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SHORT-FOCUS PROJECTOR - choosing a projector for your home, which ultra-short-throw projector to buy, top

In the budget sector, there is only one way to get a large diagonal of the projected image with a small distance from the screen - this is the use of short throw projectors. It remains only to find out what it is.

Unfortunately, there is no single classification. Some experts call short-throw devices with a throw ratio of less than 1.5, others refer to them as models with a value from 1.2 to 0.6, and everything that is characterized by a ratio of 0.6 and below is ultra-short-throw. As you can see, the basis for all classifications is the same - this is the projection ratio. Well at least there is some kind of unity in this.

Determining the projection ratio is extremely simple: you need to divide the distance to the screen by the width of the image. Naturally, the desired result is influenced by the aspect ratio of the screen: with the same optics, a device with a 16: 9 matrix will have a smaller projection ratio and, accordingly, a wider projection angle.

I myself used to refer to short-focus devices that can create a picture with a diagonal of 100 "from a distance of less than 3 m (which corresponds to a throw ratio of 0.76). However, in recent years there are a lot of such projectors - most of them are models with 2x zoom But we are interested in somewhat different devices.Let's forget about numbers and fractions, and formulate our task at the simplest and most understandable level for all.

We need a universal projector for games, sports broadcasts, children's programs (and for home education so that children do not grow up ignorant), and sometimes even movie shows, which can be easily carried from room to room, respectively, compact and lightweight.

For this reason, the option with a ceiling installation is excluded, therefore the device should be located in front of the audience, that is, at a short distance from the screen, and at the same time create a large image. Just such models are widely used for working with interactive whiteboards, since they allow the lecturer to be in close proximity to the "blackboard" and at the same time not obscure the image.

These projectors are very popular, there are a lot of them on sale, but many of them are not very suitable for home use. But true generalists are participating in our review, and since HDMI in projectors of this kind is not very widespread, we do not have so many participants either. However, they represent almost all typesshort throw projectors that are now available on our market.

Which projector to buy for home: TOP-4 models

BenQ W710ST

The body, which tapers down at the sides, makes this projector look like a punt boat. This shape is easier to carry and less likely to break out of your hands. Small dimensions and weight (3.63 kg) also contribute to all kinds of movement.

The mobility of the projector is also ensured functionally: for example, automatic keystone distortion correction, a wide selection of presets can reduce setup time to a minimum. And the possibility of projection onto painted walls (light yellow, pink, light green, blue and blackboard colors) - you can do without a screen.

The large backlit remote hints at the possibility of working in the dark and, accordingly, showing a movie. Moreover, there will be no difficulties with connecting a high-quality HD source - there are two HDMI interfaces.

The relatively low resolution of the matrix of 1280 x 720 does not interfere with the film screening - it, whatever one may say, meets the HD Ready specification.

The device fully complies with BenQ's philosophy, the essence of which is to relieve, as much as possible, unnecessary user load and the environment.This is manifested, in particular, in the fact that the projector does not have a filter that needs to be periodically replaced (that is, the "engine" is sealed), in an increased lamp resource of 14,000 hours in standard mode and 6,000 in economy mode), as well as in the function of accelerated cooling and reduced power consumption to 1 W in Standby mode. In addition, no hazardous materials are used in the construction of the projector.

According to the documentation, the throw ratio is between 0.719 and 0.79 depending on the zoom position. But if you calculate this parameter yourself according to the table in the user manual, then the minimum value is 0.63, and, as it seemed to me, this is closer to the truth.

However, 3D support is much more interesting - as we can see, the low price is not an obstacle to following fashion trends. Many have heard about DLP Link technology more than once, its essence is that active shutter glasses are controlled by sync pulses, which are transmitted by the DMD matrix itself in the interval between frames. An external (or built-in) modulator is not required, and this alone makes 3D cheaper. Another advantage is a high level of unification, which allows you to use not only branded, but also any other glasses compatible with DLP Link.

NVIDIA 3D Vision technology is also supported, and the model is on the certified list.

The graphical interface is typical for BenQ and, in my opinion, is user-friendly. Image settings - in two "tiers": to change the brightness or contrast, you must first select a custom mode. And if you go then to any other, the settings will be saved.

There is Russian on the menu, but I personally find it difficult to understand it - due to the fact that those terms have been translated that should not be translated. For example, BrilliantColor is represented as Vivid Color. However, this is a common story, so I always start setting up projectors by switching to English.

