Editorial StaffAlthough televisions are progressively getting bigger and feasible for widescreen entertainment, projectors provide a more convenient widescreen viewing at a cheap price. Projectors were categorized by weight class way back ago. Nowadays, you can break them down by any number of meaningful categories, which includes their imaging technology, their intended use, light source, and more. A long throw projector is ideal for large rooms with a large audience or dedicated space for personal home theatre systems.
Furthermore, a long throw projector goes beyond entertainment purposes to meet a number of professional needs. It is a perfect tool for making presentations in lecture halls, classrooms, and conferences apart from providing entertainment in theatres. The reason why projectors are preferred is their capability and the fact that the images are friendly to the eyes.
With different types of projectors available in the market, making the right choice can be a bit tricky. Therefore, we have done this review for you. Here are the factors to consider before purchasing a long throw projector. We have also listed the five top-rated long throw projectors on the market. Keep reading!
1. VANKYO LEISURE 3 Mini Projector, 1080P
The Vankyo leisure 3 mini projector measures a paltry 7.9×5.9×3.1 inches and weighs 2.1lbs making it portable. You can carry it anywhere you want. MStar advanced colour engine powers this projector. Furthermore, it uses white LEDs as the source of illumination. Although it is a single-chip LED projector, it has a colour-filter wheel like almost every DLP projectors.
This upgraded projector provides more than 40% brightness than ordinary ones. It is capable of supporting the content of up to 1920x1080p, which is commendable. Vankyo leisure 3 mini projectors also come with a 2000:1 contrast ratio, which is ideal for home entertainment.
The Vankyo leisure 3 mini projectors are fit for TV series, playing video games etc. It can be connected easily with your smartphone, X-Box, PS3 or PS4 to enjoy big games. This projector provides a watching size from 32 inches to 176 inches. Additionally, it has a versatile projection distance of between 4.9 ft. to 16.4 ft. although 6.5 ft. is the recommended viewing distance.
With a Vankyo leisure 3 mini projector, you don’t have to worry about fan noise. It is equipped with noise suppression technology, which cuts fan sound in half. Furthermore, although it is one of the best long throw projectors on the market, it is not recommended for PowerPoint or other office presentation.
Lastly, the Vankyo leisure 3 mini projector comes with a customized case to carry and store easily. The carrying case also comes in handy if you are travelling.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Easy to set up
- Comes with a carrying case
- Great for an outdoor movie theatre
Cons
- Fan still noisy
- Not durable
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2. Epson SVGA (VS250) 3,200 Lumens Color Brightness
Epson VS250 SVGA3 has a lumen of 3200, which means it can project a more accurate and vivid image even in a room with lights on. It is set up to match business needs. You can give a presentation without having to switch off the lights. Since this projector has been set for presentations, you will get an SVGA resolution of (800×600) however, that is more than enough for its purpose.
Epson VS250 SVGA3 comes with a manual digital zoom as well as a manual focus. Furthermore, it is compatible with PC and Mac. It works with media players and supports HDMI. You can also enjoy iProjection App compatible-wirelessly project from your iPad, iPod Touch, iPhone or AndroidTM mobile device. When it comes to projection, it has a versatile projection distance of between 30-350 inches.
Epson VS250 SVGA3 is equipped with a zoom ring, which rotates to enlarge or reduce the image size. It also includes W and T buttons which when you press the W button on the projector’s control panel, the image size enlarges, when you press the T button the image reduces. Besides, Epson VS250 SVGA3 has a contrast ratio of 15,000:1 which is more than enough for projecting the various colours you are using in a presentation so that their differences show up vividly.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Effective in a well-lighted room
- Great projector for presentation
- Quality images
Cons
- The fan is a bit loud
- No audio output port
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3. Optoma EH412 1080P HDR DLP Professional Projector
Optoma EH412 HDR DLP professional projector has 4,500 lumens of brightness, which means it can project a more accurate and vivid image even in a room with lights on. It also supports full 3D 1080P from any source.
The Optoma EH412 features a 10-watt built-in speaker to enhance presentations with sound. You don’t have to worry about adding external speakers since it is loud enough for small-to-medium classrooms and meeting rooms.
