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Best Short Throw Projector
Short Throw Projectors: What are they?
Short throw projectors have the capability to keep your laptop and projector close to the screen, rather than back in the audience. Gone are the days when you have to place your projector some kilometers -literately- away from the screen to get a big and focused screen display, or have to sit on a bean bag to be low enough not to block the projection. Short throw projectors make it harder for the audience to trip over connection cables or for impatient listeners to jostle a projector cart.
The throw means the minimum distance the projector needs to show a clear and focused display. Throw distance is how much space is required between the projector and a screen to display a specific size (or range of sizes if the projector has an adjustable zoom lens) image. Say a projector is 20 feet back and it fills a 10-foot screen, that’s 20:10 or 2:1 throw ratio.
A short-throw projector has a ratio of less than 1, to down about 0.4. In simple terms – let’s leave the techie jargon – what this means is that short-throw projectors allow you to have a bigger screen display without having to place your projector at a far distance. So, from just a few feet away from your screen you get a big and clear display.
Why Do I Need One?
If you are someone like me that loves to have the screen big and bold but doesn’t have the space to accommodate such a spectacular setup, then you should try this new thing! It is best for small apartments. The problem with traditional normal throw projectors is the need for a throw-distance. If you have a 100-inch screen (or enough wall space to display a 100-inch size image), then you not only need a projector that can display images up to that size but a room that allows enough distance between the projector and the screen to display that display size. In most cases, the lens of a short throw projector is fixed, and the unit itself is either closer to the ceiling or near the floor.
These units aren’t placed in front of your screen; they’re kept out of the way. A shorter throw projection will provide reduced shadows, limit the amount of light that hits a presenter’s eyes, and can assist in installations where space is limited. With just a few feet from the screen, like on a table or small desk these short-throw projectors will display anything on 60-inch screen size!
But to be candid, the development of short throw projectors was driven by education and business. They are very effective in classrooms because they are bright, and can stay very close to the whiteboard, thereby eliminating the interference! Short throw projectors can also be used for small business meetings and boardroom discussions. And you can throw your videos to a projector screen or directly to a wall. But with walls, the right type of paint can have a noticeable affect on your presentation. Click here to see the best paint for projector screens.
Here are some charts on the best short throw projectors for your needs:
Our Short Throw Projector Winners
Best Short Throw Projectors (1080p & 4K)
This category of projectors places emphasis on image quality above all else. They run a lower brightness, with an average of 1800 lumens, and have the most zoom of any projector type that features built-in lenses. Theater projectors are designed for use in rooms with low to no natural or ambient light. If a great quality picture is desired, it is important to block out all ambient light. They can retain their quality to around 120 inches screen display or so.
As you may have already figured out, theater projectors are designed for entertainment purposes such as movie, TV streaming, and for use with computers. They mostly pack a Full HD display and a handful are 4K (true DCI 4096 X 2160 4K, in fact). If all you need is a bigger and clear screen to enjoy the cinematic experience from the comfort of your room, theater projectors are definitely your best bet!
Best Short Throw Projectors – 1080p
BenQ HT2050A Short Throw Projector
This BenQ is rated at 2200 ANSI Lumens. The color at maximum brightness is within an acceptable range, unlike many projectors that tend to look excessively green in their brightest modes. BenQ HT2050A CineHome series projector has capabilities for big- screen Full HD visuals, with more than 96% Rec.709 accuracy to display quality cinematic color. You only need a 2.5m display distance to get 100” pictures.
The Full HD 1080p visuals display brilliant colors, with amazing sharpness and detail clarity for the fines in-home cinematic experience. The input lag of this home theater projector is really low, with 16.67ms input lag and microsecond DMD response time you are sure to enjoy ultra-smooth gaming experiences without unwanted motion blur and image lag. BenQ HT2050A is sure to make your time in front of the projector cinematic.
PROS:
- The zoom feature is longer than usual projectors for the price
- The throw ratio is shorter than typical ratios and therefore produces bigger images in tight spaces.
- The RGB Color wheel delivers high-quality
- Thanks to the six-panel color wheel spinning at 6X speed, there is a virtually no rainbow effect.
- It weighs only 7.3 pounds, making it moderately sized.
- Vertical Lens shift flexibility allows images to be moved up and down without sacrificing image quality.
- Advanced game mode and low input lag for ultra-smooth gaming.
- Flexible connectivity
CONS:
- The cost of maintenance is quite expensive; lamp replacements are $249!
- The is only one 3D mode available.
- The fixed vertical offset can pose difficulty when mounting on the shelf behind the seating
Optoma HD27e Short Throw Projector
The HD27e delivers a 1080P high resolution with a massive 3400 ANSI Lumens of brightness and 16:9 native aspect ratio. The design features dual HDMI inputs, MHL and a built-in 10W speaker for quick and simple setup. The 1920 x 1080 full HD produces sharp and detailed images from HD content without downscaling or compression, which makes this projector perfect for Blu-ray movies, HD broadcasting and playing video games.
The Optoma HD27e projector can display true 3D content from almost any 3D source, including 3D Blu-ray players and 3D broadcasting. The projector can last 15000 hours in the ECO+ mode, making the maintenance less expensive.
PROS:
- Excellent color accuracy and high contrast
- Fast video gaming, with input lag, just 16.4ms
- 3,500-hour lamp life in Bright power mode; 12,00 hours with Dynamic Black on.
- The 3D mode is customizable, with one predefined color mode plus a User a mode.
