This post was most recently updated on December 26th, 2020
We use a wide range of projectors for our party and event business. Perhaps our most widely used projector in our entire line of projectors is the LCD projectors.
We typically use LCD’s 60- 70% of the time for our outdoor events. None of these LCD projectors are short-throw projectors, however, there are many instances when a short throw projector is an absolute must, where the regular throw projectors will just not be able to do the job.
As we’ve mentioned in past articles, one type of projector cannot cover all situations. Some types of projectors will just perform better than others depending on what types of conditions you’re setting up.
However, short throw projector may be the most practical and will be able to handle more situations, than regular throw projectors.
The only reason we don’t use a short-throw projector in every event or situation is with certain screen sizes we have, some being really large 23 – 30ft screens, short throw projectors don’t give us the best picture quality.
The picture quality overall isn’t bad, but our regular throw LCD projectors just look brighter and sharper as the screen gets larger.
The Short Throw Projector to the Rescue
Here is a perfect situation where our BenQ short throw projector was the only projector we could have used.. We have a big 18ft screen right next to a large swimming pool.
The movie screen is literally right on the edge of the pool. Obviously, we cannot put the projector in front of the screen since the pool is relatively large. There’s simply no projector you could use in the front of the screen that you can throw the image over the pool at that distance.
The only option here is the set up the movie screen where you can project the image from the rear of the screen. Behind the screen, the only real problem is the two Jacuzzis directly behind the pool.
There is very little room behind the screen and between these two Jacuzzi’s, but this is the only place where you can place the projector. Because of this tight space behind the projector screen, a short throw projector is the only type of projector that would give you optimal picture quality.
This is a situation where the short throw projector shines. Now whenever possible we normally like to front project images on a movie screen.
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In most residential homes, and even commercial venues where space is almost always limited, I will almost always bring a short throw projector. Sometimes I will even bring an ultra-short throw projector. If you’ll be projecting near a swimming pool. The short throw projector can really come in handy.
For most of our short throw projector screens( whether it’s the rear or the front, a small screen or very large screen) we will typically go with a BenQ projector.
Certainly, these BenQ projectors can be used outdoors, but typically 7 out of 10 times we are using these projectors for indoor applications.
The brightness and quality are certainly okay for outdoor use, but we just prefer to use them indoors and if we’re ever near swimming pools and small backyards.
The BenQ short-throw projectors compliment the smaller indoor screens that are typically used for presentations. Check out our other post on where we use regular throw and short throw projectors LCD and DLP projectors.
Certainly if. short throw projector or within your budget, you can never go wrong. We love the BenQ brand of projectors because they have performed for us. These projectors have rarely failed. Check out one of our favorite BenQ projectors here!
Just a week earlier, we used the same projector at a Trump International ballroom. A completely different application. Completely different lighting and viewing conditions,.Yet, with the very same projector.
As you would expect in many indoor situations, throw distance and space are usually limited. Your options of where you want to place both the screen and projector can at times be restrictive.
The short throw projector can often alleviate these restrictions you’ll find, both at outdoor venues or indoor venues.
Short Throw Projectors – Still great for personal home use
For home, personal and non-professional use, regular throw projector is probably all you’ll need, However, as we’ve already touched on, even for the extra cost in owning a short throw projector it is more than likely that the short throw projector will be able to handle what you intend to use it for.
Many home and personal users like to hook up their gaming devices to these types of projectors. Having a projector really close to the projector screen has its advantages.
The projector close to the projectors screen allows those who are playing or watching closer to where view space. At the same time, persons watching or playing don’t block the image DVD Blu-ray and gaming are some of the most popular uses for these types of projectors but really they can pretty much project anything you can see on a screen.
The trend appears to be moving toward watching streamed movies. Netflix, Apple TV, and Amazon firestick being the preferred devices.
All these systems work fine with these types of projectors, just as long as the internet connection is good. You will also need all the necessary adapters for HDMI to your Apple, Android, computer or another device.
Projector Misconception
I think there’s a lot of confusion with how most projectors implement sound. Projectors typically are not all-in-one solutions as say a laptop or a desktop computer. Computers much like televisions can show you an image where you can also hear the sound of that image.
Projectors on the other hand typically specialize in one thing, throwing and projecting an image. It’s very similar to your desktop computer at home that you have computer speakers.
The speakers and sub woofer that amplify the computer sound are independent of the computer, much like the projector is. We’ve discussed these matters in a similar peace you could read about –> here
I’ll give a slight edge to regular throw LCD projectors for picture quality. However, if I could only own one type of projector, I would probably go with a good quality short throw projector. It’s just a safer choice to go with a short throw.
Short throw projectors are versatile, practical and continue to shine in the multimedia market. You’ll really appreciate what they can do. You’ll have hours and days of fun owning one. Whether at home, at school, in the office or a beautiful night outdoors.