Thinking about setting up a home cinema, but worried about not having the space for a good projector? Fear not! Short throw projectors are the perfect solution for anyone who wants a high quality, larger than life viewing experience without having to set up a massive system. From affordability to 3D compatability, we've brought together the top short throw projector models and examined their features to bring you the best choices in home cinema excitement. So if you're ready to get the most out of your living room viewing experience, read on to find the perfect short throw projector for your home cinema setup!
Quick Review
Choosing the best short throw projector for you depends on several factors, such as your budget, the size of the room, and the type of setup you need. Do some research online to compare different models and read product reviews to determine which one best meets your needs.
A short throw projector provides an impressive cinematic experience in any home without needing a lot of setup space or floor-length cable runs. It is a type of projector which projects an image onto a screen at a much closer distance than the average projector, meaning that the larger the image can be projected from a shorter distance. Depending on the model, you could use a short throw projector to display an image between 30 and 150 inches in size from just a few feet away.
When it comes to short throw projectors, one of the biggest advantages beings that they don’t take up nearly as much room as traditional projectors. Because they can project such large images with little distance between them and the screen, these projectors are perfect for smaller spaces like home theaters and offices where large distances between wall and screen may not be possible—making them ideal for installations in limited space areas.
On the flip side, short throw projectors usually cost more than standard models due to their specialized optics and increased brightness levels. As well, they typically have reduced resolution capabilities due to their increased focus requirements; this is especially true when you compare them to 4K/UHD models. Finally, some higher end models (particularly ultra-short throws) are only compatible with specific screens which can be quite expensive, increasing the overall cost of your theater setup.
In conclusion, understanding what a short throw projector is—and looking into its pros and cons—will help you make a more informed decision when selecting the right projector for your needs. Next, we'll review some of the best short throw projectors currently on the market and explain what sets each one apart.
- According to a survey of 1,100 tech professionals conducted by AV Technology magazine, Barco’s S3 Series was voted the best short throw projector in 2017.
- In 2019, the Christie LWU501i was rated as one of the top short throw projectors based on its high brightness, low input lag and excellent image quality.
- In 2020, The BenQ W1080ST+ won PC Mag's Editor's Choice Award for its short throw capability and superior image quality even in bright rooms.
The Best Short Throw Projector on the Market
When it comes to choosing the best short throw projector for home cinema, there are a few key features that should be taken into consideration. Price is one important factor, but with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine which projector will provide the highest quality image at the lowest cost. Additionally, features such as brightness and contrast ratio, lens shift range and optical zoom can all affect the overall performance of a projector.
One of the most popular short throw projectors on the market today is the BenQ W1080ST+, a home theater projector designed with true-to-life colors and a wide 156% Rec.709 color space for crisp bright images. It has a significant short throw ratio of 0.6:1, meaning it can output an image size of up to 300 inches from less than 5 feet away from the screen. Not only does this make it suitable for smaller areas, but it also allows viewers to remain in their comfortable chairs while getting immersed into their favorite movies or games. This projector offers excellent brightness levels of 2000 ANSI Lumens and a stunning contrast ratio of 25000:1. The BenQ W1080ST+ has two HDMI ports as well as other inputs including VGA and AV, making it suitable for use with most devices.
On the other hand, some consumers might opt for a less expensive projector like Optoma GT5600 with its impressive 1.2X zoom lens that provides superb control over image size without distorting images or sacrificing sharpness or clarity. It boasts an incredible 100” diagonal image within 3 meters distance and an impressive 3000 lumens maximum brightness level. The Optoma GT5600 is best suited to those looking for an economical option without compromising on quality while still having access to features such as adjustable magnification or vertical keystone correction if needed.
When searching for the best short throw projector for home cinema, research individual models thoroughly and compare them side-by-side in order to find what works best for you. With both budget-friendly choices and higher end models available on the market today, there are plenty of options from which to choose from.
Now that we’ve discussed the best short throw projectors on the market, let's move on to our next section about popular features to look for when choosing your projector for home cinema.
Key Summary Points
When shopping for a "short throw" projector for home use, it's important to consider factors like brightness and contrast ratio, lens shift range and optical zoom. The BenQ W1080ST+ is a popular model that produces bright and crisp images from as little as 5 feet away, while the Optoma GT5600 provides a 100-inch image in the same distance at a lower cost. Research individual models to find what works best for you.
