Why BenQ’s TK705STi short-throw projector turns the living room into a 4K cinema

BenQ’s TK705STi wants to turn a cramped living room into a bright 4K cinema and gaming corner, with 3,000 ANSI lumens, Google TV on board and HDMI 2.1 for modern consoles - but it is not without compromises.

Reviewed: ad hoc news Software & Services desk. Edited and checked on 2026-06-18, 16:21. Details in the imprint.

With the BenQ TK705STi, a plain white wall suddenly feels like a proper cinema screen, even in a bright living room. You hear the small fan, see a sharp 4K image pop up from short distance, and Google TV waits on the start screen.

What the TK705STi offers

The TK705STi is a 4K UHD short-throw projector rated at 3,000 ANSI lumens, so it can stay watchable even with curtains open on a sunny afternoon. Colors look punchy on a matte wall, and text from menus or subtitles remains clean and sharp.

Because it is a short-throw model, you can park it quite close to the wall and still get a large image, which is a relief in tight living rooms where a classic long-throw beam would be impossible. The chassis feels solid, more living-room gadget than fragile office gear.

Streaming with built-in Google TV

BenQ integrates Google TV directly, so Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video land on the home screen without an extra stick dangling from the HDMI port. That keeps the setup tidy and means one remote is enough for most evenings.

Apps open quickly, recommendations adapt after a few days, and voice search via the remote helps jump straight to a movie instead of pecking letters. For families, separate Google profiles make sure kids do not get adult horror trailers in their feed.

Gaming features and inputs

For console owners, the TK705STi supports HDMI 2.1 and ALLM, so compatible devices can switch into gaming mode automatically with lower processing lag. BenQ cites input lag as low as 5 ms at 4K/60 Hz, which is snappy enough for casual play.

In practice, that means racing games on a PlayStation 5 or shooters on an Xbox Series X feel responsive, not mushy. The projector also plays nicely with a Nintendo Switch or even a Steam Deck via HDMI, so it doubles as a weekend LAN party machine.

Everyday usability and noise

Placed on a coffee table, the TK705STi warms up in seconds, then the fan ramps to a steady, audible but not aggressive hum. During action scenes, the sound is masked by explosions, but in quiet dramas you notice it in the background.

Keystone correction and focus are straightforward, though not fully automatic, so you will spend a few minutes in the first evening nudging the feet and tweaking the picture. Once dialed in, you can leave it in place and just wake it with the remote.

Where it shines and where it annoys

The bright 3,000-lumen output is the TK705STi’s big win, because it makes projections in non-dark rooms much less washed out than cheaper models. Combined with short-throw optics, it is perfect for apartments where hanging a projector from the ceiling is unrealistic.

On the flip side, the built-in speakers sound thin and boxy, especially with dialogue at lower volumes. You feel an external soundbar or a small AV system is almost mandatory to match the big image with equally big sound.

Pricing and availability

In India, the TK705STi is positioned as a premium home entertainment projector at around ?1.5 lakh, clearly above basic 1080p models but below ultra high-end cinema setups. That pricing reflects the 4K resolution, short-throw lens and integrated Google TV platform.

BenQ distributes the projector through specialist electronics retailers and larger online platforms in its core markets, often bundled with installation offers. German availability depends on local distributors, so buyers there should check regional BenQ channels rather than assuming stock.

BenQ Materials in market context

BenQ Materials Co., Ltd., headquartered in Taiwan, underpins a wider ecosystem of displays, projectors and optical materials that finds its way into consumer devices and professional gear. The TK705STi fits into this strategy as a feature-rich home entertainment projector aimed at living rooms and media corners.

Shares of BenQ Materials (TW0002352002) trade on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, with investors watching how consistently the group can monetise demand for premium displays and projection products worldwide.

Key facts on the BenQ TK705STi

• Product: BenQ TK705STi
• Manufacturer: BenQ Materials Co., Ltd.
• Category: Software and services-enhanced projector (Google TV)
• Launch: 2024 (market introduction in selected regions)
• RRP / Price: Around ?150,000 in India (street price, premium segment)
• Availability: Specialist electronics retailers and major online platforms in BenQ’s active markets
• Target group: Home cinema and console gaming users with limited space who still want a bright 4K image
• Highlight / USP: 4K short-throw projection with 3,000 ANSI lumens and built-in Google TV plus HDMI 2.1 gaming support

This article was AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Product information without guarantee; prices and availability may change at short notice. No investment advice, no buy or sell recommendation. Stock-market transactions involve risks up to total loss.