Bright living rooms, large windows and open plan layouts are now part of modern Indian homes. That used to be a problem for projectors. Daylight would wash images into a pale shadow.
Not any more.
Laser engines, smarter optics and ambient light rejecting screens have changed the game. Ultra-short throw projectors (USTs) are especially relevant because they sit close to the screen, reduce installation complexity and, crucially, can deliver the brightness and contrast needed for daylight viewing.
Below we explain why USTs are a practical choice for bright rooms, what to check before you buy, and then take a close look at five current models that perform strongly in real homes across India.
Why UST projectors make sense for bright rooms
USTs are engineered to throw very large images from a short distance. Put one on a low credenza or cabinet, a few centimetres from the wall, and it will project a big image upwards at a steep angle.
Image credit - ProjectorScreen.com
The benefit for bright rooms is twofold. One, you eliminate long cable runs and ceiling mounting, and you remove the risk of people casting shadows across the picture. Two, modern USTs pair well with ALR screens that reflect the projector light back to the viewer while rejecting most ambient light. That combination delivers usable contrast and colour even with some daylight pouring in.
We are focusing on UST models that balance strong light output with sensible feature sets, projectors you can install in a living room and actually use during daytime.
What to prioritise for a bright room
A short checklist before you read the product breakdowns:
- Brightness: aim for at least 3,000 lumens for consistently good daylight performance.
- Colour handling: wide gamut support and HDR processing keep colours natural, not oversaturated.
- Screen pairing: an ALR screen is often the single biggest upgrade for bright rooms.
- Practical features: built-in smart platforms, low input lag for gaming, and onboard audio matter depending on your use case.
Image credit - Xgimi
With those points in mind, here are the five 4K Ultra-short throw projectors (USTs) you should consider and what they will actually do in a real Indian living room.
- Epson EpiqVision Ultra EH-LS800B: the daylight workhorse
If you want sheer light output, start here. The EH-LS800B brings Epson’s 3LCD laser engine and a quoted 4,000 lumens to the party. Practically, that means larger images retain punch when natural light is present. Epson’s 3LCD approach also helps avoid colour shift at higher brightness levels, so skin tones remain believable.
This model will push up to a 150-inch image when combined with the right screen. Android TV is onboard for native streaming, and the projector’s processing keeps motion clean for sports. In bright rooms you will notice the EH-LS800B’s ability to hold highlights without flattening colour.
Who it suits: People who want the biggest, brightest picture without compromising colour accuracy.
Caption:
Epson EpiqVision Ultra EH-LS800B: Ultra-short throw laser projector delivering up to 150-inch 4K PRO-UHD images
- Epson EpiqVision Ultra EH-LS650B: compact, capable and elegant
The LS650B shares much of the LS800B’s DNA, but with a slightly smaller footprint and a quoted brightness closer to 3,600 lumens. It comfortably projects up to 120 inches and blends more discreetly into living spaces.
If you want UST performance with a subtler visual footprint, this is a sensible choice. It still benefits significantly from an ALR screen and, like the LS800B, includes Android TV and built-in audio tuned for casual viewing.
Who it suits: Design conscious households wanting strong daylight performance without the largest possible screen.
Caption:
Epson EpiqVision Ultra EH-LS650B: Compact UST projector designed for living rooms with bright, vibrant output
- XGIMI Aura 2: smart, compact UST with strong value
XGIMI’s Aura 2 aims to cram modern features into a neat package. Its native 4K support, HDR compatibility and an intelligent auto-calibration system make setup straightforward. The projector is quoted at around 2,300 ISO lumens and supports very large images, typically up to 150 inches depending on placement and screen.
Where Aura 2 shines is convenience. Built-in Harman Kardon sound, Android TV, autofocus and adaptive correction mean you can place it and get going fast. In bright rooms the absolute brightness figure is lower than the top Epson, but for many living spaces the Aura 2 still delivers a usable, vibrant picture, especially when paired with an ALR screen.
Who it suits: Households that value quick setup, good built-in audio and strong features at a competitive price.
Caption:
XGIMI Aura 2: Stylish UST projector with 4K clarity and built-in Harman Kardon audio- BenQ V5010i: RGB laser colour with cinema focus
BenQ pitches the V5010i as an RGB laser TV solution. It is engineered for colour accuracy and dynamic contrast, with strong support for HDR formats and an emphasis on film fidelity. The V5010i can produce very large images and claims high coverage of key colour spaces, which matters if you want cinematic colours in a bright room.
Its smart features include Android TV and advanced contrast management. For daylight viewing, the V5010i performs best when combined with an ALR surface. The projector is tuned to deliver accurate tones that stand out even when there is ambient light.
Who it suits: Film fans who prioritise colour accuracy and natural tone reproduction over headline lumen numbers.