Popular Features to Look for
When it comes to short throw projectors, there are a number of features to consider. Some features are absolute necessities while others are simply desirable luxuries. Let's explore some of the most important features and technologies you should look for when shopping for your ideal projector.
First, make sure that the projector is Full HD or 1080p capable. Even if you have yet to upgrade your media equipment, having support for Full HD ensures that you won't be missing out on any cutting-edge content available now or in the future.
You will also want to consider the contrast ratio of the projector. A good contrast ratio allows the projector to produce images with better detail and greater separation between light and dark hues. A contrast ratio of 10,000:1 or higher is recommended for a home theater setup. Many projectors also offer HDR compatibility which further enhances image quality.
Onboard speakers are another must-have feature for any projector suitable for a home cinema setup. Look for powerful sound output if possible, as this will enable you to watch movies without needing cumbersome external audio equipment.
Finally, an array of connectivity options is an essential component of any modern home theater setup. Look for HDMI ports, USB ports, or even wireless capabilities such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi streaming compatibility. This way, you can easily hook up a Blu-ray player and soundbar, as well as other useful media devices like Chromecast or Apple TV.
These features are all integral parts of building up your own immersive home theater experience with a short throw projector. Moving forward we'll look into what you need to consider when setting up your own short throw projector system in order to achieve optimal performance.
Ideal Setup for a Short Throw Projector
Creating the ideal setup for a short throw projector depends on several factors, such as desired display size and room configuration. A short throw projector can be mounted high up on the wall, or projected onto the ceiling, while a long throw projector must be placed more than 10m away to display an image of similar size at a distance. It is important to determine the right projector placement and throw ratio before choosing a model.
When deciding between a short throw projector and long throw projector, it's important to consider mount type and the dimensions of the room. For rooms with limited space, height, or width, a short throw projector offers more options for positioning due to its reduced image distortion when mounted close to the projection surface. This can also be beneficial for environments such as classrooms and lecture halls where students may otherwise have difficulty seeing images adequately from a long-throw projector. Another option for limited space setups is ceiling mounting, which allows short throw projectors to produce clear images from farther distances - ideal for interactive applications such as gaming or virtual reality experiences.
Long throw projectors often provide higher resolutions which are necessary for sharper images when projected onto larger surfaces at greater distances. However, in smaller spaces or closer mounting positions less resolution is often adequate and may offer cost advantages due to lower specs and shorter lenses required. Additionally, with closer mounting positions more light output is needed to counteract losses caused by being so close to the projection surface; this is fewer problems with longer throws that put greater distance between the lens and screen.
Ultimately each scenario will require different elements; it’s about finding the best balance between quality resolution and correct mounting position for specific needs. With careful consideration of these two factors and a deep understanding of how short throw projection works, one can create an ideal setup suited for their intended application.
In our next section we will explore the positives and negatives of Short Throw Projector vs Long Throw Projector in order to understand which is better suited for various scenarios - including home cinema applications.
Short Throw Projector vs. Long Throw Projector
When it comes to choosing a projector for home cinema use, there are two important types of projectors to consider: short throw and long throw projectors. Short throw projectors can be placed close to the wall or screen due to their relatively short-throw lens. This makes them ideal for small rooms and tight spaces where a traditional long throw projector would have difficulty. On the other hand, long throw projectors boast powerful lenses that require a fair bit of distance before successful projection. The upside is that the output from these units tends to be more vivid, bright and sharp with less light spillage.
It really depends on your individual needs as to which type of projector is “the best” for home cinema experience—it might even make sense for some customers to buy both types. If space is at a premium, then it follows that a shorter throw projector might be the way to go—but if you have the room and are really passionate about achieving vibrant, larger-than-life images that fill the entire screen, then investing in a premium long-throw model could ensure that you get exactly this result.
To sum up, deciding between a short throw vs. long throw projector ultimately should depend on your budget and desired room dimensions but know that each type has its own advantages and drawbacks which you should weigh carefully before making your purchase. With this in mind, let’s move forward and discuss how best to choose the right short throw projector for your specific needs.
How to Choose the Right Short Throw Projector
Choosing the right short throw projector for your home cinema can often be an overwhelming task. There are a number of features and performance criteria to consider before purchasing one. Before starting the search for the perfect short throw projector, it is important to identify and measure the space in order to match it with the projection requirements of the particular model being considered.
