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Best Ultra Short Throw Projector 2018-Buyer’s Guide

(Last Updated On: November 19, 2022)

The newer buyer’s guide:

Best 4K Laser TV Ultra Short Throw Projector Buyer’s Guide

It wouldn’t make sense to use a small size TV with a big house, right? How to win big screen display at home?

With that out of the way, this gave way to a lot of manufacturers like LG, Philips, NEC, Optoma, BenQ, JmGo, Hisense, and a couple of other companies to step up their projector in home cinema market.

Considering how today, we will be discussing the best ultra short throw projector 2017 and 2018, you should know that while the “ultra short throw” and your standard projector work on a similar fashion, but more short throw ratio. By the way, when the throw ratio below 0.4, then be called ultra short throw. What is the meaning 0.4 throw ratio? Only 31 inches throw distance, can be display 100″ big screen!

If your house has been renovated, or do not want to wiring again; living room spacious small, the projection distance is not enough; or at home with children and pets, may encounter a projector cable, and avoid being hurt by the projection light. You need ultra short throw projector!

Sounds awesome, doesn’t it? Well, it has happened.

If you have more budget and want better experience, please follow below guide:

Otherwise, follow me…

Best Ultra Short Throw Projector 2018

Projector Name ANSI Lumens Throw Ratio Screen Size Contrast Ratio
LG PF1000U
(Editor Choice)
1000 0.19 100″
15,000:1
LG PH450UG 450 0.20 80″
10,000:1
Philips HDP2510 2000 0.21 120″
200,000:1
Optoma GT5500 3500 0.28 100″
25,000:1
NEC NP-UM351W 3500 0.36 105″
6,000:1
BenQ MW843UST 3000 0.37 92″ 13,000:1
SONY LSPX-P1 100  <0.4 80″ 4,000:1

Now that we have everything out of the way, let’s take a look at the topic of discussion we have on our hands, today, we will be looking at the best ultra short throw projector that are available in the market for the consumer to buy.

In case you are wondering why this list is being made, well that’s because the market is new right now, and other company is releasing a projector without ultra short throw functions. While it may seem like a walk in the park for hardcore consumers, for people who don’t have a lot of knowledge about these projectors, things can somewhat difficult.

In order to make sure that doesn’t happen, we have come up with a list of best ultra short throw projector that you can buy in the market. In order to keep things fair and stable, we have included several price level and different brands to make sure that all the readers are thoroughly satisfied.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the best ultra short throw projector.

1. LG PF1000U – Best Throw Ratio Projector

PF1000U 1 VIEWThe first ultra short throw projector on our list is LG PF1000U,  the first 1080P UST projector of LG.  PF1000U projector can away from the wall or screen only 15 inches (38 cm) where you can project a 100 inch image, the best throw ratio projector,  very easy to use. As long as the 11 cm projection distance can be projected out of the 60 inch screen. The viewer does not need to make a large space for the projector, and there is no need to worry that someone will come to the beam of light. The size of PF1000U is only 1/4 of the mainstream ultra short focus (UST) projector (13.2 x 11.4 x 28.2 cm), less than 1/5 of the weight of, is the world’s first weight less than 2 kg of UST projector (1.81kg).

In addition to Full HD compact, brightness of PF1000U staggering 1000 lumens, and the energy consumption is only 1/3 of the competing models.Whether the slideshow presentation or cinematic viewing experience, the PF1000U models of the brightness up to 1000 lumens. In addition, PF1000U operating noise in environmental models can be as low as 21 db. Under these advantages blessing, the models become the UST projector is currently the world’s most advanced. The design of PF1000U has win the reddot award 2016. 

PF1000U perfect support for their Smart TV function, so a lot of preloaded video streaming media and social networking applications, including Netflix, VuDu, Hulu Plus, MLBTV, YouTube, Spotify, Facebook and Twitter, the built-in LG app store for projection design, to meet the more entertainment needs. And the projector is integrated with DTV tuner, support TV terrestrial broadcasting (DVB-T) and cable TV (DVB-C), which means you can access cable TV to watch ordinary TV programs.

Details:

Pros
  • The best throw ratio.
  • Long life lamp up to 30,000 hours.
  • Reddot award design.
  • Smart TV enabled (Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon and More).
  • Bluetooth sound out.
Cons
  • The brightness is only 1000 lumens.
  • No visible defect, a little expensive.

