In the end, don't forget that projectors aren't made equally. This is the optimum screen size for your room. It's not a set standard that all models have the same accessories. If you are working with a small room, you will likely want to go with a short throw projector, since a long throw may not give you the screen size you desire. They can also be placed in bedrooms and living rooms, depending on the space and the mount you are going to place the projector on. Willie Greer is the founder of The Product Analyst. Hi! of the produced image by your projector, and the projector height. Our experts suggest looking at the last two letters of the model number to identify the throw distance, ST for short throw projection while LT for the other. The closest part of your viewing area should not be less than two screen heights away. This will provide less distortion of images being projected. Because short throw projectors are intended to be closer to the screen they project onto, they have a chip that modifies the geometry of the image they project so the angled projection appears as a normal rectangle on the projection surface. For instance, to produce the same 80 screen size, a short throw projector needs to be about 92.7 cm away from the wall while a long throw one should be 240cm away. Most people have no idea what a throw is, and that's perfectly normal. This is because this model is specific for areas that are very cramped. A long throw projector is beneficial when the available power source for it is far from the wall. Hence, people can walk all over that space and cast shadows on the images being projected. Instead of replacing lamp again, now searching for similar projector. If the projector is placed on a table, then you can expect someone to block it if they're on their way to go to the bathroom or to get some popcorn. That's a very short distance! It should also be about 3 feet from the floor. Thank you for the article, very good read. Ultimately, the projector you choose will be determined by the factors that are important to you. The ultra-short throw should be placed at most 15 inches away from the screen. Enjoyed this proojector for movies mostly and occasionally games. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Make sure to bear this in mind when choosing between short throw and long throw models. (Got a projector and a laptop? Throws are almost always overlooked by consumers because they're not the most obvious features of the projector unless, of course, you turn it on in the store. Primarily, you want to be sure your projection surface isnt catching glare from outside light. Lastly, the floor area is a very important consideration. If you place the projector in less than six feet away, what you'll get is a smaller image which is definitely not helpful if you're projecting in a large room. The throw ratio is the ratio between the distance of the projector to the wall and the horizontal measure of the image the projector produces. Because of the extra processing power required to convert rectangular images into trapezoids capable of projecting a rectangle at an angle, short throw projectors can get hot. However, this height will likely be constrained by your rooms ceiling. With the longer distance needed, living rooms or home theaters should have enough space to accommodate this in case you will choose it. However, room cooling should be good as short throw projectors can get hot. I'm Jonah. Although mounting your projector ensures that your image will be projected correctly every time, not mounting the projector gives you the option to make your projector mobile. To get the width, multiply the screen height by the aspect ratio your projector will project. Our experts suggest making sure that the area where the image will be projected is away from light glare so as not to cause viewing problems. I need help choosing a short throw projector for my 14 x 18 box of a studio, to create an immersive therapeutic experience. Posted on Last updated: February 24, 2022. Make sure that your projector supports DVD, Blu-ray, and other audio connections. How to Watch CODA Without Apple TV+: A How to Vertical Mount GPU A Detailed How Electronic Ink Will Be Everywhere In The Kindle Unlimited Vs Amazon Prime Reading: Which One NOOK GlowLight 3 Review: A Good EReader But E-Readers Vs Tablets : What Are The Differences? See this guide for how to arrange your speakers. Deciding what kind of projector is right for you depends on numerous factors. One of the key differences between short throw vs long throw projectors is their cost. Short throw and long throw projectors behave differently at different screen sizes. Having read the article, will stick with long throw unit. There's really only one concern here - what projector should you buy? Choosing between brightness, zoom range, contrast ratio, resolution, and other specs makes deciding on a projector very difficult. The ultra-short throw is not as common as the short and long throw. Usually, you'll know what kind of throw it is by checking the unit's model number. Thank you for sharing your expertise, I have read so many of your very helpful articles! ), a projector you can place in the comfort of your bedroom, the projector and the screen where people can walk all over. Lower chances of shadows cast on the projection, Lower chances of damage from accidental bumps, Not recommended to use on uneven surfaces, Used even if projection wall is far from the power source, Higher chances of shadows cast on the projection, Subtract 3 feet from the total ceiling height (in feet) to get the maximum dimension. If you place the projector in a shorter distance than four feet, your picture can be clearer and larger. Throw? with additional keystone corrections (our guide). If it ends with an "ST" then it's most likely a short throw. Our experts suggest following this formula in identifying the best screen size for your room. Sorry to hear this news. Since a short throw projector needs a specialized lens to overcome the image distortion coming from its space different from the screen, it is more expensive. For helpful tips about how to use a projector, you can also check the pages below: Integrating MacBook Air to a projector right, Address: 1828 Lightning Point Drive Memphis, TN 38110 | Phone Number: +1 (307) 746-1215 | Email: contact@theproductanalyst.com, The Product Analyst All rights reserved 2022, If you buy something through our posts, we may get a small commission. Short throw or long throw, buying a projector for your home theater system can be among the most confusing decisions you have to make. They each have