Which Should You Choose:
Short Throw Or Long Throw Projector?

By XGIMI Tech - 2022-07

Choosing Between Short Throw And Long Throw Projectors

Deciding between short throw and long throw projector is essential when making a purchase. Short throw and long throw refer to the throw ratio of a projector which is the ratio between the projector's distance to the wall and the horizontal dimensions of the image projected.

Long throw projectors can display images correctly from long distances and are more likely to be affected more easily by ambient light than short throw projectors. On the other hand, short throw projectors can display very close to the screen.

In this article, we will highlight what short throw and long throw projectors are, the pros and cons, and the points to consider when choosing either. We will also recommend the best XGIMI projectors to meet your required viewing needs.

Long Throw Vs. Short Throw Projectors: What Is The Difference?

Which Is Best For You?

The Best XGIMI Projectors To Choose From

Enjoy An Immersive Movie Experience With XGIMI Projectors

Long Throw Vs. Short Throw Projectors: What Is The Difference?

Long throw projectors are designed for long-distance projecting, often from six feet upwards which is quite suitable for large theater rooms, exhibition halls, and conference rooms. They can project screen sizes as wide as 100 inches.

In contrast, short throw projectors produce large pictures from a short distance. A short throw projector has a throw ratio between 0.4 and 1. This means that with a throw ratio of 0.4, it can produce a four-foot widescreen from just 1.7 meters away from the wall.

For ultra-short-throw projectors, they have a throw ratio of less than 0.4, so you can easily place them very close to the screen. As these projectors can project images from an extremely short distance, they are excellent for small rooms and spaces.

You may also interested in: How Throw Ratio Helps You Achieve the Ideal Screen Size?

Long Throw Projectors

Pros

These devices can project images over long distances, thus making them an excellent choice when the screen is not where the power source is. This makes them excellent for large conference rooms, classrooms, and lecture halls.
Long throw projectors are usually smaller and lighter than short-throw ones.
When projecting outdoors, a long throw projector would produce less image distortion.
Long throw projectors are often more moderately priced than short throw projectors.

Cons

Long throw projectors cast images over long distances and are highly vulnerable to being obstructed by obstacles or people's shadows.
These devices cut out quite a large portion of space that can be used within the home theater room as they often require to be far from the screen to get a large and preferable image display.
They are also prone to glare from ambient light, primarily because the farther the projection distance, the greater the light loss.

Short Throw Projectors

Pros

Short throw projectors are space-saving, as they can project large images from a few feet away and avoid disturbance from people's shadows or obstacles. Thus, they are ideal for small home theater rooms and spaces.
Short throw projectors can cast enormous screens from short distances, helping them blend easily in your home decors.
Short throw projectors suffer less light loss as they take shorter distance from the light source to the screen/wall, and thus provide better image quality.
They are also ideal for projecting from behind a screen as they reduce the possibility of the projector experiencing accidental bumps.

Cons

Projecting on an uneven surface will result in more image warping.
These devices are generally more expensive than long throw projectors.
They are usually larger than long throw ones.
They also tend to have more fan noise to reduce increased projector heat caused by the extra processing power within them.

You may also interested in: How To Choose A Short-Throw Projector?

Which Is Best For You?

In choosing either short throw or long throw projectors, there are particular reasons to consider which ultimately would influence your decision.

Purchasing a long throw projector can be considered for the following reasons:

If you are planning to project in a large room and need a large screen.
If you prefer having the projector cast images from a distance.
If you have a small budget and desire value for your money.

Consider a portable long throw projectors can be a great choice for you:

If you are always on the Go for business trips, office meetings, etc.
If you like to travel around and would like to enjoy a movie during your trip.
If you are a camping lover and would like to have an excellent outdoor movie night.

A short throw projector would be an excellent choice for the following reasons:

If you prefer having the projector close to the screen or wall to avoid accidental bumps.
If you do not mind spending more for better image quality as you have a more comprehensive budget.

The Best XGIMI Projectors To Choose From

XGIMI's HORIZON Pro, Elfin, and AURA are incredible smart projectors that provide a fantastic and immersive viewing experience with the following unique features:

XGIMI HORIZON Pro (Long Throw Home Projector)

1.2:1 Throw Ratio & Large Screen: place 13 feet from any wall and project a 150" screen
4K UHD/1500 ISO Lumens: provides an immersive and cinematic viewing experience from a distance.
Intelligent Screen Adaption Technology
Large screen: has a maximum 200-inch screen for superb viewing from any angle and corner of the room.
MEMC: Delivers low latency and low image blur for fast-paced action movies, sports, and games.

XGIMI Elfin (Long Throw Home Projector)

1.2:1 Throw Ratio & Large Screen: Enjoy screen sizes between 60"-120"
1080p FHD resolution/600 ISO Lumens: produces crystal-clear video displays
Harman Kardon sound: Two 5W built-in speakers provide rich, top-quality sound
X-VUE 2.0 Image Engine: Produces image clarity which results in real-life video displays, so movies and games appear realistic and immersive.
Intelligent Screen Adaption Technology
MEMC: Offers low latency and image blur, keeping fast-paced videos crisp and sharp while projected.
Android TV: gives access to over 5000 apps like HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu

XGIMI AURA (4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector)

0.233:1 Throw Ratio & Ultra Short Throw (UST) technology: provides a 120" screen display from 11.7 inches away
4K UHD/1800 ISO Lumens: provides clear video quality for use both in the day and at night.
X-VUE 2.0 Image Engine: Enhances color depth and produces sharp video quality, and makes images appear natural.
Harman Kardon sound: Built-in two woofers and two tweeters at 15W each to provide a room-filling and rich audio output
MEMC: Delivers low latency rates and eliminates blurry video quality when projecting sports, action movies, and games.
Chromecast built-in/Bluetooth/WiFi: allow casting from smart devices
Android TV: over 5000 streaming apps like Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+

Enjoy An Immersive Movie Experience With XGIMI Projectors

Long throw projectors support long-distance projecting and can easily fit into a tight budget even though they are vulnerable to obstructions and prone to glare. With short throw projectors, one can easily save space, especially in a small apartment. They also project enormous sizes from short distances, making it easy for them to blend with your home decor. However, projecting with them on an uneven surface can result in image warping.

Both short throw and long throw projectors are amazing devices so you should choose the one that fits your desired requirements and more likely meets your viewing needs. XGIMI's HORIZON Pro, Elfin, and AURA are great projectors with incredible features that will provide the best movie-viewing experience.