In an absolutely “why didn’t I think of that?” moment, BenQ hit upon a most logical rationale for some of their latest products – the 16:9 aspect ratio for LCD monitors. True, there is nothing new in this aspect ratio, but recent LCD releases have mostly been of the 16:10 variety, which by itself is not at all something to comment about, except for the fact that most DVD releases are released in the standard, traditional widescreen aspect ratio of 16:9, not 16:10.

                                            Just a select few of BenQ's products.

Last November 6, BenQ hosted a swank gathering at the M Café near the Ayala Museum to present their new 16:9 LCDs along with a select number of other BenQ products, namely projectors. Of particular note is the MP 512ST Short Throw projector, which was actually used during the event for the presentations, underlying its ability in a way that can’t be done with simply displaying the product on a pedestal. The G900 and E900HD, one of which we previewed a few days earlier, were both present to wow the crowds with their very sleek form factors, primarily due to their seemingly “wider” widescreen format. This is of course due to the 16:9 aspect ratio, making for a flatter, cleaner look compared to the standard 16:10.

                                             BenQ's E2400HD retains the shapely silvery accent of its smaller brothers.

That single-digit difference hides a deeper meaning for BenQ, as the company did not only take DVD aspect ratios into consideration when building their new LCDs, in fact, the resulting DVD compatibility is probably just a by product. A deeper significance for the 16:9 aspect ratio lies in its power efficiency – the small size difference (small screen, less power consumed), combined with a comprehensive energy-saving, low emission policy during its design and production gives BenQ a product that is one of the most energy-responsible among its ilk. Specifically, BenQ’s new LCDs are designed to use only 2 lamps to the usual 4 lamps found on most other LCDs, while still retaining the same nominal 300-nit brightness and high contrast ratio (10000:1 with dynamic contrast ratio being used).

                                             From left to right, the G900HD, E900HD, and the E2200HD.

The “by-product” of DVD compatibility is actually a smart design choice – as there is no need for pixel stretching or cropping, also avoiding the resulting blurry picture due to non pixel-to-pixel reproduction, which a 16:9 panel provides. Also avoided is the (by now) familiar horizontal black bars on the top and bottom of the screen when a 16:10 panel retains the pixel-by-pixel reproduction – with BenQ’s 16:9 LCD panels, there is no need for these unsightly bars. This was demonstrated perfectly during the event with sample clips and presentations showing on the screens. The 16:9 aspect ratio is also quite fetching to the eyes, as this reviewer had already mentioned earlier. The 16:9 aspect ratio looks incredibly sleek, without any of the expected “squatness” or squashed look – width and height seems to be in perfect proportion.

                                            Mr. Eric Wei, Regional Sales Manager from BenQ's Market Development Dept., briefing us on BenQ's business interests.

Other than the two 19” (18.5” actual) LCDs, BenQ also introduced 24 and 22” models, namely the E2400HD and the E2200HD, both in the 16:9 aspect ration, with some additional features like 1920 x 1080 resolution (yes, even the 22” model has a native resolution of 1920 x 1080) and additional connectors like Audio-in and headphone jacks. All of the LCD monitors had a certain flair to them absent in other lower-cost competitors, adding to the sleek appeal of the 16:9 aspect ratio.

                                            The indispensable sales chart also made an appearance.

                                             Mr. Wei also presented all the awards BenQ has received over the years.

BenQ also took the opportunity to introduce the local distributor Astech Pengson, who has been working with BenQ for years with their projectors, also introducing one of the newest products being carried by them – the BenQ MP512ST. This short throw projector had been innocuously sitting in front of the audience from the start, standing roughly 3 feet away from the screen and projecting a bright and big screen, something that seemingly was not noticed by most of the other attendees. In fact, it seems as if BenQ deliberately chose to put up the projector in a smaller area to demonstrate its effectiveness and the intrinsic benefits of a short throw projector, further emphasizing its capability by having the presentation not in a darkened room but in a well-lighted, second floor balcony of the M Café. Color me convinced – the BenQ MP512ST is definitely on our shortlist of “want-to-test” items.

                                           The MP512ST short-throw projector being used during the presentation.

There was no smarty launch-event name for BenQ on that day, but if I had to give a title for the day, it would have been “Stronger, Better, Shorter, Smaller”, never mind the cheesiness of it. BenQ isn’t exactly a name that rings the majority of consumers’ bells, but it seems that the company is intent on changing this with new products and a unique take on product design. With the help of their local distributor, BenQ intends to keep adding product lines to the local line-up, LCDs just being the latest addition in a potentially full-blown expansion into the Philippine market. The event showed proof of BenQ’s insistence on improvement and diversity, even if slowly and steadily; even if it’s just a single-digit difference or a few feet shorter throw-distance. We look forward to receiving more products for review from BenQ in the near future – watch this space for more updates!

                                           Parting shot.