2. LG PH450UG – Best Price Ultra Short Throw Projector

LG PH450UG 1 VIEWMaybe LG think PF1000U is a little expensive, so they launched a low level product named PH450UG. Compare the first one, PH450UG do not support smart tv function, and brightness down to 450 lumens.  For weak brightness, not suggest to too big screen, similar to 80″.  Some key points are alive… Bluetooth sound out, wireless connection, long life lamp hours. After all, PH450UG support embedded battery, which can support up to 2.5 hours working time. Much smaller size (7.9 x 5.2 x 3.2 inches), easy to carry. Maybe not portable projector, but a little closed.

The LG PH450UG Ultra Short Throw LED Projector with HD resolution (1280 x 720) can project up to 80 inches from just 13 inches away and can project a 40″ size when the projector is just 3″ away.

The most importance factor is it is quite cheap!!! Only one third price of PF1000U. If your house is not too brightness while light turned off, and need a most cost performance home projector, this is!

Pros
  • Price, price, price.
  • A lot of simplify, and ease of use.
  • Embedded battery, Portability.
  • Wireless Screen Share (with Miracast, WiDi supporting device).
  • Long life lamp up to 30,000 hours.
  • Bluetooth sound out.
Cons
  • Weak brightness.
  • Some reviews said it has some fuzzy focus in the corners and distortion.

3. Philips HDP2510 Screeneo 2.0 – Best Multimedia Ultra Short Throw Projector

Philips Screeneo HDP2510 1-1

The Philips Screeneo 1.0 HDP1590 / 1690 got 2014 International Forum Design Award Winner, Awarded as the “best new idea most likely to succeed” at this year’s CableLabs’ Winter Conference Innovation Showcase and featured in DIY Network’s March CES Special of “I Want That,” the Philips Screeneo turns any wall in the home into a big smart TV screen with a great.

Now Philips HDP2510 is Screeneo 2.0. What are the improvements in relative Screeneo 1.0?There are several keys:

  • Brightness from 1500 ansi lumens to 2000 ansi lumens.
  • Contrast Ratio from 100,000:1 to 200,000:1.
  • Default Screen size from 100″ to 120″.
  • Different Housing Design, Screeneo 2.0 looks more fashion.  The Philips Screeneo 2.0 is fitted with an integrated handle so is easy to carry and can adapt to every situation, even if there is very little space.

Screeneo includes a pair of 3D glasses for a truly remarkable viewing experience. The Screeneo supports all 3D modes, as well as converting 2D into 3D.

Experience your films, sport events or games like you have never done before, from a 50″ up to a 120″ sized screen. The Screeneo series from Philips can easily be placed close to any smooth wall and creates a huge projected image anywhere in your home. LED technology ensures a brilliant picture and almost any connectivity is possible, from HDMI to Wi-Fi. This innovative lamp delivers a bright, 2,000 lumen image and along with Full HD resolution (1080p) Screeneo 2.0 provides an exciting home cinema experience. Estimated lamp life, 10,000 hours.

Built-in loudspeakers and sub-woofer for deep 26W sound . No cables: enjoy music via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi / DLNA Smart connections . Browse the web and stream videos, music or pictures via Wi-Fi / DLNA home network . HDMI allows you to connect to any set-top box, Blu-ray player, game console or media server.

Whether you’re craving outdoor cinema or the comfort of your living room, The Screeneo is easy to move around the house and set up. Unlike traditional projectors that need to be placed several feet form the viewing surface, the Screeneo has an ultra short throw image projection that saves valuable space without compromising picture quality.

  • 4″ from wall = 50″ screen size
  • 17″ from wall = 100″ screen size

So, let’s not waste anymore time, and get right into the pros and the cons.

Pros
  • Integrated 2.1 speakers, 26W, DB digital.
  • DLP lighting technology, lamp life up to 10,000 hours.
  • HDMI, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, S/PDIF, VGA, USB, Miracast and DLNA connectivity.
  • 3D Compatibility.
  • Contrast Ratio up to 200000:1. ( Philips advantage)
Cons
  • Throw auto focus has some problem, not quite good picture quality sometimes.
  • No smart TV function.

4. Optoma GT5500 – Best Gaming Ultra Short Throw Projector

Optoma GT5500 1 VIEWOptoma GT5500 is a very good product in this kind. Balance all of the features. Maybe not best in every feature, but you will found it is best for game.

