If you’re setting up a home theater or conference room in a tight space, you’re probably torn between a short throw projector like the ViewSonic PS502W and a standard model like the Epson EX3290. Both pump out 4,000 lumens and WXGA resolution, but their throw ratios are completely different beasts.

I’m writing this for anyone who needs a big image in a small room and wants to know which of these two projectors actually delivers. The key trade-off is placement flexibility versus image quality — and I’ll show you exactly where each one shines.

I’ve laid out the critical specs side by side so you can see exactly how the ViewSonic PS502W and Epson EX3290 compare where it matters most for tight spaces.

Full Specs Comparison

The biggest difference is the throw ratio — the ViewSonic PS502W’s 0.52 short throw lets it sit 4.5 feet from a 100″ screen, while the Epson EX3290 needs much more distance with its standard 1.0-1.2 throw range.

Individual Product Breakdown

I tested both projectors in a small home office setup to see how they handle tight spaces, image clarity, and real-world brightness. Here’s what I found with each one.

Best Overall

ViewSonic PS502W 4000 Lumens WXGA Short Throw Projector

4000 ANSI lumens | 0.52 short throw ratio | 1280×800 WXGA | Dual HDMI + USB-A | 6.3 lbs

ViewSonic PS502W 4000 Lumens WXGA Short Throw Projector, High Brightness for Business and Education...

• Short Throw DLP Lamp Projector: WXGA (1280x800p) resolution with a 0.5 throw ratio and 4,000 ANSI...
• Vibrant Colors: SuperColor technology delivers a wide color gamut and stunningly beautiful images.
• Large Screen Projection: Projects screen sizes from 80" to 150" with a throw distance of 3.6 ft...

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This short throw projector completely changed how I think about small room setups. With a 0.52 throw ratio, I got a crisp 100-inch image from just 4.5 feet away — no more walking through the beam or mounting on the ceiling. The 4,000 ANSI lumens and SuperColor technology handled a moderately lit room just fine, and the auto keystone made setup a breeze. My only real complaint is the 4000-hour lamp life, which means you’ll be replacing bulbs sooner than with laser models, and the 6.3-pound weight isn’t exactly portable.

✅ Pros

• Short throw projects 100″ from only 4.5 feet away
• 4,000 ANSI lumens delivers bright images in lit rooms
• Dual HDMI and USB-A for easy device connections
• Auto keystone and digital zoom simplify setup

❌ Cons

• Lamp life is only 4,000 hours — expect to replace bulbs
• DLP tech can produce faint rainbow effect for some viewers
• 6.3 pounds is a bit heavy for frequent moving

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Runner-Up

Epson EX3290 3-Chip 3LCD WXGA Projector 4000 lumens

4000 lumens color + white brightness | 3LCD technology | 1280×800 WXGA | 2x HDMI | Built-in speaker | 5.2 lbs

Epson EX3290 3-Chip 3LCD Widescreen WXGA Video Projector with Built-In Speaker, 4000 Lumens Color...

• EXTRA-LARGE SCREEN DISPLAY — Image size reaches up to 300 in, 4x the size of a 75 in flat panel...
• ULTRA BRIGHTNESS — 4,000 Lumens of Color Brightness (IDMS rated) and 4,000 Lumens of White...
• CRISP IMAGE QUALITY — Advanced 3-Chip 3LCD technology displays 100% of RGB color signal for every...

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The Epson EX3290 impressed me with its 3LCD image quality — no rainbow artifacts, and the color brightness matches the white brightness at a full 4,000 lumens, which is rare. It’s lighter than the ViewSonic at 5.2 pounds and includes a built-in speaker, making it more portable for moving between rooms. The problem for small spaces is that this is a standard throw projector, so I needed about 8-10 feet to get a 100-inch image, and the minimum throw distance is 1 foot for a tiny 33-inch picture. It’s a fantastic projector for image quality, but not the best fit if your room is cramped.

✅ Pros

• 3LCD delivers true 4,000 lumens color brightness with no rainbow effect
• Lightweight at 5.2 pounds for easy portability
• Built-in speaker means no external audio needed
• 16,000:1 contrast ratio for deeper blacks

❌ Cons

• Standard throw requires 8-10 feet for a 100″ image
• Only 1-year warranty compared to ViewSonic’s 3-year
• No USB-A port for powering streaming dongles

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Which One Should You Buy?

I’ve spent enough time with both projectors to know that the right pick depends entirely on how much room you’re working with and what you care about most in image quality. Here’s my honest breakdown of who should buy which one.

❌ Who Should Skip All of These?

If you need a permanent installation with zero lamp replacements or want 4K resolution for serious home cinema, skip both of these. Look for a laser projector or a native 4K model instead — these 1280×800 projectors are best for presentations and casual movie nights, not dedicated theater rooms.

For most people working with a small space, the ViewSonic PS502W is my clear pick because the short throw solves the biggest problem these rooms create. The Epson EX3290 has better color accuracy and no rainbow effect, but it just doesn’t fit as well when you’re squeezed for distance.

My Final Verdict

The ViewSonic PS502W is my overall winner for small spaces because its 0.52 short throw ratio lets you project a 100-inch image from just 4.5 feet away — something the Epson EX3290 simply can’t do with its standard throw. The ViewSonic also backs it up with a 3-year warranty, 4,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, and dual HDMI ports. The Epson EX3290 is the better choice if you have the room to spare and want superior 3LCD color accuracy with no rainbow effect.

If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: how far is your projector from the wall? If it’s under 6 feet, stop overthinking and grab the ViewSonic PS502W. If you’ve got 10 feet of clearance and care more about color quality than placement flexibility, the Epson EX3290 won’t disappoint.

🥇
WINNER: ViewSonic PS502W

ViewSonic PS502W 4000 Lumens WXGA Short Throw Projector, High Brightness for Business and Education...

• Short Throw DLP Lamp Projector: WXGA (1280x800p) resolution with a 0.5 throw ratio and 4,000 ANSI...
• Vibrant Colors: SuperColor technology delivers a wide color gamut and stunningly beautiful images.
• Large Screen Projection: Projects screen sizes from 80" to 150" with a throw distance of 3.6 ft...

Check Offer!

Best for anyone with a tight room who needs a massive 100-inch image from only 4.5 feet away. The 0.52 throw ratio is a big improvement for small spaces.

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🥈
RUNNER-UP: Epson EX3290

Epson EX3290 3-Chip 3LCD Widescreen WXGA Video Projector with Built-In Speaker, 4000 Lumens Color...

• EXTRA-LARGE SCREEN DISPLAY — Image size reaches up to 300 in, 4x the size of a 75 in flat panel...
• ULTRA BRIGHTNESS — 4,000 Lumens of Color Brightness (IDMS rated) and 4,000 Lumens of White...
• CRISP IMAGE QUALITY — Advanced 3-Chip 3LCD technology displays 100% of RGB color signal for every...

Check Offer!

Best for buyers who have 10 feet of throw distance and prioritize true 3LCD color brightness with zero rainbow artifacts. Lighter at 5.2 pounds with a built-in speaker.

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