Ultra Short Throw Projectors: The Huge Image Without Constraints

Ultra short throw projectors have become increasingly popular, offering more beautiful and larger images than ever before.

Among the different types of video projectors available on the market, ultra short throw projectors or UST are the most in vogue. This type of projector allows you to project a large image at a very short distance from the wall, installed on a piece of furniture like a simple television.

Very complete and versatile, ultra short throw models have HDMI inputs, front-facing speakers, some integrate a TNT tuner, some are connected via Wifi or Ethernet, and allow, like smart TVs, the playback of applications such as Youtube, Netflix, Disney+… Some run on Android TV like Epson or Tizen on Samsung for example and can even stream your music via Bluetooth. Although there are still full HD projectors, the latest models are of course ultra HD 4K and HDR, HDR10 compatible. In short, a UST projector is as complete as a modern UHD television, with the added bonus of image size.

What is an ultra short throw projector?

An ultra short throw projector is a special type of projector that can display a large image with a very short distance. Unlike a traditional video projector that needs several meters of distance, an ultra short throw projector can project an image while being almost stuck to the wall. To allow this feat, a UST projector uses a laser on top of the device to project the image, with a wide-angle lens, this technique considerably reduces the necessary projection distance, which is particularly practical for small spaces. Even if there are LCD models like at Epson, the vast majority of products are based on a Texas Instrument DLP chip. These UST projectors are equipped with speakers, with a power between 10 watts and 40 watts depending on the model.

The advantages of an ultra short throw projector.

An ultra short throw projector offers many advantages over traditional standard throw models. Here are some of the most notable advantages:

First of all, they are extremely practical for small spaces because they require very little distance from the screen.

They mainly use a laser as a light source, the laser allows for higher brightness, measured in ANSI lumens, better image dynamics, but above all a lifespan of around 20,000 hours, so no more changing the lamp every 5,000 hours.

Moreover, thanks to their positioning closer to the screen, an ultra short throw projector offers better light efficiency by minimizing light loss. This means that you won’t have to worry about the lighting conditions of the room, even in broad daylight.

The ultra short throw projector generates less noise perceived by the user because it is positioned at a greater distance from the viewer. No more fan noise above you.

Finally, an ultra short throw projector requires fewer cables because it is often located close to the signal source. So you will no longer need to run long HDMI cables to connect your projector to your Blu-ray player, AV receiver, game console, etc.

How to choose an ultra short throw projector

Now that you know the benefits of an ultra short throw projector, you may want to install one in your home. However, with so many models available on the market, it can be difficult to choose. Here are some factors to consider when choosing an ultra short throw projector:

Brightness

Brightness is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing an ultra short throw projector. Brightness is measured in ANSI lumens, and it’s important to choose a model with sufficient brightness for your environment. If you are using the projector in a dark room, you can get by with a brightness of 2000 to 3000 ANSI lumens. If you are projecting in daylight, you will need to opt for a brightness greater than 4000 ANSI lumens.

Resolution

Resolution is another key factor to consider when choosing an ultra short throw projector. Resolution refers to the number of pixels the projector is capable of displaying on the screen. The higher the resolution, the sharper and more detailed the image will be. Ultra short throw projectors are available in resolutions ranging from Full HD 1080p to UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels), so it’s important to choose a resolution based on your needs and budget.

Throw distance

Throw distance is another important factor to consider. Although an ultra short throw projector is capable of projecting large images from a short distance, the minimum throw distance varies from one product to another. It is therefore important to measure the space you have available and choose a model that suits your location.

Contrast ratio

Contrast ratio refers to the difference between the brightest and darkest parts of the projected image. A high contrast ratio will allow for more vibrant colors and deeper blacks. Ultra short throw projectors are available with contrast ratios ranging from 1000:1 to 2,500,000:1, so it’s important to choose a model with a contrast ratio appropriate for your needs.

Connectivity

In addition to technical criteria such as resolution, brightness and contrast ratio, connectivity options are important factors to consider when choosing a UST projector.

UST projectors are generally equipped with different connectivity options to facilitate their use with different types of content sources. Among the most common options are HDMI, USB, and antenna input. It is important to choose a UST projector that offers sufficient connectivity to meet your needs.

In addition, some UST projectors are equipped with additional features such as wireless connectivity, WiFi allows you to connect your smartphone or use services like Netflix, Amazon, Disney+ for example.

What screen for an ultra short throw projector?

Using an ALR projection screen UST, specially designed for ultra short throw projectors, is essential to obtain optimal image quality.

This type of screen is distinguished by its “sawtooth” structure, with a black upper part that blocks light from the ceiling and an oblique part that receives an ALR (Ambient Light Rejection) technical treatment to direct the light flow from the UST projector towards the viewer.

The result with this type of screen is a more vivid and dynamic image, with more vibrant colors and deeper blacks, even in a bright room. In short, using this screen allows you to obtain a contrasted and high quality image, allowing you to get the best out of your UST projector.

Security

Ultra short throw projectors are equipped with presence sensors to ensure safe use. These sensors detect the proximity of people and automatically interrupt the projection to avoid any risk of exposure to the significant light from a laser source. This minimizes the risk to the eyes, offering a safe and hazard-free user experience, especially for children. In short, these presence sensors are an effective way to ensure safety when using an ultra short throw projector.

UST projectors are very interesting projection devices thanks to their ultra short throw projection technology. They offer significant advantages over conventional projectors, particularly in terms of the space required in the room, the absence of shadows cast on the screen, and the lifespan of the laser (around 20,000 hours).

To choose the UST projector that best suits your needs, it is important to consider criteria such as the resolution of the projected image, the brightness of the device, the contrast ratio, the lifespan of the laser, and the connectivity.

UST projectors can be used in different contexts, such as a home cinema, in business, or in education. They offer an immersive and high-quality projection experience that can be enjoyed by a wide audience.

An ultra short throw projector is therefore an interesting alternative to traditional televisions. If it is equipped with a TNT tuner, it can thus replace a television in your living room and be used on a daily basis thanks to the lifespan of its laser.

Finally, it should be noted that UST projector technology continues to improve, thus offering new future prospects for this technology. It is therefore important to follow market developments to benefit from the latest technological advances.

In short, if you are looking for a high-performance, compact projection device that offers remarkable image quality, UST projectors are a wise choice. By taking into account the selection criteria mentioned in this article, you will be able to find the UST projector that meets your needs and expectations.