- The sound quality of the built-in 10-watt mono speaker is good and loud enough for a small-to-mid-size family room.
CONS:
- HDMI and HDMI/MHL are the only video signal inputs
- Settings for optimum video quality drop brightness at full power to just cover 800 ANSI lumens.
- It takes significantly longer to sync with a signal
- Remote needs to be pointed just so, which can be frustrating.
- 1x zoom limits placement flexibility.
ViewSonic PJD7828HDL Short Throw Theater Projector
The projector is well-priced for the many features it packs. It features a 3200-lumens brightness, Full HD 1920×1080 native resolution, and the Exclusive SuperColor technology to deliver a cinema-like experience in nearly any environment. The projector displays amazing well-detailed, vivid color, and beautifully immersive images.
The PortAll technology is also included in this model of the ViewSonic projectors, which encompasses a neatly crafted and well hidden HDM/MHL connection compartment for wireless HDMI dongles or MHL connector that lets you discreetly stream multimedia content. an integrated MicroUSB cable lets you quickly and easily power Micro USB-enabled devices.
The projector features a short throw lens which makes it ideal for modest-sized rooms where space is a serious matter. You can enjoy your movies and gaming without having to worry about projection distance too much.
A cable management hood (optional) can be attached to the back of the projector to hide unsightly cables clutter and exposed ports to improve the aesthetics of your room.
PROS:
- The shorter than average throw-ratio gives bigger quality images in tight spaces.
- Optimized for video gaming, with an input lag of 16.4ms.
- The projector is light, weighs only 5.3 pounds.
- The sound quality of the 10-watt mono speaker is good.
- 3-year projector warranty.
CONS:
- The 3D mode doesn’t allow for robust settings, and 3D is less bright.
- The setting for optimum vide quality drop brightness at full power to only 927 ANSI lumens.
- The remote control is not backlit.
Best 4K Short Throw Projectors
BenQ TK800 4K Short Throw Projector
The BenQ Tk800 offers a massive 8.3-million-pixel picture with the 4K UHD technology., with the capacity to project beautiful, sharp and brilliant pictures on 100”+ display with a 3,000-lumens brightness.
A custom football and sports modes cut through the ambient light even in well-lit living rooms or man caves, coupled with a CinemaMaster Audio+ 2 for a massive sound that complements the action with good audio. All in a stylish, compact design with easy setup.
You are sure to never miss any details with the 4K 3840×2160 UHD resolution with projector-optimized High Dynamic Range (HDR) to enhance brightness and contrast, all with one-step image optimization and automatic HDR natural color rendering.
This BenQ short throw projector ensures immaculate image integrity and color accuracy with the aid of a single DMD DLP technology. The design is sleek, compact and accentuates beautiful aesthetics as well as intuitive functionality. It is definitely a good addition that can make your home entertainment simple and comfortable. The 10,000-hours ECO mode lamp life will save you the hassle of routine maintenance.
PROS:
- Backlit remote control
- 3-year P&L warranty
- The fan noise is barely audible in the ECO mode.
- The 3D functionality.
- The audio quality is superb.
CONS:
- The projector creates a very dark frame around the projected image, which is slightly noticeable.
- 3D is only available for 1080p sources, and not the 4K.
Optoma UHD51ALV 4K UHD Short Throw Projector
This projector from Optoma has a 4K UHD native resolution of 8.3 million pixels with a 3000-lumens light to give you the brightness and amazingly detailed picture quality that your living room needs. Features an HDR10 technology for brighter whites, deeper black levels and vivid colors. Optoma also included a 4K video playback with the integrated USB media player. A 500,000:1 contrast ratio ensures your blacks are really black and the whites stay white.
The selling point of this projector is the ease of control, via voice commands. The UHD51ALV works well with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant to give users the power to control some features by giving voice commands. Use voice commands to power the projector on and off, change volume, change input source and control the USB media player. You can just say “Alexa, tell Optoma to change the display mode to ‘Game’ on living room.”, and it does just that. Cool!
Enjoy a display of true 3D content from any 3D source. This projector uses a DLP technology that offers projection with higher contrast, good pixel structure without any loss of color. The 15% vertical lens shift simplifies installations by shifting the image up and down without image distortion to provide a wider range of projector placement possibilities.
PROS:
- RGBWRGBW color when delivers good color accuracy with high brightness.
- Voice control through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
- The built-in USB media player supports 4K video playback
- Wireless display from mobile devices with an optional Wi-Fi dongle.
- Frame interpolation technology capabilities.
CONS:
- The input lag of 71ms is too slow for gaming.
- Low brightness uniformity for the price
- The projector doesn’t have a keystone correction
- It takes time to warm up.
Best Short Throw Projectors For Gaming
Gamers are not left out of the projector treat. Projectors that qualifies as gaming projectors are perfectly optimized, with enhanced response times, short throw distances, vibrant visuals, and rich contrast. They reveal extraordinary detail, depth and object separating, so the details of the video games are displayed with cinematic quality. The brightness of gaming projectors averages around 3,000 lumens, making the visuals crisp and super bright. Also, gaming projectors reduce input lag, which allows you to see the result of your actions almost instantly.
Great gaming projectors still have a little bit of lag but not enough to have an impact on your game. The higher frame rate is another important feature of a gaming projector, as this eliminates the blurry mess (caused by low frame rates) when playing fast-paced games and makes the overall gaming experience pleasant and enjoyable.
