of to make the next appointment. In such situations waiting for a long projector cool down cycle can be a problem. BenQ have provided a solution with their “Off & Go” feature for the CP220. All a presenter needs to do is unplug the projector and it’s ready to go. To provide this functionality the CP220 has a built-in circuit system that allows the CP220’s cooling fan to continue operating even after it is unplugged. The CP210 has a reduced cooling cycle time of a third of conventional durations.

Sound

With 1 W speakers provided purchasers will need to consider some higher power portable external speakers.

Connections

BenQ advertise that the CP210 with a built-in 802.11 a/b/g wireless technology is the smallest wireless projector on the marked. BenQ provide “Wireless Wizard” software to simplify interfacing a PC/notebook and the projector.

Both the CP220 and CP210 have a suitable range of expected input and output connections with HDMI being one notable exception.

Useful Features

VGA pass-through – for where you might wish to have a second projector + screen
Sliding lens cover for dust protection;
An auto-off functions enables the projector to automatically shut down when no data source is detected for a predetermined time, saving power and preventing overheating of the projector;
A password protection function which prevents unauthorized use of the projector by requiring a correct password be entered before an input source is accepted;
High altitude mode which makes full use of the three cooling fans to ensure the lamp and DMD chip are adequately cooled at higher altitudes and high ambient temperature environments. Inadequate cooling is a costly problem being the most common cause of projection lamp failure.

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

CP220 DLP Proj XGA 2200ANSI

Replacement Lamp for CP220

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November 30, 2006