Two leading audio/video manufacturers in the home-technology channel are pushing hard into the short-throw and ultra-short-throw (UST) video projector market. And they don’t even make projectors.
The companies, Screen Innovations and Salamander Designs, are packaging special UST screens and credenzas, respectively, to make video projection systems easy – easy on the eyes and easy to install.
Short-throw video projectors, especially the UST variety, are gaining momentum in the home. These projectors have been used in commercial venues for years, but the mounting options made no sense for elegant residential environments.
Often installed in boardrooms and classrooms, UST projectors are mounted just above the screen, or plopped on a credenza just below. Neither is an attractive proposition for the home.
Salamander’s Good-Looking Short-Throw Projector Consoles
Salamander, which provides elegant furniture including seating and media cabinets, has carved out a niche – literally – in UST-friendly consoles built for specific projector models.
Currently, Salamander’s Ultra-Short Throw Credenza line supports projectors from Dell, Epson, Hisense, Sony and Vivitek. The furniture maker currently is teaming with Sony to provide a free UST cabinet ($4,000 value) with the purchase of a Sony VZ1000ES UST 4K HDR home theater projector.
All supported projectors sit in a cavity at the top of the cabinets, recessed out of view. The cabinets provide space and wiring accommodations for components, plus proper ventilation and active cooling options for the gear. A center opening with a removable grille is designed to hide a loudspeaker.
“This is a unique proposition for the integrator and customer alike. No need to fish wires, so it's much faster to install,” says Scott Srolis, VP sales and marketing for Salamander.
SI’s UST-Friendly Solo Pro Screens
Salamander’s UST credenzas pair well with Screen Innovations’ new Solo Pro screens, the first motorized products to incorporate the company’s special short-throw projector material.
The products can be powered via rechargeable lithium batteries or low-voltage 24-volt wiring, eliminating the need for electrical runs. SI offers a range of screen sizes up to 100 inches, and a choice of 12 colors for the housing brackets.
For its part, Salamander offers a choice of colors, finishes and configurations for its UST credenzas.
“Jointly we have made it easy to present, purchase and [provide] a speedier set up from start to finish,” Srolis says. “Just pick the size, select the color and then add the projector of choice for a gorgeous seamless solution.”
SI director of marketing Skyler Meek adds, “We have the coolest combo to hit the custom installation market in a long time.”