ViewSonic PX706HD Gaming Short Throw Projector
This is one in a kind projector for serious big screen hardcore gamers. The ViewSonic PX706HD projector delivers huge and clear images in even smaller places, all thanks to the short throw lens. The projector can be placed just a few feet away from a wall or screen to get an immersive 100” display size. 3,000 lumens of brightness and Full HD 1920×1080 resolution provides ultra-sharp, vivid, and brilliant images and graphics.
The display combined with an ultra-low input latency of 16ms ensures faster frame-by-frame action and smooth gameplay without delay, even during fast-paced action games. The high contrast ratio ensures you enjoy the beauty of color by displaying crisp and radiant color contrasts. Two HDMI ports are included for connecting to any HDMI-enabled device, and the projector can display 3D images directly from 3D Blu-ray players.
Whether you are gamer looking to take a step further into the elite gamers world or someone looking for the next best addition to their living room, home theater, or man cave, this projector will deliver exactly the display quality that you need!
PROS:
- 3-year limited Parts and Labor warranty
- Reduced input latency of 16ms.
- PC-free presentations via USB Type-C
- The projector is lightweight, only 6 lbs.
CONS:
- The projector doesn’t have a horizontal keystone
- The remote control is not backlit
- SUPERSIZED MOVIES AND GAMES: Immersive theater-like experience in Full HD (1920x1080p) on a screen up to 300-inches
- CINEMATIC COLORS: Exclusive Color technology offers a wide color gamut for beautiful image production in nearly any environment
- SHORT THROW: With a short throw lens, this projector can be placed just inches away from a wall or screen to give you a huge image
- REDUCED INPUT LATENCY and Gaming Mode: Ideal for intense action-packed gaming, this projector delivers smooth images without delay
- LONG LAMP LIFE: Eco Mode allows the lamp to shine bright for up to 15,000 hours
Optoma GT5600 Short Throw Projector For Gaming
Simply place the projector and connect a gaming console or video player and let its auto keystone, four-corner correction, 20,000:1 contrast ratio and 16-watt speaker impress by automatically optimizing the image for any surface with stunning visuals and crisp audio. The GT5600 instantly transforms your gaming experience with a large, 100-inch Full HD image.
Ultra-Short throw projection lets you get big and clear images with just a short throw distance, with reduced shadows and great image depth. A 3600-lumens brightness and DLP display technology treat your eyes to higher color contrast and good pixel structure that make sure anything on the screen doesn’t lose focus. Project files and presentations on the go with the integrated PC-free image and document viewer that can read files directly from any USB storage device.
What more? With the HDCast Pro, you can screen mirror Android, Windows and Mac devices wirelessly. The projector is equipped with a 16-watt speaker that matches the display quality with impressive audio. A four Corner Adjustment simplifies installation, enables you to easily tweak and adjust images from any corner points of the display. Above all, the aesthetics of this projector is another thing to consider, it is beautiful, sleek and no doubt a great addition to any home décor.
PROS:
- The throw ratio is amazing, just a few inches to get a 100” display.
- Up to 18 languages supported.
- Auto keystone correction
- 16-watt speaker is good enough for most conditions.
CONS:
- No lens shift technology
- The UI interface is confusing and not very intuitive.
- It takes about 15-20 seconds for the projector to warm up.
- ULTRA-SHORT THROW: Experience a large 100" diagonal image projected from only inches away with an ultra-short throw lens; ultra short throw projectors allow placement close to the screen or wall providing easy cable management and an unobstructed projected image from foot traffic or objects
- INCREDIBLE PICTURE QUALITY: Enjoy bright, razor-sharp images with 3, 600 lumens, 20, 000: 1 contrast ratio, and 1080p resolution
- EASY IMAGE SET-UP: The auto keystone sensors and four-corner correction ensure a sharp, detailed image for quick, trouble-free set-up; when the projector or table is bumped, the image will refocus instantly
- LONG LAMP LIFE: Enjoy up to 15, 000 hours of lamp life enabling an average of 4 hours of viewing time every day 10 plus years
- FULL 3D: The GT5600 displays true 3D content from almost any 3D source, including 3D Blu-ray Disc players, 3D broadcasting, and the latest-generation game consoles. Support for 144Hz rapid-refresh rate provides ultra-smooth flicker-free images; 3D glasses required
BenQ TH671ST Gaming Short Throw Projector
BenQ probably developed this projector to woo gamers, obviously. First is the larger-than-life screen that lets you enjoy an immersive gaming experience, with high resolution and high brightness that expands your gaming world to make you feel like you’re really in the game. Enjoy brilliant visuals, amazing detail clarity and sharp image quality with spectacular 1920×1080 Full HD resolution and 3000 lumens brightness.
Second is the ultra-low 16.67ms input lag and microsecond DMD that brings heart-pounding game action to your screen, ensuring you enjoy ultra-smooth gaming experiences without the messy motion blur and image lag, even during intense fast paced games. Next is the ultra-short throw ratio of 0.69, meaning the projector only need as little as 1.5m to project stunning 100” pictures.
You can now enjoy a big screen in a small room, without having to make any compromise! The shortened throw enables carefree gaming enjoyment without space constraints or setup hassles. You can easily share your photos and videos wirelessly from mobile devices to your big screen with the BenQ Qcast Mirror HDMI wireless dongle. To top it all is the in-built powerful 5W speaker! The audio quality is amazing for a projector speaker, and you can choose from 4 custom audio modes; Cinema, Music, Sports, and Game modes. This projector is a gamer’s delight.
