Short Throw vs Long Throw Projector: Which is Better?

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• What does “throw” mean?
• What is a short-throw projector?
• What is a long-throw projector?
• Short-throw vs Long-throw projector
• WEMAX Projectors: The Best Projectors for Home Theater, Business, Gaming, and Camping
• Wrapping It Up

Choosing a projector depends on your room size, projector placement, preferred screen size, and your budget. Selecting a short throw and long throw projector also depends on your objective. Do you need a business projector for presentations? A home theater projector for movies? A gaming projector for your Xbox or Playstation? Your projector's throw distance is very important.

Projectors come in two basic varieties: short throw and long throw. Then how do you decide whether to use a long-throw or short-throw projector? And why should you choose Wemax projectors? Here is a detailed answer to get you up to speed.

What does “throw” mean?

The term "throw" refers to the separation between the lens and the screen in projector terminology. An image is projected onto the display by the projector's light ray as it passes through the lens. The distance between the projector and the screen (or "throw") determines the image's size.

A projector's ratio is calculated as width/throw distance. If a projector, for instance, has a throw ratio of 0.36:

• The projector must be positioned 92 centimetres away from a 100-inch screen.
• The projector should be positioned 73.2 centimetres inches further from an 80-inch screen.

When choosing the right projector for your needs, the throw is essential because: A projector with a long throw may cast a big image from a closer range. Long distances can be covered by a huge picture being projected by a projector with a short throw.

Depending on the dimensions of your space and the distance that you intend to sit from the display, you will need to choose the appropriate throw.

What is a Short-Throw Projector?

A projector with a small throw distance is known as a short-throw projector. It implies that it is capable of projecting a sizable image from close range. Because you aren't required to stress about the projector becoming an obstruction, or being too distant from the display, short-throw projectors are excellent for tiny spaces. 

The throw ratio of short-throw projectors is typically 0.36 or less. It implies that the projector can be positioned as near as 91.4 centimetres from a 100-inch display.

Pros of Short-Throw Projectors

• Can be positioned near the screen
• Doesn't need a big screen
• Doesn't need a big display can be used in many different contexts, including home theaters, classes, and multimedia presentations

Cons of Short-Throw Projectors

• Projectors with a short throw are often more pricy than those with a long throw.
• The image quality is not as good as it’s long throw counterpart.
• The light source is not as bright as long-throw projectors.

Its ability to get close to the screen makes it ideal for small rooms. It also means it has the flexibility to project large images. These projectors, however, cost more but lack the quality of long-throw projectors.

Read more: Is an Ultra-Short Projector Worth It?

What is a Long-Throw Projector?

A projector with a great throw range is referred to as a long-throw projector. It implies that it is capable of casting a sizable picture. As you don't need to fret about the proximity of the projector to the display, long-throw projectors are perfect for large spaces.

Typically, long-throw projectors have a throw ratio of 0.50 or more. Meaning that for a 100-inch screen, the projector can be placed as far away as 50 inches from the screen.

Pros of Long-Throw Projectors

• When compared to short throw projectors, the image quality is superior.
• The lighting is stronger.
• Can be used in a variety of venues, including schools, slideshows, and home entertainment systems.

Cons of Long-Throw Projectors

• Lack of flexibility to project
• Greater power use
• The projector is bigger

Large images can be projected from a considerable distance, making long-throw projectors perfect for auditoriums or spaces with lots of space. In comparison to its short-throw sibling, the picture quality is superior.

 For huge rooms where you wish to sit a distance from the display, long-throw projectors work better. Compared to short-throw projectors, the picture resolution is superior, and the lighting is higher. But they lack the flexibility to project small images and are heavier.

Read more: How Are Laser Projectors Different from Normal Projectors and Why?

Short Throw vs. Long Throw Projector

Here is a technical comparison of short throw projector vs long based on: Throw distance, Installations, Screen, Image quality, Brightness, Lamp life, and Cost.

1. Throw distance

A short-throw projector has a throw range of between.25 and.36. The throw length for a long-throw projector ranges from 0.50 to higher than 0.84.

2. Installations

You can put a short-throw projector on a desk, coffee table, or any structure close to the display. It is necessary to place a long-throw projector on the roof or a tall platform.

3. Screen

The screen size for a short-throw projector ranges from 40 to 80 inches. An image can be projected onto a display between 100 and 300 inches in size using a long-throw projector.

4. Image quality

A short-throw projector has an image resolution of up to 1080p. The maximum resolution a long-throw projector can produce is WUXGA (1920 x 1200).

5. Brightness

A short-throw projector has a brightness range of 2000 to 3000 lumens. A long-throw projector has a brightness range of 3500 to 6000 lumens.

6. Lamp life

A short-throw projector's lamp duration is 3000 to 4000 hours. A long-throw projector's lamp duration is between 2500 and 3000 hours.

7. Cost

Costs for short-throw projectors range from $500 to $2000. Costs for long-throw projectors range from $2000 to $5000.

Read more: LED vs. Laser Projector–Which is Better?

Read more: Lamp vs. Laser Projector – Which is Right for You?

WEMAX Projectors: The Best Projectors for Home Theater, Business, Gaming, and Camping 

Wemax projectors offer the premier projectors in the market. Our merchandise includes WEMAX Go Ultra-Portable ALPD TI DLP Laser Projector for Camping and Travel, WEMAX Nova 4K UHD HDR Ultra Short-Throw Laser Projector, and WEMAX Go Advanced.

WEMAX Go Ultra-Portable ALPD TI DLP Laser Projector for Camping and Travel

It is the world’s first ultra-portable projector with advanced laser display technology. The WEMAX Go is also the brightest, lightest, and most power-efficient projector of its kind.

It is perfect for:

• Camping
• Travel
• Hiking
• Backpacking

WEMAX Nova 4K UHD HDR Ultra Short-Throw Laser Projector

It has a native resolution of 3840x216 and can project up to 150 inches. The WEMAX Nova also has HDR support, which means it can produce bright and vivid colors.

This product is perfect for:

• Home theater
• Movies
• TV Shows
• Video Games

WEMAX Go Advanced

The WEMAX Go Advanced is a short-throw projector that can project up to 120 inches. It has a native resolution of 1920x1080 and can produce up to 3000 lumens.

You can best use it for:

• Business presentations
• Classroom lectures
• PowerPoint presentations

Wrapping It Up: Which Should You Choose?

If you want a portable projector that is simple to put up, a short throw projector is ideal. If you have a large space and want the highest picture quality, a long throw projector is excellent.

Wemax is the leading brand for laser, portable, and LED projectors. It has been in the market for over ten years and is the leader in projector technology. If you are looking for a one-stop solution for visual applications such as long throw projector, look no further than Wemax!