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Ultra short throw projectors

Short and ultra short throw options to fit your space

Explore ultra short throw and short throw projectors

Whether it’s presentations in a compact conference room, developing a museum experience, or delivering your message in a house of worship, Christie® ultra short throw and short throw projectors are the perfect fit for your small space.

Discover how ultra short throw and short throw projectors can help maximize your space.

What’s the difference between an ultra short throw and a short throw projector?

Ultra short throw projectors

Ultra short throw (UST) projectors are designed to project an image onto a screen or wall from very short distances — as short as 1′ (0.3m) away, making UST projectors an ideal choice to set or mount close to your screen when space is extremely limited. Ultra short throw projectors have a throw ratio between 0.25-0.5:1.

Short throw projectors

Like UST projectors, short throw (ST) projectors can project at a short distance from the screen or projection surface. The difference is that a short throw projector needs to be installed further away than a UST projector, typically 3–8′ (0.9–2.4m) away from the projection surface, depending on the size of the surface. Short throw projectors have a throw ratio between 0.5-1:1.

Both UST and ST projectors reduce shadows.

Christie short throw & ultra short throw projectors

Christie ST and UST projectors can help you maximize your content in any space. Many of our projectors offer short throw and ultra short throw lens options, giving you even more flexibility for your application.

Explore our projector and lens options to find the right fit for your project.

Christie Captiva DWU500S ultra short throw projector

Ultra short throw laser projectors

Our wide range of ultra short throw projector options includes the Captiva DWU500S with its built-in UST lens for convenient setup and installation. We also offer UST lenses for all our projectors that feature interchangeable lenses, giving you UST options for every brightness requirement.

Applicable projectors Brightness (lumens) Applicable lenses
Captiva DWU500s 5,000 UST Lens 0:25:1 (built in)
GS series 6,750-14,250 UST Lens 0.36:1
DWU880-GS, DWU1100-GS, DWU1400-GS 9,500-14,250 UST Lens 0.37-0.4:1
HS Series (except 4K7-HS/4K10-HS) 13,500-23,650 UST Lens 0.38:1
Jazz Series 17,800-23,750 UST Lens 0.46:1
M 4K RGB Series 15,750-25,300 UST Lens 0.37:1
Crimson WU31 31,500 UST Lens 0.37:1
Griffyn Series 36,500-50,000 UST Lens 0.38:1

Budget-friendly projectors for small spaces

Wow your audience without breaking the bank. Our Inspire Series, GS Series, and Captiva DWU500S projectors equip your installation with the flexibility of both short throw and ultra short throw projection plus 20,000 hours of reliable, low-cost operation backed by our industry-leading warranties.

Applicable projectors Brightness (lumens) Applicable lenses
Captiva DWU500s 5,000 UST Lens 0:25:1 (built in)
DWU960ST-iS 9,600 ST Zoom Lens 0.65-0.75:1 (included with projector)
GS series 6,750-14,250 ST Zoom Lens 0.65-0.75:1
ST Zoom Lens 0.75-0.95
UST Lens 0.36:1
DWU880-GS, DWU1100-GS, DWU1400-GS 9,500-14,250 UST Lens 0.37-0.4:1
A Christie projector with an L-shaped UST lens
A 1DLP mid-brightness projector

Mid-brightness projectors

Looking for more brightness for your small space? Our HS and Jazz Series projectors offer high-performance 1DLP projection up to 23,750 lumens. With their mid-level brightness, resolution options, UST/ST lens options, and omnidirectional capabilities, these projectors are perfect for challenging, space-limited installations.

Applicable projectors Brightness (lumens) Applicable lenses
HS Series (except 4K7-HS/4K10-HS) 13,500-23,650 0.65-0.75:1 zoom lens
0.84-1.02:1 zoom lens
0.38:1 UST fixed lens
Jazz Series 17,800-23,750 ST Zoom Lens 0.78-0.9:1
0.38:1 UST fixed lens

High-brightness projectors

Achieve spectacular brightness and color in space-limited venues with the added flexibility of short throw and ultra short throw lenses with our Griffyn®, M 4K RGB, and Crimson Series projectors. These 3DLP projectors offer you 15,000 to 50,000 lumens so you can find the right option for your installation.

A 3DLP high-brightness projector

Where can I use short throw and ultra short throw projectors?

Short and ultra short throw projectors are ideal for different markets and installation types. Discover some of the applications where these projectors can work for you:

Christie short throw projectors creating an immersive space

Rental and staging

When you need high-quality visuals on stage but are short on space, UST and ST projectors are instrumental in creating immersive environments, stunning backdrops, or even projection on performers on stage. Their variety of form factors and simpler setups make them ideal for temporary installations or events with changing requirements.

