Choosing an ultra-short-throw projector shouldn’t involve opening 10 tabs and comparing the same specifications over and over. While one model may perform better in gaming, the other may be tailored for cinematic picture quality. But what do those specs mean for your experience?

We’ll go over which specifications make a great Ultra Short Throw projector. Then, we’ll provide insights into the standout models to help you easily see which projector is best for your needs. Whether you want a more movie-theater-like viewing experience, a gigantic gaming screen, or an upgraded home theater setup, there is a model on this list for you.

What Is an Ultra Short Throw Projector, and What Makes One Good?

An ultra-short-throw projector is designed to create a large image from a very short distance. Instead of projecting from across the room, it stays close to your screen or wall. These projectors use special optics to bounce the picture upward and outward. Being able to sit close to the wall lets you enjoy the big picture. It won’t eat up much-needed floor space either. Having your projector away from the main traffic flow also prevents people from ruining your viewing experience. They’re less likely to cross the light path, accidentally make shadows, or interrupt whatever is playing.

But a good UST projector needs more than short-throw optics. Resolution will dictate how much detail your picture has. Color reproduction can impact how vibrant and realistic that image appears. Contrast is key to making bright spots stand out against darker ones. High dynamic range (HDR) can give you more range between bright and dark.

Brightness is also important to consider. The bigger your picture gets, the more light you’ll need to fill it. If you want to game, HDMI 2.1, variable refresh rate (VRR), auto low latency mode (ALLM), low input lag, and high refresh rates can help your games look and play better.

Smart features can also play a big role in your everyday entertainment. Google TV, wireless projection, built-in audio, multiple inputs, and digital keystone correction are just some of the conveniences that improve your experience.

For Upgrading an Existing Display

Maybe you’re fine with your TV. However, you just want something better. Bigger. More immersive. More capable. Then consider these two UST projectors. They can help you turn your existing setup into something much larger without sacrificing too much.

Hisense PL1 Laser Cinema

The PL1 works best if you’re looking for the projector to do more of the heavy lifting in your entertainment system. 4K UHD supports detail, while Dolby Vision, HDR10, and HLG keep your HDR content looking great. Brightness is impressive as well, thanks to 2,200 ANSI lumens delivering vibrant pictures.

Beyond the visuals, a host of features complement the picture. Google TV takes care of streaming. AirPlay 2, HomeKit, and voice controls make using the PL1 around the house easier than ever. Also, you can hook up your devices however you like, with HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet. The Hisense PL1 is a great way to get a more complete experience without needing a separate box to do every job.

Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800

The Epson LS800 takes a different route. With 4K PRO-UHD technology, you get a crisp picture. Also, its 4,000 lumens ensure a vibrant display, even on larger images.

The ultra-short-throw design allows the projector to sit just inches from the screen. No projector hanging halfway across the room. No awkward long throw distance. The LS800 runs on Android TV for streaming, while Yamaha audio handles the sound. Finally, low-latency gaming shows that the LS800 can be more than just for movie nights.

For a Refined, Cinema-First Home Theater Experience

If you’re looking to create a home theater that rivals the movie theater experience, you’ll need to start with the display. The Leica Cine 1 and AWOL Vision Aetherion Max are two incredible products that help you accomplish just that.

Leica Cine 1 Cinema TV

The Leica Cine 1 is designed to be the focal point of your home theater. It doesn’t want to just be another screen. This allows for a more minimalist approach to the entire setup. The 100-inch and 120-inch displays are large enough to impress without overwhelming the room.

Under the hood, there’s still a lot to get excited about. 4K resolution will keep that huge picture nice and sharp. The RGB triple-laser system delivers impressive color depth. Its RGB triple-laser system delivers a wide color gamut, while 3,000 lumens provides strong brightness for its large-screen applications. Dynamic contrast ratios of up to 2,000,000:1 will allow dark scenes to have more nuance without blowing out bright details.

AWOL Vision Aetherion Max RGB Laser UST Projector

The AWOL Vision Aetherion Max is built to deliver exceptional performance without compromise. The RGB Triple Laser tech, 4K UHD Picture, and 3,300 ISO rating are designed to achieve one goal and one goal only: blow you away with how big your image can look. With maximum sizes reaching 200 inches, we’re well past theater-level picture size here.

But the Aetherion Max doesn’t stop there.  Color technology and HDR are top-notch, with 110% Rec.2020 color volume, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and IMAX Enhanced all being supported. With dynamic tone mapping and local contrast control, this projector handles dark/scary/action-packed scenes with ease. Plus, it has HDMI 2.1 compatibility with VRR and ALLM, which makes gaming possible.

