Optoma TW610ST

Optoma TW610ST

In most ways, the Optoma TW610ST ($1,000 street) is a typical DLP-based, WXGA (1280 by 800) projector. But it also offers something a little different to set it apart, namely: a short throw lens that lets it throw a large image from close to the screen. A short throw isn't unique to Optoma, by any means, but it's uncommon enough to earn special attention. Short throw projectors like the TW610ST or the Editors' Choice Optoma GT720 ($800 street, 4 stars) cost more than equivalent projectors with standard lenses, but if you need one they're well worth the price. They can give you a large image in a small room, and they make it much easier to avoid shadows from people getting between the projector and the screen. Optoma says the TW610ST can throw an 80-inch diagonal (68 inches wide) 16:10 image at less than three feet. I measured it at 68 inches wide from exactly three feet. At 6.9 pounds, the TW610ST is light enough to carry with you occasionally, but heavy enough so you probably won't want to make a habit of it. It's more likely to end up permanently in one room, or on a cart going from room to room. Setup is standard for a short-throw projector with manual focus and no zoom.