There are many types of projectors, and an emerging category is the ultra-short-throw projector. The best ultra-short-throw projector displays sharp images on a large screen and has enhanced features that justify its price. Ordinary projectors are placed at the back of a room or mounted on a wall, which can be cumbersome. Short-throw projectors are closer to the wall, but ultra-short-throw projectors can be placed at an almost comical distance, up to 10 cm from the wall. This is because their technology projects the image upwards rather than across the room.

To help you understand which ultra-short-throw projector will work best for you, we’ve compared four of the best projectors on the market. We looked at various specifications such as screen size, display technology, contrast ratio, brightness and resolution. We also highlighted the features that make each projector stand out from the rest.

To provide you with this information, we looked at manufacturers’ specifications, product reviews and customer expectations. We have then compiled this information into an easy-to-read table. Each product also has detailed information, including strengths, advantages and disadvantages. Finally, at the end of this article, you will find a buying guide with specific information on ultra short-throw projectors. Our aim is to make your buying decision as simple as possible.

Optoma GT5500+

The Optoma GT5500+ is an excellent ultra-short-throw portable projector. It can create a screen size of 80 to 100 inches, which is big enough for professional presentations and home movies. It’s incredibly easy to set up, which is great because not everyone is tech-savvy. It includes multiple connections, so no matter what device you pair it with (mp3 player, laptop or smartphone), you can use this projector.

The brightness of the Optoma GT5500+ is 3500 lumens, which is extremely bright. This means you’ll get a crisp, clear image and the colour options will be exactly what you expect from them. With a resolution of 1920*1080, you can have a beautiful picture without pixelation.

When it comes to distance, the Optoma GT500+ is the definition of ultra short throw projectors. It only needs to be placed 13 inches away from a screen to project its 100-inch image. This means that no matter how much space you have, this projector will not disappoint. And if you’re looking for more projectors like this, be sure to check out our article on the best 3D projectors.

 

LG HF85LA

This little projector packs quite a punch. The LG HF85LA is packed with features and is perfect for the serious projector enthusiast. It can project images from 90 to 120 inches, which is larger than any other projector on this list. It also boasts an impressive 150,000:1 contrast ratio, resulting in exceptionally clear images and dazzling colours.

For audiophiles, the LG HF85LA can be paired with Bluetooth speakers for a true surround sound experience. The technology in this projector is based on a laser lamp with a lifespan of 20,000 hours. This is impressive and gives you the peace of mind to use the projector as much as you want.

While some ultra-short-throw projectors are best used in the office, the LG HF85LA has been designed for a home cinema experience. It uses a Wi-Fi connection so you can stream content from Netflix or Amazon Prime, as well as from any smartphone, tablet or computer. Your choices are endless.

The design of the LG HF85LA is almost futuristic. Its polished white construction makes it look like a home accessory, rather than another piece of technology. It can blend into your decor without looking unsightly.

LG PF1000UW

If you want an ultra-spectral projector, but are on a budget, the LG Electronics PH450UG is an excellent product to consider. Although it doesn’t have all the features of other more expensive projectors, it can meet the requirements of most people.

With a screen size of 40 to 80 inches, it’s perfect if you have a small room but still want a big picture. The brightness of 450 lumens is certainly not as strong as other models, but again, it will be fine if you are giving a presentation or need to show larger images. Its resolution is only 1280 * 720, but it should be enough for projection in a family room or small office.

The LG Electronics PH450UG has an HDMI input and an audio output, as well as a USB port. This means you can connect a variety of devices to the projector. It weighs only 2.4 pounds and is extremely portable. A great feature if you need to move it from room to room.

The one-year warranty on parts and labour means you can be sure that the manufacturer will help you if you have a problem.

What can an ultra short-throw projector be used for?

An ultra short throw projector can be used both in the office and at home. Its name, ultra short throw, refers to the fact that the projection distance between the projector and the wall on which it will be projected is extremely short. Depending on the size of the image you want to project on the wall, this projection distance varies between 10 and 15 inches.

Ultra-short-throw projectors can be used for business presentations, slide shows or as a home multimedia medium.

What are the features to consider when looking for an ultra short throw projector?

When looking for an ultra-short throw projector, it’s important to know what all the specifications mean. Here’s a guide to the terms you’ll see on the packaging, along with their explanations.

