Whether you are searching for a projector for home entertainment or business purposes, you need to ensure that you get the right one based on your needs.
Buying the right projector can be very intricate as there are several factors you need to consider, including resolution, brightness, zoom range, etc.
That said, you also need to determine whether to purchase a projector with a short throw or a long throw. So, what is a short throw projector? Keep reading to find out.
What Is a Short Throw Projector?
A short throw projector is a type of projector with a lens that creates a large picture from a short distance. This type of projection refers to a distance of 3-8 feet from the projector to the screen and is suitable for those users who want to place the projector at a closer distance when watching the content or presenting.
About a Short-Throw Projector
If you have wondered which projector to purchase to watch your favorite movies and TV shows, you are not the only one.
Many people looking for a home theater are taken aback by the various options of projecting devices available on the market and are unsure which one to go for based on their needs. To help you have a better understanding of the projectors, let’s get into more detail.
Defining a short-throw projector
Before we talk about what is a short-throw projector, let’s first distinguish what precisely a throw ratio is. This is the ratio between the distance between the projector and the wall and the size of the image the projector produces, measured horizontally.
Hence, if you get a short-throw projector, you can place it closer to the screen to watch content without any issues. A short-throw projector can display 100” images from a distance of fewer than 9 feet.
To simplify, the ‘throw’ is the distance you need to throw an image from the projector to the screen to get the image size you need. A simple way of determining whether a projector is a short throw is to look at the initials provided at the end of the model number. If you notice the initials ST, you probably use a short-throw projector.
Difference between short-throw and long-throw projectors
The main difference between the two types of projectors is the distance from the screen you are supposed to set them at. This means that long-throw projectors need to stand further from the projection screen compared to the short-throw ones that need to be closer.
Given this point, long-throw projectors are suitable for usage in larger halls and rooms, whereas short-throw ones are ideal for users with smaller living room spaces or areas. Moreover, the projectors with a long throw are usually cheaper than the ones with a short throw due to the difference in picture quality they offer.
Advantages of Short-Throw Projectors
Short-throw projectors generally provide a consistent quality picture because they are closer to the screen. Hence, no disruptions can affect the quality, which is not often the case with long-throw projectors placed behind a larger audience.
These projectors are suitable for watching movies and TV shows in your room for a home cinema-like experience and gaming on a larger screen. A short-throw projector will also save a lot of space in your living area.
As it is closer to the screen, you don’t have to walk very fast when you grab a drink or do something else as you are not moving in front of the screen. Short-throw projectors are also a good option for classrooms and offices, as the presenter is less likely to block the projection while presenting.
Disadvantages of Short-Throw Projectors
As can be seen, short-throw projectors come with many advantages. Still, you need to be aware of some downsides when using this type of projector. Such projectors can get hot very quickly, so the internal fans trying to cool them down make a loud noise.
Moreover, if you start projecting on an uneven surface, the images may start warping. They don’t feature zoom, so you need to ensure to place the projector at the proper distance. The focus uniformity is also not always the best for short-throw projectors, and they are typically on the more expensive side than the standard and long-throw ones.
Also read: How to Choose a Projector
Things to Look for When Purchasing a Short-Throw Projector
Home projectors are becoming increasingly popular in recent years, meaning there are many models to choose from. This can make your shopping process a little tricky. Don’t worry! Here are some things to consider when purchasing a short-throw projector.
What to consider when shopping for a short-throw projector:
- Picture quality – picture quality is a significant factor for consideration; the images should look incredible from any angle, and the resolution shouldn’t diminish if you opt for a larger screen size
- Brightness – the projector you choose should not lack brightness but provide a fantastic picture quality in both bright and dark rooms
- Easy-to-use – another important thing is getting a user-friendly, simple projector to operate and set up so you can use it without any issues
- Usage – short-throw projectors are intended for users who want to project at a shorter distance and get an enhanced viewing experience and audio quality; it is also essential to check whether it can be mounted on the ceiling if that is something you look for in a projector
Other factors to consider when getting a short-throw projector are screen size options, noise level, inputs and outputs, dimensions, built-in apps, and others.
Conclusion
If you have ever wondered what is a short throw projector, now you can find the answer here and choose which type of projector suits your needs the best. The short-throw projectors are very convenient for use, mainly if you have limited space in the presentation room or your living area. They not only provide excellent picture quality but are very versatile for usage as well.