OVERVIEW

When it comes to choosing a projector for your home or office, there are many factors to consider, such as brightness, resolution, and size. However, one factor that is often overlooked but is just as important. It is the projector's throw distance and throw ratio. In this article, we'll explain what these terms mean, why they are important, and how to choose a projector based on them.

What is Throw Distance?

Throw distance refers to the distance between the projector and the screen. It is important to understand the throw distance because it determines the size of the image that the projector can produce. If the projector is too close to the screen, the image will be too small, and if it's too far away, the image will be too large.

The throw distance is usually expressed as a range, such as 1.5-3 meters. This means that the projector can be placed anywhere between 1.5 and 3 meters away from the screen and still produce a clear image.

What is Throw Ratio?

The throw ratio is the ratio of the distance between the projector and the screen to the width of the projected image. To calculate the throw ratio of a projector, you need to know the distance between the projector and the screen, as well as the width of the projected image. For example, if the projector is 3 meters away from the screen and the image is 1 meter wide, the throw ratio is 3:1. The throw ratio is usually expressed as a range, such as 1.2-1.5:1.

Why Are Throw Distance and Throw Ratio Important?

The throw distance and throw ratio are essential because they determine the size of the image that the projector can produce. If you have a small room, you may need a projector with a short throw distance and a high throw ratio to create a large image. On the other hand, if you have a large room, you may need a projector with a long throw distance and a low throw ratio to produce a large image.

Additionally, the throw distance and throw ratio can affect the brightness and clarity of the image. If the projector is too close to the screen, the image may be too bright and washed out. If it's too far away, the image may be too dim and difficult to see. The throw ratio also affects the amount of distortion in the image. A high throw ratio can lead to keystone distortion, which makes the image look wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.

How to Choose a Projector Based on Throw Distance and Throw Ratio

When choosing a projector based on throw distance and throw ratio, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, consider the size of the room and distance

Consider the size of the room and the distance between the projector and the screen. Measure the distance from the projector to the screen and use a throw ratio calculator to determine the ideal throw ratio for your room size.

 
Second, consider the size of the projected image.

You'll need a projector with a short throw distance and a high throw ratio if you want a large image. If you want a smaller image, you'll need a projector with a longer throw distance and a lower throw ratio.

Third, consider the type of projector you want.

Short-throw projectors are designed for small rooms and have a throw ratio of less than 1.5:1.
Ultra-short-throw projectors have a throw ratio of less than 0.4:1 and can be placed very close to the screen.
Long-throw projectors are designed for large rooms and have a throw ratio of more than 2:1.

Finally, consider your budget.

Short-throw and ultra-short-throw projectors tend to be more expensive than long-throw projectors. However, they can be more convenient and offer better image quality.