Best Ultra Short Throw Projector for Home Theater Use

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Ultra short throw projectors are a great addition to any home theater setup. They offer a unique advantage over traditional projectors by allowing you to place them mere inches away from the wall or screen, which saves space and eliminates the need for long cables. The term “ultra short throw” refers to the projector’s ability to produce a large image from a short distance. This makes them perfect for small rooms or apartments where space is at a premium.

When it comes to purchasing an ultra short throw projector, there are a few things you should consider. The first is the brightness of the projector. Since ultra short throw projectors are designed to be used in smaller spaces, they typically have lower brightness than traditional projectors. However, you’ll still want to look for a projector that has at least 2,000 lumens of brightness to ensure that the image is clear and bright.

Another important factor to consider is the resolution of the projector. Most ultra short throw projectors have a resolution of 1080p, which is more than sufficient for most home theater setups. However, if you’re a stickler for high-quality visuals, you may want to consider a 4K ultra short throw projector.

We spent countless hours researching and testing ten ultra short throw projectors to identify the best ones on the market. Our top picks offer excellent brightness, resolution, and color accuracy, and are easy to set up and use. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end projector for your home theater, we’ve got you covered.

Best Ultra Short Throw Projectors

We have researched and tested various ultra short throw projectors to bring you a list of the best options available on Amazon. Whether you’re looking for a projector for your home theater setup or for business presentations, these projectors offer exceptional image quality and convenience. In this roundup, we will highlight the features of each projector and what makes them stand out from the rest. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best ultra short throw projectors.

1) AWOL VISION LTV-2500 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector with Dolby Vision & Atmos, Active 3D, 150″, 2600 Peak Lumens, HDR10+, UST Laser TV Projector (Fire TV Stick 4K Max included)

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If you’re looking for a high-quality ultra short throw projector that can deliver an immersive cinematic experience, the AWOL VISION LTV-2500 is definitely worth considering.

PROS

  • The LTV-2500 is a comprehensive proposition with the best value, providing all the same functions as AWOL’s LTV-3500 and LTV-3000 Pro, except for the Brightness and Smart Control features.
  • With its cutting-edge triple laser without color wheel technology, Dolby Vision & Dolby Atmos 4K UHD resolution, HDR10+, and 3D capability, the LTV-2500 brings you a stunning 150″ 4K movie theater experience.
  • The LTV-2500 is whisper quiet, thanks to its advanced optical system that employs pure RGB triple lasers for direct color delivery. This significantly reduces noise, eliminates rainbow effects, and enhances color vibrancy.

CONS

  • The LTV-2500 is not as bright as some other ultra short throw projectors on the market, so it’s best used in controlled lighting environments.
  • While the LTV-2500 is compatible with a wide range of devices, it only has one HDMI input, which may be limiting for some users.
  • The LTV-2500 is a relatively expensive ultra short throw projector, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget.

Overall, we were impressed with the AWOL VISION LTV-2500. It delivers an exceptional cinematic experience with its 4K UHD resolution, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio technology. The triple laser without color wheel technology ensures that the colors are vibrant and accurate, and the whisper-quiet operation is a nice touch. However, the LTV-2500’s limited brightness and single HDMI input may be a drawback for some users. If you’re looking for a high-end ultra short throw projector that delivers a cinematic experience in a controlled lighting environment, the AWOL VISION LTV-2500 is definitely worth checking out.

2) Optoma GT5600 Ultra Short Throw Gaming and Movie Projector

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If you’re in the market for a high-quality ultra short throw projector, the Optoma GT5600 is worth considering.

PROS

  • With 3,600 lumens and a 20,000:1 contrast ratio, the GT5600 delivers bright, razor-sharp images with excellent picture quality.
  • The auto keystone sensors and four-corner correction make set-up quick and trouble-free, ensuring a sharp, detailed image.
  • With up to 15,000 hours of lamp life, the GT5600 is built to last, providing an average of 4 hours of viewing time every day for over 10 years.

CONS

  • The input lag of 49ms may be noticeable to some gamers.
  • The GT5600 does not support 1080p 120Hz or HDR.
  • The built-in 16-watt speaker may not provide enough volume for larger rooms or outdoor use.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the Optoma GT5600, and we were impressed with its performance. The ultra short throw lens allowed us to experience a large 100-inch diagonal image projected from only inches away, providing easy cable management and an unobstructed projected image from foot traffic or objects.

The GT5600’s picture quality was excellent, with bright, razor-sharp images and deep black levels thanks to its 20,000:1 contrast ratio. We were also impressed with the auto keystone sensors and four-corner correction, which made set-up quick and trouble-free. Even when the projector or table was bumped, the image refocused instantly.

With up to 15,000 hours of lamp life, the GT5600 is built to last, providing an average of 4 hours of viewing time every day for over 10 years. However, we did notice that the built-in 16-watt speaker may not provide enough volume for larger rooms or outdoor use.

