In this article, we will explain What is a Short Throw Projector, along with its Advantages & Drawbacks.
Projectors can be classified into several types or categories based on various factors.
Based on the Throw Distance, Projectors are classified into three types:
- Long Throw Projectors
- Short Throw Projectors
- Ultra Short Throw Projectors
Long Throw Projectors are the Standard Projectors we have been using all these years. However, thesedays, people prefer Short Throw Projectors over the Standard Long Throw Projectors. Why? Let’s find out.
Also, check out our Projector Buying Guide of 2022, which will help you pick the Best Projector.
Page Contents
What is a Short Throw Projector:
A Long Throw Projector requires more Throw Distance, while a Short Throw Projector requires less.
What is Throw in a Projector?
In simple words, the Distance a Projector needs to Project an Image on the Screen is called the Throw Distance.
That means a Long Throw Projector has to be placed at a long distance from the screen. Whereas, a Short Throw Projector reduces the distance by half.
If you have a Long Throw Projector, you should have a large room to place the Projector at an appropriate distance. Therefore, people started using Short Throw Projectors as they can install them even in smaller rooms.
Moreover, if the Distance between the Projector and the Screen is less, there will be less Ambient Light Distraction. So, the images will be much brighter.
How Close/Far can a Short Throw Projector be?
You can place a Short Throw Projector anywhere between 3 to 9 feet depending on the Screen Size. The Throw Distance depends on the Screen Size. So, you can read the above-linked article to calculate exactly how far or close a Short Throw Projector can be from the Screen.
Check out this article on How Far Does Projector Need To Be From Screen.
What is an Ultra Short Throw Projector?
Manufacturers went a step further and developed Ultra Short Throw Projectors. These types of Projectors should be placed closer to the Projector Screen/Wall. In fact, the recommended distance between the Screen and Ultra Short Throw Projectors is less than a foot.
Short Throw Projector Advantages:
Now that we understand What is a Short Throw Projector and How they work, let’s explore some Advantages of Short Throw Projectors Over Standard Long Throw Projectors:
- You can use Short Throw Projector in Smaller rooms.
- You don’t require large cables and extensions.
- Less Ambient Light Distraction.
- The light from the Projector travels less distance, so the Projector Image is much brighter and sharper.
Are Short Throw Projectors Better than Long Throw (Standard) Projectors?
By looking at the benefits, you may think that the Short Throw Projectors are better than the Standard Projector.
Not in every case.
Short Throw Projectors may have some advantages over Long Throw Projectors. However, they cannot be replaced entirely. Short Throw Projectors cannot be useful in large environments.
Like, movie theatres still use Long Throw Projectors. Because they need to place the Projector at a distance from the screen. They cannot install a Short Throw Projector in the middle of the Seatings. Also, Long Throw Projectors can Project larger images. So, during events, where you have a large audience, Long Throw Projectors are recommended.
However, you can also use the Rear Projection Technique as well.
Check out the Difference Between Rear Projection & Front Projection.
Short Throw Projector DrawBacks:
- The lens used in Short Throw Projectors is expensive that increases the overall cost of the Projector.
- As the Short Throw Projectors are most probably placed near the seating. So, the exhaust fan’s sound can be disturbing.
What Does Short Throw Projector Mean?
As the name defines, Short Throw Projector means the Throw Distance of the Projector is Short (or less).
Do I Need a Short Throw Projector?
If you have a smaller room, you will need a Short Throw Projector. Because Long Throw Projectors need to be placed far from the screen and require large rooms.
Can Short Throw Projectors be Ceiling Mounted?
Yes, Short Throw Projectors can be Mounted to the Ceiling. On the other hand, Mount Ceiling Ultra Short Throw Projectors is not recommended.
Are Short Throw and Ultra Short Throw Projectors the Same?
No. Short Throw Projectors are similar to Long Throw, except that the distance between the Projectors and Screen is reduced. On the other hand, Ultra Short Throw Projectors are placed very close to the screen.
Final Words:
Short Throw Projectors have a few Benefits and Drawbacks when compared to the other types (Long Throw & Ultra Short Throw). A Short Throw Projector can be the best pick for you if you want to use it in a small room.
We have made a detailed comparison between Ultra Short Throw Vs Short Throw Vs Long Throw Projector
I hope you understand What is a Short Throw Projector, and What are its Advantages and Drawbacks.