What is a Short Throw Projector

When buying a projector, there are so many things a buyer must take into account. From the sweet spot to hang the screen rightly, and then to the brightness, contrast ratio, and everything must be on point to get the desired image quality.

Here I will discuss another important aspect that also plays an essential role in delivering tremendous display performance.

So, since technology won’t stop evolving, things are getting smaller but more reliable. TVs and Smart TVs are getting expensive and require a permanent spot to place, which would sometimes be not enough for friends and family to sit and have fun. Their screen sizes are also limited to 65 inches or 70 inches, etc.

But with the projectors at home, we can customize the screen size and make it bigger to play our favorite movie and enjoy it to the fullest without worrying about audience seating.

We have these short-throw, long-throw, and ultra-short-throw projectors that have surprised us for a long time. They are the best alternative to big TVs, and they have other amazing features that no one can ignore. They are easy to carry, set up quickly, save energy, and show high-quality images on the screen.

But the question is, what is a short-throw or long-throw projector and how is it different than any other regular projector?

Short Throw Projector

They’re almost certainly the same projectors we’ve been using but in a smaller size. A short throw projector delivers high-quality content in a small room. It has a throw ratio between 0.4 and 1. It means that the image width would increase by 1 to 2. feet with every foot the projector is placed.

The need arises for short throw projectors when many people face difficulty hanging the screen and maintaining the relevant distance from it to stream the playing content easily.

Here the word “throw” refers to the distance between the projector to the screen and the screen size. Precisely, it is the distance ratio that the projector should be able to throw an image to the projector screen to make the size of an image. 

Short Throw Projector Screen

Short-throw projectors can produce excellent images in a short distance, giving you plenty of room to sit in the right spot in a small room. Any presenter would like to use it for temporary use in a congested place for meetings, presentations, etc.

However, you do not need a different projector screen for short throw projectors, but one that matches your projector size. The regular screen size for the projector screen ranges between 80 inches and 20 inches. So, make the screen according to your short throw projector and the distance you can maintain for better results.

Furthermore, you can create the screen because it is doable. It will be open to customization, and you can set up the screen size according to your space and requirements. The process of creating a projector screen is simple and almost similar to that of any typical screen. Besides, if there is a time limitation, you can get a ready-made screen from any projector store.

Furthermore, for short-throw projectors, be careful while setting up the projector screen. Whether you decide to hang it from the ceiling or mount it on the wall, ensure there should be no uneven surfaces. Also, give a thought to placement, as it must avoid ambient light in the room, and power lights not directly hitting it if there is a need to open it while playing content.

Projector Distance from Wall

Another important aspect of using a projector is maintaining the proper distance from the screen for better results and keeping our eyes safe and sound. It can also influence image quality. I can mention the recommended distance you should maintain with different screen sizes.

Screen Size	Projection Distance
80 inches	100-110 inches
100 inches	125-135 inches
120 inches	150-165 inches
150 inches	190-200 inches

Moreover, there are several benefits or drawbacks of a short throw projector or ultra-short throw that you should identify before making a buying decision.

Short Throw Projector Advantages

• It is best for smaller rooms as it does not require keeping a considerable distance between the projector and the projector screen.
• It can be placed a few inches from the projector screen and get the desired result without compromising the image quality.
• It is best for temporary use as a quick presentation in the office.
• The short throw projector would not destroy the brightness, contrast ratio, and other specs in a short space.
• It makes it possible to enjoy streaming our favorite content despite the place we have.
•  It is portable and quick to set up.
• It will allow quick connection with compatible wired and wireless options.
• It does not need a unique or different projector screen as you can use the regular one for short throw projectors.

Short Throw Projector Disadvantages

• Many short throw projectors have a fixed lens, not allowing to zoom the content.
• The lens can be expensive.

What is a Long Throw Projector

A long-throw Projector is the opposite of a short throw. You can place the projector at a significant distance from the screen as it has a throw ratio greater than 1. They are cheaper as compared to short-throw projectors. Also, it requires at least six feet distance from the projector to the projector screen for high-quality image delivery.

The long-throw projectors have a fair share of advantages over short-throw projectors, and also, there are pitfalls too.

Long Throw Projector Advantages

• It proves to be the best projector in a larger space.
• It creates enormous images on the screen.
• It delivers less distortion even the outdoor use.
• They are affordable.
• The lens is not fixed.
• The throw ratio is greater than one inch.
• It is also best for places that have a power connection at distances, so you can keep the projector close to it while getting the content on your projector screen.
• They allow zoom in and zoom out of the images.
• They are best for seminars, large-scale conferences, etc.

Long Throw Projector Disadvantages

• They need to place at a significant distance, so there is a chance you face shadows of people while streaming.
• They are likely to glare more.

Short Throw VS Long Throw Projector

If you have already thought of that sweet spot where you want to set your projector screen, it is time to see which projector you should get right away. You have the option of a short-throw projector and a long-throw projector that relies on a couple of factors.

Short throw projectors are the best choice for small spaces as it has the potential to create 100 inches-plus image on the screen while placed at a distance of four to eight feet. That is, it does not require a lot of space to deliver high-quality content. However, you must considere the contrast ratio and other environmental factors for the screen performance.

Short throw projectors can be placed in small bedrooms, classrooms, and living rooms with limited space. They also have built-in quality speakers and allow you to connect external sound systems if you require additional and extra-loud voice.

Moreover, they are expensive because of the lens, which does not permit you to zoom in on the images. But, I think you won’t need this feature while sitting close to the screen.

On the other hand, long-throw projectors are designed to place far from the screen and require adequate space to set up. They need to place six to seven feet away from the screen to create a bright, clear image. It is perfect for the large rooms or makes a cinema room at home since going out in this situation can be risky, so better to bring the cinema at home.

They also offer quick connections and are portable, less expensive for home use. 

Do you need a special screen for a short throw projector?

No, there is no such need to get a unique screen for short throw projectors. All UST projectors have a size range between 80 and 120 inches to deliver the best quality image. You can get a screen size according to your space and budget, and enjoy.

Is short throw projector better?

It is responsible for producing large yet clear images from a small distance. So, if your space is limited, a short throw projector is ideal for you.

What is the difference between a short throw and long throw projector?

The name says it all. The short throw projectors need less distance to maintain from the screen to create a brighter, massive, and vibrant image. However, you can put the long throw projector at a significant distance and get the same results. Your decision to choose among them is based on your space, budget, and screen size.

Why are short throw projectors so expensive?

Short throw projectors are not expensive, but the lens it has is far expensive than anything. Since the lens has a job to produce huge images from such a distance, it needs to have such qualities that eventually make it costly.

Do you need a screen for a short throw projector?

Obviously, we need a screen for any projector we have, or what else will we watch the display?  However, any regular screen can be used for short-throw projectors. You can make it by yourself according to your requirements, or get it from the market.

How far away does a projector need to be for a 120 inch screen?

It would be best to maintain a distance of 150 to 156 inches from the 120 inches projector screen size. It will give you desired image results. Besides, I have mentioned distances that you should maintain according to your screen size at the article above to understand better.

Is a short throw projector brighter?

If you are a movie freak and genuinely want to bring cinema at home, you should buy a short throw projector as it produces a bright, clear, crisp image on display.

Conclusion

Short throw and long throw projectors have made our lives easier. They are both useful for home theater and business purposes. Different factors need to consider while choosing between the two, but both are reliable, portable, and user-friendly.

Since their demand is rising, different brands are working to produce high-quality products. We are still waiting for the high-technology integration and more improvements in short throw and long throw projectors.

If you have any expectations from the brands, please let us know in the comments below.