The Optoma EH412 comes with a lamp life of up to 15,000 hours. You can enjoy extended viewing time with a lower cost of ownership, an average of 5 hours of viewing time every day for more than 8 years. Although it is a long throw projector, the remote is short-range so you have to be near and in the range.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Extremely bright
- Quality images
- Has built-in speakers
Cons
- Remote offers short-range
- Expensive
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4. VANKYO Performance V600 Native 1080P LED Projector
Vankyo Performance V600 long throw projector has a native resolution of 1920x1080dpi and an astounding contrast ratio of 5000:1, which brings three times more details than 720P projectors. With these features, it delivers impeccable image quality for professional use.
The Vankyo Performance V600 projector has two HDMI ports, including one premium audio that will allow you to project full HD presentations from your smartphone, laptop and streaming device. This projector provides a watching size from 44 inches to 300 inches. Additionally, it has a versatile projection distance of between 4.9 ft. to 20 ft.
This projector has comes with long-lasting lamps that last for over 10 years of daily use with 2-3 hours per session use. This is the best long throw projector for you if you are planning to get a projector that will serve you for a long period. Additionally, if you are looking for a projector with great customer services, the Vankyo performance V600 is the ideal machine for you. The manufacturer offers 3 months free return for a full refund and 3-year free repair.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Great native 1080P projector
- Great projector for presentation
Cons
- Not durable
- Noisy fan
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5. GooDee 2021 Upgrade HD Video Projector (YG600)
GooDee 2021 (YG600) upgrade HD video projector comes with a huge 4,500 lumens. This assures highly visible and bright images for big spaces. It has an added 80% brighter than other ordinary projectors. The 3000: 1 contrast ratio plays a role in providing a brighter image and wider viewing even in slight light or an outdoor place like a garage and camping.
GooDee 2021 (YG600) upgrade HD video projector supports 1080P Full HD with 1280x768p native resolution, which offers an ultra-accurate and vivid quality. The resolution also provides remarkable sharpness thus making it the best long throw projector for high-definition movies. Furthermore, it uses advanced colour technology to ensure great colour fidelity and near real-life viewing.
GooDee 2021 (YG600) low throw projector can be easily connected to your Multimedia devices. It comes with 2-HDMI, 2-USB ports, VGA and AV ports making it possible to connect it with Fire Stick TV, TV Box, PC, tablet, DVD player, external speakers, X-Box, PS3, PS 4, iPad, iPhone, Android smartphones and others. It is the best long throw projector for playing video, presentation, TV series, gaming, outdoor movies etc.
This projector provides a watching size from 44 inches to 230 inches. Additionally, it has a versatile projection distance of between 4.9 ft. to 18 ft. although 10 ft. is the recommended viewing distance. Lastly, it would not be fair to talk about GooDee 2021 (YG600) upgrade HD video projector without mentioning the cooling system. It has an improved fan design and innovative materials, which reduces the noise and creates a quieter and warm environment.
Pros
- Great projector for the price
- Brighter images
- Great for an outdoor movie theatre
- Easy to use and set up
Cons
- Not durable
- Has short-life lamp
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Factors to consider when purchasing the best long throw projector
1. Resolution
Resolution is the number of pixels or dots that create a display or image. Projectors with higher resolutions have more dots or pixels. Hence, they create images, which are clearer, cleaner and crisper. If you want to show data images, you should consider the level of detail in the images.
It is also crucial to take note of the fact that the intended resolution depends on the type of media you want to project. Is it movies, videos or games? Or do you want to project graphs, charts or texts? For graphs, texts, charts and high-resolution videos require a projector with high resolution.
Resolution is very crucial when it comes to buying a long projector. It depends on the amount of money you are spending as well. If you are buying a projector that comes with high resolution, it will cost you more money. A long throw projector with a resolution of 800×600 is enough for presentations in school or the workplace. It will give you the clarity that you need as a professional.
If you are planning to use the projector to watch a movie or do gaming, then a resolution of 1280×800 is enough. Nevertheless, if you want a cinematic effect, a projector with a resolution of 1920×1080 will work out for you.
2. Contrast ratio
There are two features of every image, dark and light. The contrast ratio is the ratio between the brightness of the darkest black and the brightness of the brightest white a projector can produce. All other things being constant, a higher contrast ratio produces more shadow detail, more vibrant, eye-catching colour in dark areas on the screen.
