If you are into high-end home theater, check out our Display and Audio Calibration Guides to maximize your experience.

Intro

In the ever-evolving landscape of home entertainment, the demand for immersive viewing experiences has fueled the rise of innovative display technologies. Among these, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors have aimed to bring the large screen experience directly into the living room.

Unlike traditional projectors that require a significant distance between the device and the screen, UST projectors can be placed just inches away, casting a large, crisp image onto a nearby wall or screen. These types of projection displays are also called “Laser TVs” as it provides a more convenient alternative than saying “4K Ultra-Short Throw Laser Smart Projector.” This advancement in technology not only eliminates the need for complex installation and dedicated projector rooms, but also opens up new possibilities for people with limited space.

Since UST projectors are a relatively new technology, they often come with a price tag starting around $2,000 USD. However, as the technology continues to improve, this cost may decrease in the future. In this article, we present a list of our recommended Ultra Short Throw projectors for 2023.

Top Picks

• Formovie Theater
• AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro
• Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800
• Honorable Mentions

Projector Features in This Category

Throw Distance: The defining feature of Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors lies in their remarkably short throw distance capabilities, enabling the entire projection setup to take up a similar footprint as a standard TV. This unique characteristic ensures that the projector setup does not dominate the room, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a large screen experience without dedicating an entire room to it.

Screens: Most Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors benefit significantly from using an Ambient Light Rejection screen (ALR). This specialized screen has the capacity to efficiently reflect the projected light directly towards the viewer, simultaneously aiding in minimizing ambient light reflections within the room for a brighter, more vibrant image. Most ALR screens will have to be bought separately and will add to the cost of the setup.

Build Quality and Design: Aesthetics and durability matter since UST projectors are usually mounted front and center of the room. So more effort by the manufactures will be put into how the projector aesthetically fits in the room.

Speakers: Due to the usual placement of Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors directly in front and just below the screen, it becomes an optimal location for incorporating a speaker. Consequently, many models feature a front speaker designed to play audio directly from this strategic position. While these built-in speakers may not replace a dedicated surround sound setup, they often outperform the speakers integrated into standard TVs, offering an improved audio experience that complements the immersive visual display.

Features: Beyond their space-saving design, UST projectors often boast advanced technologies, such as laser light sources, 4K resolution, and high dynamic range (HDR) support.

Recommended Projectors

Features

Specs

• Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) with 4X pixel shifting technology with TI’s XPR (Xpanded Pixel Resolution) actuator
• Supported HDR formats: HDR, Dolby Vision, no HDR10+, No 3D support
• Advertised FOFO Contrast: Up to 3,000:1
• Measured Native On/Off Contrast: 3,900:1 Note: The Formovie lacks a dynamic brightness mode to improve its black floor, limiting its native contrast competitiveness, so it may lag behind projectors with well-implemented dynamic modes.
• Advertised Brightness: 2,800 ANSI lumens
• Measured Brightness: Brightest mode delivers approximately 2,200 ANSI lumens
• Lamp Life: 20,000 hours
• Light Engine: Triple RGB Laser
• Image Size: 80″-150″ with throw distance from 1.4′ to 2.5′
• Audio: built in 30W B&W speakers with combability for DTS-HD and Dolby Atmos

Additional Info:

• Smart TV features: Android TV 11 with voice control through Google Assistant; additional functionalities include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, low blue light emission, and auto keystone correction.
• No Native Netflix Support: Due to the type of device registration, Netflix is not natively supported but has the option to side load it.
• Large color space coverage with over 100% for DCI-P3 gamut coverage, 123% for BT.709, and 90% gamut coverage of the BT.2020 color space, which is extremely impressive.
• Dimensions: 4.23″ x 21.65″ x 13.74″ (HxWxD)

Features

Specs

• Native Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) with 4X pixel shifting technology with TI’s XPR (Xpanded Pixel Resolution) actuator
• Supported HDR formats: HDR, HLG, HDR10+, No Dolby Vision, 3D support if updated to most current firmware
• Advertised FOFO Contrast: Up to 2,200:1 improved with the dynamic contrast setting
• Measured Native On/Off Contrast: 1,875:1
• Advertised Brightness: 3,500 ANSI lumens
• Measured Brightness: Brightest mode delivers approximately 3,200 ANSI lumens
• Lamp Life: 20,000 hours
• Light Engine: Triple RGB Laser
• Image Size: Fixed throw ratio of 0.25:1 allowing a screen from 80″-150″
• Audio: Four front facing speaker drivers for 36 watts of stereo sound and supports Dolby Atmos

Additional Info:

• Smart TV features: The projector does not include a built-in streaming platform; however, it comes bundled with the Fire TV Stick 4K Max. This streaming stick boasts support for the latest audio and video formats, making it compatible with all major streaming apps.
• Calibration: Offers 2 point grayscale and CMS (Color Management System). While not the full controls we like to see, its nice to be able to get 90% of the way there with the controls present.
• The AWOL Vision LTV-3500 Pro does have both horizontal and vertical keystone adjustments to align your image perfectly.
• Dimensions: 5.70″ x 23.60″ x 13.90″ (HxWxD)