a specific purpose, and the difference in price is due to the advanced technology the short throw projector needs to manipulate the image for projection. Remember, the shorter the throw, the lesser chances of someone ruining the projection field, hence better viewing experience. The quality of glass for the lens of short throw projectors is better, hence it generally has a higher price tag than long throw projectors. the wall. I grew up with Chris and Justin, went to school with them at LGCSD. Besides, not all models are compatible with a number of players, so it's important to check that one out, too. Remote control is a convenient way to manage your projector. Long throw projectors are generally easier to assemble, hence, cheaper than most projectors that are short throw. Do you consult? The same goes for the accessories for mounting. It is installed at most 15 inches away from the screen. Power sources as well will impact what kind of projector you should go with. Choosing the right projector is very important to have the best viewing experience in your home theater. This also depends on the type of projector and how fair it is to the screen. This means no annoying shadows when individuals watching get up to go to the bathroom. Additionally, because the projector warps the image to be projected at a certain angle, projecting on an uneven surface will cause more image warping than one might get from a long throw projector. Your desired screen size and your projectors throw ratio will determine how far you must position your projector from your screen. Subtract 3 feet from the total ceiling height (in feet) to get the maximum dimension. As a backlight, long-throw projectors cut out a huge portion of the usable space in a home theater space. This is the ratio between the size (width) of the projected image and the distance of the projector from the wall. The Secret Behind The Popularity Of Fantasy Football. A short throw projector has specialized lenses that can project larger images from a shorter distance. In that way, you don't have to get up and go to the projector just to fix its resolution and contrast. Whether you want a particular screen size or you want your viewing area to be in a particular part of the room, there is a projector that can help you get the job done. Long throw projectors are meant to sit far from a projection surface while short throw projectors are meant to sit closer. If you have a very short room, this might come in handy, but otherwise, it's not as flexible if you plan on moving it away from the screen. Excellent informative to decide betweeen short throw and long project. Three important considerations you should make are the home theater space, the placement of the projector, and the intended screen size. When this happens, internal fans activate to cool the unit down, causing unwanted noise. This can be an advantage if you have a large home theater environment or if the power source is a distance from where you want your projection surface to be. Well, you can check this hack about, how you can connect an Epson projector to a laptop easily. I am overwhelmed with the variety and dont want to miss my mark. Long throw projectors are not only good for your home theater but also good for an outdoor theater. Ultimately, the decision will depend on your needs, and one set-up cannot be said to be universally better. He now shares what he has learned through the years on the site, and has enlisted the help of tech-savvy colleagues in providing more insight about todays most sought-after gadgets. The brightness and resolution of a projector can be adjusted based on how near or far it is from the wall. Simply multiply the screen width by the throw ratio to get the appropriate distance your projector should be from the screen. The ultra short throw projectors are the go-to choice for many people in improving their home theaters. Turning the power on and off is very easy using the remote control. However, the system of producing this image quality is a lot of work for the projector so it generates more heat than other projectors. This is also very convenient when you are using long throws as sometimes they are installed far from the viewing area. The brightness of projectors is measured through ANSI Lumens unit, which is the amount of light produced by a projector. This has several advantages over short throw projectors, but a fair share of disadvantages as well. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This is great for projecting a movie on the side of the house on those warm summer nights. Choose the lower of these two numbers for the maximum height. Everything You Need To Know! Quite simply, the difference between short and long throw projectors is how far from the screen you are to set them. All Right Reserved. Youll want your seating area directly across from your projection surface with room to have your speakers surrounding symmetrically. If you have a small room, it is best to use a short throw projector. As long as your projector gives you the theater-quality experience you are looking for, you cant go wrong with any projector. You'd be surprised at how many models don't have those accessories so you might just end up buying separate mounts. Another thing to consider is where you intend to place your projector. Thank you once again. Excellent projector. Albeit its higher cost, this projector is your best bet for smaller rooms. This means that for every foot from the projection surface the projector is set back, the width of the projected image will increase by somewhere between 1 to 2.5 feet. The lens required for short-throw projectors is more expensive, which explains why they cost a bit more. Since short-throws work well with short distances between the projector and the screen, it's best for smaller meeting rooms and home theatres. Youve decided to add a projector into your home theater setup. Lutron vs Leviton What are the Differences? One thing to consider is whether you want the projector mounted to the wall or ceiling, resting on a shelf, or sitting on the floor. As mentioned above, throws are one of the overlooked factors in buying a projector. The ceiling height and viewing area determine your screen size. However, if you have a large space, or are viewing outdoors, a long throw projector is your best choice. Beyond four feet, and you get a slightly blurry image. Choosing the right projector is about balancing your preferences, something that will come down to your personal taste. Characteristics of the space including power sources and room curvature will impact which kind of projector, for