BenQ HT5550 Review - Is It The Best Projector Under $3000?

A review of the BenQ HT5550 4K Projector. The HT5550 was designed to be used in a dedicated home theater and it might just be the best home theater projector under $3000. It takes everything that made the HT3550 great and made it better. I might not be the best gaming projector but it's fantastic for movies. This video also includes a comparison to the Epson 5050ub since they're so close in price.
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[@markellison24]

Hands down the best projector and theater reviews on YT. Thank you for your time, Chris.

[@dbleezyjonez]

Wondering if you've considered doing a full side by side comparison of the 3550 to 5550? Would be great to get an in depth review of the two different price levels.

[@scarabeo500gt]

I won one of these on eBay and it ended up to be a scam... After going through that I just ended up getting a Optoma uhd51alx and am happy enough! Thanks for the review...

[@ThujanK]

Great comparison to the epson 5050UB being in the same price range you've read my mind. I honestly expect low input lag and native 4k without the use of lenshift these days. The moment a projector can do that at the 3k price range, it will be a game changer.

[@garypranzo9334]

All projectors should come in black as an option

[@gmonnig]

I agree! My theater ceiling is a matte super dark blue. Any white projector will be an eyesore and any projector over 2200lumens is white..... ugh

[@garypranzo9334]

@@gmonnig I wonder how many people drop and xtra 1k on a 6050 Epson just because it is black.

[@ThujanK]

@@garypranzo9334 alot

[@Zoranurai13]

Unfortunately the contrast is pretty poor. Detail and colors are good though. Its like va and ips, with epsons being VA and dlp being ips

[@Wicked_He_Bad]

3D AND IT ALSO HAS VERTICAL STRETCH FOR 2.35.1 FOR A ANAMORPHIC LENS

[@2Drezik]

very nice analysis, was planning on HT5050 instead of HT3550, but i don't have enough room lenght for my big screen. I've send HT3550 back after a few months and i'm back on HT3050. I suggest Xiaomi ALPD3.0 next test :)

[@ramonbarajas2813]

Epson 5050 all the way!! Especially if you have a wide screen 😉

[@shopton]

Great review! I love my 5550. It perfect in my dedicated home theater room since I use an oled tv for gaming and picture quality is much sharper compared to the epson ub. Thing is a beast.

[@bryanp4827]

Hey Gambits, how do you find the black levels and contrast, and is the DI distracting during operation? Cheers

[@kimnach]

Nice review. I am currently in the process of redoing the basement and plan to update from my 73" Mitsubishi DLP TV to a projector. Space is limited so I want a 4k short throw (not UST) projector to get a 120" image for a roughly 7ft to 8ft throw. I plan to pay not much more thant $2k. Unfortunately, it seems that the xxxxxST line of projectors from Benq (and other manufacturers) are relegated to 1080p (unless I am willing to pay an exhorbitant price). The current 4k projectors I have found would limit me to "only" 90"-100" image size from 8ft or require a >10ft throw for 120". Yes, there is the Viewsonic X1--4k, but no thanks. I guess I have to wait.

[@Subacabra]

Great review! Still enjoying my HT3550, even for gaming it's great despite the lag I can still rock some Warzone!

[@theunbreakable6352]

I got the same one and Input lag is fine for me. It's at around 50 for gaming, which is not really noticeable. Iam not a competitive gamer so it might be different for me.

[@martindew5038]

You can of course manually zoom out for scope which isn't really a hassle, particularly if the HT5550 is on a shelf. I agree though, Chris, this is a fantastic projector with beautiful colors and detail. It looks particularly good on big budget action and comic book movies.

[@themails7]

Hey thanks for all these tests Chris ! Hope you ll be able to test the new optoma cinemax p2 (update to p1 version you already tested)

[@ChrisMajestic]

I just received it in the mail today

[@themails7]

So cool !! Cant wait to have your review about it !

[@MrWgk]

How was the 3D ?

