Short-Throw Projectors

While traditional long-throw projectors need a fair amount of distance between their lens and the projector screen to make a large enough image to rival the diameter of a big screen TV, short throw (ST) projectors can sit much closer to the wall and work the same magic. By using special mirrors and lenses, short throw projectors can be placed on a tabletop or media cabinet, which is why they’re ideal for small home theaters where space is limited. Another benefit of this type of TV projector is that it does away with the annoying problem of having people walk in front of the light path, thus obstructing the display. Plus, some ST projector models are equipped with smart technology, so there aren’t any wires to get in the way either. You can pair your short throw projector with any device connected to your Wi-Fi network and access TV, movies, presentations, or pictures.

If you have a limited amount of space, such as in a conference room, there are also ultra short-throw projectors that only require mere inches of distance between the lens and the screen compared to the several feet that short-throw projectors need. However, the improved visual effects come with a more expensive price point so keep this is mind when deciding whether you want to buy an ultra short-throw projector or a more budget-friendly model. 

When you’re shopping for the best short-throw projector for your home or office, consider what features are most important to you. If you want a crisper image, look for a 4K short-throw projector that uses more pixels per square inch to create the image. Also, many prefer short-throw laser projectors because the LED bulbs last longer, although others opt for ones that use traditional bulbs because they produce a brighter light.

Ultimately it comes down to what you’re displaying on your short-throw projector, whether it’s your favorite movie, video games, or the presentation of your company’s quarterly report. You’ll also want to decide if being able to control your projector by giving voice commands to a smart speaker appeals to you, or if you prefer using a handheld remote. Keep in mind that you’ll need an HDMI cable to connect your short-throw projector with your computer to access video files, while Blu-ray players and streaming media devices connect via a USB port. No matter which style you’re thinking about purchasing, there are several short-throw projector options available at Best Buy to make your decision easier.