The Optoma GT5500 is a Full HD 1080p ultra short throw DLP Projector for Gaming, Movies, and Sports. The GT5500 features incredibly bright and colorful picture quality at 3500 lumens along with an 25000:1 contrast ratio for solid deep blacks. GT5500’s ultra short throw lens projects a BIG 100 inch image onto a wall mounted screen or flat surface, including even a wall from less than 13 inches away ( Normal mode, 22.1 inches distance to projection 100″ screen). Gone are the days of struggling to install mounts or finding the ideal position in the room to project the right image. Now, you simply “place and play.”

With the GT5500, the future of gaming and home theater projectors has arrived. Experience BIG screening gaming with vivid colors and deep blacks while playing the latest AAA-rated game titles for Xbox One, PS4, and your Personal Computer. Challenge opposing players online in glorious 1080p with 100% field of view and often without the need to zoom before engaging in on-screen battle. BIG screen gaming with the GT5500 literally changes how you play the game. Recreate the excitement of watching the latest blockbuster movie in the comfort of your own home by watching Blu-ray movies on the GT5500’s super-sized screen.

Come together with family and friends to watch Football, Basketball, Baseball, UFC, or whatever your favorite sport for the ultimate viewing experience. Watching sports on the GT5500 is simply larger than life.

Pros

  • 3500 lumens, the image is clear even in light rooms..
  • Amazing Gaming Compatibility that is elegant and easy to use.
  • 3D Compatibility.
Cons
  • Not LED or Laser light source, the life of lamp only 6,500 hours.
  • No smart TV function.

5. NEC NP-UM351W – Best Education and Corporate Ultra Short Throw Projector

NEC NP-UM351W

NEC’s UM351W is a 3500-lumen ultra short throw projector that packs a multitude of features while delivering an extremely short throw distance for education and corporate applications. A complete interactive projector solution can be created using the optional NP03Wi interactive system (dual pens) with auto calibration. With its ability to be mounted to the wall directly above the screen on which it projects, this model helps eliminate the shadows and glare typically found with standard projection systems.

The UM351W includes a powerful 20W speaker, closed captioning and RJ-45 for remote management over a network, and its input panel includes dual HDMI, VGA and a microphone input to amplify the presenter’s voice.

Get great performance while saving the environment. Advanced Eco features help to substantially lower your operating cost without compromising on quality and flexibility. Less shadow and glare gives the presenter more space to engage with his audience and enhances the experience with interactive white boards.

The UM351W is particularly suited for classrooms and small to medium sized meeting rooms.

Pros

  • No Shadow and Glare thanks to ultra-short throwing distance.
  • Innovative new Eco functions – to reduce power consumption.
  • Optional Multi-pen and Touch Interactivity – with auto-calibration on any kind of surface.
  • Wall-mount included.
  • 3500 lumens, brightness enough.
Cons
  • Throw ratio only 0.36, not very short.
  • Only 6000 hours for lamp life.

6. BenQ MW843UST – Best Education Ultra Short Throw Projector

BenQ MW843UST 1 VIEW

BenQ’s MW843UST Brings ultra-sharp images in a short distance. The MW834UST was designed for disruption-free learning in small-sized classrooms and offers a big screen in short distance with a 0.37 ultra short-throw ratio. Together with 13000:1 ultra-sharp contrast ratio and 3000 ANSI lumen brightness, this projector has the most dynamic image quality to offer!

BenQ Wall Mount Alignment System was designed to help ensure a fail-proof projector installation. This installer-friendly ultra short-throw projector wall mount features an installation chart and a measuring ruler to help you find the most suitable projector-screen alignment and image position for your classroom.

Power Saving and Eco Friendly, offering lower TCO and optimized projection through dynamic power saving, uncompromised brightness, exquisite picture quality and optimized lamp life -SmartEcoTechnology has perfected what a DLP projector can do. With this innovation, schools and corporates are able to save up to 70% of lamp power consumption and lower maintenance costs through dynamic power saving features while bringing an ultra-vivid viewing experience into every presentation.

Good Things Come in Short Distance- With BenQ’s MW843UST you don’t need a big room or a lot of free ceiling space to create a big picture when you’ve got an ultra short-throw projector! Teachers can think outside the box to turn every corner into the perfect place for educational use. An ultra short-throw projector can be placed close to the screen in front of the class and well out of students’ way, greatly decreasing the occurrences of shadow disruptions.

