Projector users have a big decision to make when it comes time to buy a new projector: you may have wondered if there is a short-throw projector that is better than long-throw projectors.
Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but which one is the best for you? We’ll look at both short and long-throw projectors and help you decide which one is right for you.
Keep in mind that what might be ideal for one person may not be perfect for another, so consider your individual needs when making your decision.
Choosing a projector based on resolution, contrast ratio, zoom ratio, brightness, and other things can be very difficult.
Also, keep in mind that the purchase of a projector depends on a few factors, such as:
- Space
- Screen Size
and
- Portability
With that said, let’s take a closer look at short throw vs. long throw projectors!
Is short throw better than long throw: Long vS Short Throw Projectors
What is a Throw ratio?
The throw ratio is simply the distance between the projector and the screen. There are three types of projector throws short throw, long throw, and ultra-short throw. The throw ratio is lower for short throw projectors ad higher for long thro projectors – essentially a short throw projector can have a closer screen placement than long throw projectors.
What are Short Throw Projectors
Short throw projectors are designed to be placed close to the screen or surface that you will be projecting your image onto. This is in contrast to long throw projectors, designed to be placed further away from the screen or surface.
Short throw projectors are made to be closer to the screen that they’re projecting on to, which explains why they have a built-in chip that changes the geometry of their projected image so that the angled projection displays onto the projection screen as a normal rectangle.
Processing such as this can cause short throw projectors to produce more heat than long throw projectors.
Advantages of Short Throw Projectors
Several advantages come with using a short-throw projector rather than a long-throw projector. One of the main advantages is that you don’t need as much space to use a short throw projector.
This is because the projector can be placed closer to the screen or surface, so you won’t need to worry about having a lot of empty space behind the projector.
Another advantage of short-throw projectors is that they tend to have less input lag than long-throw projectors. Input lag is the time it takes for the projector to receive a signal and display it on the screen. This can be important if you use the projector for gaming or other activities where every millisecond counts.
Other advantages of short throw projectors:
- Big Screen performance in smaller rooms: One can give presentations that are engaging in small spaces using short throw projectors. These projectors help give unused rooms a new lease on life and eliminates issues such as people moving in front of the projector’s light.
- Nothing can really get in the way of presentations: If your projector is in front of you, and the video source is behind you, or vis versa, then there’s a possibility that one will need longer leads to hook everything up. This can create distractions or trip hazards that only work to disrupt the flow of content.
- Lower glare and shadows: Due to short throw projector’s closer distance to the screen, they are capable of reducing shadows and glare from the light source.
- Presentations are more interactive: Since short throw projectors are mounted closely to the wall, this means that professors can present content without having themselves blinded by light from the projector.
Disadvantages of Short Throw Projectors
Short throw projectors have a few disadvantages that you should be aware of. First, they typically cost more than long throw projectors, and this is because they use more expensive lens technology.
Additionally, some short-throw projectors often have shorter lifespans than their long-throw counterparts. The bulbs used in short-throw projectors typically burn out more quickly.
Other disadvantages of short throw projectors are:
- Since short throw projectors require more power to turn images that are originally square into trapezoidal images that have the capability of being projected as rectangles at an angle, short throw projectors can get very hot. The process of cooling these projectors down can result in unwanted noise.
- If the image is projected onto an uneven surface, more image warping will likely happen than that received from a long throw projector.
Don’t worry; short throw projectors are also available with longer lifespans. Check our top 10 Best Ultra Short Throw Projector 1080p under budget.
What are Long Throw Projectors
Long-throw projectors have to be placed further away from the screen to produce a large and clear image. They are ideal for use in large rooms or auditoriums where there is plenty of space to set up the projector. Long throw projectors typically require a distance of six or more feet from the screen to show quality images. Usually, the user should make sure there is a distance more than 6 feet between the device itself and the projector’s screen, thus increasing the image size.
These features make long throw projectors well-suited for use in places such as outdoor events and auditoriums. Long throw projectors are usually more inexpensive than their short throw counterparts because they require less processing power to produce images. These projectors also have more stability, allowing them to deliver high quality images on a number of surfaces, uneven and textured included.
Advantages of Long Throw Projectors
One advantage of long-throw projectors is that they can be used with huge screens without distortion, making them ideal for church, presentations, or lectures where a clear and sharp image is essential.
Another advantage of long-throw projectors is that they tend to be more powerful than short-throw projectors to produce a brighter and clearer image.
This is especially important if you’ll be using your projector in a room with lots of ambient light. And long-throw projectors are cheaper than short-throw projectors.
Other advantages of long throw projectors:
- Long throw projectors work great for situations when the projector isn’t where the power source is.
- They’re a great option if the room’s foot traffic is closer to the screen.
- They can also be used if you’re in an outdoor space, and you’d like to project on an uneven surface without screen distortion.
