Create a Flawless Home Theater Set-Up with Projector Distance Calculator (2021 Update)

Using Throw Distance and Projection Calculator to Turn Your Home into A Cinema

BenQ

2021/03/04

Understand the relationship between screen size and projection distance (for example, 100” @ 8ft)

Though it is commonly believed that a large space is needed in order to project onto large screens, today’s short throw and ultra short throw projectors make it easy to enjoy 100”+ screen sizes in rooms of any size simply by determining the ideal screen size and projection distance.

First, look for information about screen size and distance, which is typically expressed as "screen size @ distance" from screen within the specifications of our projector models. For example, the specification "100-inch @ 8ft" means that the minimum distance you will need is 8 ft. from the projector to the wall to get a 100" screen. Because a 100-inch image with a 16:9 aspect ratio has a width of approximately 7ft, this means that a space of about 21 sq. ft to 32 sq. ft, about the size of a small bedroom, is needed to project a 100-inch picture in this example.

To select the ideal projector for your home, you will need to measure the length and width of the room, and use the maximum distance the projector can be placed from the screen to filter for the specific projector model that will meet your ideal screen size from that distance. If the space has an irregular shape, such as an L shape or a polygon, first confirm furniture placement, then measure the distance between the two walls as the reference for purchasing a projector. Keep in mind the best setup position is where two walls are furthest apart in the space.

Use our easy-to-use BenQ Projection Calculator. Still have questions? Contact Us.

Today’s short throw and ultra-short throw projector choices can facilitate any setup – ceiling mounting, tabletop placement, living room or off-center projection from a corner

There are many choices in terms of machine size and projector lens design. When choosing a projector, simply determine where you want to place the projector. In addition to ceiling mounting, there are other models that can be placed on a table, in a cabinet, or even below the screen. Even if the projector cannot be placed at a position aligned to the center of the screen, there are models with screen distortion correction and lens shift functions.

ceiling-mounted and table top projector setup

If the projector can be mounted on the ceiling or placed on a table aligned to the center of the screen, only the screen size @ distance information is needed when selecting a projector. But if the projector cannot be aligned to the center of the screen, the projector must be equipped with keystone correction or lens shift design. Some projectors offer vertical keystone correction, while others include both vertical and horizontal keystone correction. If the projector can be aligned to the center of the screen but must be tilted at an angle to fill the screen, then only vertical keystone correction is needed to project images fully and accurately. But if the projector cannot be aligned to the center of the screen due to room décor and must be placed by a wall or a corner, a model with both vertical and horizontal keystone correction is needed.

The difference between lens shift and keystone correction is that lens shift is a physical mechanism and keystone is based on digital correction. Lens shift allows the lens to move up, down, left and right within a certain range, so the projected picture can be moved vertically or horizontally without causing keystoning (trapezoidal distortion). So regardless of where the projector will be placed, simply select a model equipped with lens shift or keystone correction to enjoy 100”+ cinematic experiences right in your home theater.

Vertical Keystone

Lens shift

Understand key projector specs to enjoy 100”+ theaters with different criteria for setup distances

To find a 4K projector that meets your needs, you need to determine where the projector will be placed and its distance to the screen or which wall to project the image. Among all existing projectors, the most common design has the lens in the front of the projector. These designs can require distances as short as 8.2 ft to project a 100-inch screen.

There are also models with the lens placed inside the projector body to project images upward onto a screen above and behind the projector body, and these ultra short throw models only require a distance of 6 inches to project a 100-inch screen. So it’s easy to enjoy large screens even if the room is smaller than 21.6 ft².

For spaces where the projectors cannot be aligned to the center of the screen, simply select a model equipped with vertical/horizontal keystone correction or lens shift to experience the immersive thrill of a huge screen that’s only available at theaters.

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Create a Flawless Home Theater Set-Up with Projector Distance Calculator (2021 Update)

Using Throw Distance and Projection Calculator to Turn Your Home into A Cinema

Use our easy-to-use BenQ Projection Calculator. Still have questions? Contact Us.

You Might Like to Read More

Home Projector Buyer’s Guide

How to Connect External Audio to Your BenQ Projector

Why You Need a Home Projector in Your Life Now

Virtual cinema brings movie theater experiences home