What is a 4K Short Throw Projector?

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Do you know what is a 4K short throw projector and what it can do? If you haven’t seen this kind of projector in the flesh, you’re missing out on the best image quality that you can ever bear witness to!

4K resolution has gained immense popularity because of the increasing public need for spectacularly accurate images. This technology involves a horizontal screen display resolution that contains 4,096 pixels.

Digital television and digital cinematography have different types of 4k resolutions. In television, 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) is the common 4K standard. Meanwhile, the movie projection industry has a higher resolution standard at 4096 x 2160 (DCI 4K). This resolution has an aspect ratio of 16:9 with more than 8 million pixels and is twice the number of pixels of a 1080p (1920 x 1080).

Comparison between different levels of digital screen resolution [source]

With pixels that much, you can expect better quality images compared to previously produced projectors.

Pioneering with the 4K video resolution technology was Sony back in 2013 when they first created 4K TVs and then in 2015 with the 4K short throw video projector.

Advantages of using a 4K short throw projector

The difference boils down to image resolution. With 4K, it will definitely project images that are almost life-like. You have more control on the sharpness and brightness of the projector, which you can adjust depending on the location where you have positioned your projector (i.e. indoors or outdoors).

With the crispness of image detail, you will definitely feel like being a part of a video game or movie!

A standard 4K short throw projector may be installed on an overhead shelf or the ceiling. That way, no matter how often someone crosses between the screen and the projector, you don’t have to worry that shadows would be cast. Since it is mounted way above the audience’s heads, the 4K short throw projector casts images at an angle that would not interrupt the viewing scope of the audience.

Just like other types of projectors, some 4K short throw projectors are portable. This allows you to present your business presentations anywhere you like, or bring the device in an out-of-town conference.

It also has the capability to be connected to different devices. Connecting it to your Blu-ray enhances your viewing pleasure similarly.

Not convinced with 4K yet? Here’s a quick tutorial to understand 4K resolution better:

Buying tips to get the best 4K short throw projector

Not all 4k short throw projectors are alike. You need to be smart in choosing the best 4K short throw projector for your home or office needs. Be mindful of the following factors to ensure that you are choosing the best 4K short throw projector for your needs:

(And by the way, check out our buying guide for the best short throw projectors in the market!)

Contrast Ratio

This parameter tells you about the darkest and brightest parts of the picture. The higher the contrast ratio, the crisper the pictures will appear.

Connectivity

Generally, projectors have various ports available. Be sure to check if it also has HDMI ports because these are extremely helpful in connecting gaming consoles and modern laptops. Similarly, check the USB port if it can handle an external hard drive.

Zoom Range/Lens

Apart from having a particular position for your projector, you also need to use different lenses to particularly zoom in certain images. Therefore, always consider checking the zoom range and lens capability of the projector.

Aspect Ratio

The aspect ratio dictates the shape of the cast image, and in most cases, the common aspect ratio is 16:9. There may be a difference in terms of aspect ratio for lower-end brands.

Here’s a warning, though: even if you have a 4K short throw projector but the videos on your hard drive are of poor quality, the cast video still won’t look good on screen.

Image Brightness

Make sure to check the lumens rating (measurement of image brightness) to ensure that the amount of brightness is just enough wherever you plan to put your projector.

Cost

It is important to know that choosing a 4k short throw projector means having to spend more than most projector models in the market. Having said that, be careful in choosing the product to ensure that you always get your money’s worth.

Find The Best 4K Short Throw Projector For You

On a final note, feel free to ask a salesperson to conduct a demo of your preferred projector product together with another model for comparison purposes. That way, choosing becomes a lot easier.

Of course, buying a 4K short throw projection unit may not be as easy since you need to check every detail to ensure that you get what the manufacturer says it provides. But the good news is that if you know what is a 4K short throw projector — and if you follow our tips above — you can discover the best 4K short throw projector that will satisfy your requirements.