[@vagomaniac]

Here is my approach... I got the 3550 half a year ago and got to see the 5550 in action a month ago. The colour is better but not that much. Black levels and contrast seem to be the same, BAD. The image is not that sharp, its almost also bad if compared with OPTOMA uhd51 f.e.Operational noise is ok ish and not high pitched. That horizontal lens shift would have saved me a few holes in the ceiling so 5550 is easier to install. The good thing is that they are calibrated from factory so, huge benefit for gamma and decent colour reproduction. So... none of those projectors is good for a dedicated home theater room, and EPSON is a much better choice. A dedicated room screams for a motorized lens shift, low ire contrast and BLACK LEVELS people. There is no point for a 4k projector with good colour if it candisplay information in only SOME scenes with resolution and good colour. Most movies have dark scenes that 3550 and 5550 cannot display correctly especially in a dark room like mine. So I try to enjoy the cinematic image my projector produces, some times... and took a good last bite at the fact that: the 4k projector worth having if one is into dedicated home theater, costs from 5000 and above (sony or jvc). Just like things were 6 years ago, nothing changed

[@jonnyelpoiss7]

Hey Cris, could you give us your thought about the epson Home Cinema 3800? Thank you

[@KOrnhOliO1]

YES!

[@stevewang]

yes too

[@Chunkhead]

I'm probably buying this projector. I'm DEFINITELY buying that shirt!

[@cyrusdegreat1]

Waiting to pull the trigger between this and the epsom 5050UB. Wouldn’t do much gaming. Dedicated home feather. Which one would you get?

[@pilinke11]

I found more benefits on epson compared to benq!!!

[@cmdoggy24]

I was convinced to get an Epson 5050 next week but the comment about BenQ being a lot sharper, gave me pause. I have 150 inch screen with an old BenQ projector and my biggest concern right now is the blurriness at that size. Set me straight, Chris!

[@ChrisMajestic]

I'm at 135 inches and even though the Epson isn't as sharp I still prefer it because of the brightness, black levels, and input lag since I game on it sometimes. The sharpness is definitely noticeable but the other features are more important to me. It is a tough decision though.

[@bryanp4827]

Thanks so much for doing this review Chris, i trust your opinions on your projectors more than most! Is it better than an Optoma UHD 50 in a side bt side comparison? Cheers Bryan

[@ChrisMajestic]

I would say this definitely looks better than the uhd50.

[@bryanp4827]

@@ChrisMajestic Thanks Chris 👍

[@Analyzer52]

What do you recommend for watching football on a Sunday afternoon without having to be completely in the dark? Basement but has a sliding glass door with curtains. Also would be used for next gen gaming.

[@garypranzo9334]

Motorized zoom, focus and H/V shift are 100% essential for a cinemascope setup. I have an Epson 4040 and at normal viewing distance for me (9ft - 104" 16:9 and 9ft - 128" 2.35:1 ) it looks amazing. I would call Epson's shift more like 3K then 4K, Better then 1080p but not as sharp as True or Native 4K. Again at 9ft away it looks as sharp as my friends 4K native Sony. Only when pixel peeping up close can I see the difference in most content. The 5050 or 6050 just improves on what I just described, Super blacks and now that the 5050/6050 has fixed the one limitation with the Epson's (No HDR 60 for games) It has become one of the top gaming projectors IMHO.

[@desiman0786]

Great video as ever been missing seeing you on the screen.. Thanks for the video. I love Benq 👌

[@marv730]

This projector is definitely inspired by the older Mitsubishi HD1000 / HC1500 . That's what I have now , the dark color and centered glass lens is the selling point for me as a replacement.

[@chrisp.5272]

Ouch, 90ms+ input lag… I’ll keep using my BenQ TK800M and my Xbox SX. Just gotta settle with 82” with my smaller room. Miss the 92” setup I had.

