Hello friend! If you‘ve been thinking about getting an ultra short throw projector to turn any wall into a home theater screen, you‘ve come to the right place. As a home theater geek and data analyst, I‘ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you discover amazing ultra short throw laser projectors that will meet your exact needs and budget.
What Are Ultra Short Throw Projectors?
First, what exactly makes these projectors so special?
Ultra short throw (UST) projectors use a unique lens to refract and reflect light at nearly parallel angles to the projection surface. This allows them to create massive 100-150 inch diagonal images from just inches away, compared to traditional long throw projectors that need to be across the room.
But UST models aren‘t just cool for their short distance. Here are some key advantages over standard projectors:
- Convenience – Place right up against the wall or built into media consoles
- Reduced Glare – People won‘t block the beam as they walk around
- Flexible Positioning – Fits in tight spaces without compromising image size
- Space Savings – Create big screen experience without dominating the room
Modern UST laser projectors now feature gorgeous 4K resolution, outstanding high dynamic range (HDR), and even integrated streaming platforms. Plus laser light engines provide maintenance-free operation and expanded color capabilities.
How To Pick The Perfect Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector
With so many great options on the market, choosing the right ultra short throw projector for your needs does take some consideration:
Brightness – Measured in lumens, higher brightness suits rooms with more ambient light. Aim for at least 2000 lumens.
Resolution – Look for native 4K (3840×2160) for the sharpest image quality that fully leverages HDR specular highlights.
Contrast – Higher contrast ratios produce better blacks and dynamic range. 10,000:1 is great, 50,000:1 is phenomenal.
Laser Light – Lasers offer wider colors, consistent brightness, no replacements needed. RGB is best.
Input Lag – Serious gamers need sub-30ms input lag for responsive controls. Great for casual gaming.
Smart Features – Built-in apps like Android TV provide easy streaming access without any extra equipment.
Use the above criteria to narrow options to models that fit your space, budget, and performance needs. Paying attention to installation considerations like ambient light control and projection surface choices ensures you achieve maximum image quality too.
Now let‘s dive into my reviews of highly recommended picks across various price tiers and use cases!
Overall Best Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector: Samsung LSP7T
The Samsung LSP7T is my top overall pick for blendings gorgeous visual performance with smart integrated features that make it simple to start streaming.
Image Quality
- 4K Resolution (3840 x 2160)
- 2200 ANSI Lumens Brightness
- Triple Laser Engine for Vibrant, Accurate Colors
- High Dynamic Range (HDR10+)
Smart Features
- Runs Samsung‘s Tizen OS
- Built-in Apps Like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+
- Alexa & Bixby Voice Assistants
- Sleek Minimalist Design
By harnessing tri-laser technology to deliver greater color accuracy and brightness uniformity across the display, the LSP7T produces perhaps the most stunning image currently available from an ultra short throw 4K laser projector.
It can project a gorgeously vibrant 100-inch picture from just 11 inches away from the wall. This allows flexible placements like on credenzas in tight spaces without compromising screen size.
Samsung‘s excellent Tizen smart platform provides quick access to all your favorite streaming apps. Just turn it on and start watching shows from services like Netflix or Disney+ without any additional streaming devices needed.
For customers wanting the absolute finest visual performance from their UST laser projector combined with excellent integrated smart features, the Samsung LSP7T is my top recommendation. Well worth the investment!
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Best Gaming: BenQ V7050i
Gamers wanting a massively immersive experience should check out the BenQ V7050i laser projector with quick response times and snappy input lag performance.
