As the package quickly and neatly as shockproof came, I already experienced the first surprise: The projector comes across as high in spite of its price, at the same time it is very easy, so that even a ceiling mount with an optional bracket system will be possible without any problems. But with me it comes to test first on a small stepladder, as a projection surface is a white wall. Only a 1m long HDMI cable since I first at hand, and the first test may produce only a small picture. Before that however, is first commissioning. This is done with a few simple steps and self-explanatory - very good, but also necessary, because the printed Quick Guide is a joke, verbose is on CD.
Connected then the picture shines on the digital receiver for TV bright and well - class. However, due to the short cable to only small. So the true test must be carried out later, after my colleague has to be 10m HDMI cable borrowed.
This time is not only the digital TV Unitymedia, but also two DVDs (The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship (Special Extended Edition, 4 DVDs) and Lottie and Lisa - Charlie & Louise: The music for the film - ballad piano..) a BluRay (Dark Shadows [Blu-ray]) and a 3D BluRay (The Smurfs (2D / 3D Version) [Blu-ray 3D]) tested - at a distance of about 4m. The picture is correspondingly large and magnificent promises entertainment, following positive experience / assessment leaves for BenQ MS517 with me:
+ Easy to connect
+ Light weight
+ Relatively good picture of Digital TV
+ Relatively good picture with BluRay
+ Neat 3D effects in 3D BluRay
Tidy usable + even with white walls as a projection
I should be satisfied so actually, you might think. But is offset by following more critical aspects:
- Only "relatively good picture in digital TV" because native resolution of 800x600px only
- Only "erhältnismäßig good picture with BluRay and 3D BluRay"
- A total of only satisfying light output in larger projections
- Incomprehensible poor representation og DVD movies - high noise levels mean that I interrupt the movies and not to look
- Loud fan that sucks really, if you sit next to it
- Very small remote control with unlit keys to offer more room for only mini-print and barely legible
Want mitgucken expensive acquisition of additional 3D glasses required, although his wife and two children -
Something so helpless I am faced with the device and think you pros and cons ... this is a device that I will continue to use? Will I make it either in the closet, build as needed and two cables across the room tension (HDMI and power) to every now and then look for something not even convinced me, but major soccer events for example, very cool is ? Or I'm going for even two cables on room corners and the ceiling embarrassed clean in order then even the projector firmly to mount on the ceiling, where it always visible and - if used - is not particularly attractive as a room decoration?
In both, I did not really fancy: For temporary use, I already know I'll often be too lazy to get him in the fixed installation I fear the effort and the office / conference room-like design of my living room.
For both simply not the image quality, for both the fan is too loud.
A look at the BenQ website shows that the MS517 is out there as "Education" device, not as "entertainment" device. Therefore are also a few originals faded (eg. Lines), so that you can write for example on a board easier. At school would certainly also the volume or the low-resolution setting not so disturbing as in the living room. But why he has for a 3D mode? Should we buy more glasses here for up to 30 students? Hardly likely!
Conclusion: What is the projector so thought? I do not know and do not understand it, feel it, therefore, a bit like "neither fish nor fowl". Satisfactory performance with all these advantages and disadvantages - to a very interesting base price make it for me to a conditional purchase recommendation - everyone should adopt the pros and cons to weigh well.