[@rocked30]

Excellent review, keep up the good work.👍

[@DjVuyoUmlungu]

I like your Speaker and headphones choice. I don't know what Interface you use bu when it come to sound output the best will be an Audient iD14. It will be as good as any other interface up to 700$

[@shaunharrison9618]

Can you do a video with some suggestions for an outdoor projector? Looking at the optoma hz39hdr. Going to set it on a coffee table with a screen about 8 feet away by my pool

[@3ormore887]

haha, love that shirt!

[@porkchoppoo]

Love that taco thumbnail!!!

[@percybedford6266]

I am thinking of upgrading my JVC X35 to the JVC X790 or the JVC X5. Of the 2 I am considering which one do you suggest? Thanks again for your help.

[@project-5724]

Can you share what some of the settings you have and what you watched your content with? I watch all movies through apple 4k tv. Your picture seemed a little brighter than mine. i've had this projector for over a year now - bought it when it was first released. I do have an issue with the projector once in awhile, where I get complete white balance wash out, have to unplug my HDMI cables from my Anthem receiver and power plug, and hold power button in for 30 seconds, then connect them again. I always have to turn receiver on first, then projector. This happens about every 10 to 15 times I turn everything on.

[@GrimCellar]

Comprehensive review, Chris.

[@puttyputty123]

Great review! Are you doing Samsung LSP9T and/or LSP7T as well this year? They look very interesting.

[@ChrisMajestic]

I'm still waiting on it to arrive.

[@Brian-es9ey]

Why do I see a single vertical rainbow stripe running through all of the images (slightly left of center)? Is this the “rainbow effect”?

[@ChrisMajestic]

Its a reflection off the screen since I was using an alr screen meant for UST projectors. Its also because of the angle of the projector. I didn't get a chance to swap out the screen before testing this projector.

[@KOrnhOliO1]

@@ChrisMajestic But, I think it also has to do with the fact that this projector is a DLP.

[@ChrisMajestic]

No. Its definitely the screen. It wasn't built for what I was doing. Its meant to reflect light from directly below it, not in front of it.

[@gmonnig]

As always, great review Chris! Love the shirt too. I’ve watched your TK850 review a dozen times and think that might be the projector for me but still enjoyed the HT5550. I’m having a hard time deciding on a receiver though. Any recommendations for a 9.2 receiver? Probably running a couple power amps for the L-C-R and then the rest of the speakers will be powered by the receiver. I’m running a 5.2.4 setup

[@TheChefComic]

Me too lol I got a great deal on the BenQ so I end up going with it. Which projector did you end up going with?

[@gmonnig]

@@TheChefComic I haven’t purchased one yet as my 2yr theater build is just wrapping up. I was waiting till the absolute last minute to buy the equipment. I’m between the TK850 and UDH51ALV. They both meet my requirements of short throw to fit neatly behind a soffit in the ceiling and 135” acoustic transparent screen. How do you like the TK850?

[@TheChefComic]

@@gmonnig I haven't set it up yet heck I just got it so I haven't even unboxed it yet. I might do an unboxing video if you like.

[@eighties8]

Hi Chris, since we both have UHD60s in our home theaters, what are you thoughts on replacing your Optoma with this BenQ? How does the apparent sharpness compare? How about HDMI handshake speed when using Match Content/Range from Apple TV 4K? I have to have a sharp 4K image I'm used to with the Optoma UHD60 and I'm trying to decide between upgrading to a UHD65 or this BenQ

[@eighties8]

Hi Chris, coming back to this now as my UHD60 has a stuck pixel and I'm considering the BenQ as a possible replacement. Can you comment on above question?

[@danielwerjefelt]

Amazing review as Always Chris! I’m right now looking to upgrade from my TW9200(ub5030). My budget is 1500-2300 Euros. I found the UhZ65 and 5040 in that price range. I want more resolution and game some. Will the 5040 be enough of a bump I resolution(I like my Epson) or will I need to for for UHZ65 for that? Had the 5700 as a consideration as well but I think I need more lumens.

