home entertainment – Techin' Geek

BenQ GV50 Evaluation: Highly Portable, with Certain Quality Trade-offs

August 5, 2026sparta

The projector can be vertically adjusted on its base to display images upward or downward on a wall or ceiling. For horizontal adjustments, the base’s two feet can be extended to slightly tilt the projector toward the ceiling. It is easily movable yet remains stable in any direction.

The projector features a single HDMI port for ARC 5.1 audio passthrough or for connecting devices like gaming consoles. Additionally, there are USB-A and USB-C ports available for drives or charging devices, along with a 3.5-mm port. It does not include an Ethernet port and operates on Wi-Fi 5, which isn’t as fast or compatible as newer versions such as Wi-Fi 6E or 7. I faced connection issues with my Google Nest mesh network where it was unable to connect.

The setup process was straightforward apart from a 45-minute system update, primarily involving the Google Home app to scan a QR code and install applications. The GV50’s auto-keystoning functioned effectively on my screen, wall, and ceiling, requiring minimal manual adjustments. The GV50 remote features a user-friendly layout from BenQ with a central Home button, a setup button, and shortcuts for Netflix, YouTube, and Prime.

The GV50 can operate on battery power and includes energy-saving settings, such as an automatic power-down after a specified time. While I primarily used it plugged into a wall outlet at home, the battery option adds portability for use in areas with limited outlets. It can run on battery power alone for several hours, although the brightness dims to conserve energy.

**Picture Quality and More**

The GV50 is not intended to be a cinematic powerhouse and did not excel in my standard Spears & Muncil benchmark tests. The skin tone evaluations were average for this midrange device, offering limited tonal variety. During demo reel evaluations, the 1080p resolution and lack of contrast and brightness became apparent; colors such as a red cactus and yellow flower appeared muted, and trees blended into the dark background. Butterflies looked dull and lifeless.

Streaming from my iPhone 17 Pro and iPad 12.9-inch revealed the GV50’s sluggish processing speeds. While Google Cast and Apple AirPlay worked, the playback was inconsistent. Trying to fast-forward often led to pauses or failures due to the limited 2 GB RAM and 1.5-GHz processor.

Xgimi Titan Noir Max Home Projector (2026): An Overview

July 16, 2026sparta

I delved into deep blacks by engaging DBLE and fine-tuning parameters such as noise reduction and sharpness. To evaluate, I selected my preferred sci-fi movie, The Creator, focusing on an early-morning sequence. TVs and projectors with inadequate contrast depict this scene as washed out, but the Titan Noir Max rendered the blacks and dark grays with richness, primarily due to the dynamic iris and DBLE.

Nonetheless, the Titan Noir Max did not shine in every scenario. Avatar: Fire and Ash appeared more realistic on the Epson ProCinema LS9000, which features a high-quality lens for enhanced focus. While the Titan Noir Max delivered brightness and color in a sunlit scene with whale-like beings, the LS9000 outperformed it in resolution and focus, presenting colors as vibrant as those of the Leica Cine Play 1.

Testing in a brightly lit environment, the Titan Noir Max was impressive during War Machine’s combat scenes on Netflix, especially outdoors. While watching Unbroken, colors stayed bright. However, the quality took a hit during dark sequences in Awake. Both Awake and Tron: Ares looked fantastic in low light but appeared washed out in daylight.

For gaming, I opted to further assess the dynamic iris with 007: First Light on Xbox. A late-game boat segment featuring colorful flowers was breathtaking at 120 inches on the display, with a maximum projection of 300 inches, though the projector’s 18-pound weight limited its portability. During a nighttime scene, the Titan Noir Max quickly adapted to varying light conditions. The iris sound, slightly perceptible if activated, may annoy some but is overwhelmed by gunfire or during an action-packed film like Hoppers.

Start Your Surround Sound Journey with $50 Discount on This Klipsch Soundbar

February 24, 2026sparta

If you’re tired of the audio from your TV speakers yet don’t want a complete subwoofer arrangement, there’s a solid choice available. The Klipsch Flexus Core 200 is currently discounted by $50 on Amazon, making it a fantastic entry point if you’re seeking a soundbar with options for future enhancements.

Although it has fewer channels compared to some leading choices and lacks side-firing drivers for surround sound, it still produces remarkable audio. With a width of 44 inches and 2.25-inch drivers, it provides clarity and nuanced sound, particularly with its strong bass. Our reviewer, Ryan Waniata, commended its sound quality.

The soundbar comes with built-in controls for essential features like adjusting the volume, but you can also utilize a mobile app for more precise adjustments. In addition to standard functions, it boasts a three-band equalizer and advanced settings for additional speakers. With eARC for TV connectivity, you may find you don’t need the remote or app frequently.

A key aspect of the Klipsch Flexus Core 200 is its ability to expand. The Klipsch Flexus Surr 100 bookshelf speakers and Klipsch Flexus Sub 100 connect wirelessly to the Core 200, providing versatility in speaker arrangement. If you prefer a specific subwoofer, there’s an RCA jack to link it, adding to the variety in this price category.

If you’re poised to enhance your sound system for movie evenings, you can claim a $50 discount on the Flexus Core 200. Alternatively, browse through our best soundbars guide for additional choices.