Projection ratio

To understand the throw ratio, you need to understand a bit of maths. The throw ratio is the distance the projector must be placed from the screen or wall to produce an image. The ratio starts with a one foot wide screen, then you can do a little math to understand the distance needed for the actual size of the image.

10 x 1.5 = 15

Ultra short throw projectors have a throw ratio of less than 0.4. The LG HF85LA has a projection ratio of 0.19. In order for this unit to project onto a 3 metre screen, you will need to place it 1.9 metres back.

10 x 0.19 = 1.9

You can also buy short-throw projectors, which have a slightly higher ratio than ultra-short-throw projectors, but still lower than a traditional projector.

Screen size

Screen size is an important consideration when purchasing an ultra-short-throw projector. Most screens are between 60 and 100 inches wide. Be sure to measure the location you wish to project an image onto to ensure that the projector you purchase will fit into that space.

Display technology

This is a fairly technical term. Some projectors display images using LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) panels. This technology is quite simple and it is easy to adjust the contrast and brightness with such projectors.

Other projectors use DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology. This uses tiny mirrors that reflect the images. The advantages are high contrast, low weight and no pixelation.

Native resolution

It is important to know the maximum size at which an image can be displayed on a screen from an ultra-short-throw projector. This number appears in the native resolution, and it measures the number of horizontal and vertical pixels. The Optoma GT5500+, LG PF1000UW and LG HF85LA have a resolution of 1920 x 1080 while the LG Electronics PH450UG has a smaller resolution of 1280 x 720.

Brightness

No one wants to have to squint to see a movie, which is why the brightness level is so important. For ultra-short throw projectors, this is measured in lumens. This can range from the LG Electronics PH450UG which has a brightness of 450 lumens to the Optoma GT5500+ with its 3500 lumens.

Contrast ratio

Another mathematical term. The contrast ratio indicates how much brighter a white image appears on a screen than a black image. The higher the ratio, the better. The Optoma GT5500+ has the lowest contrast ratio on this list, at 25,000:1. The LG PF1000UW and LG HF85LA have the highest contrast ratios at 150,000:1.

Guarantee

If you’re not particularly tech-savvy, it’s important to have a warranty for your product. All of the products on this list come with a one-year warranty, which is the industry standard. If you are concerned about future repairs to your projector, there are optional warranties you can purchase.

Additional features

The more you spend on an ultra-short-throw projector, the more features you should get. For example, the LG HF85LA has a 20,000 hour laser lamp. The Optoma GT5500+ has a 3D-sync port, which is really cool because you can use 3D glasses. This is great if you like immersive gaming.

However, don’t feel pressured to buy a projector with a lot of fancy features. If you’re not interested in or don’t need these features, there’s no need to spend extra money on them.

What are the advantages over other types?

Ultra-short throw projectors have the unique advantage of taking up much less space than traditional projectors. Although they are relatively small, you do not need a large room, a shelf or ceiling mounts. An ultra-short-throw projector is therefore much more versatile. They are usually fairly easy to set up and, if they have wireless capabilities, they can be moved from room to room with ease and convenience.

If you’re using an ultra-short-throw projector in a classroom or office, you can set it up without having to worry about where you’re walking. Gone are the days of rushing across the image as you cross the room. And no more tripping over all the cables.

Although ultra-short-throw projectors are slightly more expensive than traditional projectors, they are actually relatively affordable. The benefits they offer are usually worth paying a little more, especially if you know you’ll be using them extensively.

What are the basic precautions to take when using an ultra short throw projector?

Be sure to treat your ultra short-throw projector like any other electronic device. Do not pour water on or near the projector. Leave enough space around the fan and ventilation holes so that the unit does not overheat. Be careful when handling the projector, do not shake it or drop it.

An ultra-short-throw projector may seem like a fancy toy, but it’s a sophisticated piece of technology that should be treated as such.

Our verdict

If you’re looking for a budget ultra-short-throw projector, look no further than the LG Electronics PH450UG. It’s affordable but has enough features to make it worthwhile. Its 80-inch screen size means you can still enjoy a wide range of movies with this projector.

For a truly high-end, ultra-spectacular projector, go for the LG HF85LA. With its 120-inch screen and 20,000-hour laser lamp, you can skip the lines at the cinema and enjoy the latest blockbuster at home.

The Optoma GT5500+ is the best ultra short throw projector on our list. It’s compact, has a large 100-inch screen size, and is quite affordable. It’s perfect for the office and home and will work well for a long time.