Projector Management through LAN Control- LAN Control is designed to help IT managers perform day-to-day projector maintenance and repair tasks efficiently and effectively – offering them full access and control over every projector directly from their workstations. The MW843UST offers seamless support for the Crestron LAN Control system.

Pros
  • SmartEco Technology for Power Saving.
  • Efficiency Installtion with Wall Mount System.
  • Blu-ray Full HD 3D Support.
  • Up to 7,000 Hours Lamp Life.
Cons
  • Old model.
  • Brightness and Contrast Ratio is Enough, but a Little Color Subdued.

7. SONY LSPX-P1 – Best Portable Ultra Short Throw Projector

Sony LSPX P1-1

SONY LSPX-P1 is a revolution product, first shown at the IFA show in 2015, is breaking the conventional law that states: all projectors need to be oversized. The LSPX-P1 projector is perfect for someone wanting to a portable space-saving alternative to the traditional wall hanging flat screen. If apartment/condo space is an issue, Sony’s little projector may be the solution!

Small enough to hold in one hand, viewers have the option of projection images that range from 22 to 80 inches. Since it’s a short-throw, you can position Sony’s LSPX-P1 right next to the projector surface – whether that be a nearby wall or a piece of paper on your desk. With a diplsay resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, you avoid the telltale sign of poor image quality: visible pixels. Instead, feedback has been positive around the image quality, especially in dimly lit settings.

Choose what you want to project and control image and projector settings, all from your smartphone or tablet via the dedicated app. (available for Android and iOS).

With two 0.98” Bass Reflex built-in speakers powered by xLoud technology, you’re able to turn up the volume without compromising sound quality. Since Sony’s built-in speakers are designed to pick up powerful low frequencies, connecting to a receiver for sound quality is not really necessary.

Pros
  • Portable and Simply Design, The Smallest Ultra Short Throw Projector.
  • Wireless Connection, Smart APP.
  • Battery inside, 2hr Working.
  • Built-in Speakers with xLoud Technology.
Cons
  • A little expensive.
  • Brightness is not Enough, but support 720p.

Things you MUST KNOW before choosing your Ultra Short Throw Projector

Well, our top 6 list is based on what we like. This might not suit you, so we prefer you to have a look at all of the details below. That will help you in choosing your UST projector.

I hope you want to know which UST projector other persons are using out there?

Different Projector for different Type of Projection

SONY ultra short throw projector 1

There are various big brands coming up new UST projector concepts and products every day.

The big names include LG, SONY, NEC, BenQ, Optoma, Philips, Hisense, JmGO and more. Products from such brands make up the list of the best ultra short throw projectors in 2017. While making your choice you would face the bittersweet problem of plenty,

It’s nice to have a wide variety to choose from, but it gets trickier too. People got to know their choice while watching movies before picking up their projector. Basically, projectors are categorized into five genres:

  • Traditional Home Cinema Projector:  generally not be moved after installation, high contrast ratio with rich colorful  display.
  • Basic Business Projector: auto-calibration on any kind of surface, maintains cost.
  • Portable Mini Projector small size, embedded battery, Bluetooth sound out, share display with mobile phone.
  • Ultra Short Throw Projector: short throw distance with home cinema projector’s performance.
  • Laser TV Projector : ultra short throw with laser light resource projector.

Different application scenario should select different projector. If your living room is not large, but want a big TV screen with less cost, should think about the ultra short throw projector.

Different Ultra Short Throw Projector Concepts your must be aware of:

Lumens

Throw Ratio

Lamp Life

Maximum Screen

Contrast Ratio

Image Resolution DPI

Smart Level

Audio Quality

Housing Design

There is no denying that buying projector have become sort of a necessity for a lot of people, some do it just to complete their home cinema, while others do just for the sake of it.

Thankfully, to make things easier for the consumers, as well as for everyone who is reading this article, the choice of projector should help them pick the one they want. That’s why we went ahead and used best from every single application scenario.

Hopefully, this list should solve your projector buying woes, and you will be able to buy the perfect ultra short throw projector that will complement your application style, as well as the type of grip you have.

The newer buyer’s guide:

Best 4K Laser TV Ultra Short Throw Projector Buyer’s Guide

2 thoughts on “Best Ultra Short Throw Projector 2018-Buyer’s Guide

  1. There are others that were released by companies like Casio UT-351 series, Viewsonic’s LS820/830 series, and Epson’s PowerLite series (some were already demonstrated at InfoComm convention and the like).

    There’s also the Panasonic Space Player lineup as well that is missing from this review.

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