In Brief
The ViewSonic PX701-4K is pitched as a budget-friendly 4K projector that’s bright, gaming-ready, and built to last. Let’s cut through the hype and see what it’s really about.
First off, the image quality is pretty sharp for movies and games, thanks to clever pixel-shifting tech that gets you close to 4K resolution. But hold your horses—it’s not true 4K, just a savvy workaround. Brightness? The marketing makes bold claims, but real-world tests show it shines best in a dark room. If you’ve got lights on or daylight creeping in, the picture starts to look washed out. Contrast is another area where expectations need tempering—don’t expect inky blacks like you’d get from a high-end TV; it’s decent but far from stellar.
For gamers, the response time is a highlight, especially in high-speed 1080p mode, making it great for fast-paced action. But at 4K, it slows down a bit—still solid for gaming, just not the lightning-fast miracle some ads might suggest. The built-in speaker? Honestly, it’s underwhelming. You’ll want external speakers for any serious viewing. And smart features? Forget about them. If you’re hoping to stream Netflix or YouTube straight from the projector, you’ll need to plug in a separate device.
In short, the PX701-4K is a respectable choice if you’re after an affordable projector for a dark room and aren’t too picky. But if you’re expecting a game-changer that blows the competition away, dial back those hopes. It gets the job done, but it’s more of a reliable workhorse than a showstopper.
Key Features
When shopping for a projector, you don’t just care about specs on paper—you want something that actually works for your needs, whether it’s movie nights, gaming sessions, or presentations. So, let’s skip the flashy marketing and dive into what really matters with the ViewSonic PX701-4K: image quality, brightness, gaming performance, ease of setup, and whether it’s worth your money. No sugarcoating here—just the truth, backed by tested data and real user insights.
Image Quality: Sharp Enough, But Don’t Expect Perfection
Wondering, “Is this really 4K?” Well, sort of. The PX701-4K uses pixel-shifting tech to mimic 4K resolution from a 1080p DLP chip. In practice, the image is noticeably sharper than 1080p—good enough for movies or games—but don’t expect it to rival true 4K projectors like the Sony VPL-VW325ES, which costs several times more. For most users, the clarity hits the mark: landscapes pop, and small text is readable, but it won’t blow your mind.
What about colors? Out of the box, they’re off—either washed out or overly vibrant in the wrong spots. RTINGS.com measured a Color dE of 12.11 pre-calibration, which is pretty rough. After tweaking, it drops to 9.24—better, but still not ideal for color purists. If you’re just watching for fun, it’s passable. Don’t expect cinema-level accuracy, though—not at this price.
Contrast is where the budget roots show. ViewSonic boasts a 12,000:1 ratio, but that’s a “dynamic” figure boosted by software tricks. In reality, RTINGS.com found native contrast ranging from 164:1 to 741:1, depending on the scene. Blacks look more like dark gray, especially in brighter settings. It’s fine in a pitch-black room, but don’t count on deep, inky shadows like you’d get from pricier models.
Bottom Line: The image is sharp and bright enough for casual use, but colors and contrast won’t wow you. If you’re picky, look elsewhere—or be ready to tinker.
Brightness: Great in the Dark, Fades in Light
Brightness can make or break a projector—too dim, and it’s like watching ghosts; too bright, and you’re wasting power. ViewSonic claims the PX701-4K hits 3200 ANSI lumens, which sounds impressive. But what’s the real story? Projector Central measured 2582 lumens in Brightest mode and just 1661 in Movie mode—19-50% less than advertised, depending on your settings.
What does this mean? In a dark room, it’s plenty bright—colors pop, details stand out. But turn on a light or watch during the day, and you’re in trouble. The image gets pale fast, even with moderate ambient light. Compared to the Optoma UHD30, which hits closer to 2700 lumens in real tests, the PX701-4K falls behind in lit environments.
Bottom Line: This is a dark-room projector. If you can’t control the lighting, skip it.
Gaming Performance: Fast, But Not Flawless
Gamers, listen up. The PX701-4K brags about a 4.2ms input lag at 1080p 240Hz—super quick, perfect for twitchy shooters or racing games. At 4K/60Hz, it’s 16.9ms, still smooth for most titles. Projector Central backs these numbers, so you can trust them.
Here’s the catch: that 4.2ms is only at 1080p. Buying a 4K projector to game at 1080p feels like a waste, right? At 4K, 16.9ms is solid—faster than many TVs—but not the holy grail for pro gamers chasing every millisecond. Plus, there’s no HDMI 2.1, so you’re stuck at 4K/60Hz. If you want 4K/120Hz for next-gen consoles, you’re out of luck.
Still, for the price, it’s tough to beat. Compared to the BenQ HT3550, which lags at 50ms, the PX701-4K is a gamer’s dream on a budget.
Bottom Line: Fast enough for most players, but hardcore speed chasers or 4K/120Hz fans will need to spend more.
Ease of Setup: Simple, But Not Magic
Nobody wants to spend hours fiddling just to watch a movie. The PX701-4K offers auto vertical keystone and four-corner correction, making setup less of a headache. In theory, you plop it down, and it squares the image for you. In practice? Most users on Best Buy say it’s quick, even if the projector’s off-angle.