If you want to deliver high quality and presentations, then you must get a projector that comes with a high contrast ratio. If you like, the text to be clear and sharp on the screen, then you should buy a projector that comes with a contrast ratio of 15000:1. It will help the colours to stand out in your presentation.
If you are a gamer or like to watch movies, then you can buy a projector with low contrast ration options. Nevertheless, if you want to enjoy a detailed and super clear display during your gaming then you can go with higher contrast ratios.
Since long throw projectors are suitable for large space and a bigger audience, you need a projector with a quite higher contrast ratio to produce clear images. However, it is crucial to note that there is another factor that influences the contrast ratio, which is the measurement of the darkroom.
3. Ease of use
It is important to have a thorough look at the usability of projectors before we look at the technical particulars. A great long throw projector should be easy to install and set up. Navigation should also be easy to go about. The usability of projectors depends on a range of elements. Most importantly, on and off function should be easy to effect.
4. Imaging technology
Projectors are based on four main imaging technologies which include, digital light processing (DLP), light-crystal display (LCD), liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) and laser raster. Some of the liquid crystal display projectors and most of the digital light processing projectors project the memory colours consecutively. This is helpful in creating rainbow artefacts in which the bright areas on the screen are converted into red-green-blue flashes.
If you are sensitive to these effects, you should get LCD projectors that will help protect your eyes from any irritation. The LCD projectors also provide bigger and better quality displays. Although they are heavier compared to the DLP, they have one distinct advantage that you won’t have to keep focusing the image repeatedly.
5. Number of lumens
This is another factor to keep in mind before purchasing a long throw projector. Lumen number helps you know if you can use your projector with the light on or the lights off. However, it is recommended to get a projector with a high lumen number because it is not wise to make the audience sit in the dark while you are giving your presentations.
Conversely, if you are buying a projector for your house for doing gaming or watching movies with your friends then you should get a projector with a low number of lumen because it will help create a more relax and cinematic environment. Nevertheless, if you are not good with sitting in the dark then go for a high lumen number projector.
6. Wireless and wired projection
A projector connectivity options determine the types of devices that the projector is able of handling.
Nowadays, most long throw projectors come with wireless and wired options. Wireless connectivity allows connection with a number of mobile devices, which includes tablets, smartphones, PCs and digital cameras. Therefore, they are versatile and easy to use.
Conversely, wired connection options are impeccably reliable but they limit connectivity to TV screens and PCs. Therefore, a hybrid projector is better and best for a wide range of media devices.
7. Lamp life
A projector with a lamp life of 15,000 hours can run for 2 hours continuously. This is a great choice for business presentations. Nevertheless, if you are a gamer then you will need a projector with a longer lamp life.
8. Throw distance
Throw distance is the positioning of your projector from the screen. A long throw projector has a longer throw distance. It is important to note that the throw distance determines the size of the image as well. Furthermore, long-throw projectors come with slightly loner throw distances hence they guarantee bigger screen sizes.
9. Your own needs
Everyone has his or her specific requirements when buying a long throw projector. If you are the kind of person who has to give presentations frequently then you should get the type of projector that will work out for you.
Conversely, being a person who likes to host movie nights at home or a gamer, you will likely require a projector that not only comes with a high number of lumen but also a longer lamp life to provide you with uninterrupted gaming experience and movies.
Conclusion
When it comes to buying a good quality long throw projector it is always in one’s best interest to research before making any purchase. We believe this article has helped you on how to go through the tasking process of shopping for the best long throw projectors.
Our best long throw projector is the Vankyo leisure 3 mini projector. It comes with a customized case and has lightweight of 2 pounds so you can carry it anywhere you want. You don’t have to worry about fan noise. It is equipped with noise suppression technology, which cuts fan sound in half. It can also be connected easily with your smartphone, X-Box, PS3 or PS4 to enjoy big games. However, the main drawback is that it is not recommended for PowerPoint or other office presentation.
Conversely, if you don’t mind about the price tag, Optoma EH412 HDR DLP professional projector is right for you. However, all the projectors mentioned above are the best long throw projects available on the market. Enjoy your shopping!
