Short throw vs long throw projector: 6 points make differences.

When you are choosing the projector. You may find different types of projectors.
On the basis of light source technology (LED vs Lamp vs Laser) and imaging technology (DLP vs 3LCD/LCD).
There is also another category of the projector. Based on projector placement/throw ratio or distance. Short throw and Long Throw.
All these projectors are different from each other. And if you are confused between them. Then there are various important factors or needs.
According to that, you can choose the projector. Which type or size of room do you have?
How do different throw distances affect the image quality?
How do these projectors work in the presence of ambient light? And similar other things we are going to learn ahead in this article.
What is the throw ratio?
Throw ratio or Throw distance. can be defined as the distance between the screen and the projector.
According to the throw ratio. The projector is selected as a short-throw, long-throw, or ultra-short-throw projector.
On the projector description. A throw ratio may be given which defines how far from the screen you can place the projector.
The throw ratio can be mentioned as 1.4 – 1.65 (Zoom in and Zoom out).
If you need the 2m image size. Then you have to multiply the 1.4 by the 2m.
The answer (2.8) will be the ideal distance. You should put the projector away from the screen.
And if you want to consider. Which distance is considered short-throw or long-throw or ultra-short throw?
Then you can see the image below. Or move ahead.

What is a Short throw projector?
When you put the projector 3 to 8 feet away from the screen.
So you can avoid the shadows and artifacts on the screen. That type of projector is called a short throw projector.
What is a Long throw projector?
That projector you put at 8 feet and further away from the screen. To get the big image on the screen. Is called a long throw projector.
What is an Ultra Short throw projector?
When putting the projector 7 to 12 inches away from the screen.
To get 100 inches or bigger than this. To get the image on the screen. Called an ultra-short throw projector.
Short throw vs Long throw vs UST projector: Difference/Comparison.
So, let’s learn about various situations. Which type of projector is best for you? According to your situation or preference.
Room
People who are reading this article. Will have a different type of room size or place.
Where you will place the projector? If you have a lack of space in your room.
Where you can place the projector? Less than little. And you want the big projector screen.
Then an ultra-short-throw projector will be a good option for you.
Because you can place the ultra-short-throw projector just a few inches away from the screen. And you can project the big image on the screen.
If you have a big room with a good height of the ceiling. The long-throw projector is great for commercials and in the home. For both places.
Because with the long throw projector. You can project artifact-free images from 8 feet and far away from the screen.
And both types of room sizes are not available for you. Then you can go with a short-throw projector.
Which does not project the image from far away like the long projector. And not near the screen like the ultra-short-throw projector.
You can put the projector inside 3 to 8 feet away from the screen. And that projector is a short-throw projector.
So these are the most important things. When choosing between the short throw, long throw, and ultra-short-throw projector.
To know your room size. Where you are going to place the projector?
Or the distance between the projector and the screen. You will have. When you install the projector.
Image quality
No matter your projector, long-throw, short-throw, and ultra-short throw.
If you have placed the projector at a good distance from the screen.
Then you will have a good image. But still, you can see artifacts or imperfections on the screen. Because you do not have a flat projector screen.
Yes, a flat-screen. The flat screen of the surface becomes very important. When you have an ultra-short throw or short throw projector.
Because both these projectors are very sensitive. To the screen surface with some waves or texture.
You may notice some shadows or imperfections on the screen. So when you have the ultra-short-throw or short-throw projector.
Make sure you are using the complete wrinkle-free projector screen or surface. For the projection.
All these things are not necessary for the long throw projector. That’s why if you are doing outdoor projection.
And your screen is so big, like an inflatable or another with some imperfections. Then a long throw projector is the best option for you.
And yes in the long throw projector like the Epson 5050 UB you will get better color and contrast.
Ambient Light/Daytime
If you are planning to use the projector in the place. Where you have ambient light.
Then I will suggest you go with the ultra-short-throw projector.
Because of the ultra-short-throw projector. You will have greater brightness than the long throw and short throw projectors.
And you can continuously run the projector on high brightness.
Without worrying about the bulb’s life. And if you are also using the ALR screen with the ultra-short-throw projector. They are the best duo.
Even in the presence of ambient light. You will get the best image in comparison to the long throw and short throw.
Installation
If you are thinking of buying the ultra-short-throw projector.
Then you will save lots of money and time on the installation. Because the ultra-short throw projector is simple to set up.
After unboxing the ultra-short-throw projector. You have to place the projector under the screen.
Just make sure you have enough depth for the projector to place.
And you don’t need to spend on the premium HDMI cable. Like you have to spend when you are using the long throw projector.
Installation is very easy in the ultra-short-throw projector. For any beginner.
Cost
No doubt an ultra-short-throw projector. Are very costly in comparison to short-throw and long-throw projectors.
Average ultra-short-throw projector prices start from 2000$ dollar good one.
While short-throw projectors’ average price is 600$ to 1000$. And the long throw projector’s average price is 350$ to 600$.
The reason ultra-short throw and short throw projector prices are very high.
Because the lens technology used in these projectors is the reason.
For being pricey of the ultra-short throw and short throw projector.
