BenQ AH500ST vs Optoma HZ40HDR
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Choosing between the BenQ AH500ST and Optoma HZ40HDR? Both compete in the Projector segment. Here’s how they compare across the specs that matter most for your home theater.
Pricing for both models is currently unavailable. Check the retailer links below for current deals.
Looking at overall performance dimensions: The Optoma HZ40HDR leads in value, gaming performance, form factor, room fit. They score similarly in video quality, ease of use.
The Optoma HZ40HDR holds an advantage across more performance dimensions, but the BenQ AH500ST may still be the better pick depending on which specs matter most to your setup. See the detailed comparison table below for the full breakdown.
For most home theaters, the Optoma HZ40HDR is the stronger choice — it leads in 4 of 6 scored dimensions. The BenQ AH500ST makes more sense if budget is the primary constraint.
Performance Overview
Scores based on specs and category benchmarks (0–100 scale)
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Native Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Technology | DLP | DLP |
| Throw Ratio Min | 0.499 | 1.48 |
| Throw Ratio Max | 0.499 | 1.62 |
| Lens Shift V | — | 16% |
| Lens Shift H | — | — |
| ANSI Lumens | 4000 | 4000 |
| CLO Lumens | — | — |
| Contrast Ratio | 3000000:1 | 300000:1 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| Input Lag | 16.7ms | 8.6ms |
| Lamp Life | 38000hrs | 30000hrs |
| Light Source | laser | laser |
| Lens Quality | — | — |
| Tone Mapping | — | — |
| Ultra Short Throw | Yes | No |
| Chip Size | — | 0.65" |
| Color Depth | 30bit | 10bit |
| Zoom Ratio | 1 | 1.1 |
| Zoom Type | fixed | manual |
| Focus Type | — | Manual |
| Noise (Normal) | 35dB | 34dB |
| Noise (Eco) | 32dB | 27dB |
| Power Draw | 250W | 139W |
| HDMI Inputs | 2 | 2 |
| HDMI Version | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| 3D Support | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker Power | 10W | 15W |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Streaming Apps | Yes | No |
| Lens Memory | No | No |
| 12V Trigger | No | No |
| Ethernet | Yes | No |
| Frame Interpolation | No | No |
| Native Aspect | — | 16:9 |
Key Differences
- Contrast Ratio: BenQ AH500ST at 3000000:1 vs Optoma HZ40HDR at 300000:1
- Throw Ratio Max: BenQ AH500ST at 0.499 vs Optoma HZ40HDR at 1.62
- Color Depth: BenQ AH500ST at 30bit vs Optoma HZ40HDR at 10bit
- Throw Ratio Min: BenQ AH500ST at 0.499 vs Optoma HZ40HDR at 1.48
- Input Lag: BenQ AH500ST at 16.7ms vs Optoma HZ40HDR at 8.6ms. Sub-20ms is excellent for gaming. Above 40ms feels sluggish. Only matters for interactive content — film and TV don't benefit from low input lag.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose BenQ AH500ST if you want:
- + better throw ratio min
- + better contrast ratio
- + better lamp life
Choose Optoma HZ40HDR if you want:
- + better input lag — sub-20ms is excellent for gaming
- + better noise (normal)
- + better noise (eco)
- + better power draw
Specifications sourced from manufacturer datasheets and verified against retailer listings. Prices updated hourly from authorized retailers. Scoring uses our open methodology — products are never ranked, promoted, or suppressed based on affiliate commission rates.
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