Crimson Series projectors illuminate contemporary artworks at South Korea’s Asia Culture Center.

Museums and exhibitions

UST and ST projectors help museums and art galleries evolve from static displays to interactive and immersive exhibits that mesmerize visitors and enhance the experience. Short throw and ultra short throw projectors are the perfect fit when space is limited and offer a practical choice for budgets and maintenance.

Short throw projectors illuminate two large screens above the pulpit of a church. Photo credit: Carl Lukings, Horizon Solutions

Photo credit: Carl Lukings, Horizon Solutions

Houses of worship

Enhance the worship experience with help from short throw and ultra short throw projectors. When space constraints are an issue, your congregation can easily follow along as you project hymn lyrics, scripture readings, or sermon slides using large, clear visuals.

Christie short throw projectors powering a meeting room. Photo credit: Wincomn Technology

Photo credit: Wincomn Technology

Conference rooms and corporate spaces

UST and ST projectors are a staple in corporate offices because they can increase image size and can eliminate presenters’ shadows. Often used in meeting rooms or collaborative spaces, they’re a smart choice for presentations and video conferencing.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ultra short throw projector?

An ultra short throw (UST) projector is designed to project an image onto a screen or wall from a shorter distance than standard throw projectors. Ultra short throw projectors are usually set or mounted very close to the screen. An ultra short throw projector has a throw ratio between 0.25-0.5:1. To calculate the specific throw ratio needed for your application, use our lens calculator.

How does a laser phosphor projector work?

Laser phosphor projectors use blue laser diodes as their primary light source, which shine onto a spinning yellow phosphor wheel. The light emitted from the wheel is separated into red and green, while the blue light passes directly through a segment in the wheel. Advanced laser phosphor projectors use a direct red laser diode to boost the low output of red and produce better overall saturation and realistic color.

What’s the difference between a short throw projector and an ultra short throw projector?

A short throw projector (ST) is designed to project an image onto a screen or wall from a short distance, but from further away than an ultra short throw projector. Short throw projectors have a throw ratio between 0.5-1:1, while UST projectors have a throw ratio between 0.25-0.5:1. To calculate the specific throw ratio needed for your application, use our lens calculator.

How do ultra short throw projectors work?

Ultra short throw projectors work by using L-shaped lenses using mirrors and advanced optical technology to project large images from very short distances. The innovative design allows for flexible placement options in small spaces, making them a versatile choice for many applications. UST projectors can be positioned much closer to the screen compared to a standard throw projector, which saves space and almost eliminates the risk of casting shadows on the screen.

How do ST projectors work?

Short throw projectors use traditional straight lenses with the capability of projecting a wide image from a short distance while reducing shadows.

What are the benefits of using UST projectors over standard projectors?

In applications where rear projection isn’t possible, a UST projector is a great choice. UST lenses are designed to reduce shadows, making them suitable for environments where people may need to interact with the projected image or where space is limited.

Do I need a screen for a short throw projector?

Typically, screens are used for projection, but there are applications and installations where content can be projected directly onto a wall or other surfaces such as buildings or 3D objects.

Can a short throw projector support 3D projection, and what are the considerations for choosing a short throw 3D projector?

Yes, by using several together, short throw projectors can support 3D applications. When choosing a short throw 3D projector, consider factors such as the projector's compatibility with 3D content, the throw ratio, and the availability of 3D glasses.

Do short throw projectors work in well-lit environments? How bright does my projector need to be?

Both short throw and ultra short throw projectors can work in well-lit environments. Like standard throw projectors, the most important factor is the projector's brightness specifications: Projectors with a higher lumen count will work better in well-lit environments. The requirements depend on your specific installation environment.

Can I mount my projector on a ceiling or wall?

You can mount a short throw and ultra short throw projector with a standard ceiling mount. However, the Captiva DWU500S is a specialized ultra short throw projector (UST) that is designed to be wall mounted.

Can you use a ST/UST projector in portrait mode?

Short throw and ultra short throw projectors can both be used in portrait mode. When mounting a projector in portrait mode, it's important to consider a possible lens offset to ensure that the projected image is in the right location for the projection surface.

Can I increase the size of a projected image with a fixed lens?

Fixed lenses don't allow for the image to be zoomed smaller or larger. When using a fixed lens, the only way to control the image size is by changing the projector distance from the screen or projection surface. Manufacturers will typically recommend a maximum screen size for ideal image quality.

How do I choose the right projector for my project?

The projector and lens you need vary depending on your installation requirements. To find the right projector and lens for your project, check out the Christie Projector selection guide

How is the color performance of RGB pure laser projectors different from laser phosphor projectors?

The right lens for your projector varies depending on the projector you’re using and your installation requirements. To choose the right lens for your projector, use our projector lens calculator.

Need  help? Contact us.