- Long throw projectors also don’t have to geometrically transform images before they’re projected which gives them moderate price ranges.
Disadvantages of Long Throw Projectors
One of the most significant disadvantages of long throw projectors is that they require a lot of space. This can be a significant issue if you’re trying to use the projector in a small room or area.
Another downside of long throw projectors is that they often require special mounts, tables, or stands. This can be an added expense and may not be practical for everyone.
Long-throw projectors tend to have fewer features and options than their short-throw counterparts, which can be a significant issue if you’re looking for a specific feature or function.
Other disadvantages of long throw projectors:
- Since long thro projectors are made for projection over long distances, they are more vulnerable to image obstruction.
- As backlights, long throw projectors get rid of a large amount of usable space in home theaters.
- Because of the projector angle, long throw projectors are more prone to glare.
What are Ultra Short Throw Projectors
An ultra-short throw projector is a specialized type of projector designed to be placed very close to the screen or projection surface. This makes them ideal for use in small spaces where a regular projector might not be able to fit.
Ultra short throw projectors have extremely wide-angle lenses with throw ratios of less than .4 that lets one install it just above or just under the screen. One of the main benefits of this type of screen is that it saves cost for ceiling mounts and is easy to install.
Advantages of Ultra Short Throw Projectors
Several advantages come with using a short throw projector. First, since they can be placed close to the screen, they are less likely to cause shadows and glare. This makes them ideal for use in home theater, where you want to avoid any distractions.
Second, ultra-short-throw projectors tend to be very compact and lightweight, and this makes them easy to transport and set up, which is ideal for those who need to use their projector in multiple locations.
Third, if you position the ultra-short-throw projector 1 inch away from the screen, it will be able to see a picture that is more than 150 inches wide. This is perfect for those who want to create a large viewing experience without sacrificing space.
Disadvantages of Ultra Short Throw Projectors
There are a few potential disadvantages to using an ultra-short-throw projector. First, they can be more expensive than regular projectors, and this is because they are a newer technology and they typically have higher-quality components.
Second, ultra-short-throw projectors can produce a more limited image than regular projectors. They have a shorter throw distance, so the image has to be projected over a shorter distance.
Projectors with ultra-short throw distances are also available in bigger screen sizes, although the cost of such projectors is exceptionally high.
Third, ultra-short-throw projectors can be more challenging to set up than regular projectors. This is because they need to be mounted closer to the screen or surface you are projecting onto.
Other disadvantages of ultra short throw projectors:
- The light engines are costly to replace
- Center channel placement is sometimes tough to figure out, especially without custom furniture
- Specifications on where to place the projector are very specific
- Difficult to get a square image that fits on a screen
- It’s suggested to get an ambient light rejecting (ALR) screen, which can be kind of expensive.
Which Is Better for You? Long or Short throw projectors?
Now that you know the advantages and disadvantages of short-throw, ultra-short throw, and long-throw projectors, you can decide which one is right.
A long-throw projector is probably your best bet if you need a projector for a large screen or presentation. However, if you want a compact and easy-to-use projector for your home theater, an ultra-short-throw projector is probably the way.
Ultra short throw projectors are also great for people who want to create a large viewing experience without sacrificing space.
Projectors with ultra-short throw distances can be more challenging to set up than regular projectors, and this is because they need to be mounted closer to the screen or surface you are projecting onto.
No matter which type of projector you choose, make sure to research and find the one that best suits your needs. With so many options on the market, you’re sure to find the perfect projector for your home or office.
Is short throw better than long throw: Related FAQs
Is a short-throw projector brighter?
Some might say that a short-throw projector is brighter; however, this really varies based on the projector model. In fact, many long-throw projectors are just as bright as their short-throw counterparts, and it really depends on the specific model you’re looking at.
In general, though, individuals will see brightness much better with short-throw projectors.
Are short-throw projectors more expensive?
This is a common misconception, but short-throw projectors are not necessarily more expensive than long-throw projectors. In fact, you can find models of both types that fit various budgets, and it depends on what features you’re looking for and how much you’re willing to spend.
But do keep in mind that they can cost quite a bit depending on the type of projector purchased and the lens equipped. Also consider the types of screens that will have to be purchased, for instance, ALR screens.
Can short-throw projectors be ceiling mounted?
Yes, short-throw projectors can be ceiling mounted. In fact, many people prefer to ceiling mount their short-throw projector because it frees up space on the floor and makes it easier to position the projector.
How far can a long throw projector work?
A long throw projector can work from up to 10 to 20 feet away from the screen, and this is because they have a higher throw ratio than short-throw projectors, which means that they can produce a larger image from a given distance.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to both short and long-throw projectors. It depends on your individual needs as to which one is right for you. Consider all of the factors before making your final decision.