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The projector-based theater room is the first choice for many newbies. But projectors come with many caveats and judgments when choosing one for your entertainment. One and one of the most important caveats is its throw ratio. So, what throw projector do you need?
At A Glance: As a general rule of thumb, if your room has a 7-13 inches space for the projector to keep it in, that ultra-short throw projector is right. If it has 3-13 feet of space then a short throw but if it has equal or more than 16 feet then a long throw projector is suitable for you.
Keep reading as we will be discussing many things related to it like the pros and cons of each throw ratio category. I will talk about the best suitable ratio for the projector and will answer a few important questions. Read the final verdict at the bottom of the article to know which projector category is the best.
Available Space & Throw Ratio. Why Do I Recommend This?
| Available Space | Needed Projector |
|---|---|
| 7-13 inches of available space for projection | Ultra-short Throw Projector |
| 3-13 feet | Short Throw Projector |
| Equal to or greater than 16 feet | Long Throw Projector |
Why an Ultra-short Throw Projector?
The UST projector is suitable for those who want a 100 inches or bigger image in their small theater room or bedroom.
This type of projector can project a picture of 100 inches from just a 7 inches distance from the screen. The image will not be distorted, or the colors will never be washed out. Because these projectors are engineered for ultra-short throw ratio.
These types of projectors are usually very expensive. Because they need special precision for building. They are built with complex algorithms and expensive hardware.
Many UST projectors have processors too. These processors further help the image to make it better. The image is first generated at the lens or color wheel and after that, the image is processed by a special processor.
These projectors need more engineering work and expensive hardware, that’s why they are more expensive.
Read this review guide, on the best UST projector. I have reviewed the top 7 in this guide.
Pros
- Usually have industry-leading operating software. Like in the LG UST projector. The platform is amazing. You can run Netflix and many more streaming services right from the menu, and many apps can be installed from the app store.
- It can give a full cinema size image right in your bedroom
- UST projectors usually have more robust remote than other projectors
- They can be kept on a desk or cabinet
Cons
- They are very expensive
- Almost every UST is equipped with speakers and these speakers are not worth it
- Its light can reflect on the smooth shining ceiling. This irritates me. However, this issue can be resolved by ALR screens. But that means some more dollars to be spent.
Why Short Throw Projector?
When you have a special theater room, but it is very small, then you need a short-throw projector. The UST is for those that want a bigger image in a bedroom, but this ST is for the small theater room owners.
While the UST can be kept on a desk or cabinet. These ST projectors perform better when they are mounted from the ceiling.
They are more expensive than long throw but cheaper than UST projectors. Also, they usually don’t have that robust operating software platform that USTs come with.
Read this review guide about the best short-throw projector. I have reviewed the top 5 in this guide.
Pros
- Suitable for all sizes of theater rooms.
- Cheaper than UST projectors
- Almost all ST projectors have the best quality lenses
Cons
- Expensive than regular projectors
- They are usually heavy & mounting is difficult for a single person. (I am not talking about your relationships here. LOL!)
Why Long Throw/Regular Projector?
The long-throw projectors are usually the cheapest among all of these projectors. If you are tight with the budget, then you can have a full HD or 4K projector cheaper in the long throw projectors category.
If you want the same picture quality, projector in the UST & ST projectors category. They will be more expensive.
Also, there are many more options in this category to choose from. There are many lightweight projectors in this category that can be set up with less effort. You can find portable projectors in this category that you can carry with you on trips and camping.
Apart from lightweight and portable projectors. There are a plethora of more types of projectors in this category that you can’t find in any other category.
Read this review guide about the best projector under $500. I have reviewed the top 7 in this guide.
Pros
- Variety of projectors in this category
- Some are very affordable projectors
- They can be set up easily
- A lot of reputable brands are in this category
Cons
- Many misleading brandless manufacturers are in this market
- Many types will confuse you. Like Laser, DLP, LCD, and then color wheel technologies.
What is a good throw ratio for projectors? (Final Verdict)
In-Short: The best throw ratio is that of short-throw projectors, which is 3-13. This ratio is suitable for all sizes of theater rooms small, medium, and large. Also, they are affordable and of high quality. Brands are pouring their research & engineering into them.
I recommend short-throw projectors because they are the boundary between very expensive and hard-to-find quality projectors. It is the sweet spot for us to pick.
The ultra-short throw projectors are very expensive, and you will find the best quality projector in a long throw.
That’s why I recommended the short throw projectors because they are affordable and of high quality. A true sweet spot.
Know, how many lumens do you need for a home projector? I have analyzed 5 conditions for different lumens.
Did you get something out of this Projector throw distance guide? Hold On We Have Something Exciting To Share.
[the_ad id=”4771″]FAQs
Are short-throw projectors brighter?
They are not brighter. Their picture quality is engineered to the same standards as the regular projectors, just the technology is different.
The basic standard for brightness and darkness is kept the same in all types of projectors that are intended to be used in home theater.
Just low-quality built projectors will have pictured quality issues.
What is considered a long-throw projector?
A projector that requires more than 16 feet of distance from the screen for its projection is considered a long-throw projector.
These projectors are the most common in the market. That’s why I call them regular projectors. Because almost all the mainstream projectors are long-throw.
Which is better: a long throw or short throw projector?
When you are curious about the budget then a long throw is the best, but if you are curious about quality then the short throw is the best. You can find the best quality in the long throw too, but many brandless manufacturers are on the market.
These brandless manufacturers are zero in existence in the short throw projector category. At least they are zero at the time of writing this article.
Helpful Resources For The FAQs To Read More
- This was my opinion, read more about it from the Reddit discussion. (Resource for the first answer)
- This was my opinion, read more about it from Epson Blog. (Resource for the second answer)