example, home theater or business projector, a topic weve explored before, is appropriate for your home theater system. Because long throw projectors are meant to project over long distances, they are all the more vulnerable to being obstructed by something in the way. Typically, to produce an 80 screen width projection, your short throw projector should be around 92.7cm away from the screen. The throw distance of short throw models has a throw ratio between 0.4 to 1. As the projector can sit closer to the screen, there is less chance that it will be damaged from accidental bumping. But beware, because the throw letters aren't always present. Have you ever tried buying a projector? There is no perfect way to set up a home theater; theres just the perfect way for you. There are also lower chances of shadow casted on the projection as well as lower chances of damage from accidental bumps. The WiredShopper is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co.uk and any other website that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program. For short throw projectors with a throw ratio of 0.4, a four foot wide screen can be projected at just 17 from the projection surface. If so, then you know that it's not as simple as buying the most popular brand or buying the cheapest model out there. Long-throw projectors are more affordable too! If you have noticed what you should buy solely depends on your needs. A primary consideration when setting up anything in a home theater is the space it is being set up in. Well, you can check this hack about how you can connect an Epson projector to a laptop easily). Long throw projectors are at peak performance long distances away from the screen they are projecting onto. Curvatures in the room could help dictate good locations for your projection surface and the location of your projector. Our team of experts explains here the differences between the two. Therefore, a short throw projector can be placed closer to the screen than a long throw projector. Hence, this is perfect for a very tiny space since it takes up very limited space. Long-throw projectors are easier to make and have more affordable lenses. Another thing to consider if you have room behind your projection surface is the possibility of getting a translucent screen and putting the projector behind it. It is related to the throw ratio. The throw ratio is higher for long throw projectors and lower for short throw projectors. They are also more expensive than the long throw models. On the other, a long-throw projector is perfect for large rooms and conference halls. The main difference between short vs long throw projectors is in the lens they are using. Short throws are perfect for your home entertainment system as the projector position will lessen the appearance of shadows from people getting up to go somewhere. Unlike other video devices where both the budget and the preferences are important, for projectors, you really have to think about what kind of projector you will need. A cinephile, he has made it a personal quest to achieve the awesomest home theater possible. They have a throw ratio of more than one. This is especially important if your projector is installed on your ceiling. (To calculate this scaling factor, divide one by the throw ratio.). Sam, Its a little confusing to me but if my screen size is 9 feet high by 13 wide and I have 18 feet of length to install the projector on the ceiling and if I dont need to worry about shadows, should I get a short throw or long throw project to use with my golf simulator? The laser projection offers an excellent image quality. Had a Panasonic HD PT-AE700E for over 15yrs. One of the most confusing decisions you have to come up with when buying a new projector is choosing between short throw vs long throw projectors. Having this device will remove the need for you to reach your projector installed in the ceiling. Lamp was replaced once. This may determine where you put your viewing area and whether or not you choose to mount the projector. Just because there is a difference in the price tag doesnt mean more expensive short throw projectors are categorically superior to long throw projectors. They are better for tiny rooms as the distance required between the screen and the projector is lower. If you compare the short throw and the long throw, the latter will always be cheaper. Some people even call this a business projector. It evolved from the short throw projectors, but instead of having the projector mounted a few feet from the screen, this utilizes shorter distances from the screen. It's ideal for distances of six feet and longer. This is also perfect for business presentations as you can move anywhere while explaining without casting a shadow over the presentation. Other projectors also have to adjust knobs to regulate this. A screen should sit about three feet from the floor to ensure comfortable viewing. A throw is a distance the projector needs to "throw" an image to the screen or the wall. What is a Pico Projector? On the one hand, a short-throw projector is necessary if your meeting rooms and dens are relatively small. Of course, this comes with a price. A short throw projector has a chip installed in its system that helps in converting the image projected on the screen to a normal rectangle. TheHomeTheaterDIY.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. However, you have to take into account that short-throw projectors are more expensive than long-throw ones. Space, portability, and screen size will all impact which projector is right for you. The long-throw projector is for longer distances. Besides, they are a lot smaller and more compact. Spent many years going to Stu's house for the night and Wednesdays WOL Clubs with the family. After High school, we lost touch with everyone as Chris and Justin left the state. For the width, just multiply the aspect ratio. Even if you place the projector 10 feet away, you can still see a clear, 100-inch image. 