PROS:
- Reduced input lag of 16.67ms
- Perfect of small space, with a throw ratio of 0.69
- 4 audio modes to choose from.
- Excellent contrast and colors
CONS:
- The remote is tiny and lacks a backlight.
- No vertical image shifting
- Minor DLP Rainbowing
- Some black crush in the best all-around lamp setting
- UNPARALLELED PICTURE QUALITY: With Native Full HD 1080p Resolution, 92% Rec. 709 Color Accuracy, 3000 Lumens and high native contrast ratio for the ultimate immersive cinematic and gaming experience.
- GEARED TOWARDS GAMING: Ultra-fast low input lag and a refresh rate that matches the max output of Xbox One X & PS4 Pro ensure ultra-smooth gaming experiences without motion blur to keep you on the top of your game.
- WOW YOUR FRIENDS: Take the action to the big screen by projecting a 100 inch screen from just 5 feet away. Projects up to 300 inches.
- AWARD WINNING PROJECTOR: Best Projector for Gaming - High Ground Gaming 2019
- INDUSTRY-LEADING : 3-year limited parts and labor coverage makes you rest easy that our US-based customer service team is here when you need it.
Best Ultra Short Throw Projectors
If “short” is good, what about “ultra-short”? Ultra-short throw projectors allow very close positioning of the projector to the screen. These projectors are ideally suited for presentations in the classroom and require a very short projection distance. Ultra-short throw projectors use a mirror technology and complex, minimalistic lens system to give the biggest display and quality in a short distance, this makes them small and compact.
Though they are not as bright as a traditional projector, or even normal short-throw projectors, nonetheless, they produce amazing picture qualities and well acceptable brightness level. They also reduce the shadow effect usually experienced in other types of projectors. Moreover, connectivity options for these projectors are great, with new features such as wireless image transfer technology that allows you display views directly from your phone, and Bluetooth technologies that connect to your Bluetooth-enabled audio devices!
VAVA 4K UHD Laser Ultra Short Throw
Forget about the size, this projector has loads of features for a projector its size (I don’t know how VAVA managed to fit all that in the small-sized projector). The ultra-short projector boasts of a 2,500 lumens brightness and its 3000: 1 native contrast far exceeds the standard 2000: 1 native contrast found in movie theaters. You might be wondering if a 2,500-lumen brightness is not too low, but actually, that brightness is ideal because the lamp source is a laser. Laser lights are known for their ability to travel fast and long, ensuring that you get a crisp clear display that doesn’t get affected by the air.
Also, due to the ultra-short throw ratio, this short throw projector can be placed close to the wall at 7.2 inches so it doesn’t need as much brightness as the conventional projectors that need more lumens to ensure enough light reaches the screen. You can rest assured that this projector will deliver vivid and pictures. It includes ALPD 3.0 a patented state of the art technology doubles the light efficiency of standard projectors
Integrated Harman Kardon Soundbar: Built-in stereo surround speakers provide high-fidelity sound with 60W of power. Lossless dts-HD and Dolby Audio prevent distortion and create a superior audio experience making this one of the best ultra short throw projector 4k.
PROS:
- 2500 ANSI Lumens of brightness combined with state-of-the-art picture and color performance deliver up to 25,000 hours of maintenance-free operation
- Built-in stereo surround speakers provide high-fidelity sound with 60W of power
CONS:
- No voice input from controller.
Epson Home Cinema Ultra Short Throw LS100 3 LCD
The Ls100 is a dynamic ultra short throw projector that can work in most environment, especially living or entertainment rooms where ambient light is expected and desired. The brightness of this projector is peaked at 4,000 lumens; that is more than twice the brightness of most home theater. There is an adjustable brightness control and a dynamic iris to help put the brightness on check. The brightness source is a laser, which guarantees a longer lifespan. With the ultra-short throw lenses, you only need to place the projector a few inches from the wall to get sharp, life-size images in Full HD resolution up to 100” diagonal.
The Epson Home Cinema LS100 ultra short throw projector packs an unbelievable contrast ratio up to 2,500,00:1, for exceptionally deep blacks and brilliant, vivid colors that adds liveliness to the display screen. Enjoy an immersive 1920×1200 (WUXGA) Full HD picture up to 100” diagonal, with superb picture qualities. 3x HDMI® ports allow you to unite all your devices in a single hub, offering versatile connectivity for cable/satellite boxes, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. there is also a wireless networking, simultaneous multiple projector images, and a split-screen feature. using two sources. Even though this Epson ultra short throw projector is pegged as a home theater/entertainment projector, it is suitable for business applications too.
PROS:
- Laser light source
- The 16-watt is speaker is enough for most home users.
- The lamp life is rated at 20,000 hours
- The fan noise is modest.
- There is adjustable brightness control.
- The projector is super bright.
CONS:
- No frame Interpolation
- The projector is not 3D-enabled.
- The picture size is limited to 130”.
Optoma GT5500+ Ultra Short Throw Projector
The Optoma GT5500+ is a 1080p ultra short throw projector for suitable for movies, gaming, and sports. A short throw projector with 3500 lumens will retain brightness even with the presence of ambient light. This nicely designed LG projector not only display bright pictures, but it also ensures your images are well-detailed, sharp and properly structured, all thanks to the 25000:1 contrast ratio.