First, determine what type of installation will work best for your needs. For instance, a ceiling mount setup requires a different type of projector than one mounted on a table or further back in the room. Other factors, such as brightness and contrast ratios, resolution, lumen output, throw ratio (the distance between the projector and screen) and other specifications need to be considered as well.
A higher brightness means more light output, which tends to result in better image quality but at a greater cost of energy consumption. A higher contrast ratio ensures that blacks appear darker while whites remain brighter and more vibrant. High resolutions also bring out more details in images and video footage, making them appear sharper and more realistic.
On the downside, choosing a short throw projector with too high of a lumen output could lead to oversaturation—resulting in washed out colors or picture noise during dark scenes—so ensure that there's some leeway when considering this spec. Additionally, depending on how close the projector is placed to the screen, it may cast shadows—causing distractions for viewers— or reflect ambient light from nearby walls and windows.
When it comes down to it, finding the right short throw projector involves trial-and-error: understanding what specs are needed in relation to room size, being aware of budget constraints, understanding tradeoffs between features—all before taking into account user preferences. After doing so, it should help narrow down available options leading up to a final decision that meets all necessary requirements while staying within budget.
Conclusion: The Best Short Throw Projector: After weighing different options and considerations when looking for the right short throw projector for home cinema systems, this section will explore what makes a great projectors based on quality ratings, professional reviews and user feedback.
Conclusion: The Best Short Throw Projector
When it comes to selecting the best short throw projector for home cinema, there are numerous options available. However, one must keep in mind certain features such as throw ratio and image quality that can make or break a home theatre experience. To make sure you get the most out of your purchase, consider its level of brightness, native resolution, connectivity options, and budget.
The most popular option among consumers is the Optoma GT 1080Darbee. This model offers a competitive price point combined with impressive performance characteristics. It supports 4K content, has an ultra-short throw ratio ideal for small spaces, produces bright images with vivid colors, and offers plenty of connection ports. Additionally, the DarbeeVision technology allows the user to switch between colour modes and adjust sharpness levels to create perfect images.
On the other hand, some people may prefer other models depending on their specific needs or tastes. For instance, BenQ HT2150ST offers great performance at a lower price point while Mitsubishi HC8000D offers richer colours and better contrast ratios compared to its competitors. Some enthusiasts may also prefer 4K projectors such as Sony VPLVW285ES or Epson Home Cinema LS100 which provide detailed images with sharp motion clarity.
In the end, the best short throw projector depends on individual requirements and preferences of each home theatre enthusiast. Having said that, Optoma GT 1080Darbee provides excellent features for its price point making it our pick for the best value short throw projector for home cinema.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
How does the brightness of a short throw projector compare to other types of projectors?
Short throw projectors offer an impressively high level of brightness compared to other types of projectors. Generally, short throw projectors have higher lumen outputs than traditional models. In addition to this, the short throw design means that the least amount of light will be lost based on the small distance between the projection surface and lens. This makes it easier for a short throw projector to produce large images with clear visibility, resulting in a much brighter picture. As such, a well-made short throw projector will always offer a brighter picture than traditional projectors.
What features should I consider when looking for a short throw projector?
When shopping for a short throw projector, there are several key features to consider. First and foremost, you want to look at the projector’s brightness as measured in lumens. Generally speaking, higher lumens ratings result in brighter projections and more vivid colors. Secondly, it is important to consider resolution; you will want to opt for a projector with at least 1080p or higher resolution for the best image quality. Additionally, you should compare contrast ratios offered by different models; a higher contrast ratio creates more defined black and white levels on the screen. Lastly, don’t forget to check input ports so that you can be sure your device is compatible with the projector of your choice. An added bonus is built-in speakers, which may provide better sound quality than external speakers.
What is the best short throw projector for my budget?
If you're looking for the best short throw projector for your budget, then the BenQ HT2150ST is probably your best bet. This popular model offers a 1080p Full HD resolution, 1500 Lumen brightness, and uses a RevolutionEyes color wheel optimized specifically for bright images with accurate colors. It also provides cinematic audio thanks to its integrated 10W speakers. The BenQ HT2150ST is one of the most affordable options in its class, making it an ideal choice for people who don't have a lot of money to spare but still want a quality short-throw projector. Plus, the image can be projected from as little as 2 feet away!
