BenQ X500i vs Epson Home Cinema 2350: 100 inches takes about 5–6 ft with BenQ and 9.6–15.7 with Epson

Check these before you buy

• Make sure what you are buying is the BenQ X500i with the included QS02, or the US Epson Home Cinema 2350 model V11HA73020 with its Android TV device. Look over the selected model, condition, seller and package. Nothing on this page claims a current price, stock level, seller or delivery.
• The example quoted uses a 100-inch diagonal and a 16:9 picture. From lens to screen, BenQ’s manual gives 1,528 to 1,837 mm, and Epson gives 115.7 to 187.8 inches. The approximate foot ranges shown come from dividing those table values by 304.8 mm per foot or 12 inches per foot. They are unit conversions of manufacturer tables. They are neither a measured installation nor a promise at the endpoints. A different diagonal or aspect ratio calls for the placement instructions of that model.
• The X500i has a published throw ratio of 0.69 to 0.83, and the Epson 2350 has 1.32 to 2.15. A throw ratio ties lens distance to image width, and says nothing about diagonal or the distance from chassis to wall. The more detailed manual tables used here take priority over the rounded ratio specifications. Set aside chassis depth, connector bends and ventilation separately.
• The X500i needs a level, horizontal surface and unobstructed airflow, with at least 50 cm between it and any wall. Keep it off soft material and leave the vents uncovered. In its 100-inch tabletop example, the bottom of the image lands about 31 mm above the lens centerline, and a ceiling installation flips that relationship to the top edge. Optical lens shift does not exist on this model. Use the proper mounting hardware, and verify the actual image before installing permanently.
• The Epson calls for sturdy, level support, horizontal centering and unblocked ventilation both around and underneath it. According to the top-view installation diagram on page 24, leave 30 cm in front, 10 cm behind, 20 cm on the left side of the diagram and 10 cm on its right. Go by the illustrated orientation, because 10 cm is not enough everywhere. Once cables and clearance are counted, the shelf needs more depth than the projector’s 10.9-inch body. For a high shelf or ceiling installation, the manual describes a safety wire that is available separately.
• On the Epson, lens shift is vertical only and reaches up to 60% of image height either way from the illustrated home position. Use the manual’s diagram to confirm screen and lens height. Start adjusting from below the intended image position and move upward, which helps the image stay put. For the clearest picture, the manual recommends the center dial position. Lens shift neither extends the throw range nor corrects sideways displacement.
• On the BenQ, QS02 goes into the dedicated internal HDMI connection, and the projector must be off and unplugged while you install it. Use external HDMI 1 for the console and external HDMI 2 for the soundbar’s ARC/eARC port. Set Audio Output to Audio Return+ and turn on eARC/ARC on the soundbar. Pick suitable cables and check the source and sound format you chose. The internal socket and an audio-return socket already in use are both unavailable as another console input.
• On the Epson, the Android TV device takes HDMI 2. An ARC-compatible soundbar goes on HDMI 1, with HDMI Link set to On and Audio Out Device set to AV System. Once both ports are occupied, a console requires cable changes, or a switch, receiver or alternative audio path that has been verified separately. Bluetooth on the streamer only carries Android TV audio, so you cannot assume it will send HDMI console sound to a Bluetooth speaker.
• A receiver or soundbar you already own narrows the gap in direct inputs only when it has the video inputs you need and a verified output path to the projector. Count the projector port that output uses, and keep the included streamer’s port in mind too. For every device and cable, check the exact resolution, refresh rate, HDR, copy protection, audio format and ARC behavior. Just because an ARC-only soundbar returns audio does not mean it gains a console input. Neither projector includes extra equipment, and this comparison does not endorse a particular switch or receiver.
• Before buying accessories for either projector, verify the exact input resolution and refresh rate, the cable capacity and the audio format. Neither offers 4K at 120 Hz. BenQ’s 1080p high-refresh modes are not 4K modes and are not promised for every console. BenQ’s low-latency setup keeps keystone at zero, aspect ratio on Auto and digital zoom at 100%. Epson recommends a progressive console signal, provides Fast Image Processing, and asks for an ultra-high-speed HDMI cable to use 4K Enhancement at 60 Hz. None of these instructions establishes a measured latency winner.
• With the QS02 fitted, BenQ gives an operating temperature limit of 0 to 35°C at sea level. Epson specifies 5 to 35°C up to 2,286 m, and 5 to 30°C from there to 3,048 m. Follow the altitude rules in each manual, including High Altitude Mode where required. Do not hide fan noise by using a cramped cabinet or blocking vents. Each streaming system needs its own network and app setup, and some services require subscriptions.