Based on the Projector Throw, Projectors can be classified into three categories, that are Ultra Short Throw, Short Throw, and Long Throw. You need to choose the right type of Projector, based on your requirements.
Hence, in this article, we will Compare Ultra Short Throw Vs Short Throw Vs Long Throw Projector to see what benefits one has over the others.
So, you can choose the Type of Projector that is suitable for you.
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Long Throw/ Standard Projectors:
We don’t actually call them Long Throw Projectors. They are the standard Projectors, which we have been using all these years. A Standard Projector is placed at a distance and throws light on the surface. They are also called Normal Projectors. However, since other types of Projectors were invented, people started calling them Long Throw Projectors.
Short Throw Projectors:
Later, Short Throw Projectors were introduced. These Projectors have better lenses, due to which, you don’t have to place them very far from the screen. Home users started liking Short Throw Projectors over Long Throw Projectors because they can be placed in smaller rooms.
Ultra Short Throw Projectors:
Ultra Short Throw Projectors were recently introduced and are favored by most users. The UST (Ultra Short Throw) Projectors have the lens on top of the device and are placed very close to the screen. Read more on What is Ultra Short Throw Projector.
Ultra Short Throw Vs Short Throw Vs Long Throw Projector:
Let’s differentiate between Ultra Short Throw Vs Short Throw Vs Long Throw Projector to see Which Type of Projector has more benefits over others.
1. Installation:
The installation process of a Standard Projector is challenging. You need to be a technical person to be able to set the Projector correctly. Moreover, if you want to mount the Projector to the ceiling, you might need a technician. You have to drill holes in the ceiling and mount the Projector at a proper distance.
Check out How Far the Projector Needs to be from the Screen.
Installing a Short Throw Projector can be as tough as installing Long Throw Projectors.
On the other hand, Ultra Short Throw Projectors can be simply placed in front of the screen. It doesn’t require any professional installation. You have to place the UST Projector at a distance of 7″-12″ depending on the screen size.
Winner: Ultra Short Throw Projector
2. Portability:
As we mentioned in our previous point, Short Throw Projectors are easy to install. If you want to Project on a different wall or in a different room, Ultra Short Throw Projectors are very handy.
On the other hand, you can carry the Standard Long Throw Projector but would find it difficult to place the Projector in other rooms. You need to place it at a distance, you need a large room, and you might have to rearrange the furniture to place the Projector. If you don’t want to disturb the furniture, you might have to dig holes in another ceiling to mount the Projector.
Short throw Projectors aren’t much different. You may have to adjust the furniture to place the Projector at the right distance.
If you want a Portable Projector, you can look for a Pico Projector.
Winner: Ultra Short Throw Projector
3. Space:
Long Throw Projectors need to be placed at least 6 feet from the wall/screen. And, there shouldn’t be any obstruction between the Projector and the Screen. The distance will increase if you want to project a bigger image. So, all that area must be empty, and you should sit behind the Projector. It is going to take even more space if you wish to Project from behind the screen.
Check out the difference between Front Projection Vs Rear Projection.
However, Short Throw Projectors can be placed a little bit closer to the screen. So, it can save almost half the space.
Moreover, the Short Throw Projectors are placed just a few inches away from the wall. Therefore, you can place it even in a small room.
Winner: Ultra Short Throw Projector
4. Cables & Wires:
Well, if a Long Throw Projector is mounted to the ceiling, you would need a long HDMI cable to connect to your Device. And HDMI cables are quite expensive at the moment. Even if you place it in the middle of the room, you have to plug it into the socket to power it up. And, if the socket is far enough, you would need an extension.
Moreover, we place speakers near the Projector Screen. So, you would also need a large AUX cable to connect the Speakers with the Projector. You could even tangle with all those wires and cables in the way.
Short Throw Projectors can be placed a little bit close to the screen. So, you may not require wires and cables as long as the Long Throw Projectors.
However, Short Throw Projectors would be close to the screen and do not require long cables and wires. You can keep the setup clean and simple.
Winner: Ultra Short Throw Projector
5. Interference:
Again, having a Projector close to the Screen will prevent objects & people from interference. Therefore, the Ultra Short Throw Projection again has an upper hand over the Short Throw & Long Throw Projector.
