In the ever-evolving realm of home theater technology, BenQ’s latest offering, the HT4550i 4K HDR LED, has made quite a splash. Billed as a premium-level home theater projector for "AV content fanatics and movie aficionados," the HT4550i positions itself at the forefront of BenQ’s 2023 lineup, boasting impressive specs like 4K UHD resolution, a luminous 3,200 ANSI lumens brightness, and built-in Android TV. This upgraded successor to BenQ’s popular HT3550 model confidently holds its own in moderately lit rooms, thanks to its solid-state LED light source, but it truly shines in the dark, delivering beautifully accurate color and commendable black levels.

The HT4550i’s most compelling feature could be its adjustable picture settings, which allow users to fine-tune their viewing experience with remarkable ease. With the ability to turn even a modest basement into an awe-inspiring home theater, the HT4550i’s user-friendly setup and image-fitting features make it a flexible and versatile choice. However, its hefty price tag of $2,999 raises the question: is the HT4550i worth the investment, especially when compared to ultra-short throw or laser projectors in the same price range? Stay tuned as we delve deeper into this technological marvel.

BenQ’s New HT4550i 4K HDR LED Projector: A Premium Home Theater Experience

BenQ is not new to the world of projectors, but their latest offering for 2023, the HT4550i 4K HDR LED, is a game-changer. Aimed at "AV content fanatics and movie aficionados," this projector is the jewel in BenQ’s crown thanks to its 4K UHD resolution, whopping 3,200 ANSI lumens brightness, and built-in Android TV.

A Worthy Successor

The HT4550i is an upgrade from the popular HT3550, and it doesn’t disappoint. With a price tag of $2,999, it’s designed to perform well even in moderately lit rooms, thanks to its solid-state LED light source. However, it’s in the dark where the HT4550i truly shines. Its exclusive HDR-Pro technology, with HDR10+ support, and CinematicColor tech, which allows for 100% DCI-P3 color coverage, deliver remarkable black levels and incredibly accurate color that’s ready to go straight out of the box.

User-friendly Setup and Picture Settings

Setup can often be a daunting task with high-end projectors, but the HT4550i simplifies this process. It includes a quick-start guide with a helpful distance-to-screen chart, making the placement of the projector straightforward. It also comes with adjustable picture settings, allowing users to fine-tune their viewing experience with ease. Furthermore, the projector’s vertical/horizontal lens shifting and other image-fitting features make it easy to move around during setup.

Cutting-edge Brightness, Color, and HDR

The HT4550i employs BenQ’s 4LED light source, which delivers a bright 3,200 ANSI lumens, a remarkable feat for an LED projector in this price range. The projector uses BenQ’s new CinematicColor DCI-P3 tech to deliver enhanced color accuracy. When in HDR mode, the projector automatically adjusts and activates its new Wide Color Gamut (WCG) feature, which expands the color gamut from 100% Rec.709 color space to a full 100% DCI-P3.

Performance and Picture Modes

Despite all the technical specifications, the HT4550i’s picture quality is what truly steals the show. With its high clarity, color, and dynamic contrast, it offers a movie theater-like viewing experience, whether you’re watching SDR or HDR titles. The projector also offers a wide range of well-calibrated picture modes that look great straight out of the box. However, for those who wish to tweak the settings, the projector provides an extensive range of fine-tuning options.

Bottom Line

The BenQ HT4550i may seem intimidating due to its premium price tag, but it offers excellent value for money. This projector is capable of transforming any medium-sized room into an impressive 4K UHD big-screen home theater. It’s easy to setup, user-friendly, and offers outstanding brightness and color accuracy. With the HT4550i, BenQ has set a new standard in home theater projectors.

Takeaways

The BenQ HT4550i 4K HDR LED projector is a premium home theater solution that doesn’t disappoint. It offers excellent picture quality and a user-friendly setup process. With its outstanding brightness, color accuracy, and a range of adjustable settings, it’s a worthy investment for any AV content fanatic or movie aficionado. Whether you’re new to projectors or a seasoned user, the HT4550i is bound to impress.