[@ChrisMajestic]

The uhz65 has high input lag which isn't great for gaming. The 5040ub can't do 4k @ 60fps which also isn't great for gaming. The 5050 is the best of both worlds. You could go for the 4010 if the cost of the 5050ub is too high. The big downside to that is black levels though.

[@KOrnhOliO1]

@@ChrisMajestic Plus, the 4010 doesn't do 18gbps and no HLG HDR for the future. I think Epson will replace that model pretty soon...it's already been out for about 2 years. I'll bet a new model comes at Jan 2021 CES... I'd wait until Black Friday and see what you can snag the 5050ub for...that's what I'm waiting for, and it's 6 weeks away as of yesterday! lol ;) I scored on the parts for my PC build last Black Friday...$aved a ton! I was actually very $urpri$ed!

[@danielwerjefelt]

@@ChrisMajestic Thanks Chris for taking the time to answer. Greatly appreciated! Big thanks from Sweden!

[@rushmore3927]

Rainbow. My family is sensitive to them. Waiting for another Epson, or for an LG 810 to go on sale. Still using my rainbow free 2045.

[@1luiszepol]

Great video it helped me a lot and my decision. Thank you.

[@chrisgraunke9269]

How does this handle action movies such as DC, MCU, transformers, ect?

[@jasonpbaxter]

Does it not have HDMI CEC control? need to be able to control a receiver in another room/closet and DVD player. I want to just use an Apple TV for all media/TV besides the occasional DVD/Bluray.

[@geoffreypleavin5268]

Hi I currently have an Epson 3500 projector that is having issues with a blue tint in the bottom right corner. It’s ceiling mounted at approx 14/15 ft in a dedicated home theatre room with some ambient light. If I have to upgrade upon failure what would you recommend I replace it with If I wanted to go to a laser projector or another lamp projector? Geoff

[@andrewattenboroughtwothumb4697]

great review as always Chris and one of the best

[@jesusrios9024]

Hi chris can you do a review on the Epson-EF-100 Mini Laser Projector 👍

[@markdemariassy8685]

Thanks for the review. Would love to get this but the throw may be too long for my room, which is only 3 meters long. I don't need a massive picture, 92 inches would be fine, but even then I think I wouldn't be able to get the projector back far enough.😱😭 I've seen other reviews say that a downside to the 5550 is that it isn't very bright. Obviously in the specs it's 200 ANSI lumens less, but in real world is it noticeable compared to the 3550? What did you find? Sometimes the calibrated brightness of projectors is the opposite to what their specs would suggest, so just wondering if that's the case here?

[@ChrisMajestic]

Its not that much different from the ht3550 in brightness. Its made for a dedicated home theater so 1800 lumens is plenty of brightness. There are higher end projectors with even less lumens. I personally don't usually like the professionally calibrated settings. The picture is usually too dim for my liking. The ht5550 in vivid mode looked great even though its not as color accurate as cinema mode.

[@markdemariassy8685]

@@ChrisMajestic thanks for the advice. Looks like I'll have to go for the 3550 because of the throw on the 5550 being just too long for my small room. One question I have though, for your desired screen size, is it best to get as close to the screen as possible, or as far away as possible? I would have thought close would be best as (I assume) it ensures the brightest image. I've also heard opinions expressed that say using zoom on a projector means you lose pixels in the image. Is that right?

[@djs9281]

Enjoy your reviews however in this video I consistently saw a rainbow vertically down the center of the screen. Take care

[@advancedfaces]

Can you help me, need a 4K project for golf simulator that is ceiling mounted at 13ft from screen that is 144inches wide and 110 inches tall. Any ideas?

[@daniell3467]

Do you know if benq will be making a ht4550 model ?

[@PhallacEye]

I can't find these in Australia anywhere :(

[@williamweisenburg5919]

What's the throw distance?

[@ZackCrain]

How about this vs the new w4000i?

