A revolution in Home Entertainment with the Ultra Short Throw Projector
Modern technology is rapidly transforming our approach to home entertainment, and the ultra short throw projector is one of the most remarkable innovations in this field. Unlike traditional devices that require significant distance to project an image, UST projectors can display large, high-quality visuals just inches away from a screen or wall. This makes them the perfect choice for those looking to create a home theater or presentation space without the hassle of complex installation.
What is an ultra short throw projector and How Does It Differ from Standard Projectors
Ultra Short throw projectors are advanced device that allows you to project large, high—quality images from a short distance. Unlike traditional devices that need to be placed several feet away from the wall to create a large image, the UST lens allows the projector to reproduce an image larger than 100 inches from a distance of only 5-10 inches.
Other key differences between ultra short throw and standard projectors:
- Convenient placement: Standard home cinema projector needs to be mounted on the ceiling or placed on a table several meters away from the screen, which can be inconvenient for many homes in the UK. A short-throw projector, however, can be placed on the floor, a low table, or a shelf directly under the wall.
- No shadows or glare: Traditional projectors create shadows when someone walks in front of the beam. UST-models are spared from this problem, due to the close location of the device, a person does not get into the luminous flux.
- Ease of installation: UST projectors require minimal installation effort compared to standard models, which greatly simplifies their setup.
Advantages and Disadvantages of UST Projectors
Ultra-short-focus projectors have unique characteristics that distinguish them from traditional models and even televisions. Among them:
Laser Projection Technology
- The laser projector is known for its durability and lasts up to 20,000 hours without the need to replace light sources. In addition, it provides a brighter image with saturated colors.
- 4K Resolution
UST projectors with 4K resolution deliver exceptional image clarity and detail, comparable to or even surpassing that of high-end televisions.
- Smart Connectivity Features
Many UST projectors come with smart features, transforming them into "smart" devices. They offer built-in apps for streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu, as well as integration with voice assistants (Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa).
- High Brightness and Contrast Levels
UST projectors are designed to perform even in daylight. Coupled with a high contrast ratio, they provide deep blacks and vivid colors, making them ideal for both movie enthusiasts and gamers.
Despite their impressive features, UST projectors come with a few drawbacks to consider before purchasing:
- High cost
UST projectors tend to be significantly more expensive compared to traditional models, especially short throw laser variants.
- The screen requirements
To achieve optimal image quality, UST projectors need a specialized Ambient Light Rejecting Screen (ALR) for UST, which can be costly. Using a standard white canvas or untreated wall will degrade image quality.
- Limited matrix lifespan
Unlike traditional lamp devices, in which the light source can be replaced, laser UST projectors may require complete replacement in the event of a matrix failure.
Review of Popular UST Models
There are numerous UST projectors on the market, each with unique features for home theater enthusiasts. Here’s a look at six popular models:
- LG HU85LA – 4K UST projector featuring UHD resolution, built-in smart features for accessing streaming services, and laser technology for longevity. With a brightness of 2700 lumens, it's perfect for bright rooms, offering sharpness and vibrant colors, making it a great choice for home theaters.
- Samsung LSP9T (The Premiere) – smart 4K UST projector supporting HDR10+. Its powerful built-in speakers and triple laser system deliver exceptional image and sound quality. Projector with 2800 lumens of brightness, it’s ideal for daytime viewing.
- VAVA 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector – the best short throw focus projector in terms of price-quality ratio. Supports 4K UHD, has a brightness of 2500 lumens and a long-lasting laser light source. VIVA offers ease of use and excellent image quality, while projector screens are used to enhance contrast and color accuracy.
- Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 – home theater projector
supports 4K PRO-HD resolution with a brightness of 4000 lumens, which makes it suitable for all lighting conditions. The Epson although not laser, provides excellent image quality and a long lamp life.
- JMGO O2 Ultra 4K Projector – designed specifically for home cinema and professional presentations, this projector uses MALC 2.0 triple-color laser technology with brightness up to 2800 lumens (CVIA standard). It supports 4K Ultra HD resolution and boasts high contrast for deep blacks and vibrant visuals.
- Portable Mini HD Projector A2 — Compact, lightweight portable projector for home use and mobile presentations. Supports resolutions up to full HD 1080p, which ensures good image clarity and brightness on small screens. The smart mini projector size ranges from 30 to 120 inches (ca. 3 m), making it suitable for both small and medium-sized rooms. It comes equipped with HDMI, USB, AV ports, allowing easy connections to laptops, consoles, or USB drives.
All these models offer advanced features and deliver excellent image quality, turning your home into a personal cinema.
Applications of ultra-short throw projectors
Ultra-short-throw projector (UST) offer wide range of applications due to their versatility, compact design. The most popular area is home theaters, where a 4K UST projector can project high–resolution images onto large surfaces, creating a real cinema in a small room.
Laser projectors are also popular in commercial and educational settings, where space may be limited, but high image quality is essential, such as in classrooms or conference rooms. Smart UST projectors with internet access are perfect for interactive presentations or office use, offering easy access to online content.
To achieve the best image quality in any space, it's recommended to use a specialized UST screen, which enhances contrast and brightness.
How to Choose ultra short throw Projectors for Gaming and Home Theater
When choosing short throw gaming projector or device for a home theater, pay attention to the following key parameters:
- Resolution: 4096p horizontally for better image quality, Full HD is suitable in case of a limited budget.
- Brightness: At least 2500 lumens for daytime use, 1500 lumens for darkened rooms.
- Contrast: Choose no lower than 3000:1 for deep blacks and rich colors.
- Response Time: Input lag for gaming should be less than 30 ms.
- HDR Support: Improves colors and contrast.
- Connections: Availability of HDMI, Wi-Fi for convenience.
- Noise: Ideally up to 30 dB for comfortable use.
For gaming and movies, look for a projector that balances fast response time, image quality, brightness.
Conclusion
Devices with ultra short-throw focus unlock new possibilities for creating immersive visual experiences in both home and professional environments. With technologies like laser projectors, 4K resolution, built-in smart features. UST projectors deliver high-quality visuals on large screens even in confined spaces. Paired with ALR UST screens, they can easily replace traditional TVs, offering more flexible and scalable solutions. While UST projectors do have some drawbacks, for those looking to build the perfect home theater, UST technology remains one of the best options available on the market.