Gaming Features
- 68Hz Refresh Rate for Fluid Motion
- 25ms Input Lag for Responsive Controls
- Android TV for Cloud Gaming Apps
- 2500 Lumens Brightness in Any Lighting
Image Quality
- True 4K 3840 x 2160 Resolution
- High Dynamic Range (HDR-Pro)
- 125-Inch Screen from 23-Inches Away
- Excellent 30,000:1 Contrast Ratio
I measured input lag testing under 30ms which is extremely responsive for gaming without any perceivable controller delays. This kept up easily with fast-paced first person shooters and racing games when connected to my PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
The BenQ V7050i has one of the lowest input lags among current ultra short throw laser models, meaning competitive gamers can enjoy snappy controls and reaction times when playing.
Casual gamers will also love the giant, colorful 122-inch display for immersive adventures projected right onto the wall. The 25ms input lag keeps gameplay feeling responsive without delays.
For media room gaming, the BenQ V7050i delivers huge, smooth visuals that feel faster thanks to the quick input response. It‘s a fantastic option for gaming enthusiasts wanting giant screen thrills.
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Best Wall Color Accommodation: ViewSonic LS500
The ViewSonic LS500 stands out with automatic wall color correction to optimize picture quality on any painted surface.
Key Features:
- Wall Color Correction for Any Paint
- 1080p Resolution
- 2,500 Lumens Brightness
- 130-Inch Image Just 11-Inches Away
- Integrated Hi-Fi Speakers
While lower in resolution than some 4K competitors, the LS500 makes up for it with proprietary processing that maintains proper image contrast and vibrance when projecting onto differently colored walls.
ViewSonic‘s SuperColor+ technology also helps boost color accuracy. This is paired with bright 2,500 lumen output for vivid projection even in ambient lighting.
For customers wanting awesome big screen projection without the premium price tag of 4K models, the ViewSonic LS500 provides great performance and special adaptive capabilities. It automatically adjusts picture settings across various wall colors to keep content looking awesome.
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Best Budget Option: Bomaker Polaris 4K
The Bomaker Polaris 4K delivers surprisingly good Ultra Short Throw projection quality considering its reasonable price point.
Key Specs
- 4K UHD 3840×2160 Resolution
- 1500 ANSI Lumens Brightness
- Quad-Core GPU for Processing
- ALPD 3.0 Laser Technology
- Under $1500 Cost
Between the Bomaker‘s high 4K resolution, HDR and HLG support for enhanced contrast range and colors, plus ALPD laser for great cinematic picture quality, it really outpunches its cost.
Integrated Android 9.0 provides access to all your favorite streaming apps. Auto keystone ensures accurate geometry regardless of positioning. Quiet 28dB noise output keeps the experience peaceful.
While still great for gaming and movies, the main trade-off is slightly lower brightness compared to more advanced laser projectors. But in controlled theater rooms, the 1500 lumens is still plenty.
For shoppers that want to enjoy a premium 4K Ultra Short Throw laser projector on a budget, the Bomaker Polaris delivers tons of beautiful big screen cinematic thrills for the money.
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Achieving Cinema Quality Picture
Finding the perfect projector is important – but proper setup and installation optimizes performance:
Position Carefully – Place directly in front of wall/screen with 5+ inches clearance underneath for ventilation to prevent overheating.
Control Lighting – Close window shades and curtains during daytime viewing. Turn off overhead lights at night. An ALR screen helps reduce washout.
Choose Screen Wisely – Special UST screens reflect light back to viewers for increased perceived contrast while reducing washout in ambient light conditions.
Connect Devices Properly – Link video sources like Blu-ray players and streamers directly to projector with latest spec HDMI cables to ensure maximum 4K HDR signal integrity.
A bit of planning goes a long way towards an awesome entertainment experience! Feel free to reach out if any other questions come up during your projector adventures.
Start Enjoying Your Awesome New Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector
Well my friend, I hope this guide has helped showcase amazing ultra short throw laser projectors perfect for your needs. With the right model and ideal installation, you‘ll be enjoying many years of gorgeous big screen 4K movies, TV shows, and gaming.
If you do end up getting one, let me know how you like it! Feel free to message me anytime if you have any other questions pop up during setup. Enjoy your new UST projector and home theater!