[@dodgemanrt03]

Looks like they took some of the design and naming of the Epson 5050UB

[@xogunclubinc5662]

Can this projector produce a 2.33 image?

[@rohankapoor9981]

How it stands agianst tk800m or 850?

[@lucasp6798]

Can it have soap opera effect? If yes is it possible to turn it off?

[@jorgevargas5172]

I like that shirt you're wearing 🤣

[@4horsemenoftheapocalypse58]

So when are projectors getting HDMI 2.1?

[@ChrisMajestic]

When they start supporting 8k or 4k @ 120hz. Otherwise it's not necessary.

[@budala1969]

@@ChrisMajestic What about VRR?

[@ChrisMajestic]

VRR is useless with only 60hz.

[@puttyputty123]

Hi Chris! Love your channel! Q question: What if a game dips down to like 40 fps, and have a lot of variable framerate, won't VRR benefit it greatly?

[@ChrisMajestic]

If you're pc gaming on a projector then yes, but with console gaming this isn't as useful considering the games/consoles are optimized to keep a constant framework.

[@stevelaminack1516]

I guess I do not understand pixel shift. If it has a native 3840X2160 display chip why does it need pixel shift. Also what were the movies at 3:07, 4:32 and 4:41 if not the same movie?

[@markdemariassy8685]

There is much confusion around this point because some projector manufacturers (I'm looking at you Epson) don't make it clear that their projectors don't display a 4k image and so people think that you can't get a true 4k image unless you use a native 4k lense/projector, which is not the case. Seeing a 4k image means that there are over 8 million pixels on the screen. You can get a 4 k image 2 ways; 1) using a native 4k lense, in which case no pixel shifting is involved, and 2) doing what Ben q does, which is pixel shifting a full hd lense 4 times. Both are 4k because both display the full number of pixels, but 1) is called 'native 4k' and 2) tends to be called 'true 4k'. Both are 4k though. I don't know about the Epson 6050UB, but certainly for the 5050UB down, Epson call 'pro uhd' or 4k enhancement, but actually they shift a full hd lense only 2 times and so, as Chris says in the review, it's about half the resolution , i.e. half the number of pixels, of what 4k should actually be.

[@ChrisMajestic]

There is native projector resolution and native chip resolution (pre-pixel-shifting). The end result on the screen is what determines the native resolution of the projector. The ht5550 has a native chip resolution of 1080p and after pixel shifting it has a native 4k resolution. The Epson has a native 2k resolution.

[@stevelaminack1516]

@@markdemariassy8685 Yeah, it's such deceptive BS. Either the chip has 3840X2160 pixels and is native 4k or it doesn't. If you have to fake or manipulate to get 4k then it's not native PLAN AND SIMPLE. They need to look up the definition of native. It's nothing more than the industry trying to confuse you so you think you are buying something you are not getting.

[@KOrnhOliO1]

@@ChrisMajestic Although most people, when watching both displaying the same image at the same time, can't see a difference! Me, I can't do the rainbow effect! Ugh! :(

[@stevelaminack1516]

@@ChrisMajestic What about the movies :-)

[@rathish2rock]

Why ur not comparing it with Epson 6050ub. 5050 is their older version.also pls do a review on epon 6050

[@ChrisMajestic]

No. The 6050ub is a step up from the 5050ub. Its not its predecessor. And it retails for $4000. I used the 5050ub for comparison because they're priced nearly the same.

[@JackLe1127]

I want that shirt

[@Ferrarilover458]

This over 285es ?

[@TheChefComic]

I love your shirt LOL

[@JunkerDC]

I hate how no mater what u buy its never hi-end I just got a 3550 and that was too much money for me now this one is still not high end gosh someone should make a hi-end projector for $1000

[@petez4608]

Why is this level of projector always so much lower in lumens? I have a pretty bright room, but don’t really plan on watching much during the day. Regardless, need more lumens.