But there’s a trade-off. This is digital correction, not optical. Overdo it, and the edges get blurry. Projector Central warns that heavy keystone use softens the image. For best results, position the projector as straight as possible and rely on corrections sparingly.
The menu is straightforward, and the remote is no-frills but functional. No backlit buttons or fancy touch controls—just basic, budget-friendly usability.
Bottom Line: Setup is faster than many rivals, but too much tweaking hurts image quality.
Value for Money: Affordable and Worth It
At $899.99, the PX701-4K is one of the cheapest 4K projectors you’ll find. You get sharp visuals, decent brightness, and solid gaming performance. Compared to true 4K models starting at $2000, it’s a steal. But cheap comes with compromises.
There are no smart features—no apps, no WiFi, no Bluetooth. Want to stream? You’ll need a separate device. The built-in speaker is weak, so budget for external audio. The lamp lasts up to 20,000 hours in SuperEco mode, but replacements run $150-$200—something to consider down the line.
Even so, for casual users or budget gamers, it’s hard to find better. Projector Central dubs it a “high-value 4K projector” under $1000. Just don’t expect all the bells and whistles.
Bottom Line: No frills, but you get solid performance for the price. Want more convenience? Save up.
Bonus: Lamp Life and Maintenance
One thing often overlooked is lamp longevity. The PX701-4K’s bulb lasts up to 20,000 hours in SuperEco mode—years for the average user. Compared to LED projectors with 30,000 hours but higher upfront costs, this is a win for budget buyers. Plus, ViewSonic’s 3-year warranty adds peace of mind.
Bottom Line: Low maintenance costs make it a practical long-term choice.
Pros & Cons
Pros
1. Affordable 4K Experience
- What’s the Deal? Priced at $899.99, this projector is one of the cheapest tickets to 4K projection. It uses pixel-shifting tech to simulate 4K resolution, not true native 4K, but it still beats 1080p in sharpness.
- Reality Check: For casual movie nights or big-screen gaming, it’s a steal. Don’t expect the pristine detail of a $2,000+ native 4K projector—there’s a slight softness—but for the price, it’s a solid jump up.
2. Solid Gaming Performance
- What’s the Deal? It boasts a 4.2ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz and 16.9ms at 4K/60Hz, making it a budget gamer’s ally.
- Reality Check: Fast enough for casual play and even some competitive titles at 1080p. No 4K/120Hz support, though, so next-gen console fanatics might scoff. Still, at this price, it’s tough to complain.
3. Decent Brightness for Dark Rooms
- What’s the Deal? Tested at 2582 lumens in Brightest mode, it’s got enough punch for controlled lighting.
- Reality Check: In a dark room, colors pop and details shine. Step into daylight or flip on a lamp, and it’s game over—washed-out images galore. You’ll need blackout curtains to make it work.
4. Long Lamp Life
- What’s the Deal? Up to 20,000 hours in SuperEco mode means you won’t be swapping bulbs often.
- Reality Check: That’s years of use before shelling out $150-$200 for a replacement. Compared to pricier LED projectors, it’s a practical win for long-term value—just don’t expect LED-level longevity.
5. Easy Setup with Auto Keystone
- What’s the Deal? Auto vertical keystone and four-corner correction simplify setup.
- Reality Check: It’s a lifesaver for non-techies, but overcorrecting blurs the edges. Get the angle right from the start, and you’ll barely need it. Convenient? Yes. Perfect? Nope.
Cons
1. No Smart Features
- What’s the Deal? No built-in apps, WiFi, or Bluetooth—purely a blank slate.
- Reality Check: Want Netflix? Grab a Roku or Fire Stick. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s an extra cost and cable mess you’ll have to deal with. In 2023, this feels like a step back.
2. Weak Built-in Audio
- What’s the Deal? A 10W speaker that’s supposed to handle sound.
- Reality Check: Tinny, flat, and useless in anything bigger than a closet. Plan on external speakers or a soundbar—don’t even think about relying on this for movies or games.
3. Exaggerated Contrast Ratio
- What’s the Deal? Advertised at 12,000:1, suggesting deep blacks and vibrant images.
- Reality Check: Real tests peg native contrast between 164:1 and 741:1. Blacks look more like dark gray, especially in brighter scenes. It’s passable in the dark, but don’t expect OLED-level drama.
4. Limited Brightness in Lit Rooms
- What’s the Deal? Only 2582 lumens, dropping further in accurate color modes.
- Reality Check: Daylight or ambient light turns the picture into a ghost. This isn’t a living room all-rounder—it’s a cave-dweller. If you can’t control the environment, skip it.
5. Digital Lens Shift and Keystone Issues
- What’s the Deal? Digital adjustments for lens shift and keystone sound handy.
- Reality Check: They work, but lean on them too much, and the image softens noticeably. It’s not optical-grade precision—position it properly upfront, or you’ll trade clarity for convenience.
Comment or Add Your Own Review
No one seems to have shared their thoughts on this topic yet
Leave a comment so your voice will be heard first.