Best projectors under $200 rests on a shelf or table, giving you the option to use your existing seating arrangement. An ultra-short-throw (UST) projector allows you more flexibility in how close it sits to your screen and audience while still projecting an image that doesn’t cast shadows on the screen. Check out the various types of projector screens at projectorpick.com.
A UST projector’s lens is fixed near the front of the projector at a slight angle, usually below 5°. When positioned, it must remain still so that its projection surface (screen or wall) and the audience watch area are located on the same horizontal plane. This feature allows you to place a UST projector in closer proximity to your screen than comparable projectors.
As a result, image clarity and brightness are usually better than a regular projector. Since the UST projector’s lens is already positioned at such a sharp angle, the projected image will appear on whatever you point it at. It makes setup fast – point it at your screen or wall and start projecting! It also allows you to switch easily between the screen and the wall without moving or repositioning the projector.
Generally, UST projectors come with lenses shorter than a comparable regular projector, which gives you more room to sit in between them and still see an undistorted image on your screen. Some models even allow for mounting directly to a ceiling, so they rest above your head.
UST projectors are great for people looking to set up a display area without clearing extra space or dealing with mounting brackets. They make it easy to create an engaging presentation and set the stage for your next event, rapid response, training session, or live broadcast.
Because UST projectors can be closer to your screen than a regular projector, you can save space and money by choosing a less costly screen material. It’s also simple to switch between projecting your presentation on the wall or the screen – point it in a different direction!
However, this flexibility comes at the cost of some performance. While UST projectors can project highly detailed images in high resolution, the lenses are optimized for smaller screens. As a result, you’ll see less clear image quality when projecting onto a larger screen.
Furthermore, UST projectors are ideal for displays with audiences of up to 20 people or more. The lens is typically positioned so that it can’t be seen by most people sitting in front of the display. Any slight shifts in the projector’s orientation can affect image quality.
Do you need a unique screen for a short-throw projector?
UST projectors are designed to be placed in closer proximity to your screen than comparable regular projectors, which means you can use a material with less gain (or reflective material) than would typically be required.
In some cases, UST projectors can have the image flipped upside down or right side up. It is excellent for small rooms without much ceiling space. However, it usually results in a lower-resolution image since each line of pixels is projected twice – once for the left eye and again for the right eye.
Most UST projectors do not allow you to flip the image horizontally or vertically, which means your projector screen needs to be installed with its front side facing straight towards the audience.
If you’re looking to expand your presentation beyond the capacity of a UST projector, or if you’re looking for a resolution greater than 1280×800 (WXGA), then a regular projector might be a better fit.
Are Ultra-Short-throw projectors Worth it??
If you’re looking for a portable display that is easy to install and set up, then UST projectors are worth considering. They take care of many of the details so that you can spend less time setting up and more time presenting. Since they tend to be priced lower than comparable regular projectors, your budget will stretch further.
However, suppose you’re looking for a higher-performance projector that will produce images with fewer noticeable distortions and visible pixelation. In that case, it’s best to stick with the tried and true approach.When choosing your next display solution, remember that UST projectors are optimized for small spaces and audiences of less than 20 people – so they might be overkill for large rooms or projection screens with a lot of people in them.
For the best fit, consider other factors like:
What will your average audience size be? More than 20 people? Then you might want to stick with a regular projector. What’s the giant screen you’ll need to present on (measured in feet)? For small to medium-sized screens, a UST projector is a good choice. If you need a screen larger than 10 feet across, then you might want to stick with a regular projector. How much will it cost to switch between projectors? A standard projector may be more expensive up front, but it can usually be switched out quickly and easily for presentations. Not to mention that they are optimized for larger displays with audiences of 50 or more, which means you’ll likely be able to use them longer in the future.
