Is It Worth It To Invest In An Ultra Short Throw Projector?

Ultra Short Throw Projector

Projectors belonging to the ultra short throw (UST) category don’t require as much distance between the device and the screen. Their moniker comes from the fact that they were created so that the projector could be identified from a very short distance away from the screen without compromising clarity or contrast.

An ultra short throw projector’s primary benefit is that it doesn’t necessitate a large area behind the screen. This makes them perfect for usage in confines with limited space for installing projection systems. That’s why they’re so common in lecture halls and boardrooms, where square footage is at a premium.

You should think about how much area you have behind the screen, how light the room is, and what kind of picture quality you want before settling on an ultra short throw projector. There are a number of models to choose from in this price range, and each has its own set of pros and cons based on your budget and the specific features you require.

Ultra short throw projector buying guide. What you need to know

How Does an Ultra Short Throw Projector Work?

The UST projector is among the most powerful and flexible options available. It was designed to achieve a specific goal: providing a clear picture even at close range. This renders it ideal for use in a wide variety of settings, such as private cinemas, lecture halls, and workplaces.

The small throw distances of UST projectors are their primary distinguishing feature. Because of this, they may be placed just a few feet from a wall or screen without reducing image quality or brightness. The image will be brighter and clearer if the projector is placed closer to the screen, as less distance will separate it from the screen.

Because less light is required to reach the screen at any given time, a smaller screen can be used in conjunction with this type of projector. In situations (like schools) when a huge image needs to be displayed from a close distance, long throw projectors are the go-to. Since these projectors require more room, their throw distances are greater compared to ultra short throw projectors.

Ultra Short Throw Projector vs. Big Screen TVs | Wirecutter

5 Things to Consider Before Buying Ultra Short Throw Projectors

There are a lot of options to think about while shopping for ultra short throw projectors. There are many factors to consider while shopping for a projector, including mounting, functionality, durability, and cost.

It’s incredible how many different kinds of projectors exist. Let’s look at some things to think about before you go out and buy one.

1. Space Saver

Because of its compact size, ultra short throw projectors require very little room when placed on a table or shelf next to an opaque wall. Because of this, they are perfect for people who have a limited amount of space in their homes and cannot accommodate larger pieces of technology like televisions or conventional projectors.

2. Brightness

Because ultra short throw projectors offer higher brightness levels than ordinary ones, they are ideally suited for usage in bigger rooms as well as outdoors during the daylight.

3. Image Clarity

Consider the image quality of the ultra short throw projector you’re looking at before making a purchase. The fact that it’s an extreme short throw projector doesn’t guarantee that the picture will be of the highest quality. Still, you should check the resolution and contrast ratio to guarantee crisp, clear images.

4. Eye Glare and Shadow

When setting up an extremely short throw projector, you need also think about how light and shadow may affect your eyes. It’s more likely that you’ll have eye strain while viewing your favourite shows and movies because of the proximity of these objects to your screen. Without blackout drapes or blinds, those shadows will appear in every scene you view, which can be highly distracting.

5. No Blockage

Minimal distance thrown Projectors can be installed nearly anyplace because they don’t take up much room on the wall or ceiling. However, there are those that need more room than others.

Make sure the projector has adequate clearance behind it to avoid blocking any exits or entrances. Also, clear the area in front of the projector of anything that could be harmed by the light beam.

Hisense L5F ultra short-throw laser projector is cinematic and smart | What Hi-Fi?

Pros and Cons of Ultra Short Throw Projectors

Ultra short throw projectors, at first appearance, may seem complicated and daunting. How could you possible make sense of it all, with so many models, brands, and options to choose from? The benefits and drawbacks of super short throw initiatives are outlined below.

Pros of ultra short throw projectors

Since they can be mounted on the wall, ultra short-throw projectors are a great choice for public and professional settings. With this arrangement, neither new equipment nor additional room is required. Ultra short throw projectors provide many benefits, some of which are listed below.

Easy Installation

You will save both time and money by using an ultra short throw projector because it is simple to install and set up.

More Space Efficient

An extremely short throw projector does not require a separate stand or table because it is mounted on the wall. If you have a limited amount of room in your office or school, this projector is a better option because of its smaller footprint.

Bright Image Quality

Since ultra short throw projectors typically generate high-resolution, bright images, you may take advantage of sharper visuals with fewer interruptions in your meeting space, leading to increased productivity and audience involvement in your presentations.

Cons of Ultra Short Throw Projectors

The advantages of ultra short throw projectors are numerous; yet, they are not without drawbacks.

Short throw projectors can get loud

Home theatres benefit greatly from short-throw projectors. They need very little room between them and the viewers, therefore they work well when mounted on the ceiling or wall. However, this does not imply that they are silent. The projectors’ internal fans are quite noisy, so position them away from your ears if you want to avoid drowning out the discussion.

Ultra short throw projectors aren’t great for gaming

Even though ultra short throw projectors are great for watching movies, they aren’t the best choice for playing video games. These gadgets typically employ DLP technology, which necessitates a special screen capable of displaying images from a variety of perspectives. This prevents gamers from utilising these devices for gaming unless they either invest in a costly screen upgrade or resort to a makeshift solution, such as connecting the device to an external display or TV.

Ultra short throw projectors have poor contrast ratios

The greater the contrast ratio, the more detail is seen in darker portions of your photo (such as shadows), and vice versa for lighter areas.

The Best Short Throw and Ultra Short Throw Projectors for 2023 | PCMag

How Much Does an Ultra Short Throw Projector Cost?

Images from ultra low throw projectors can be viewed from very close range. Due to their compact size, they are perfect for use in lecture halls, boardrooms, and similar settings. Although ultra short throw projectors often cost more than regular projectors, there are a few options available for around $1,000.

The capacity of your location and the features you require from your projector will determine the best solution. If you need a projector for a small room, such as a dorm or office, look for the smallest model that still delivers the goods.

Let’s say you’re stuck showing PowerPoint slides on a whiteboard because of space constraints. If you want to reduce eye strain and see an improved picture with higher contrast ratios and brighter colours, a screen with a diagonal size of less than 50 inches is a good choice.

Wrapping It Up

Ultra short throw projectors can effectively replace flat displays in domestic settings. In general, they are functionally equivalent to their flat-screen cousins.

It’s hard to argue that people who want more than a standard projector shouldn’t spend the extra money for one of these, given that it eliminates glare, can be used in a variety of positions, has built-in speakers, and has a longer warranty. Ultra short throw projectors have emerged as serious alternatives to flat screens, however other options may yet exist.