At 0.25:1, the throw ratio of this projector is one of the lowest on the market. 13-inches away from the wall is all that is needed to display a big screen of 100-inch 1920×1080 high definition display resolution with vivid colors and impressive black levels. Enjoy the beauty of the large-as-live big display. LG also included a 3D-Sync output and DLP Link 3D glass support that takes your visuals to the 3D world. The Rec.709 gamut technology ensures the colors you see on your screen matches the exact intentions of the director. Surprisingly, the high contrast ratio is also backed by LG’s Dynamic Black Technology feature that gives more depth to your image by smoothly adjusting the lamp out to ensure bright scenes appear crisp and clear, while dark scenes remain detailed with deep blacks and exception light shade detail.
PROS:
- Easy positioning place-and-play
- Ultra-Short throw distance requires little space for a big picture.
- Decent performance in ambient light conditions
CONS:
- Limited adjustment options available
- The fan is noisy
- Minor hotspot and rainbow effects
- 1080p 3500 lumen ultra short throw projector with 25000:1 contrast ratio;Zoom Type :Fixed
- BIG crisp 100-inch image from less than 13 inches away from mounted screen or wall
- Perfect for gaming, watching TV, Blu-ray movies and sporting events;Projection Screen Size : 80 – 100 (Inches), Diagonal 16:9, Projection Distance: 0.45 - 0.59m, Noise Level (Eco mode): 28dB
- 3D Sync Port enables the ability to use Active RF 3D Glasses for increased depth and less eye fatigue. Extensive connectivity - dual HDMI, VGA- In, dual Audio-In and much more
- Throw ratio is 0.25:1, plus or minus 5 percent variance. Projection distance is 17.7 to 22.1 in inches. Operating temperature is 5 to 40 degree celsius, 85 percent maximum humidity. Displayable colors is 1.07 billion
ViewSonic PX800 Ultra Short Throw Projector
The Viewsonic PX800HD is the ideal ultra-short throw projector for home theater entertainment, offering incredible color accuracy and stunning, razor-sharp images. It delivers rec. 709 color accuracy for brilliant, lifelike images, using the ViewSonic’s SuperColor TruCinema RGBRGB technology. Featuring a 0.23 ultra-short throw lens, you only need to place this projector some inches away from a wall or screen to get a huge 150” image size. A 2000 lumens brightness and Full HD 1080P resolution produce a cinema-like experience, with stunning details, vivid color, and beautifully immersive images.
The 100,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,000 lumens brightness improve black levels, color saturation, shadow level, and overall dynamic range. The view experience is even better when setup in dark home theater or in low ambient light. Although the PX800HD can be easily used in ambient light on a 100″ screen, it hits its dramatic sweet spot in a dark theater setting when it moves up to 120″ to 130″.
This projector also can display 3D images directly from 3D Blu-ray players, and designed with 3 HDMI inputs. Portall, the exclusive patented technology of Viewsonic, is included to make the connectivity really flexible. Reduced input latency makes the projector ideal for intense action-packed gaming.
PROS:
- The 3-year warranty is a good offer.
- The 3 HDMI inputs design gives more room for connectivity
- The throw ratio is perfect for space-saving options
- Reduced Input Latency
CONS:
- There is no frame interpolation feature
- 2000 lumens is good enough for darkrooms and in the night but gets washed away easily in the presence of ambient light.
- The lamp life is very short, compared to other projectors.
Best Portable Short Throw Projectors
Portable projectors are a new trend in the world of projectors. This type of projectors is compact, small and light, which makes them really easy to carry around (weighing less than 8 pounds). Despite their small sizes and portability, portable projectors packs as many features as their larger, bigger counterparts. They can cast images of well over 60-inch display size from a very short throw distance, with enough brightness to make the image crisp clear. In fact, there are portable projectors on the market that supports a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, and brightness level ranging from 500 lumens to well over 3000 ANSI lumens. Due to the ultrashort throw ratio of this projectors, they do not really need the high lumens seen in traditional projectors to display clear and bright images because of their closeness to the screen.
Portable projectors can offer advanced networking options, wireless capabilities, and even stream content directly from the internet without a computer. Many of the portable short throw projectors have rechargeable batteries that can last for more than 4-5 hours of use, and the lamp can endure up to 30000 hours of use. They are used majorly for business purposes such as in the boardrooms, small conferences, PowerPoint and multimedia presentations, as well as video presentations. You no longer have to worry yourself about the stress of carrying your projector on business trips, you can just slip one of these beauties in your bag. Other than business purposes, set up one of these portable things in your home to enjoy the fun of the big screen, and they are not bad for gamers either.
ASUS P3B 800 Portable Short Throw Projector
A unique feature of portable projectors is their compact design, and this ASUS P3B doesn’t disappoint in that aspect. In fact, it’s so small that it can be held in one hand and the footprint about the size of a CD case. The P3B displays a WXGA 1280 x 800 resolution images with a maximum brightness of 800 lumens. the projector is suitable for backyard night movies or for use in dark rooms.
The projector packs a built-in rechargeable battery that gives you up to 3 hours of cable-free projection time, and it also doubles as 12,000mAh power bank for charging mobile devices. The projector uses DLP technology with a 100000:1 contrast ratio to deliver more-than-enough picture quality for a projector its size.
The projector is designed for use on the go, with a short throw ratio of 1:1, you can project big images within a confined space. You only need around 3.4m throw distance to get a massive 200-inch display screen. The P3B features HDMI/MHL and VGA ports to provide maximum compatibility with external devices, and a multimedia function that allows for PC-free presentations from documents and files stored in your microSD card and UDB storage devices, as well as files saved in its 2GB of storage space.