[@ChrisMajestic]

Lower lumen projectors have better color accuracy. The brighter the projector, the more color you sacrifice.

[@petez4608]

@@ChrisMajestic great to know! Thanks I’m new to projectors. Excellent channel.

[@dvvaughn564]

what is that line down the middle of the images? looks like a rainbow

[@ChrisMajestic]

Its the type of screen I was using and the angle of the projector. I didn't have time to swap out the screen before shooting the video. Its meant for an UST projector.

[@dvvaughn564]

@@ChrisMajestic ok got it thanks, i was like ummmmmm wth is that lol....

[@ScottAcy]

Why do they still make home projectors that aren't high lumen and short or ultra short throw?

[@ChrisMajestic]

High lumens usually equates to lower color accuracy. And ultra short throws come with their own set of issues.

[@ScottAcy]

@@ChrisMajestic 2400 lumens with a short throw is pretty great. Long throw units are only good for dedicated theatre rooms. That eliminates the vast majority of consumers. But it is what it is. What issues are you finding with the ultra short throw units? I haven't heard of any drawbacks except screen size limitation.

[@ChrisMajestic]

Difficult to get sharpness perfect across the entire screen. Along with the other potential hurdles mentioned in the video.

[@ScottAcy]

@@ChrisMajestic literally just ordered the Optoma GT1090 short throw laser 1080p 120hz unit. Have been waiting for a Ben Q 4k with short throw for a while but nada. My 1st unit was Optima and it crapped out after 3 years. Hope this one lasts the 20,000 hours the laser is rated at. Thanks for all your reviews btw. Nice work.

[@nickdial8528]

Does this suffer from rainbow 🌈 effect? I'm sending my tk-850 back because I can't handle the rainbow effect. It gives me a headache and my eyes feel strained.

[@lakers1436]

Best ultra short throw under $3K?

[@ChrisMajestic]

Vava

[@abdullahhagawi1716]

What's the difference between lumens and ansi lumens ? I have an optoma projector with 3000 lumens and planning to get 50x for my ps5 🎮 😁

[@ChrisMajestic]

Ansi lumens is a standardized measurement. This is why you see projectors on amazon making crazy claims like 7000 lumens. They're not talking about ansi lumens.

[@ChrisMajestic]

High lumen projectors like the uhd50x are bright but the colors don't look as good as they do on these type of projectors.

[@abdullahhagawi1716]

@@ChrisMajestic thanks alot for your response and the top reviews . now I will search for the best alternatives to the uhd50x to find the best projectors for gaming

[@KOrnhOliO1]

It's kinda like watts per channel on amps! Totally distorted and made up specs unless it's RMS watts....same thing!

[@timdlr]

@@ChrisMajestic I’m also on an optima uhd-51a and have been eyeing the Benq’s for their color accuracy. Thanks for this review, answered a lot of questions I had about this model!

[@revosol]

So is it?

[@ChrisMajestic]

I have more testing to do with other projectors but so far I think its thr best under 3000 for a dedicated home theater that doesn't do much gaming.

[@terminator2394]

I like very much your analysis, very deep and profesional. Maybe my only objection is your too fast speech for a no native, such is my case.

[@randyb59]

These projectors are outrageously overpriced. But great work sir

[@tlcall9645]

An i the only one seeing rainbow effect on this video?

[@pooanddoo]

Man... For that price only 1800 lumens?

[@rafeekibrahim3309]

👌👍

[@did3d523]

color skin is too warm

[@flowerchild496]

This projector gets the job done pretty well. kzbin.infoUgkxS9P8zTOcmQg-hH0QeUi3dspOLyYgQ6dH Bear in mind it's a mini projector but all things considered the picture quality is pretty good. The attached photo is of the projector projecting onto my white closet doors. I still have not messed with the settings but I can't wait for our first family movie night on a larger scale. If you have issues with volume not working with your firestick, go into volume settings and you will find your solution there.