BenQ TK705i and TK705STi lean into plug-and-play 4K streaming

Two versions for two room layouts

BenQ's TK705 series is built around a simple idea: make a 4K projector easier to live with in a normal room. The TK705i is the standard-throw model, while the TK705STi is the short-throw version for smaller spaces. Both are positioned as smart home-entertainment projectors rather than dedicated theater-only models.

That distinction matters. A lot of people shopping this category want a large image for Netflix, YouTube, sport and console gaming, but they do not want to build a permanent projection room. BenQ is answering that buyer with built-in Google TV, automated setup assistance and a design that can sit on a table.

What the spec sheet says

BenQ lists 4K HDR, 3,000 lumens for the TK705STi, Google TV, Netflix support and smart image adaptation features. The short-throw model is especially interesting because it can create a large image from a shorter distance, reducing the need to place the projector behind the seating position.

The HDMI and gaming story is also part of the pitch. ProjectorCentral's launch coverage highlighted the series as a smart 4K home-entertainment line, while BenQ's own product page emphasizes convenience, streaming and small-room placement.

The practical trade-off

The TK705 series is not trying to beat premium dark-room projectors on black level. Its appeal is convenience: less setup time, fewer external boxes and enough brightness for casual spaces. That is a valid direction, but it changes the review criteria.

A proper test should focus on real-room brightness, fan noise, Google TV reliability, input lag, color accuracy after calibration and whether the automatic setup tools preserve detail. If those fundamentals are solid, the TK705i and TK705STi could be strong everyday projectors for people who value ease of use as much as raw cinema performance.

The TK705i and TK705STi are BenQ leaning into a very clear lifestyle-projector brief: make 4K streaming and console use easier without turning the product into a toy. The built-in Google TV angle matters because many projector buyers now expect the same app experience they get from a TV. A projector that needs an external streaming stick before it feels complete starts with a usability penalty.

The short-throw version is the more interesting variant for small rooms. Shorter throw can make a large image possible where a normal projector would sit too far back, but it also raises questions about focus uniformity, placement precision and screen size flexibility. BenQ's strength has often been practical color tuning, so the important question is whether the TK705 line keeps that discipline while chasing brightness and convenience.

The two models should be tested as separate products, not just as one spec sheet with different lenses. Throw distance, edge sharpness, keystone behavior and installation tolerance can change the whole ownership experience. The smart platform should also be judged over time: startup speed, app reliability and HDMI switching matter in daily use.

For picture quality, the most useful measurements are calibrated brightness, SDR color accuracy, HDR tone mapping and input lag. If the TK705STi can keep the image clean at short throw, it may be the more compelling living-room option.