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How to Buy an Ultra-Short Throw Laser Projector

How to · Tech

How to Buy an Ultra-Short Throw Laser Projector

Get a massive screen without hanging anything on the wall, and time your buy to save hundreds.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $2,500 before anything else
Across the 0% window $138.89/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $2,500 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

You want an ultra-short throw laser projector to turn a blank wall into a massive home theater without the clutter of a ceiling mount. We are talking about a unit that sits inches from the wall and should easily last you five to seven years of movie nights and game days, so you want to buy the right one once instead of upgrading in two years.

Tech companies drop brand-new projector models in the spring, which means January and February are the sweet spot for the Super Bowl buildup. Retailers slash prices on last year's hardware to clear shelf space, giving you top-tier performance for hundreds less.

Keep in mind that 0% interest means no interest for a period, not a free projector, and that intro window is a hard deadline. If you still have a balance left when the 18 months are up, interest kicks in on the remaining amount at the regular rate.

The steps

  1. 01

    Hunt during the Super Bowl buildup

    Start tracking prices in January right before the big game. Retailers drop prices on high-end tech to catch football shoppers, making this the best time to find a roughly $2500 projector on a serious discount.

  2. 02

    Buy last year's model

    When the newest projectors roll out in spring, the previous year's version drops in price even though the specs are nearly identical. Look for open-box or clearance units from authorized dealers to save the most cash.

  3. 03

    Check the throw distance

    Measure your media console and the wall before you buy. Even ultra-short throw projectors need a few inches of breathing room to project a 100-inch image, and you do not want to find out it does not fit after unboxing.

  4. 04

    Map out your payment window

    If you want to spread out the cost, the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening. Spreading a $2500 price tag across that intro window on purchases works out to $138.89 per month.

  5. 05

    Factor in the screen cost

    Laser projectors blast light outward, which means a standard white wall will wash out the picture during the day. You will likely need a special ambient light rejecting screen, so budget an extra few hundred bucks for that piece.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Do I need a special screen for an ultra-short throw projector?

You can use a flat white wall if your room is totally dark. But if you watch with lights on or daytime sun, an ambient light rejecting screen is pretty much required to keep the picture bright and punchy.

How long do laser projector bulbs last?

Unlike old bulb projectors that need replacing every couple thousand hours, laser light sources typically last 20,000 to 30,000 hours. If you watch four hours of movies every single day, that still gives you over a decade of use.

Are built-in speakers any good on these projectors?

Most of them sound okay for casual TV, but they lack real bass. Plan to connect a soundbar or a real surround sound setup to match the massive picture size.

How does the Citi Simplicity card handle this purchase?

It gives you a 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening window to pay off the hardware over time. Just make sure you divide the total by 18 and hit that monthly target so you clear the balance before time runs out.