Heat
In the ultra-short throw and short throw projector. A wide lens is used.
And before the projector project image on the screen. There is a lot of keystone correlation done in the projector.
So the projector has to do lots of work. Before projecting, something in the ultra-short throw and short throw projector. So this extra work in the projector.
Produce heat more. In comparison to the long throw projector.
If you want an expert opinion. You can check below Chris’s majestic video.
Advantages and Disadvantages: Short throw vs Long throw vs UST projector
Let’s see the pros and cons of ultra-short-throw, short-throw, and long-throw projectors.
So you can have a better understanding of choosing the projector.
Short throw
Pros: Short-throw projector saves lots of space in any projector setup. You can use the projector behind the screen.
Or you can save the projector in comparison to a long throw projector. So no one comes between the screen and the projected light.
When you are watching the movie. Or using the projector in business meetings .
And the short-throw interactive projector is widely used in education, entertainment, training, and eCommerce.
Cons: Because a short-throw projector projects the image at a certain angle.
If you don’t project the image on a flat surface. Then you will get the artifacts on the screen.
As we know, short-throw projector. Have to do lots of adjustments before the image is projected on the screen.
Reason projector becomes hot. And to cool down that projector fan has to spin fast. So the projector can be cool.
When you try to put the short throw projector near to the screen. From its limit, you will get the soft corner. Not a well-focused image.
Long Throw
Pros: Long throw projectors are best when you have a long distance to place the projector from the screen. Then there are a lot’s advantages of to that.
First, you can buy the long throw projector at less price. In comparison to the short throw and ultra-short throw projector.
Because of the lens technology used. The long-throw projector is different from the other throw projector.
And when you are doing the projection on an uneven surface. Then your projected image will be great on the uneven surface.
Cons: Loss of space in the home theatre. If you are planning to buy the long throw projector.
Then you will need a big space between the projector and the screen.
And when you put the projector on. That far away from the screen. Then there are chances.
You will get the shadow of someone on the screen. Which can spoil your watching movie experience.
Best long throw projector.
- Sony VW325ES (Under $5,500)
- Epson Home Cinema 5050UB (Under 4000$)
- BenQ TK850 (Under $1,600)
- ViewSonic LS700-4K (Under $1700)
- Optoma UHD30 (Under $1400)
- Optoma HZ39HDR (Under $1200)
- ViewSonic (PX747-4K) (Under $1200)
- Epson VS250 (Under $600)
- Optoma HD146X (Under $600)
- GooDee YG600 (Under $200)
- Sony VPL-HW45ES
- Epson PowerLite 2255U (Under $3000)
- Epson PowerLite Pro G6550WU (Under $3500)
Read the full review here about the Best long throw projector.
Ultra Short Throw
Pros: Ultra short throw projectors are portable. In comparison to long throw and short throw projectors.
You can easily change in your room. You won’t face any issues.
And also with the ultra-short-throw projector. You don’t have to worry about how you will install the projector through the ceiling.
Or run the cable for the audio and video. From the video source.
If you invest in a good ultra-short-throw projector. You can replace your ultra-short-throw projector with a TV.
Which gives you a cinematic experience at home in the living room.
And these days ultra-short-throw interactive projector is very popular with the pen.
Cons: It’s a tough job to align the projector with the screen. You may have to spend lots of time aligning the projector with the screen.
And also you have to change the position of your center channel speakers.
Because of projector speakers and the center channel speakers. Will sound together.
And it will not be appropriate. You can hide your center channel speaker behind the acoustic screen.
Best ultra-short throw projector
- Epson LS500 (Brightest, Gaming, Movies)
- Hisense L9G (Glossy Finish, SDR, HDR)
- BenQ V7050i (HDR, Bright Room, Design)
- XGIMI Aura 4K UHD (Easy Setup, Good color accuracy)
- SAMSUNG SP-LSP9T (Electronics focus & Keystone Correction)
- Optoma CinemaX P2 (Smart fit feature)
- WEMAX Nova (Premium Design)
- JMGO U2 (Very Silent, 3d Sound)
- Epson EpiqVision LS300 (During the day)
- LG HU85LA (Razor Sharp Image)
- Vava 4k UST projector (60-watt speakers)
- Optoma GT5600 (Budget)
- JMGO O1 (Cheapest)
- Xiaomi Mijia Laser projection TV (Living room, Affordable)
- Epson Home Cinema LS100 (Low boot time)
Read the full review here in our article Best ultra-short-throw or UST projector.
Which one is best for you?
Which is best? Ultra short throw, if you don’t have enough space far away from the screen to place the projector. To get the big image on the screen.
And don’t want to spend on the wire for installation. And you have planned to use the projector in the lit room. Or plan to use the projector as a TV.
Long-throw, If you are doing some event. Or you have the big home theatre room.
And you can easily place the projector far away from the screen.
And you are going to project the image on an uneven surface.
Or you don’t have enough money to spend on the short throw and ultra-short throw projector.
Short throw, If you are going to project the image from near like the ultra-short throw.
And not away like the long throw projector. Then choose the short throw projector.
See you next time…
0 Comments