Highest quality short throw projector

[abirdie4me]

I've read a bunch of the threads here and read numerous opinions about the Optoma and BenQ projectors, all around $800 US or less. Are there other short throw projectors out there that would produce a much brighter picture with better colors? I'm willing to spend up to $2500 if there is a projector that would show a significant improvement over my current BenQ 1085st.

[akoe19]

I’d like to think you could find a short throw 4K projector for that price. Not sure if it makes a difference for golf sim purposes but definitely for movies. Just google “4K short throw projector” and see what’s out there. Projectorcentral.com has a tool that lets you compare specs that’s very useful. I wouldn’t put too much stock in some of the crazy contrast ratios out there but lumens will defintely make a difference. I spent $2k on a 720p projector w 1000 lumens in 2005, crazy what you can get for that money now.

[akoe19]

Or not... just did a quick search and the cheapest 4K short throw I found was the Dell 2718QL for 5k.

[abirdie4me]

Or not... just did a quick search and the cheapest 4K short throw I found was the Dell 2718QL for 5k.

Yeah, 4k and short throw seems to be a rare combination right now. The biggest issue with 4k projectors in general seems to be the lack of brightness, so I guess I'll have to focus on 1080p projectors that have much more brightness. The new BenQ TH-671st has 3000 lumens, but the color and contrast ratio seems to be pretty much just like my current projector. Not sure it makes sense to spend another $800 just to get more lumens.

Maybe I should be looking at super bright commercial projectors, but my quick google searches so far don't turn up a lot of good info.

[akoe19]

I came across a few with like 5k lumens in your price range but they were all WXGA native resolution. I bet the upscale to 1080p would still look pretty good but definitely less pixels

[frankiepap39]

i use the BenQ W1210st and i love it. quiet, clear & bright... 3d, 1080p etc...

[Jtangm04]

Panasonic releasing a portable short throw laser projector that is 4k. They are showing it off at the CES expo this weekend. Main issue is lumens which older models have had issues and focus uniformity. For HT use won't give as good a picture compared to jvc or Sony projectors but for golf sim use might be an intriguing option.

[keither5150]

I am building a house and this is the projector that I will be going with. https://www.optomausa.com/projectorproduct/zh400ust

20000 hour lamp life sounds good.

[bionicboogerboy]

Keither

Be careful with that rear projector. It must shoot “down” a few feet and it has limited keystone correction to fix this issue. I experimented with a rear projector that is a similar model and it didn’t work for me.

I’m trying this new Optoma that is just now available in the US market. 1080, .5 throw, front projection, 4000 lumens. Gonna hang it this weekend.

https://www.optoma.eu/product-details/eh460st

[abirdie4me]

I am building a house and this is the projector that I will be going with. https://www.optomausa.com/projectorproduct/zh400ust

20000 hour lamp life sounds good.

This looks great! Can't get their distance calculator to work, have you already figured out how far back you'll mount it and how big your image will be?

[keither5150]

Since it can display 100 inches at 13 inches away from the screen.... this should mean that image size will not be a problem. I will be mounting it about 8-10 feet away from the screen.

[aja]

Better check the specs on the projector. Doesn't look like it will work for distances greater than a few feet or so.

[keither5150]

Thanks Aja.... I will check it out before buying. No zoom on the projector????

[pwade3]

I am building a house and this is the projector that I will be going with. https://www.optomausa.com/projectorproduct/zh400ust

20000 hour lamp life sounds good.

Its calculator shows it will only work with a max screen size of 52 inchs height. It would have to be less then 2 feet away from the screen. aja is right, it won't work.

[pwade3]

[QUOTE=abirdie4me;n139783]I've read a bunch of the threads here and read numerous opinions about the Optoma and BenQ projectors, all around $800 US or less. Are there other short throw projectors out there that would produce a much brighter picture with better colors? I'm willing to spend up to $2500 if there is a projector that would show a significant improvement over my current BenQ 1085st.[/QUOTE

Check out "Snaphook" posts. In another thread, he mentions he is using this one (Panasonic PT-VZ 580) and says its amazing. He discribes how much better it is from his last one. 5000 Lumens.

[CBearsSB]

Not a “short throw” projector but can project 16 x 10 ft image with WUXGA graphics and 4800 lumens: Panasonic PT-VZ 570

[CBearsSB]

Pardon me. Will protect this image from a 14 foot throw distance.

[abirdie4me]

This sounds awesome! I think 16:10 is a much better ratio for golf sims. I'll start doing research on it now, want to get projector before I trim in my screen.

[abirdie4me]

I pulled the trigger on the Panasonic PT-VZ 580, I'll rig it up next weekend and see how it does. It will hopefully be replacing my BenQ 1085st, which has an excellent picture but just isn't bright enough for my room.

[Snaphook]

Let us now what you think. I am very happy with my PT-VZ 580. I run it on eco2 mode and plenty bright. I really recommend 16:10 if you can do it.

[pwade3]

Let us now what you think. I am very happy with my PT-VZ 580. I run it on eco2 mode and plenty bright. I really recommend 16:10 if you can do it.

Is it possible that 5000 Lumens is too bright, in some situations? I have 3200 Lumens and its bright with the lights off, but with any lights on its a bit washed.