How to Choose a Smart Ultra Short Throw Projector?
By XGIMI Tech - 2025-11
What is a smart ultra short throw projector? It is a modern projector that can project incredibly large images, up to 100 inches, from a very short distance of just 20 to 50 centimeters. It is also called the UST projector. Whether you like to watch movies, play video games, or enjoy sports games, there's an ideal model that will work for you.
If you're considering to change the way of your home entertainment with a smart UST projector, Have a look at our buying guide to choose the best one.
Do You Need a Smart Ultra Short Throw Projector?
Are ultra short throw projectors good? Yes, the top models generally feature a laser light source and 4K resolution for premium projection picture quality, which provides an immersive viewing experience. Here we listed two main advantages of the UST projector compared to the long throw projector.
1. Short Throw Distance Enables Flexible Placement and Space Savings
The ultra short throw projectors don't require complicated cabling because of their incredibly small throw distance, which allows them to be positioned flush against a wall or beneath the screen. For little living rooms or flats with limited space, this is an ideal choice.
2. Solve the Problems of Shadow Interference
Conventional long throw projectors, which are positioned on a stand to the side or mounted behind the viewer, block light and create shadows as people move. The issue of shadows obstructing the viewer's view is resolved by placing a smart home ultra short throw projector in front of the screen.
Seven Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Smart UST Projector
1. Projection Image Quality
If you are in the pursuit of clear and crisp projection images, consider the resolution of 1080p FHD or 4K UHD. High definition guarantees that you will receive detailed visuals that make your favorite films and television series come to life.
2. Brightness Output
Brightness, which is expressed in lumens (ANSI lumens, ISO lumens, or others), has an impact on how good a picture will seem in different lighting scenarios. Higher brightness generally means better resistance to ambient light, resulting in clearer and more colorful projections even in well-lit environments.
When do you use the ultra short throw movie projector, more at daytime or nighttime? Actual usage must be taken into consideration when choosing the brightness standard. 500 to 1000 ISO Lumens is advised if you use it mostly at night. 1500 to 3000 ISO Lumens are needed if you use it during the day.
3. Color Performance
The color performance of a smart video projector is one of its most crucial features. Verify proper color reproduction and support for DCI-P3 and Rec. 709, which represents whether it can provide a rich and authentic color of the movie and gaming scenes.
4. Light Source
Laser light sources are perfect for UST projectors since they are usually made for bright, short-throw-distance home entertainment settings. Compared to conventional bulbs, laser technology offers greater brightness, a broader color spectrum, and a longer lifespan—often surpassing 20,000 hours.
Additionally, it offers more consistent image quality over time and requires less upkeep. Because of these benefits, laser light engines are the best option for 4K UST projectors, guaranteeing bright images and dependable operation in living rooms or home theaters.
5. Audio
A smart UST projector with powerful and professional built-in speakers can not only bring convenience, but also save you a lot of money from buying an extra audio system. You can examine the audio characteristics to see whether they satisfy your demands or if you need any external sound bar or speakers.
XGIMI AURA 2 (New) 4K laser smart TV projector ultra short throw is designed to have dual 15W Harman/Kardon speakers, providing you with an immersive entertainment experience with DTS and Dolby Atmos.
6. Built-in Smart Operating System
A smart user-friendly operating system can improve your experience in using the projector to access to limitless enjoyment. In order to stream material directly without the need for extra devices, look for a UST home projector with integrated smart capabilities, like a Google TV system or Android TV system. These intelligent streaming systems usually include popular video apps and some gaming apps, like YouTube, Prime Video, Netflix, etc.
7. Gaming Performance
It is a good choice to buy a smart UST projector for video games since the large-screen projection can bring an immersive gaming experience. However, what you should consider is whether the device is equipped with low latency for smooth and buttery gaming operations. Some intense games require a low input lag < 1 ms for instant reaction speeds. Also, check the availability and convenience of connecting your ultra short throw projector to your gaming console, such as Xbox, switch, PS5, and more.
XGIMI AURA 2 4K Smart UST Projector for Home Theater
The XGIMI AURA 2 is an ultra short throw laser smart home theater projector 4K features IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Vision, and 2300 ISO Lumens high brightness. The elegant look makes it easily fit into your home decoration. And the built-in smart Android TV™11.0 System enables you to use well-known apps and watch your favorite shows and films in a simple way.
AURA 2 uses the advanced XGIMI Dual Light 2.0 technology as its light source, which combines the Dual Laser and Phosphor. Plus, with the 1000000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and 99% DCI-P3 color gamut, it presents you the clear, sharp, and vivid images for movies and games.
FAQs
1. Can Smart UST Movie Projectors Be Ceiling Mounted?
Not all ultra short throw smart projectors can be ceiling mounted. Some models are designed only for flat surface placement. For example, the AURA 2 (New) is not suitable for ceiling mounting because its projection angle and cooling system are optimized for tabletop use.
For the models that can be mounted to the ceiling, a special inverted mount and proper alignment are required. Always check the model’s manual to confirm ceiling compatibility before installation.
2. Do Ultra Short Throw Projectors Need a Special Screen?
Not really, but a specialized screen can improve the projection effects, such as the ambient light rejecting (ALR) screen, which is made of a unique substance designed for home theater and bright living room.
The UST movie projector is placed immediately beneath the screen in a UST configuration. The screen material reflects light straight from the projector while filtering out light from above. With this configuration, smart ultra short throw projectors can provide vivid pictures even in environments with overhead lighting or daylight.
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