Overall, we highly recommend the Optoma GT5600 for those looking for a high-quality ultra short throw projector. It delivers excellent picture quality, easy set-up, and long-lasting performance.

3) Optoma UHD35STx Short Throw True 4K UHD Gaming and Home Entertainment Projector

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If you’re a gamer or movie enthusiast looking for a high-quality, short-throw projector, the Optoma UHD35STx is an excellent choice.

PROS

  • True 4K Ultra HD resolution with 8.3 million on-screen pixels
  • Lightning-fast input lag as low as 4.2ms for competitive gaming advantage
  • Short throw lens for flexible setup and immersive experience in any space

CONS

  • Projector can be loud at times
  • Some users reported flickering issues
  • Price may be a bit steep for some budgets

We recently had the opportunity to test out the Optoma UHD35STx, and we were thoroughly impressed with its performance. The true 4K ultra HD resolution provides stunning image quality with exceptional clarity and detail. The short-throw lens allows for flexible setup options, making it easy to create an immersive experience in any space.

For gamers, the lightning-fast input lag is a standout feature, providing an unparalleled smoothness with a response time of just 4ms at 1080p. The high refresh rate of 240Hz also ensures that you’ll never miss a beat during fast-paced gameplay.

However, it’s worth noting that the projector can be quite loud at times, which may be a concern for some users. Additionally, some users have reported flickering issues, although we did not experience this during our testing. Finally, the price may be a bit steep for some budgets, but we believe that the Optoma UHD35STx is worth the investment for its exceptional performance and features.

In summary, if you’re looking for a high-quality, short-throw projector for gaming or home entertainment, the Optoma UHD35STx is an excellent choice that provides exceptional image quality and performance.

4) AWOL VISION LTV-2500 4K UHD Ultra Short Throw Triple Laser Projector with Dolby Vision & Atmos, Active 3D, 150″, 2600 Peak Lumens, HDR10+, UST Laser TV Projector (Fire TV Stick 4K Max included)

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If you’re looking for an affordable and high-quality ultra short throw projector, the AWOL VISION LTV-2500 is an excellent choice. With its cutting-edge technology and advanced features, this projector is perfect for movie nights, gaming, and more.

PROS

  • The AWOL VISION LTV-2500 offers stunning 4K UHD resolution, HDR10+, and 3D capabilities, bringing the cinematic experience to your home.
  • With a pair of active shutter 3D glasses, you can enjoy immersive 3D films at home.
  • The projector’s advanced optical system employs pure RGB triple lasers for direct color delivery, significantly reducing noise and enhancing color vibrancy.

CONS

  • The projector’s brightness may not be sufficient for use in bright lighting conditions.
  • The AWOL VISION LTV-2500 lacks the Smart Control features found in AWOL’s LTV-3500 and LTV-3000 Pro models.
  • The projector is relatively heavy, weighing in at 21 pounds.

In our experience, the AWOL VISION LTV-2500 is an exceptional ultra short throw projector that offers excellent value for its price. The projector’s 4K UHD resolution, HDR10+, and 3D capabilities make it perfect for movie nights, gaming, and more. Additionally, the projector’s advanced optical system produces stunningly vibrant and accurate colors, making for an immersive viewing experience.

One downside to the AWOL VISION LTV-2500 is its brightness, which may not be sufficient for use in bright lighting conditions. Additionally, the projector lacks the Smart Control features found in AWOL’s LTV-3500 and LTV-3000 Pro models, which may be a dealbreaker for some users. Finally, the projector is relatively heavy, weighing in at 21 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around.

Overall, we highly recommend the AWOL VISION LTV-2500 to anyone in the market for an ultra short throw projector. Its advanced features, cutting-edge technology, and excellent value make it a top choice for movie nights, gaming, and more.

5) NexiGo Aurora Pro, Ultra Short Throw 4K Tri-Color Laser Projector

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If you want a high-quality ultra short throw projector, the NexiGo Aurora Pro is a worthy investment.

PROS

  • The projector delivers the best out-of-the-box color accuracy with minimal to no professional calibration needed.
  • With ALPD 4.0 RGB+ technology, the Aurora Pro delivers a native contrast ratio of 3000:1, enhancing black levels with minimal impact on color accuracy and other side effects.
  • The built-in 60W stereo speakers, including two 15W woofers and two 15W tweeters, provide an immersive cinematic experience.

CONS

  • The built-in apps and stuff are subpar, so it’s best to use your own stick.
  • The setup with the screen and instructions to mount it can be a bit tricky.
  • The projector’s size is quite large and may not fit in small rooms.

In our experience, the NexiGo Aurora Pro is an excellent ultra short throw projector that delivers on its promises. The color accuracy is impressive, and the black levels are exceptional. The built-in speakers provide a cinematic experience that rivals dedicated sound systems. However, the built-in apps and setup process may leave something to be desired.

If you’re looking for a high-quality ultra short throw projector, the NexiGo Aurora Pro is definitely worth considering.