PROS:
- ASUS Wi-Fi Projection for wireless presentations and media streaming.
- Portable and compact design.
- PC-Free office viewer and multimedia playback to project videos, photos, or music.
- 2GB onboard storage included.
- Up to 3 hours of projection, and 12000mAh battery to charge mobile devices.
CONS:
- The physical keys are finicky and sometimes work in expected.
- No digital zoom
- 12,000mAh internal battery provides 3 hours of cable-free projection and doubles as a power bank for other devices when not in use.
- Advanced DLP Technology with 30,000-hour LED lifespan, 800 lumens brightness, 1280x800 native resolution, and auto adjusted keystone correction
- Palm-sized and .75 pounds lightweight for maximum portability with the best-in-class 1:1 short-throw ratio; Noise Level: 32dBA
- HDMI/MHL and VGA port ensures compatibility with a variety of sources, USB port and MicroSD card support multimedia file playback. Built-in ASUS Sonic Master enhanced-2W speaker for authentic sound reproduction
- To connect with iPhone/iPad(Lightning port only), purchase separately the Lightning Digital AV Adapter from Apple. To connect with Samsung devices, purchase separately a Samsung specific MHL cable(5 pin to 11 pin) for video output
BenQ i500 WXGA Portable Short Throw Projector
According to the company, the i500 is designed for “youthful modern lifestyles that are all about mobility, engaging entertainment, and instant gratification”. This projector is made to be a portable projector that youths can stash in their backpacks on the road, wherever their “youthful” adventures take them. The projector uses DLP technology and short throw ratio to display a maximum of 1280×800 WXGA resolution size with a small throw distance at a contrast ratio of 100,000:1.
Brightness on this projector is not really encouraging, at 500 ANSI lumen rating. Even though BenQ claimed the i500’s full spectrum LED light source triggers the Helmholtz-Kohlrausch effect to perceptively outshine outmoded lamp-based projectors with twice as many brightness lumens on paper specs, watching the projector in the middle of the day is near impossibility.
However, you can instantly stream big-screen content without the hassle of video cables, set-top boxes, or streaming dongles. There is a Smart TV function that gives you access to hundreds of channels, apps, and games without the need to connect to anything else.
PROS:
- Smart TV functions are a nice touch.
- Light and Portable design.
- 20000-hour LED lamp life.
CONS:
- The picture quality is not so appealing to the eyes
- Bad sound out of the speaker in projector mode.
- Too expensive for the features.
- VISUAL & AUDIO SATISFACTION: Projecting and streaming life-sized movies and videos without external speaker connection
- ULTIMATE PORTABILITY: enjoy WXGA resolution and superior long-life LED technology with impressive 20,000+ hour lamp life
- FIT IN SAMLL SAPCE: project 75” big screen enjoyment at just 3.3 ft with low heat and high visual brightness LED light source
- BUILT-IN BLUETOOTH SPEAKER: Housed 10W Bluetooth speaker works as a boombox bringing amazing sounds without projecting
- VARIOUS CONTENT INPUTS: Enjoy your favorite content by transmitting from USB reader, Video Tray, or mirroring from smart devices
Pravette Portable Short Throw Projector
The images projected by this projector are brightly impressive. The Pravette portable mini projector meets the entertainment needs, as well as suitable for sharing ideas and business discussion in the office. This mini projector boasts of a 1080p High Definition resolution, a 3500-lumens of brightness and 2000:1 contrast ratio, to provide a clean projection. The projector is designed to be a business companion, apart from the standard connectivity options like SD card and USB, it can also be connected to the Amazon Fire TV stick. It is preferred by most home and office users as it is sleek and easy to carry. The LED lamp of this projector has an average life span of 50000 hours.
PROS:
- 3-year full refund Guarantee
- Portability and compactness
CONS:
- The projector seems not to have a uniform focus.
- The Video Projector Gives You a Cinematic Viewing Experience. With up to a 240-inch screen in clear HD picture quality. That's a picture so large it will make your home cinema experience feel like you brought the theater home.
- Projector Screen with LCD + LED Display Technology. Outdoor projector’s pure LED lamp displays natural and rich colors, and will last up to an estimated 30,000 hours. It means that the lamp does not have to be replaced for 10 years even if the projector is used 8 hours every day.
- Smart Short Throw Projector Perfect for the Office,Home, School or Classroom. Versatile Projection for Text, Image, Video and Audio File, while watching movies or making presentations,classroom teaching you don't need to connect your PC anymore. Just plug and play USB to watch movies, pictures, music, and office files like PPT, Excel and Word.
- HD 1080p Projector with Ecosystem of Media Device Connectivity.This compact video projector is equipped with multiple ports for ease of use, including dual HDMI and USB, VGA and AV interface. You can also connect this digital video projector to an TV stick ,PC, iPhone,Android phone,DVD, Chormecast etc. Built-in dual Speakers, but for better sound performance, please connect an external speaker through HDMI port or RCA L/R Jack.
- 👍Three-Year Full Refund Guarantee. Nothing says more about our trust in the quality of our digital video projector than our 3-year full refund guarantee. If you are not satisfied with PRAVETTE projectors, don't hesitate to email us directly. We will always try to offer you a satisfactory solution, whether it be via a replacement or a full refund.
Different types of Short Throw Projectors
- Theater Projectors
This category of projectors places emphasis on image quality above all else. They run a lower brightness, with an average of 1800 lumens, and have the most zoom of any projector type that features built-in lenses. Theater projectors are designed for use in rooms with low to no natural or ambient light. If a great quality picture is desired, it is important to block out all ambient light. They can retain their quality to around 120 inches screen display or so.
