If you don’t have a lot of space, a short throw projector might be just what you need

As ubiquitous as flat-screen televisions are, they’re not always the best fit for companies or individuals looking for a reliable and compact way to display content on a large screen. Projectors can help meet those needs — but getting the best image out of standard projectors often requires space you might not have.

Short throw projectors bridge that gap, offering the same quality image in a more confined space. Here, we’ll compare the differences between standard and short throw projectors so you can decide which one is right for you.

Standard vs short throw projectors: A comparison

The goal of any projector is to display a large, crystal-clear image without relying on cumbersome video screen technology. Moving a 100-inch television from meeting room to meeting room or bringing it on the road for sales presentations is impractical. A compact projector that fits in a suitcase can produce images that large — or even larger — without sacrificing quality.

Lumen count (that is, the image brightness) and output resolution are essential factors to consider when purchasing a projector. However, if you’re comparing standard and short throw projectors, you’ll likely focus on one specification above all: the throw distance.

Throw distance measures how far away the projector must be from the screen to achieve the best possible output. Here’s how that looks for each type of projector:

• To achieve the best results, standard projectors require the most space between the projector and screen — usually eight to ten feet. This increased space does allow for the possibility of much larger images. For example, the RICOH PJ WUL5A50 can produce images between 30 and 300 inches without losing clarity, depending on its setup.
• Short throw projectors decrease the distance required to achieve similar results — in some cases by half. One example is the RICOH PJ WUL5A40ST, which can produce a 150-inch image with a throw distance of under five feet. While short throw projectors may not produce as large an image as a standard projector, their versatility makes them perfect for classrooms, meeting rooms, and other small-to-medium spaces.
• Ultra short throw projectors take this technology even further, reducing the throw distance to mere inches. to mere inches. For instance, the RICOH PJ UHL3660 projects from just 1- 38 cm away. If you need to display a large image and space is at a premium, these projectors will fit the bill.

How short throw projectors work

Projectors of all types rely on a combination of light and magnifying lenses to create their images. Light sources may come from light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or lasers, but the end goal is the same: to pass an image through the light source and allow the natural properties of light expansion and displacement to expand the image onto the screen.

Short throw projectors use wide-angle lenses to output a large image at shorter distances. Because these lenses stretch the image more than a standard projector, they require a much flatter surface than standard projectors to display the image without distortion.

Did You Know?:Ricoh’s patented projection lens unit technology is used in over 30% of the projectors on the market today. Click here to learn more about our projector line.

Image quality

While the throw distance will determine how far away the projector needs to provide optimal quality, the best projectors can produce crisp, vibrant images regardless of the distance. In fact, the RICOH PJ UHL3660 can provide a wall-filling 85-inch display with a throw distance of only one centimeter — all while supporting 4K video resolutions and HDR-compatible content for a truly immersive viewing experience.

Projector use cases: Which is the right one for you?

Understanding your potential use case will guide you toward a projector that meets your needs. The following are a few ways you can use standard and short throw projectors to help you determine which one is right for you.

Standard projector use cases

Standard projectors are best in large rooms and other areas where you have a lot of leeway over where you can set up your display. When finding the right spot, be sure to take foot traffic and other obstructions into account so you can prevent shadows from blocking viewers' visibility.

• Auditoriums: Deliver a slide presentation to an audience of hundreds, offering a clear image for everyone regardless of where they choose to sit.
• Public events: Set up a video in the park for a community gathering, or use your projector to add some decorative flair to the surrounding environment.
• Advertising displays: If you can prevent shadows from blocking the display, a projector is a great way to reveal upcoming events, advertise local businesses, or show off products available for purchase.

Short throw projector use cases

Short throw projectors are perfect for when you need a big display in a small space. You may not get as large an image as you would if you used a standard projector, but their versatility gives you more flexibility regarding where you put them.

• Conference rooms: Give an expert presentation to key stakeholders and external clients, no matter how big or small your meeting room is.
• Trade shows: Show off company details and product info in your booth on a giant display without carting flat-screen TVs to and from the convention center.
• On the road: Need to give an impromptu presentation? As long as you have your projector, a screen, and a little bit of space, you can display gorgeous images anywhere you go.

Did You Know?:RICOH projectors are eligible for Advance Exchange priority replacement. It’s a simple and economical on-site alternative for service. Click here to learn more.

Our recommendation: RICOH Projector PJ WUL5A40ST

Whether you’re explaining the latest financials in a packed conference room or bringing your sales pitch with you on the go, the RICOH PJ WUL5A40ST ensures that your message comes across crystal clear. It employs an advanced 3LCD projection system to deliver superior displays up to 150 inches at a throw distance of only 4.8 feet. It’s lightweight and compact, making it easy to cart around the office or take anywhere you need it. And with 4,500 lumens, your display will shine under a variety of lighting conditions. Click here to learn more and shop the full line of Ricoh projectors.

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