60 Experts Share The Top IoT Trends Of 2022 (Fascinating Insight! Our testers compare the difference between a long throw vs short throw projector to help you determine which type you need. Since projectors come in short throw, long throw, and ultra-short throw, you might want to know their difference so you can buy the exact model that you need. Long throw projectors have a throw ratio greater than one and will therefore always project an image with a width that is smaller than the distance of the projector from it. The downside to this is you just really have to contend with people blocking the projector. The home theater area is an important factor to consider when choosing the right projector. Because the long throw projector doesnt need to geometrically transform the image the way short throw projectors do, they are usually more moderately priced, given similar other specs. Since there is more space in front, there's a high chance someone's going to stand up and block the projector or at least have their headcover a part of it. This will result in a smaller image projected on the screen. There are many pros to owning a short throw projector. There are three types of throws, the short throw, long throw, and ultra-short throw. If you are projecting in an outdoor space, a long throw projector will give you less image distortion if placed on an uneven surface. Our experts suggest considering factors such as throw distance, projector screen size, and room size when choosing between short throw vs long throw projector. I began working for an A/V installation company years ago and realized my passion for home theaters! If there's not much space to walk around, then a short-throw projector will help show an image that is clear in spite of the cramped space. Home Theater Projectors vs Business Projectors. This is usually observed in movie theaters. This is a bit different in each brand so choose the brand that offers the highest unit especially if you have plans of using it outdoors. I've always been interested in different electronics. Because they can project from such short distances, short throw projectors can be ideal for projecting from behind a screen, lessening the likelihood that the projector gets bumped by someone walking by. One of the most important decisions you will make when shopping for a projector is whether your projector has a short throw or long throw. Ultra short throw projectors can create the same image when installed 52cm or less close to the screen. Saw Stu just a few months ago last year for the last time at the WOL Offices. Thank you. Figure out your priorities, and you will find the perfect projector for you. And because of the angle of the projector, which can be fixed with additional keystone corrections (our guide) by the way, long-throw projectors are prone to more glare. What throw? Here's a short description of each throw, so that you can decide which one is for you. If you're looking for a projector you can place in the comfort of your bedroom, then the short-throw is most likely a more appropriate projector. If you haven't heard of this one yet, you'll find this post helpful. Perhaps the most annoying thing about projectors in general, but long throw projectors in particular, are shadows from people (and perhaps wildlife) blocking the screen. @2021 - The WiredShopper. This is the optimum screen size for your room. Unconstrained by vertical space, you want your screen height to be 1/6th of the distance to the farthest part of your viewing area. The screen size will be dictated by your ceiling height and your viewing area. Simply subtract three feet from your rooms ceiling height and you get the maximum height your screen can be. The location of short throw and long throw projectors will affect the image size being projected on the screen. Home Theater DIY is where I can share my findings and experience about home theaters and home electronics. If you have a lot of room to spare, and require a large screen size, a long throw projector may be more appropriate for your purposes. This means that when you pull back the LCD projector by afoot, the image will increase by about 1 to 1.25 feet. The budget and preferences are useless if you buy a short-throw projector and end up not seeing the image when you place it six feet and beyond. As the name implies, long throw projectors can project images over longer distances, making them an excellent choice when the screen isnt where the power source is. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made on our website. The short distance between the new projector and the screen will also save you more space so you can add more items to your home theater space. Short-throw models are able to create 100-inch image sizes four feet from the screen. The screen size of the image being projected has a width that is smaller than the gap between the screen and the long throw. Any advice? Of course, I have a shoe string budget but I see lots for sale. Long throw projectors cannot be installed less than six feet away from the screen. A projectors throw is the distance it needs to project or to throw an image on a projection screen or a wall. A short throw projector has a throw ratio between 0.4 and 1. (Got a projector and a laptop? Short throw projectors are better in some criteria. For starters, a short throw projector will save you space. Since long throw projectors should be mounted at least six feet away, there is bigger space between the projector and the screen where people can walk all over. If you're buying a long-throw projector, it's a lot more convenient if you look for a model that has a remote control with it. For more info, check out my about me page! This extra processing causes short throw projectors to generate excess heat relative to their long throw cousins. I want the largest possible image to appear on the screen. Hence, there is a need to install a cooling mechanism in your home cinema to prevent short throws from overheating. They can also be a good resource if your rooms foot traffic is closer to the screen. For the width, just multiply the aspect ratio [1] of the produced image by your projector, and the projector height. As their Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. The same can be said for projecting onto an uneven surface. There are things you have to consider like brightness, resolution, accessories, remote control (yes, not every model has one), and the throw. As with most home theater products, the appropriate one for you depends on several variables. Read more. Now that you know more about it don't forget to consider other things too like the accessories to mount your projector, the resolution, the brightness in lumens, and the remote control. There are many factors to consider before buying a product and one of the most overlooked is the projectors throw distance. Recently no image coming through, though it powers up with fan working. On the other hand, to achieve the same image width, a long throw projector should be around 240cm away from the screen. It is also not as pricey as a short throw projector because it does not need a specialized lens. The projection area should also be directly across the viewing setting so the audience will have a comfortable time watching.