As you may have already figured out, theater projectors are designed for entertainment purposes such as movie, TV streaming, and for use with computers. They mostly pack a Full HD display and a handful are 4K (true DCI 4096 X 2160 4K, in fact). If all you need is a bigger and clear screen to enjoy the cinematic experience from the comfort of your room, theater projectors are definitely your best bet!
- Gaming Projectors
Gamers are not left out of the projector treat. Projectors that qualifies as gaming projectors are perfectly optimized, with enhanced response times, short throw distances, vibrant visuals, and rich contrast. They reveal extraordinary detail, depth and object separating, so the details of the video games are displayed with cinematic quality. The brightness of gaming projectors averages around 3,000 lumens, making the visuals crisp and super bright. Also, gaming projectors reduce input lag, which allows you to see the result of your actions almost instantly.
Great gaming projectors still have a little bit of lag but not enough to have an impact on your game. The higher frame rate is another important feature of a gaming projector, as this eliminates the blurry mess (caused by low frame rates) when playing fast-paced games and makes the overall gaming experience pleasant and enjoyable.
- Ultra-Short Throw Projectors
If “short” is good, what about “ultra-short”? Ultra-short throw projectors allow very close positioning of the projector to the screen. These projectors are ideally suited for presentations in the classroom and require a very short projection distance. Ultra-short throw projectors use a mirror technology and complex, minimalistic lens system to give the biggest display and quality in a short distance, this makes them small and compact.
Though they are not as bright as a traditional projector, or even normal short-throw projectors, nonetheless, they produce amazing picture qualities and well acceptable brightness level. They also reduce the shadow effect usually experienced in other types of projectors. Moreover, connectivity options for these projectors are great, with new features such as wireless image transfer technology that allows you display views directly from your phone, and Bluetooth technologies that connect to your Bluetooth-enabled audio devices!
Short Throw Projector Shopping Guide Terms:
- Lumens
Projector brightness is measured in ANSI lumens, also referred to as Lumens for short. The lumens is simply the brightness level of the projector, the higher this level, the brighter your projector. However, there are two-lumen specifications for a projector (this is a top secret); the Color Lumens, and the White Brightness lumens. If the information provided only gives you a one-lumen rating, it is typically referring only to the white brightness of the projector, while the actual color brightness may be as little as one-third of the lumens stated. The amount of brightness you need is determined by the room you project in. As a rule of thumb, you will need a minimum of 1500 lumens for home theater projectors where ambient light is kept to a minimum. You may need a minimum of 3000 lumens for classrooms, rooms with windows, or conference rooms. For lecture halls and large auditoriums, you’ll need more lumens!
- Resolution
Resolutions are simply the total number of pixels contained in the screen. A resolution of 1280 x 800 (WXGA) means there are 1024000 pixels, 1280 multiplied by 800 pixels, on the screen. The higher your resolutions, the higher the number of pixels being displayed on your screen, and that means a higher display quality. If you plan to show data images, you should also consider how detailed the images will be. For a typical PowerPoint presentation, SVGA (800 by 600 pixels) is easily good enough. For video, 1080p (the current high end for high definition, at least for projectors) is the obvious best choice. Be sure to know the resolution you’ll be working with most times, and get a projector with a native resolution in that region.
- Contrast Ratio
The contrast ratio is the ratio of the darkest value a projector can produce to the brightest value that a projector can produce. It can range anywhere from 500:1 to 100,000:1, and are higher and more pronounced on DLP-based projectors. However, in many cases, the manufacturer-specified contrast ratio is dynamic contrast. All other things being equal, a higher contrast ratio indicates more vibrant, eye-catching colors and more detail showing in dark areas on the screen. Nowadays, the effect of contrast ratio is no longer largely felt because other factors are being involved such as the brightness, throw ratio, screen gain, etc. To be on the safer side, buy a projector with high contrast, as this gives more depth and details to the images displayed.
- Connectivity
When buying a projector, you should also be concerned with the connectivity features of the projector. VGA (analog) connector is the most common type of connectivity found on projectors. If your computer has a digital output (typically an HDMI connector) you might want a digital connection on the projector as well, since this will improve the output quality, compared to VGA. The preferred connection choice for video source still remains HDMI (assuming your video equipment has HDMI connectors), with a component video a close second. Modern Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL)-enabled HDMI ports are now spotted on some projectors, which let you project from Android devices. Many projectors offer Wi-Fi connectivity through a wireless dongle.
Types of Short throw Projector Resolution: What you need to know!
- 1080p: This is the standard resolution format for home theater. It is 1920 x 1080 pixels, and an aspect ratio of 16:9. It matches the 1080i/1080p HDTV broadcast and Blu-ray formats.
- 4K: 4K refers to one of the two high definition resolutions: 3850 x 2160 pixels or 4096 x 2160 pixels. 4K is four times the pixel resolution, or twice the line resolution, of They are used in commercial digital cinema using the 4096 x 2160 option.
- SVGA: SVGA projectors are low-resolution projectors that are more affordable and suitable for projecting simple data, charts, and video clips.
- WXGA: This is the widescreen version of XGA. It delivers the same vertical resolution as XGA but with 20% more horizontal. It is great for spreadsheet applications.