The luminous flux of 2500 ANSI lumens is typical for generalists, not god knows what brightness, but it is enough to watch movies, play or show educational films to a child in dim ambient light. But in the eco-mode, it is better to turn off the light, although the black will be deeper, and the noise of the ventilation will subside.

The 10-watt sound path is loud and fairly clean, and it is more than enough for sounding TV broadcasts and educational materials.

The pixel grid is visible only if you come close to the screen. The picture is energetic, juicy, expressive. Color rendering is normal. Clarity - too, and on films in the Blu-ray format it is clearly higher than on DVD - this indicates a decent quality of optics. However, standard definition sources are more preferable from the point of view of the "rainbow" visibility - on them it is visible only in black-and-white images, although not much. But on Blu-ray it is very obvious, even on color films. The point is in the frame rate - the lower it is, the more noticeable the "rainbow". You can turn on the forced conversion of the frame rate to 50 Hz, and then the unpleasant effect will become less noticeable, albeit at the cost of motion artifacts (panoramas will be jerky).

When turned on and off, the device beeps - such information content is never superfluous.

Pros: A very decent picture for such an inexpensive device, 3D support, affordable glasses.

Cons: Narrow zoom range.

Epson EB-425W

Formally, the EB-425W does not belong to the category of models for home entertainment, it is positioned as an "affordable wide-format short-throw projector", and in terms of functionality it is a full-fledged educational (and office) device, but it has no contraindications to "recreational" use.

The cyclopean "eye" of the lens with the closed lower "eyelid" indicates that we are facing a very short-throw projector. Indeed, the projection ratio, according to the documentation, is 0.48 - 0.65. In fact, only the first digits are real, since the device is equipped with a lens with a fixed focal length and its zoom is virtual, digital.

Switching deserves special attention here. There is only one HDMI connector, but there are two VGA connectors, and the most interesting thing is that the USB interface can be used to transfer information to the projector (USB Display function):

  • USB B connector - for direct connection to a computer,
  • USB A — for content drives.
  • Another USB port is for an optional wireless adapter (in addition to wired Ethernet). Moreover, the network can be used not only for monitoring and control, but also for transmitting video and sound to the projector.

By the way, about the sound. The built-in 16 W audio path eliminates the need for additional sound equipment. There is even a microphone input.

The matrix is ​​a proprietary 3LCD with a resolution of 1280 x 800. From a distance of 2 - 3 m, the picture looks smooth and continuous.

The remote control is compact and without backlighting, which is quite natural for a powerful projector designed for work in an undimmed room. And although the luminous flux through the papers is the same as that of the previous participant, subjectively EB-425W seems to be brighter. If necessary, it can be switched to eco-mode and watched in complete darkness, since among its many presets there is not only "Sport", but also "Theater". Of course, projection onto a blackboard, green or white is possible.

The device is fully adapted for rapid redeployment and deployment. In particular, it has automatic and manual keystone correction for vertical and horizontal, and the Quick Corner function allows you to correct geometry by an intuitive method of "pulling" the angle.

There is a diaphragm (IRIS), but it works exclusively in automatic mode (or can be turned off), so it is impossible to control the light flux with it.

The colors are saturated, their balance is accurate and does not need additional manipulation. There are no problems with clarity, especially when displaying movies on Blu-ray. DVD detail is naturally reduced. Adjustment of noise reduction is stepped (two modes and "off"), which does not always allow you to choose the optimal processing depth - the picture is too smoothed or with visible noise. The depth of black leaves much to be desired, but the overall impression is the most positive, this projector is quite suitable for showing movies.

  • Pros: Accurate color reproduction, saturation and brightness, USB Display function, network connectivity.
  • Cons: No manual aperture mode, stepped noise reduction, zoom - digital only.

Optoma GT750

According to the manufacturer, the main purpose of this projector is games, and the letters GT in the model name stand for Game Time. In fact, of course, this is all sly marketing, and the device is a typical home station wagon, and its game mode is one of many.

The high luminous flux allows it to work in an undimmed room. If necessary, the lamp power can be reduced or switched to the "intelligent" Image AI mode, in which it will be dynamically corrected depending on the nature of the image. As a result, the contrast will also increase, though within the entire film, and not within a single frame.

Lens - fixed focal length. Of all the participants in the review, it is the least short-throw. The throw ratio is 0.72.

