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BenQ's HT3550i 4K projector is ready for its close-up

This home theater projector brings incredible detail but only mediocre contrast and brightness.

Geoffrey Morrison
Geoffrey Morrison is a writer/photographer about tech and travel for CNET, The New York Times, and other web and print publications. He's also the Editor-at-Large for The Wirecutter. He has written for Sound&Vision magazine, Home Theater magazine, and was the Editor-in-Chief of Home Entertainment magazine. He is NIST and ISF trained, and has a degree in Television/Radio from Ithaca College. His bestselling novel, Undersea, and its sequel, Undersea Atrophia, are available in paperback and digitally on Amazon. He spends most of the year as a digital nomad, living and working while traveling around the world. You can follow his travels at BaldNomad.com and on his YouTube channel.
Geoffrey Morrison
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BenQ HT3550i

The flat and wide HT3550i is a 4K projector with impressive color and detail. 

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Throw

The HT3550i isn't a short-throw projector, but it has a shorter throw than many competitors, so it needs to be closer to the screen.

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Lens shift

The HT3550i is one of the few projectors in its category with lens shift.

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Buttons

A small door can cover the zoom and focus controls for a smoother look.

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A bevy of inputs

Lots of connections: two HDMI, two USB, and even an optical out.

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Backlit remote

The remote has an amber backlight and all the buttons you'd need for adjustments on the go. 

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Streaming stick

The HT3550i comes with a streaming stick that mounts out of sight inside the projector's case, so it doesn't take up one of the HDMI inputs.

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Second remote

The streaming stick comes with its own remote.

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4K projectors

Stacked for a comparison with the Optoma UHD30

For more info, check out BenQ HT3550i 4K projector review: Sharp and colorful, but needs more pop.  

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