Winner: Ultra Short Throw Projector
6. Rear Projection:
Ultra Short Throw Projectors are best suitable for both Front Projection and Rear Projection and don’t require much space. Placing a Short Throw or Long Throw Projector behind the Screen is a waste of space. You should place the Long Throw Projector almost 8 feet behind the screen, and you would be sitting at least 10 feet away from it. So, you can assume how much space you need for that.
Also, if you are placing a Projector behind the Screen, you should get an Acoustic/Perforated Screen. Read more about Types of Projector Screens here.
Winner: Ultra Short Throw Projector
7. Sound:
Some Projectors come with a built-in Speaker. However, the sound quality is not much appreciated whether it is Short Throw or Long Throw Projector. So, either way, you would need a Sound system. However, as the Long Throw Projectors will be placed near you, the sound would be more audible compared to Ultra Short Throw Projectors that are placed near the wall.
However, when used as a Rear Projector, the Ultra Short Throw Projector will be audible compared to Long Throw Projector which is placed around 7-8 feet away from the screen.
Between Short Throw Vs Long Throw, it depends on How Far You are Sitting from the Screen.
So, it depends on How you decide to use it, and How far you are sitting.
Hence, there is no specific winner here.
8. Ambient Light Rejection:
In this comparison of Ultra Short Throw Vs Short Throw Vs Long Throw Projector, this is by far the most important detail.
Suppose you are using the Projector in daylight or with lights in the room. As the Long Throw Projector Projects the image from a long distance (Throw Ratio), it gets interfered with the Ambient Light in the Room. This results in dull picture quality.
Also, read What is Throw Ratio in a Protector.
Whereas, the Short Throw Projector does not have much light interference as it is placed closer than Long Throw Projectors. So, you can see much better quality, better contrast, and better brightness.
Moreover, the Ultra Short Throw Projectors are placed inches away from the Screen. Hence, there is nothing to worry about the Ambient Light.
So, Ultra Short Projectors are more beneficial in preventing Ambient Light.
Or you can also use a Long Throw Projector with very high Lumens. Check out What is Lumens in Projector.
Having an ALR Screen will be beneficial in such cases.
Winner: Ultra Short Throw Projector
9. Safe Environment:
Well, if a Projector is placed in the middle of the room, there are more chances of people getting bumped into it. Also, the wires and cables would make the area congested for walking. So, I think you understood which Type of Projector got an upper hand over here.
Although you can place Long Throw Projector behind the screen, or mount it on the wall, but then there are other issues like space and installation. So, it is safe to say that Ultra Short Throw Projectors provide a safer environment.
Winner: Ultra Short Throw Projector
10. Light Source:
If you read our previous article on Types of Projectors, you would understand that the Standard Projectors have three types of Light Sources, that are DLP, LCD, and Laser. Most Short Throw and Ultra Short Throw Projectors come with a Laser Light Source, which represents better colors, better contrast, better blacks, and a longer life span.
So, we have a draw again.
11. Screen Size:
As the Ultra Short Throw Projectors are placed very close to the Screen, you shouldn’t expect them to project a large screen. A Short Throw Projector can cast up to 120 feet, or 150 feet at max. So, if you want to have a bigger screen like 200 feet or more, you should get a Long Throw Projector. That is why almost all movie theaters use Long Throw Projectors.
Winner: Long Throw Projector
12. Screen Types:
An Ultra Short Throw Projector is well suited for Portable Screen Types. You can place the Screen anywhere you want, and place a UST Projector in front of it. It is also suitable for Fixed Projector Screens. However, they are not suitable for Retractable Screens, as the screens might be placed in the middle of the room.
On the other hand, Standard Projectors are suitable for all types of Screens, including Portable. You just need to make sure there is enough room for Projection.
Winner: Long Throw Projector
13. TV or Movie Theatre:
While Short Throw Projectors provides a TV-like experience, Long Throw Projectors gives more of a movie theatre feel. So, which one would you prefer to have? Comment below and let us know.
Winner: Long Throw Projector
14. Cost/ Affordability:
So far, after reading all those points, you must be thinking that the Ultra Short Throw Projectors are way better than the Long Throw Projectors.