As befits a modern gaming display, the GT750 supports 3D in all its forms, from DLP Link to NVIDIA 3D Vision, although it is not on the list of guaranteed compatibility. Glasses will fit any DLP Link or Optoma glasses. It is also possible to connect a proprietary modulator; there is a special socket for it on the patch panel. Perhaps the most interesting 3D function is the demonstration of volumetric video in 2D, and you can choose which frame to show - for the right eye or for the left.

The audio path is stereo 2x5 W, it plays clearly, cleanly and quite loudly, albeit without a bass basis.

The remote control is compact, with "feminine" outlines.The backlight comes on when you press any button - in the dark it is not very convenient, personally I like it more when you turn on the backlight and only then press the exact key that is required.

The graphical interface is extremely user-friendly and easy to understand. Of the customization options, I would especially note the vertical image shift function. Another useful thing is the built-in test table.

The colors are rich and natural. A good, expressive picture, but the clarity is slightly reduced, especially when showing a DVD. But there is no noise. "Rainbow" is noticeable on the credits, in a color image it can be seen only with a very strong desire.

  • Pros: High luminous flux allows you to work without dimming, the ability to shift the image vertically, an expressive picture.
  • Cons: No optical zoom.

Sanyo PDG-DWL2500

The minimum distance from the screen at which this projector can operate is minus 66 mm. Naturally, here we do not mean the distance to the lens, since it is located not at the end of the body, but in the "notch" on top. A negative value indicates that the projector can be “pushed back” 66 mm behind the screen. True, the maximum distance to the reflective surface is only 159 mm, which, in general, is natural for such a short-focus camera. There is no optical zoom, but there is focusing - a special lever on the side next to the commutation panel.

By the way, about switching. There is nothing remarkable here - all the necessary interfaces, including HDMI, are available. But there is a connector for an optional external IR modulator - it can be used for 3D sessions in combination with active shutter glasses (also an option). In fact, there is no urgent need for it, since the device supports DLP Link technology.

For 3D content, only Frame Sequential video can be displayed, Frame Packing and Side-by-side standards are not supported. But there is a possibility of displaying a volumetric video in 2D.

Despite the fact that the PDG-DWL2500 is the most difficult participant in the current review, it remains quite mobile and can quickly change jobs. This is also facilitated by numerous image presets (including projection onto painted surfaces), and, in particular, the Direct OFF function - the projector's power cord can be unplugged even at the time of projection, there is no need to wait until it cools down. If the device is not used for some time, it is able to turn off automatically.

The remote control is miniature and without backlight. The buttons on it are very close to each other.

Setting options are standard for Sanyo projectors. I would especially note the stepwise adjustment of noise reduction (two positions and "off"). The lamp is switched to eco-mode, but there is no automatic power control, like many other Sanyo projectors.

The inevitable price to pay for ultra-short focus is the increased demands on the screen - its surface must be extremely smooth and even. The easiest way to implement this requirement is with screens on a rigid basis, in particular, with interactive whiteboards.

I start watching Blu-ray movies.The picture is very clear, juicy and expressive, there are no deviations in color rendition. And even black is deep enough. But the "rainbow" is visible, and not only at feasts and black-and-white fragments. The reason is the low frame rate (24p) on Blu-ray. You can, of course, sacrifice smoothness of movement and switch the frame rate in the source to 50 or 60 Hz. Or go to DVD - the rainbow will disappear.

  • Pros: Minimum throw ratio, juicy, energetic picture.
  • Cons: The need for a perfectly flat, preferably hard screen.

Choosing a projector for home: summary

The most versatile and affordable of the reviewed devices are the Optoma GT750 and BenQ W710ST. Formally, their recommended prices do not differ much, but BenQ is easy to find on the Internet at a more affordable price. At the same time, he is the only one in our review who has an optical zoom.It shows very well, is decently equipped and therefore is, in my opinion, a very "Good Buy".

The Sanyo PDG-DWL2500 is ideal for education needs, but the least versatile and most expensive. And most importantly, it is extremely demanding on the screen. Ideally, he needs a hard and completely flat surface.

I will give my vote to the Epson EB-425W projector. It is built on 3LCD technology and therefore is free from the unpleasant "rainbow effect". In addition, it is capable of displaying content over the network and USB and can be equipped with a wireless network adapter. And it shows very well - it still remains the main criterion for the majority.

Note: "Projector or TV: which is better"

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