For Gaming Without Sacrificing Movie and Sports Performance

While some projectors lean pretty heavily on one specific use, others mix and match. If you game a lot but movies and sports are important to you, the AWOL Vision Aetherion Pro RGB Laser UST Projector is our top pick.

AWOL Vision Aetherion Pro RGB Laser UST Projector

The AWOL Vision Aetherion Pro RGB Laser UST Projector combines 4K UHD, RGB Triple Laser technology, 2,600 ISO lumens, and 110% Rec.2020 color coverage into a package. This package delivers a bright, detailed, and colorful image on a large scale. It supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+, along with a native contrast ratio of 6,000:1. These features deliver vivid color and excellent depth for movies and sports. With HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, and support for high refresh rates at compatible resolutions, the projector is well suited for gaming. PixelLock maintains excellent image alignment, too. 

The reason this projector makes this list is that there isn’t one area you have to sacrifice. You get great gaming performance without compromising on video capabilities. Throw in Google TV, and you have a UST system that can handle game night and movie night with ease.

UST Projectors for Presentations

Whether you’re training employees, teaching students, or giving sales demos, these three Epson PowerLite UST projectors have you covered. From easy presenter placement and Full HD clarity to room-filling images for collaboration, we’ve rounded up three UST projectors to fit your presentation needs.

Best for Easy Presenter-Friendly Placement

The Epson PowerLite 760W works best when you need the projector near the wall, but don’t want to limit the presenter. Ultra-short throw greatly reduces the likelihood of shadows passing over the presentation image, so that teachers can write on a whiteboard or speakers can move without obstructing the view. Its wireless capabilities allow for flexible placement. The 3LCD system ensures the image always looks great. Also, the laser light engine is rated for 20,000 hours of use, making it well suited to environments where the projector is used frequently.

Best for Full HD Presentation Clarity

Presentations that need every pixel can count on the PowerLite 770F for Full HD clarity and detail. Text, graphics, videos, and detailed images all appear clearer, and the 3LCD system helps maintain uniform color brightness across the white level. Since it’s also ultra-short throw, you can create an 80-inch image from a few inches away. This helps keep large presentations from overtaking the room. Also, it has wireless capabilities which allow for flexible placement. Its solid-state laser light source is rated for up to 20,000 hours of operation in Normal Mode.

Best for Room-Sized Collaborative Presentations

If you have a classroom or meeting space where presentations benefit from the whole room, go with the Epson PowerLite 775F. It shares the same 1080p resolution and 3LCD technology as the previous model, bringing text, images, and video to life on a big screen. With ultra-short throw that keeps the image near the wall, there’s more space for participants to spread out and collaborate without disrupting the presentation.  It offers wireless and versatile mounting options. This feature further supports frequent collaborative use. Also, its solid-state laser light source is rated for up to 20,000 hours of operation in Normal Mode.

Conclusion

And there you have it, our top picks for the best ultra-short-throw projectors. By now, we hope you realize that the absolute best UST projector is… whichever one suits your needs.

That’s why we evaluated these projectors based on common use-case scenarios, rather than trying to crown a single best projector to rule them all. And if we didn’t cover your specific use-case, or you’re still on the fence about which route to go, you don’t have to decide blindly. Book a consultation with Dreamedia, and we can help you select, design, and install the perfect UST setup for your space and intended use.

FAQ

What is an ultra-short-throw projector?

Ultra-short-throw projectors reproduce a large image from a short distance away. Instead of sitting across the room from the screen, you can place it right up against the wall or screen.

What should I look for in an ultra-short-throw projector?

When selecting an ultra-short-throw projector, look for models with excellent image quality and sufficient brightness for your screen size. Also, good contrast and useful gaming features are important. Additionally, consider the smart features you want and ensure there are suitable mounting options that work for you and your room.

Are ultra-short-throw projectors good for gaming?

Yes! Ultra-short-throw projectors with features such as low input latency, HDMI 2.1, VRR, ALLM, and high refresh rates can provide you with a much smoother gaming experience.

Can you use an ultra-short-throw projector instead of a TV?

Absolutely. Projectors like the PL1, LS800, Aetherion projectors, and even the Leica Cine 1 are built around large-screen viewing, so that they can double as your primary media display.

What are the benefits of an ultra-short-throw projector?

The main benefit is that you can get a huge screen while keeping the projector right next to it. This setup can make it easier to set up in your room and help limit the minor issues usually associated with projecting from a distance.