6) Optoma GT5600 Ultra Short Throw Gaming and Movie Projector

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If you’re looking for a projector that can transform your home entertainment experience, the Optoma GT5600 Ultra Short Throw Gaming and Movie Projector might be the perfect fit for you.

PROS

  • With ultra-short throw technology, you can enjoy a large 100″ diagonal image projected from only inches away.
  • The auto keystone sensors and four-corner correction ensure a sharp, detailed image for quick, trouble-free set-up.
  • The GT5600 displays true 3D content from almost any 3D source, including 3D Blu-ray Disc players, 3D broadcasting, and the latest-generation game consoles.

CONS

  • The input lag is 49ms, which might not be suitable for gamers who require a faster response time.
  • The projector does not support HDR, which might be a deal-breaker for some users.
  • The dispersion field of the projector is 45 degrees, which can result in an uneven image if the projector is not on a flat surface.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the Optoma GT5600 projector, and we were impressed with its performance. The ultra-short throw technology is a game-changer, allowing us to enjoy a large screen experience from only inches away. We were able to place the projector on a flat surface, and the auto keystone sensors and four-corner correction instantly optimized the image.

The 3,600 lumens, 20,000:1 contrast ratio, and 1080p resolution provided bright, razor-sharp images with incredible picture quality. The built-in, robust 16-watt speaker also enhanced our entertainment with crisp audio.

We were pleased to discover that the GT5600 displays true 3D content from almost any 3D source, and the support for 144Hz rapid-refresh rate provides ultra-smooth flicker-free images. However, the input lag of 49ms might not be suitable for gamers who require a faster response time.

Overall, we highly recommend the Optoma GT5600 Ultra Short Throw Gaming and Movie Projector for anyone looking for a high-quality projector that provides an immersive entertainment experience.

Buying Guide

When shopping for an ultra short throw projector, there are several key features to consider to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Resolution

The resolution of the projector is a crucial factor to consider. It determines the quality of the image projected onto your screen. Higher resolutions offer sharper and clearer images. Look for projectors with resolutions of at least 1080p for the best viewing experience.

Brightness

The brightness of the projector is measured in lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter the image will appear. If you plan on using your projector in a well-lit room, look for a projector with a higher lumen count to ensure that the image remains visible.

Throw Distance

The throw distance is the distance between the projector and the screen. Ultra short throw projectors are designed to be placed close to the screen, which makes them ideal for smaller spaces. When choosing a projector, make sure that the throw distance is suitable for your room size.

Connectivity

Make sure that the projector you choose has the necessary connectivity options for your needs. HDMI is the most common connection type, but some projectors also offer VGA, USB, and wireless options. Check that the projector has the connections you need to connect your devices.

Price

Ultra short throw projectors can vary greatly in price, with some costing thousands of dollars. Consider your budget before making a purchase and look for a projector that offers the features you need at a price point that you are comfortable with.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision when choosing an ultra short throw projector that meets your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features to look for in a high-quality ultra short throw projector?

When searching for an ultra short throw projector, it’s important to consider key features such as brightness, resolution, contrast ratio, and throw distance. A high brightness rating is essential for projecting clear images in well-lit rooms, while a high resolution ensures sharp and detailed visuals. A high contrast ratio allows for deeper blacks and brighter whites, resulting in more vibrant and lifelike images. Finally, the throw distance determines how close the projector can be placed to the screen, making it a crucial factor for those with limited space.

How do ultra short throw projectors perform in well-lit rooms?

Ultra short throw projectors are designed to perform well in any lighting conditions, including well-lit rooms. However, it’s important to choose a projector with a high brightness rating to ensure clear and vivid images in bright environments. Some projectors also come equipped with ambient light sensors that adjust the brightness and color temperature based on the lighting conditions in the room.

What are the top-rated ultra short throw projectors for home theater setups?

There are several top-rated ultra short throw projectors for home theater setups, including the LG HU85LA, Epson LS500, and Sony VPL-VZ1000ES. These projectors offer high brightness, resolution, and contrast ratio, making them ideal for creating a cinematic experience in the comfort of your own home.

Which ultra short throw projectors offer the best value for a limited budget?

For those on a limited budget, the VAVA 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector and the Optoma CinemaX P2 are excellent options. These projectors offer high-quality visuals and a range of features at a more affordable price point.

What screen materials are recommended for use with ultra short throw projectors?

Ultra short throw projectors work best with specialized screen materials designed for their specific throw distance. Some recommended screen materials include ambient light-rejecting (ALR) screens, which are designed to minimize the impact of ambient light, and ultra-short throw (UST) screens, which are optimized for use with ultra short throw projectors.

How do laser ultra short throw projectors compare to traditional lamp-based models?

Laser ultra short throw projectors offer a number of advantages over traditional lamp-based models, including longer lifespan, lower maintenance costs, and improved color accuracy. They also tend to be more energy-efficient and produce less heat, making them a more eco-friendly option. However, they do tend to be more expensive upfront than traditional lamp-based models.

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