Have you always dreamt of bringing the cinema-like movie-watching experience to your home, but your room is too small to use common long-throw projectors? Fortunately, you can buy an ultra-short throw (UST) projector and enjoy the crisp image on a big screen, even from a small distance.
In this guide to ultra-short throw projectors, you will get the nitty-gritty of how to make maximum use of these devices in a limited space. In addition, you will learn where to place this projector, whether you have to buy a special screen and if you can use it in a lit room.
Finding the right place for your UST projector
Probably, the biggest concern about the use of this device is the short-throw projector placement. So, let’s see what spot in your room will be the most appropriate for this projector.
Because UST projectors have a wide-angle lens, they can sit right below the screen and reproduce the image with a throw ratio of less than 0.4 (compared to 1.2 – 1.5 in long-throw projectors). So, you can place them at a distance between 0 to 4 feet away from the projector to the screen to create an image of 100 – 120 inches in diagonal.
The great thing about UST projectors is that you do not have to mount them to the wall or ceiling, which is always a hassle. Instead, you just put them on a table or other piece of furniture right below the screen.
Can you use UST projectors in bright rooms?
The common problem with many projectors is that they should be used in dark rooms. This is because they do not have enough power to overcome the environment’s ambient light. With ultra-short throw projectors, you can forget about this issue. They are well-suited for bright and well-lit rooms, projecting a bright image to the screen.
It happens because ultra-short throw projectors rely on lasers to produce light. Thus, they have a minimum brightness of 2,000 lumens and reach up to 5,000 lumens.
But I recommend going with a projector with at least 3,000 lumens if you plan to arrange a home cinema system in a bright living room. I would say that 2,000 lumens are enough to show the image in a moderately bright room clearly.
Do you need a special screen for an ultra-short throw projector?
Technically, you can use a standard screen along with your UST projector. However, you’ve got to turn off the lights and shield windows with anti-light curtains for an image of good quality. Otherwise, you will lack the contrast and brightness this device can deliver.
To have a smooth watching experience even during the day with the curtains open, you will need to buy an ALR (ambient light rejecting) screen. It blocks light from sources other than your projector, preventing the ambient light from washing out the image.
Can you use an ultra-short throw projector at a distance?
If you move to a bigger place or want to take the UST projector to a more spacious place, you may wonder if you can use it at a distance.
Because of the build and the components used in the UST projector, it only allows projecting an image from a maximum distance of 4-8 feet, depending on the model. So, there is no way to use an ultra-short throw projector if you place it far away from the screen.
Do UST projectors support 4K and 8K?
If you want an optimal visual effect when watching a movie on a big screen, the native resolution is probably your key concern.
The market offers plenty of 1080P, 4K, and 8K ultra-short throw projectors. So, whatever your preferences are, you will find the device to meet your needs.
If you pick between 1080P, 4K, and 8K projectors, your choice is a matter of preference. Of course, 4K is a great improvement over 1080P as it delivers a crystal clear picture with sharper colors. Undoubtedly, 8K would bring an even more advanced movie-watching experience. But mind that very little content is now produced in this resolution. Thus, you should realize that an 8K UST projector is your investment for the future.
