When using a standard-throw projector, the presenter often stands in front of the projection surface. The problem with this is that the presenter may cast a shadow on the screen, making the content hard to see. Moreover, the presenter may be bothered by glare from the projector light source. Companies such as Epson and Hisense also offer complete packages that pair their UST projectors with a matching ambient-light-rejecting screen, usually in a 100- or 120-inch size.
Add in the Android streaming interface and you’ll see why we call it an all-in-one entertainment package. Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500When you buy the Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS500 you get more than just a projector. It comes with a high-contrast ALR screen included, as well as the hardware you need to mount it. Since these screens sell for upwards of $1,000 on their own, that’s a massive value add compared to other projectors on this list. Split-screen two-player games are easier to play when you have a screen this large, and the vivid, colorful graphics of most games look great.
This type is also specifically geared toward UST or ultra short throw projectors. The alr projector screen is superior to traditional white or gray materials in its ability to maintain a sharp, bright image regardless of ambient light. The angular reflective or retro reflective material incorporates a diffusion layer over a highly reflective surface. This causes direct light from the projector to reflect squarely into the viewer's field of vision while the outer contrast layer enhances image quality while absorbing indirect ambient light.
They have excellent picture quality, ultra convenience, and the easiest set up of most modern projector designs. They’re small by comparison, yet capable of projecting a large image when placed just inches from the wall. But UST projectors capable of a big bright 4K HDR image have always been prohibitively expensive. So, long story short, we bought a 55-inch OLED TV while in Covid lockdown. A specially designed ultra short throw projector screen typically costs between $900 on the low end and $5000 on the high end.
There is an option to turn the Aura’s laser projection unit off which allows it to spring back to life instantaneously. But fan noise and excessive power draw makes this an option I use sparingly. Let’s first take a step back for those of you not familiar with Xgimi. The Chinese company got its start in 2014 before debuting in Western markets in 2016. It’s built a loyal fanbase around nice looking all-in-one portable projectors that are reasonably specced yet still inexpensive. These include the Z4 Aurora and Horizon Pro 4K which The Verge reviewed previously.
If you thought you need a large screen 4K TV to get that theater-like experience at home, think again? The exciting new form of big TV, the Ultra Short Throw projectors are making a parallel intrusion into home entertainment with their easy setup approach and big screen delivery without tangling wires and impeding shadows. It comes with 8 point keystone correction which allows you to adjust the picture size and quality according to your liking.
You’d have issues with people walking between the projector and screen sometimes, but you could easily get around that by mounting the projector on the ceiling. I had to tilt my Aura review unit upward to keep a power outlet from obscuring part of the projection. This was easy to do thanks to Aura’s integrated Best Ultra Short Throw Projector legs that unscrew from beneath, and 8-point keystone correction to square the image again.