Caption:
BenQ V5010i: Flagship BenQ UST model combining cinematic detail with smart streaming features- Epson EpiqVision LS300B: compact UST that keeps things simple
Epson’s LS300B is the most compact unit on this list while still offering meaningful daylight performance with quoted brightness in the 3,600-lumens neighbourhood. It projects up to 120 inches and includes a Yamaha-tuned 2.1 channel audio system, which makes it a solid, practical choice for multi-purpose living rooms.
The LS300B’s compactness and fast start behaviour make it feel more like a living-room appliance than an AV kit. Pair it with an ALR screen and you will get a robust daytime image suitable for everything from TV to sports to background music nights.
Who it suits: Buyers who want a tidy, minimal installation with good overall brightness and built-in audio.
Caption:
Epson EpiqVision LS300B: Entry-level UST laser projector with Android TV and Yamaha audio integrationQuick Comparison: Ultra-short throw (UST) Projectors for Bright Rooms
| Model | Brightness (Lumens) | Max Image Size | Key Strength | Best For |
| Epson EH-LS800B | 4,000 | 150" | Sheer brightness + 3LCD colour consistency | Largest, brightest images in bright rooms |
| Epson EH-LS650B | ~3,600 | 120" | Compact design, solid output | Stylish homes needing balance of size + brightness |
| XGIMI Aura 2 | ~2,300 ISO | 150" | Smart features + Harman Kardon audio | Quick setup, integrated streaming + sound |
| BenQ V5010i | High brightness (RGB laser) | 150" | Colour accuracy + cinematic tone | Film enthusiasts wanting true-to-life colours |
| Epson LS300B | ~3,600 | 120" | Compact + Yamaha 2.1 audio | Everyday bright-room use with minimal fuss |
Putting it together: pick the right combo
A projector alone is only part of the result. Bright-room performance depends on the projector, the screen and the room. For every model above, an ALR screen will deliver the biggest perceptible improvement.
If you have lots of windows and unavoidable daylight, prioritise the higher lumen models such as the EH-LS800B or LS300B. If colour accuracy and film fidelity are paramount, the BenQ V5010i is worth a closer look. If you want convenience and fast setup, the XGIMI Aura 2 is attractive.
Final piece of advice: audition where possible. A short viewing session in your own room, or a demo with an ALR screen, will show you how each model behaves under your ambient light conditions. If that is not possible, make sure you speak to an expert and explain your concerns in order to make the right choice.
Conclusion
Projectors no longer demand a dark cave. For bright Indian homes there are solid ultra-short throw projectors (UST) options that let you keep your windows, enjoy natural light and still get a large, satisfying picture.
The Epson EH-LS800B and EH-LS650B stand out for brightness and reliability, the LS300B blends compactness with good output, XGIMI Aura 2 brings fast setup and smart features, and the BenQ V5010i focuses on precise colour and cinematic tone.
If you want help matching a model to your room, tell us your screen size and daily light profile and we’ll recommend the best pairing.
Explore our premium range of projectors at Ooberpad and contact our AV specialists. We’ll help you choose the right model for your room, viewing habits and lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I really need an ALR screen for a UST projector in a bright room?
If your living room gets a lot of daylight, then yes, an ALR (ambient light rejecting) screen makes a big difference. It reflects light from the projector back toward you while cutting down on reflections from windows or overhead lighting. Technically, you can project onto a wall, but in practice the contrast will look flat. Pairing a ultra-short throw projector (UST) with an ambient light rejecting (ALR) screen gives you the punch and clarity that makes the investment worthwhile.
2. How long will a UST projector last before I need to replace it?
Most of the current UST models use laser light engines with quoted lifespans of 20,000 hours or more. That works out to several years of daily use without a noticeable dip in brightness. Unlike older lamp-based projectors, there is no regular bulb replacement cycle. In short, if you buy a quality unit from brands like Epson, BenQ or XGIMI, you should expect a long and trouble-free run.
3. Can I use these projectors for gaming as well as films?
Absolutely. Many modern UST projectors include low input lag modes that make them responsive enough for console gaming. They are not on the level of a high-refresh gaming monitor, but for most people the size and immersion outweigh any trade-offs. If gaming is a key priority, it’s worth checking the specific latency numbers or asking our team at Ooberpad to guide you.
4. How do UST projectors compare to buying a very large TV?
Large TVs are getting bigger every year, but once you move past the 85-inch mark the cost shoots up sharply. A UST projector with an ALR screen can give you a 120-inch or even 150-inch image at a competitive price, along with that genuine big-screen feel. TVs still win for sheer convenience and all-day use with no setup, but if you want a cinema-like experience in your home, UST projectors fill that gap beautifully.
5. Why should I buy from Ooberpad instead of directly online?
With projectors, the numbers on a spec sheet only tell part of the story. The real difference comes from matching the right model to your space, your lighting conditions and how you actually watch content. At Ooberpad we don’t just sell boxes. We understand your needs, our team of experts advise you on your best options, and at times even demo and configure. That means you get the right projector, the right screen and the right setup for your room, so you enjoy it from day one without frustration.
