3LCD projectors like the Epson 5050UB use three separate LCD panels (red, green, blue) to create images simultaneously, eliminating rainbow effects and providing superior color accuracy with equal white and color brightness. DLP projectors like the BenQ TK710 use a single DMD chip with a spinning color wheel, offering deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and sharper text, but potentially showing rainbow artifacts for sensitive viewers.

Key takeaway: 3LCD = better colors, no rainbow effect. DLP = sharper image, deeper blacks, potential rainbow artifacts.

The Epson Home Cinema 5050UB is superior for dedicated home theaters. It offers better black levels (1,000,000:1 contrast with dynamic iris), superior color accuracy covering full DCI-P3 color space, advanced HDR tone mapping, and motorized lens with extensive shift capabilities. The 5050UB excels in dark room environments where image quality is paramount, though it costs $1,275 more than the TK710.

The BenQ TK710's advantages (gaming performance, brightness) aren't as valuable in dedicated dark theaters where the 5050UB's contrast and color accuracy shine brightest.

Verdict: Epson 5050UB for dedicated dark home theaters. BenQ TK710 for bright family rooms.

Some viewers may notice rainbow artifacts (brief flashes of red, green, blue) with the BenQ TK710's DLP technology, particularly in high-contrast scenes or when moving their eyes quickly. About 5-10% of people are sensitive to this effect. The Epson 5050UB's 3LCD technology completely eliminates rainbow effects since it displays all colors simultaneously.

The TK710 uses a modern high-speed color wheel which minimizes (but doesn't eliminate) rainbow effect compared to older DLP projectors. Most viewers won't notice it, but sensitive individuals should test in person or choose 3LCD.

If you've experienced rainbow effect with previous DLP projectors, choose the Epson 5050UB (3LCD) for guaranteed comfort.

The BenQ TK710 is significantly better for gaming with its 16.7ms input lag at 4K/60Hz and 4.2ms at 1080p/240Hz, plus 3200 lumens for bright room gaming. The Epson 5050UB has higher input lag (around 28ms) making it less responsive for competitive gaming.

For casual gaming prioritizing image quality (story-driven single-player games), the 5050UB works fine. For competitive multiplayer, racing games, or esports, the TK710's low lag is essential. The TK710 also supports 240Hz at 1080p for competitive FPS gaming.

Clear winner: BenQ TK710 for all serious gaming scenarios.Browse gaming projectors →

For dedicated home theater enthusiasts, yes. The 5050UB offers superior black levels, better HDR processing, wider color gamut (full DCI-P3), motorized lens with extensive shift, and exceptional 3LCD color accuracy. These benefits are most noticeable in dark room environments with high-quality content (4K Blu-ray, premium streaming).

However, the TK710 offers better value for multi-purpose rooms, gaming, or bright environments with its 3200 lumens, 20,000-hour laser life, and lower maintenance costs. Over 5 years, the TK710 saves approximately $400-600 in lamp replacements, making the actual price difference closer to $675-875.

Worth it IF: You have a dedicated dark theater and prioritize image quality. Not worth it IF: You game frequently or have ambient light.

Epson 5050UB: Uses a traditional UHE lamp lasting 3,500-5,000 hours (High to ECO mode) with replacement costs around $200-300 per lamp. At 4 hours/day usage, you'll need a lamp replacement roughly every 2-3 years. Additionally, air filters need cleaning/replacement every 6 months (~$20 each).

BenQ TK710: Uses a laser light source rated for 20,000 hours with no lamp replacements needed. At 4 hours/day, that's 13+ years of maintenance-free operation. Sealed optical engine requires minimal cleaning.

Both can work for outdoor movies, but the BenQ TK710 is much better suited. Its 3,200 lumens provide enough brightness for dusk viewing, while the Epson's 2,600 lumens struggles as ambient light increases. The TK710's laser instant on/off is also more convenient for temporary outdoor setups.

For dedicated outdoor use, neither is ideal - consider portable outdoor projectors or wait until full darkness. Both need weather protection as they're not designed for outdoor exposure.

Better option: BenQ TK710 for occasional outdoor use.See dedicated outdoor projectors →

The BenQ TK710 has true native 4K resolution (3840x2160 pixels) with 8.3 million distinct pixels displayed without any pixel-shifting. The Epson 5050UB uses 4K PRO-UHD technology with 1920x1080 native panels that rapidly shift pixels to display 4K content.

In practice, both look excellent on large screens. The Epson's pixel-shifting is imperceptible from normal viewing distances, and its superior contrast/color often create a more impressive image than the TK710's native 4K. The TK710's advantage shows in static images, text, and computer use.

True 4K: BenQ TK710. Better overall image: Epson 5050UB (in dark rooms).