Best High Definition Short Throw Projectors

Most people looking to add a projector to their meeting room setup quickly find that they don’t have all that much space to play around with. Even if your room is large enough to fit a two metre throw distance, is it large enough to leave that space clear for chairs and tables for meeting attendees to gather around? Will people get in the way and end up walking between the projector and the screen interrupting presentations?

Short throw projectors are designed to solve these problems by reducing the distance between the device and the screen without compromising on the size or quality of the picture itself.

Good : ViewSonic LSD400HD-ST

The ViewSonic LSD400HD-ST is a great entry-level choice for HD short throw laser projection. It’s part of ViewSonic’s Luminous Superior Series and uses 3rd-generation laser phosphor technology. This lamp free 1080p projector offers 4,000 ANSI lumens of brightness and can last up to 30,000 hours, so you can set it up and not worry about it for a long time.

With a 0.5:1 throw ratio, it can create a 100-inch image from just 1.1 meters away, which is perfect for small spaces. Even though it’s compact, it can project images up to 300 inches in Full HD, using a high contrast 0.65-inch DMD chip. 

The sealed IP6X optical engine makes it dust-resistant and filter-free, which is a big plus in busy offices or schools. It also supports 360-degree projection, portrait mode, H/V keystone and 4-corner correction, and LAN control. This gives you real flexibility for installing it in boardrooms, classrooms, or even golf simulator bays..

Better : Optoma ZH450ST

If you choose the Optoma ZH450ST, you’ll notice a clear upgrade in brightness and features. This compact Full HD laser projector delivers 4,200 lumens using Optoma’s DuraCore laser technology. The light source lasts up to 30,000 hours, is mercury free, and uses up to 45% less power than lamp-based models.

With a 0.496:1 throw ratio, it can create a 100-inch image from just over a meter away. It also supports HDR10 and HLG for realistic contrast and colour. Its native contrast ratio of 300,000:1 (and up to 2,000,000:1 dynamic) helps it perform well even when you can’t control the room’s lighting.

It’s 34% smaller than earlier Optoma models, so it’s easy to fit into different spaces. The 360 degree projection option adds even more flexibility. It has a wide range of connections, including two HDMI 2.0 ports, RS232, RJ45, and USB-A, and it works with the Optoma Management Suite (OMS) for central monitoring and control.

Whether you need it for a conference room, boardroom, or simulation setup, the ZH450ST is a practical and capable choice.

Best : Panasonic PT-VMZ6STEJ

If you want top performance in HD short throw projection, the Panasonic PT-VMZ6STEJ stands out. This 3LCD laser projector delivers 6,200 lumens of brightness at WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution, giving you more screen space than standard 1080p. This extra detail is great for data, presentations, and complex visuals.

With a dynamic contrast ratio of 3,000,000:1, you get impressive depth and clarity. The Daylight View Basic feature automatically adjusts sharpness, contrast, and brightness based on the room’s lighting, so your image always looks good. The laser light source lasts up to 20,000 hours in normal mode and up to 24,000 hours in ECO mode. The ECO Filter can be washed and reused, which helps keep maintenance
costs and downtime low.

Installation flexibility is exceptional: a 0.797–1.01:1 throw ratio, 1.2x optical zoom, motorised focus via remote control, +50% vertical and ±20% horizontal lens shift, plus, the Digital Zoom Extender and Digital Image Shift provide great flexibility during installation. Shadow free visuals up to 250-inch are achievable, and the projector is compatible with Crestron, PJLink, ArtNet DMX, Extron XTP, and XiO Cloud for seamless integration into professional AV environments.

Which one is right for you?