- XGA: It is the lowest, oldest resolution and most widely used. It has a resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels and an aspect ratio of 4:3. Most computers use XGA as their default resolution, so XGA projectors pairs well with most computers. It is great for business application, church application, PowerPoint. And it is low cost, good for buyers under budget.
Space Requirements To Consider When Purchasing A Short Throw Projector
Short throw projectors are designed with extremely low throw ratio, such that they only require a small space to give a big screen. You only need to calculate just how far from your screen you need to place your projector to get the desired screen size. If the throw distance is “1” then you’ll need to place the projector one foot from the screen to display a one-foot diagonal image. If the throw ratio is less than one, you can place the projector less than one foot from the screen to make a one-foot diagonal image. Following that, if the throw ratio is more than one, you’ll need to place the projector more than one foot from the screen to produce a one-foot image.
As short throw projectors are most times not equipped with a zoom function, it is important that one figures the best spot to get the perfect size and quality.
Ultra-short throw projector typically has a throw ratio of less than 0.4, with a wide-angle lens that lets them sit as close as possible to a screen. These projectors are great for anyone tight on floor space.
If you are a mathematical person, here is a simple mathematical relationship between the throw ratio, desired screen size, and the distance;
Distance From Screen = Throw Ratio X Desired Screen Size
So, it is very important to buy projectors that match your space requirements.
What’s The Difference Between A Short Throw Projector And An Ultra Short Throw Projector?
What is a Short-Throw Projector?
The short-throw projector is a lot different than a standard projector. A standard projector requires a 9 to 15 feet distance from the wall for a 100” image. A short-throw projector can create 100 to 150-inch pictures with only 3 to 5 feet wall to projector distance.
What is an Ultra short Throw Projector?
There is another breed of short-throw projectors which can further reduce the projector-to-wall distance. The ultra-short throw projectors only require a few inch distance from the display or wall.
What Is Throw Distance and Throw Ratio?
Throw distance is the distance of the light traveling from the projecting lens to the wall. The throw ratio is the distance of the projector from the screen compared to the width of the wall screen. The more the width of the projection wall, the more distance the projector needs to create your desired image.
The short throw and ultra short throw projectors differ from standard ones mainly because of the throw ratios. Because of less throw ratios, both of these projectors outperform standard projectors. They need less space to work the same and provides you great image quality at the same time.
Similarities Between Short Throw and Ultra Short Throw Projectors
Let’s talk about some similarities first.
- Both short throw and ultra short throw projectors do not essentially need a technician for installation.
- Both can be set up and ready to go in a few minutes’ time.
- You can use them in confined spaces like living rooms, TV lounges, classrooms, and business conference rooms without compromising the image quality.
- These short throws eliminate the need for projector installation on the ceiling.
- Both technologies are meant for shadow prevention.
- These two projectors also cut down the cost and need for a lengthy HDMI cable.
What Are the Differences between Short Throw and Ultra Short Throw Projector?
The Throw Distance
The first difference is the viewing ranges. Short throw projectors need more distance from the wall than ultra short throw projectors.
Both projectors can create up to 150-inch images from a short distance. Short throw projectors need 3 to 5 feet of throw distance for a 100-150 inch image. The ultra short throw projectors require only 3 to 18 inches of throw distance depending on the width of the wall.
Installation
More wall distance requirement for short throw projectors placement often means you have to make a smooth platform inside the room. And if you think that doing this compromises the looks of the confined area, then it can be mounted on the ceiling. As a result, the installation costs can go higher than the ultra short throw projectors.
Shadow Creation
There is less gap between the wall screen and the ultra short throw projectors. Therefore, there is less possibility for shadow creation while comparing it with the short throw ones. Inches of throw ratio makes it certain that no one going out of the room cast a shadow or block the image on the display.
Image Quality and Glare
The short-throw and ultra short throw projects bring high image quality to the table. But you can further minimize glare and a clearer image by opting for ultra-short throw projectors.
Ultra short throw projectors help to eliminates washed-out images in ambient light. As a result, blacks are deeper and whites are brighter than short throw projectors.
Purchasing Cost
The ultra-short throw projectors are expensive than the short throws. The latest technology enhancement like replacing projection bulbs with LED and laser projection also adds up to the cost.
ALR vs. CLR
Short throw projectors do not support ALR (Ambient Light Reflecting) screens. Ultra short throw on the other hand can work with CLR (Ceiling Light Rejecting) screens as these projectors throw light from the bottom.
CLR technology lets the wall display reject even more light especially from the ceiling resulting in the image being more crisp, clear, and brighter. It also negates other ambient lights from the windows and doors etc.
Why People Prefer One Over Another
There a few factors that let you decide which projector to go for. It depends on your lumens requirement, space requirement, ambient lighting in the room, distance from the wall for projector platform, and how large of a wall screen you need. Also, are you buying the projector for a business or home, or need to spend a little less?
As you know all the differences now, it is best to take the above-mentioned things under consideration. According to the latest stats, Ultra short throw is becoming an obvious choice for business presentations, classrooms, and living rooms than short throw projectors.
The portability and short distance placement are the main reasons people prefer short-throw projectors over short throw projectors.
There are many Short Throw Projectors out there. But hopefully, with our help, you were able to find the right projector for your small entertainment space. Keep in mind your monetary requirements, but also find out which connectivity, lamp life and weight issues among others are paramount towards your lasting enjoyment. Want an easy woodworking projector table plan to make your own table? Click here. Need additional input to power your short throw projector? Click here for the best All in One Computers With Touchscreen.