Features

Specs

• Resolution: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) with 4X pixel shifting technology
• Supported HDR formats: HDR, Dolby Vision, no HDR10+, No 3D support
• Advertised Dynamic Contrast: 2,500,000:1 dynamic contrast
• Measured Native On/Off Contrast: 1,200:1, measured dynamic contrast: 6,500:1
• Advertised Brightness: 4,000 ANSI lumens
• Measured Brightness: Brightest mode delivers approximately 4,000 ANSI lumens, 2,000 in cinema mode
• Lamp Life: 20,000 hours
• Light Engine: Laser phosphor 3-LCD DLP
• Image Size: 80″-150″ with throw ratio of 0.16:1
• No digital zoom or digital keystone correction
• Audio: two 5W speakers

Additional Info:

• Smart TV features: Android TV 11 with voice control through Google Assistant which is an improvement from the LS500 which has no on board streaming.
• For gamers, the measured input latency is approximately 22ms for 4K at 60Hz and 12ms for 1080p at 120Hz when using the dedicated game input. However, in other HDMI inputs, this measurement increases to around 100ms.
• The Epson LS800 lacks traditional controls for color calibration, white balance fine-tuning, and a Color Management System. While it does provide basic adjustments like Brightness, Contrast, Color Saturation, Tint, and Sharpness, these are tucked away in a separate menu.
• Dimensions: 6.20″ x 27.40″ x 13.40″ (HxWxD)

Honorable Mentions

XGIMI AURA: The XGIMI Aura 4K stands out as XGMI’s inaugural UST model, boasting advanced technologies. With a brightness of 2,400 ANSI lumens and a remarkable 25,000-hour light source lifespan (equivalent to 17 years at 4 hours of daily use), the Aura employs a 0.47-inch DMD Texas Instruments DLP chipset and a 2,400 ANSI lumen laser diode for its 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution. Featuring HDR10 for dynamic imagery, it covers 90% Rec. 709 and 80% DCI-P3 color gamut. Running on Android 10, it offers access to over 5,000 Android TV apps without the need for an additional dongle.

EPSON EPIQVISION ULTRA LS500: The Epson LS500 is a laser-powered, Ultra Short Throw projector boasting 4,000 ANSI lumens and a 3LCD design. Paired with a 100” or 120” Epson SilverFlex™ Ultra AR screen, this Laser TV is ideal for common spaces, offering a 20,000-hour laser lifespan in eco mode. With Smart TV features powered by Android and Google Assistant, it delivers vibrant visuals and immersive audio through dual 10-watt speakers. At $5,000 (including the 100-inch screen), it is a compelling option for those seeking a cinematic living room experience, surpassing the performance of traditional LCD TVs. The LS500’s ultra-low game lag, rated at 16.7 ms, makes it an excellent choice for gaming enthusiasts. With modern aesthetics, easy installation, and a 2-year warranty, the Epson LS500 redefines home entertainment.

Our Criteria

Picture Quality: When evaluating projectors, picture quality is our top priority. We look at the brightness and contrast ratio, emphasize color accuracy and wide gamut, and recognize the importance of deep black levels for cinematic immersion, particularly in dark scenes.

Setup Features: Some key setup features we look for is lens shift, zoom, and keystone correction, as not all UST projectors offer them. Having these features makes it easier to align the image perfectly. Without them, it will be harder to align the projector to the screen.

Calibration Settings: We prioritize projectors that offer user-friendly calibration settings, allowing for adjustments in color, brightness, contrast, and color accuracy. This ensures an optimal viewing experience tailored to individual preferences and different content types and lighting conditions.

Intended Use: We consider the intended use of the projector. Different scenarios demand specific features and capabilities. Whether it is for home entertainment, professional presentations, gaming, or outdoor movie nights, understanding your projector’s primary purpose will help understand which specs were prioritized in the design process. For our recommendations, we decided to leave out projectors that would be categorized as business/presentation projectors.

Personal Preference

Investing in a projector is a commitment to enhancing your visual experience, and the importance of testing a few models before making a decision cannot be overstated. Spec sheets provide valuable insights, but they often fall short in capturing the nuances of image quality. By personally assessing different projectors, you gain firsthand experience with factors such as brightness, color accuracy, and contrast, ensuring that the subtle details not evident on paper are considered in making an informed and satisfying choice. This hands-on approach enables you to find the picture that aligns best with your preferences and expectations, making the investment in a projector a truly rewarding one.

Projector Buying Guides

How to Choose the Right Projector for Your Room

Shopping for Projectors: Cutting Through the BS

Projector Display Technologies: DLP, LCD, LCOS

Thank you for reading. If you are into high-end home theater, do not forget to check out our Display and Audio Calibration Guides to maximize your experience.