How to Choose the Best Short-Throw Projector for Your Room?

Do you want to improve your gaming and streaming experience, or desire to upgrade your mini home theater? Replacing your regular projector with a short-throw projector is the most effective solution for you. It allows you to display a large image from a short distance away from the screen or wall. Unlike standard projectors that need to be placed far back in a room, you can position them much closer and still achieve the desired outcomes. 

A short throw projector is easy to install as it doesn’t need a long cable run or a ceiling mount far from the screen.  Additionally, it requires less space, making it ideal for small rooms.  However, the selection of the right projector that meets your needs and budget is crucial to get the maximum out of your investment. 

Tips to Choose the Best Short-Throw Projector 

Understand the Size of Your Room

Before buying a short-throw projector, think about the size of your room. Short-throw projectors are made for small spaces, but even then, you need to know how much room you have between the screen and the projector. Measure the distance and see how big a picture you want. If your room is really small, you might need an ultra-short-throw projector that sits even closer to the wall. The more you know about your room size, the easier it will be to pick the right model.

Check the Throw Ratio

The throw ratio tells you how close the projector needs to be to the screen to make a certain size image. For example, a throw ratio of 0.5 means the projector can make a 100-inch image from only 50 inches away. The lower the throw ratio, the closer it can be placed. So, make sure to look at this number when comparing different types of projectors and choose the one that fits well in your space.

Look at Brightness Levels

A short-throw projector’s brightness is measured in lumens, and it varies significantly from model to model. Therefore, considering the brightness level you require is also necessary to make the right choice. For example, if your room has a lot of natural light, you’ll need a brighter projector, but if your room is dark, you can go with a lower brightness, around 2,500 to 3,000 lumens.

Consider  Resolution

Considering the resolution is also an effective way to choose the right projector because it tells how sharp and clear the image looks. If you want to use your projector for movies, games, or sports, full HD, 1080p is a good option for you. Some projectors also come in 4K, which gives an even better image, but these models are more expensive. If you’re not too worried about super high quality and just want a big screen, 720p  is best for you. 

Look for Input Options

Thinking about what devices you want to connect can also help you choose the right projector. Do you want to plug in a gaming console, a laptop, a soundbar, or a streaming device? Asking yourself these simple questions can help you make the right choice. Additionally, you can check if it has audio out if you want to connect better speakers.

Think About Sound Quality

Some short-throw projectors have built-in speakers, but they’re often not very loud or clear. If you’re using the projector in a small room and don’t care too much about sound, the built-in speakers might be enough, but if you want a better experience, you will need to connect external speakers. So, make sure to check whether your selected projector allows you to connect a sound system through Bluetooth, AUX, or HDMI.

Consider Mounting or Placement Options

Short-throw projectors can be placed on a table,  mounted on the ceiling, or simply put on a shelf. Some even go right under the screen on a TV stand. So, thinking about where you plan to put it is also crucial to choosing the right one. Make sure there’s enough space and the projector you choose works well from that spot. Don’t forget to check whether the projector comes with a mount, or you’ll need to buy it separately.

Compare Prices and Read Reviews

Once you’ve picked a few models that fit your room and needs, compare their prices. Additionally, you can read reviews from other users to know what to expect and make an informed decision.

Bottom Line

The selection of the right type of short-throw projector is a daunting task, but by following these simple tip,s you can make it a streamlined task. It will help you choose the right type of projector that fits your room size, needs, and budget.