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How do y'all make short throw projectors work?

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Bulletproof

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I wonder how folks use short throw projectors unless they've got some crazy good keystone correction especially if it's not a projector with keystone that can handle steep angles, it seems like you've gotta place it dead center in front of the screen, right in everyone's way. I messed around with my regular one and couldn't get it close without the image going all wonky. What's the trick here?
 
Most projectors throw the image slightly above lens center when level because they have built-in offset. In order to maintain levelness when aiming up or down, short throws typically have more offset. Since keystone only digitally distorts and eliminates sharpness, lens shift allows you to move the image optically instead. It's normal for your image to keystone when you tilt. If image quality is important to you, level it, check offset, and don't use keystone correction.
 
Most of them do not play nice with steep angles or off center placement. Keystone correction helps, but only to a point too much and you start losing image quality or introducing lag and warping. The real trick is either ceiling mounting it (if it's designed for that), or placing it on a low stand or console that keeps it centered and just below the bottom edge of the screen. Basically, you gotta build your setup around it, not the other way around.
 
Short throw projectors need to be nearly dead center and level with the screen, keystone dont really fix steep angles. Best move is a low shelf or precise ceiling mount right under or above the screen..
 
Scottie said:
Most of them do not play nice with steep angles or off center placement. Keystone correction helps, but only to a point too much and you start losing image quality or introducing lag and warping. The real trick is either ceiling mounting it (if it's designed for that), or placing it on a low stand or console that keeps it centered and just below the bottom edge of the screen. Basically, you gotta build your setup around it, not the other way around.
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I completely agree, Keystone adjustments are useful, but they can't replace proper positioning. You'll get the best results by arranging the room to accommodate the projector, instead of trying to make the projector fit into the room
 
Bulletproof said:
I wonder how folks use short throw projectors unless they've got some crazy good keystone correction especially if it's not a projector with keystone that can handle steep angles, it seems like you've gotta place it dead center in front of the screen, right in everyone's way. I messed around with my regular one and couldn't get it close without the image going all wonky. What's the trick here?
Click to expand...
Short throws are picky there's no doubt about that. For me I ended up using a low stand right in front of the screen. I just worked the layout around that and well it's a little time consuming but you gotta do what you gotta do.
 
One of my friends created a rolling coffee table at just the right height. He pulls it out for movie nights and then tucks it away afterward. There are no awkward angles or keystone adjustments needed,it works perfectly
 
screensceneg33k said:
One of my friends created a rolling coffee table at just the right height. He pulls it out for movie nights and then tucks it away afterward. There are no awkward angles or keystone adjustments needed,it works perfectly
Click to expand...
Definitely clever design. It's practical, low-maintenance, and works great in small spaces or rooms that serve multiple purposes.
 
Short-throw projectors need to be set up just right. Because they use special lenses to make big pictures up close, even a little mess-up in how they're lined up can make the picture look weird or blurry. Unlike regular projectors, you can't get away with putting these off to the side. They really have to be in the middle and straight on with the screen
 
LightBeam said:
Most projectors throw the image slightly above lens center when level because they have built-in offset. In order to maintain levelness when aiming up or down, short throws typically have more offset. Since keystone only digitally distorts and eliminates sharpness, lens shift allows you to move the image optically instead. It's normal for your image to keystone when you tilt. If image quality is important to you, level it, check offset, and don't use keystone correction.
Click to expand...
Totally agree. Leveling made a huge difference, and avoiding keystone kept the image sharp. If your projector has lens shift, use that first. Also, a good ALR screen can help if you're dealing with ambient light, it boosts contrast without messing with the image.
 
Hey, bit of a niche one, but hoping this is the right place.

I’m currently speaking to people who have higher-end projector setups (UST or laser models especially) and wanted to hear what people in London are using at the moment.

Particularly interested in models like Hisense PX3 Pro, LG HU915QB, Sony XW5000ES, AWOL, Epson QS100 etc but keen to hear anything similar too. How are you finding them day to day? Any pros/cons vs a TV setup?
 
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