While the goal of movie and TV-watching experiences revolves around enjoying content without unwanted distractions. However, projectors need active cooling to ensure optimal performance. Technology continues to improve and components now produce far less sound than in the past, but if you’re looking to get a projector you should be aware that fans and moving parts do make sound, such as the regular sounds of cooling and spinning parts much as you’d get with a desktop PC. Let’s review some steps you can take to make sure sound has no negative effect on your enjoyment. 

• Great Color Kept Cool
• The BenQ Approach to Projector Acoustics
• What Can You Do When Your Projector Seems Too Noisy?
• Enjoy the Experience

BenQ projectors use advanced DLP (digital light processing) technology that features an array with millions of tiny mirrors which they use to generate images, alongside an RGB wheel to provide color. The mirror array, or DMD (digital mirroring device) as well as the projector’s lenses, need to be kept cool to prevent warping and image deterioration. The RBG wheel needs to spin to make sure the color gets shown accurately. Projectors have active cooling systems that use fans, and the RGB wheel’s mechanism allows for high-speed spinning.

All of those moving parts, which are essential to keep projectors running at peak health, produce sound. Without them, the projector would overheat and wouldn’t depict color. As of this publication date, it’s nearly impossible to manufacture a high-performance home cinema projector with zero noise output. Currently, some sound emanating from a projector has to do with technology limitations and requirements that can’t be avoided, but that sound shouldn’t ruin your viewing experience. 

Our engineering teams work hard to make sure sound levels on BenQ projectors stay as close to the minimum as possible. We choose parts that generate minimal air turbulence with motors that do not produce annoying whining sounds. BenQ projectors also use smart cooling to moderate fan speed based on the monitoring of projector thermals. These measures help reduce potential sound and create quieter projectors. 

Remember, sound output may vary among different projector models. Depending on internal parts such as actuators to help regulate resolution, some projectors may make more noise than others. However, sound levels do not correlate to either resolution or HDR vs. SDR. In other words, a 4K HDR projector won’t be inherently louder than a 1080p SDR projector. 

With BenQ you’re guaranteed projectors designed and built in-house with a lot of fine-tuning invested in each model. Cheaper projectors often exceed 40dB sound output, but our 4K HDR models do not go over 32dB, which isn’t enough to drown out the sound of a movie or TV show. According to US OSHA, 32dB is considered “very quiet.” Among PC enthusiasts, cooling fans that produce 32dB are also appreciated as quiet. A regular conversation runs up to 65dB while our projectors operate more quietly than most libraries which average 40dB. 

BenQ projectors also employ Eco Mode if you want an even quieter environment. This mode lowers noise levels by reducing fan speed, maintaining a quieter operation while supporting HDR content at slightly reduced brightness. For example, recent 4K models like the GP520 operate as quietly as 24dBA–26dBA, and W2720i offers a quiet performance at 26–28dBA. Higher-end models such as the W5850 operates within 27–30dBA.  

By all industry standards—and compared to other entertainment devices such as PCs or game consoles—these levels are very reasonable and provide a largely non-disruptive experience during movie nights or gaming sessions.

Viewing Tip: Maintain a 2-Meter Distance to Reduce Perceived Fan Noise

Projector noise is typically unobtrusive when viewed from a reasonable distance. Just like setting up a PC or game console, it's important to plan your viewing environment. We recommend sitting 2 meters (6.6 feet) away from the projector, with a minimum distance of 1 meter (3.3 feet). For example, at 2 meters, a 30dB projector will be barely noticeable. In comparison, regular conversation at the same distance reaches around 60–70dB, while raised voices exceed 80dB.

If you're experiencing unexpected noise from your BenQ projector, here are some steps you can take depending on your situation:

For new projector that seems louder than expected:

1. Refer to the product’s specification sheet and check the "Acoustic Noise (Typ./Eco.)(dB)" section. Compare it with the decibel ranges listed earlier in this article to confirm if the unit is performing within expected noise levels.

2. Review the following:

A. Placement location: Avoid placing the projector in enclosed or tight spaces. Allow at least 50cm of clearance on all sides, and do not place it on soft surfaces such as rugs, beds, or sofas, which may obstruct ventilation. 

B.Ventilation needs: Ensure the air vents are not blocked, and that the underside of the projector has adequate clearance provided by its feet.

3. If the noise still affects your viewing experience, we recommend contacting your local BenQ service center.

If your projector's noise has recently increased:

1. Inspect the following:

A. Ventilation: Check if there’s still enough space around the projector for proper airflow and if the vents remain unobstructed. 

B. Cleaning: Dust accumulation may cause the fan to work harder. Regularly clean the projector’s exterior and air vents using a soft, dry cloth.

2.  If the noise remains unusually loud after cleaning and inspection, we recommend reaching out to your local BenQ service center for further support.

Even with current technology, which is only going to improve moving forward, active cooling sound levels on modern 4K projectors really aren’t an issue. While inevitable due to mechanics and technology, the little noise produced by projectors doesn’t intrude on their main purpose, which is to deliver home entertainment on a scale unmatched by TVs. With a few simple steps, you can easily help keep your projector cool and quiet, which will prevent unnecessary sound emissions while prolonging the life of your projector. Happy viewing!