Here comes the Twist.
A product can have millions of Pros, but it is useless if it cant be affordable. Though, I am not saying that the Ultra Short Throw Projectors are not affordable. But, they are indeed very expensive.
An Ultra Short Throw Projector can cost almost double or triple the price of a Standard DLP Projector.
But, if you think the Ultra Short Throw Projector is well suited for your environment, then you would get value for money. Considering the pros, I think UST Projectors are worth the price. Also, they are newer technology and only a few products have been manufactured. Maybe, you would see a fall in price when other companies start manufacturing Ultra Short Throw Projectors.
So, even though the Ultra Short Throw Projector is better than Short Throw & Long Throw Projectors, people still buy Long Throw Projectors. It’s because of the Price.
If you want a Budget Projector, then you will find lots of Cheap and Affordable Long Throw Projectors. Short Throw Projectors are cheaper than Ultra Short Throw but are more expensive than Long Throw.
Winner: Long Throw Projector
15. Custom Furniture:
We have compared the Projectors with each other to show which type of Projector has the upper hand. However, there is one common Drawback. You might need custom furniture to place the Projector. The table on which you place the projector should be at a proper height.
If you fixed the screen before testing the Projector, you are going to have a hard time setting up the Projector. So, first of all, you should test the Projector by projecting it on the wall, then place the screen. And secondly, you should build or order a piece of custom furniture according to the height.
Moreover, when you are using an Ultra Short Throw Projector, you might have to move it away from the wall if you want a bigger picture. Also, if you are using a home theatre system, you might have to place the Projector on top of the center speaker.
Also, check out our comparison between Projector Vs TV.
Ultra Short Throw Vs Short Throw Vs Long Throw Projector in Tabular Form:
| Ultra Short Throw Projector | Short Throw Projector | Long Throw Projector |
|---|---|---|
| Easy to Install, No Technical Support Required | Long Installation Process, and might require professional help | Long Installation Process, and might require professional help |
| Easily Portable | Portable in a few scenarios | Portable in a few scenarios |
| Can be used in Small Rooms | Can be used in Medium Size Rooms | Need large space |
| Do not require long cables and wires | Medium-length wires can be used | Might require a long HDMI cable and power extension cable. |
| Suitable for Rear Projection as well | Suitable for Rear Projection but not recommended | Not recommended for Rear Projection |
| Require speakers | Speakers are recommended | Placed near to the user, so Speakers are not mandatory |
| Can be used in rooms with Ambient Light | Can be used in Rooms with little Ambient Light | Preferred in dark rooms |
| People won’t bump into the Projector | Chances of people bumping into the Projectors | Chances of people bumping into the Projectors |
| Mostly available with Laser Light Source | Available with DLP, LCD, and Laser lights. | Available with DLP, LCD, and Laser lights. |
| Very Expensive | Moderate | Budget-Friendly |
| Suitable for Screen Size under 150 feet. | Suitable for all screen types and supports large screens as well. | Suitable for all screen types and supports large screens as well. |
| Well suited for Portable and Fixed Screen Types. | Mostly used for Fixed Screen and Retractable Screens. But suitable for all Screen Types. | Mostly used for Fixed Screen and Retractable Screens. But suitable for all Screen Types. |
| Gives a TV experience | Gives Movie Theatre feel | Gives Movie Theatre feel |
Conclusion on Short Throw Projector Vs Long Throw Projector:
In conclusion, I would say that Ultra Short Throw Projectors have an upper hand over Short Throw Projectors and Long Throw Projectors. However, the Price is a huge concern. Moreover, it also depends on you, your requirement, your needs, and your preferences.
If you have a large room, with no Ambient Light, then Long Throw Projector would be the best choice for you because it is also budget-friendly. On the other hand, if you feel like Short Throw Projector is suitable in your habitat, then it will be worth the money. If price is not a concern, then get the Ultra Short Throw Projector.
Here are some of the Best Ultra Short Throw Projectors by Optoma.
It is a one-time investment, so you should go with the one that suits you better. However, we would like to know your opinion as well. You can let us know, which one do you like between Ultra Short Throw Vs Short Throw Vs Long Throw Projector.