Ultra Short Throw Projectors

An ultra-short-throw projector (UST) sits just below the screen or wall, a few centimeters away, and projects a large image of one hundred to one hundred and fifty inches upwards. Whereas a conventional projector needs to be positioned several meters back, this one fits on a low piece of furniture, eliminating ceiling cabling and the risk of someone blocking the beam as they walk past. At the heart of the system is an extremely high-offset lens, most often paired with a laser light source. Recent triple red, green and blue laser models cover a very wide color gamut and achieve high brightness levels, enough to project in a lit room. This format is designed for everyday use, as a replacement for a large TV, with a built-in operating system, apps and integrated sound. Two points deserve attention. Image geometry depends on perfectly square placement: the slightest alignment issue will show in the corners, and adjustment requires patience. Above all, the screen is not an accessory but a prerequisite for good results. An ambient-light-rejecting screen designed for ultra-short-throw projection directs the image towards viewers’ eyes and absorbs light coming from the ceiling, whereas a white wall or standard screen washes out contrast. This projector should therefore be paired with an ultra-short-throw ALR screen, belongs to the video projector category, and our UST projector comparison details their uses.