Simulator build-out, advice wanted!

[NomiGuy]

Working with Cory, which was been absolutely awesome by the way, to build out the simulator theater room in the basement; simulator portion is ordered and pc/projector etc is already on hand. Will be utilizing the ProTee system. I am trying to accomplish having two screens, one for the simulator and a motorized one for the theater, as well as two projectors, one for each purpose. Has anyone built a similar set up? Essentially I am going for a look such as this (https://www.electronichouse.com/home...-home-theater/) but am having a bit of a problem with a few design aspects with which I hope you all can help!

I am more concerned about ascetics of the room than budget (my wife is a VERY loving individual!) and generally do not want to sacrifice the use of the simulator for the theater or vice versa. Of course the AV folks feel I have an unlimited budget, which is not the case, so I will be doing much of the work myself and will remain as budget conscious as possible. Plus I have young children and friends with, well lets say higher handicaps, and need to make the design as golf ball friendly as possible.

I apologize in advance for all the questions, and greatly appreciate all the time and effort everyone puts forth in helping others. Reading these forums has been absolutely invaluable over the last two years!

Here it goes:

1.) Has anyone used the ProTee screen and placed their theater speakers behind the screen? How much will the screen actually move backwards as a ball is hit into it?
2.) Are you/were you able to get the screen tight enough that you feel the image is great (better than acceptable) for watching movies/games/etc? Ambient light will be controlled via curtains and shades. Possibly just have one projector and screen to keep costs down and upgrade later if not satisfied....? I am leaning towards just doing it all/correct the first time.
3.) What type of netting do you have behind the screen to help with impact and longevity? I like the idea of moving blankets behind the screen but that may not be an option as they will likely have a negative impact on the acoustics if speakers are placed behind the screen.
4.) Has anyone used fabric mate or any of the other fabric panel systems to make ceiling or wall panels? http://fabricmate.com/
5.) Any experience with motorized curtain tracks?

Attached are a few pictures of the design in its infancy. In the google sketch up image you can see a break between the two back walls. Idea is to have a set of curtains that will move in front of the fixed simulator screen and also accommodate a motorized drop down screen for the theater. Speaker placement is becoming a driving building concern.

The build will start as soon as I receive all the goodies from Cory and if there is an interest I will be happy to start a build thread. Cannot wait to get online and start playing with everyone!

[kinitex@gmail.com]

Your first image is very small.

1) I use the HQ screens from Cory at Par2Pro, so not sure if Protee screens are the same or what. Assuming they are, you could put speakers on the far sides, but I would set them up high so no low hosel rocket shanks can hit them. I would also be concerned about them being behind the screen muffling the sound. I would personally just put them up top the wall right beside where you would be swinging, or maybe a few feet in front at the furthest.

2) Yup, although I haven't actually watched a movie, I am happy enough with how the desktop looks being able to read little text no problem that a movie would be fine. I would start with just the impact screen and 1 projector and see how it does for both purposes. If you're not happy with that setup and still think you need a 2nd screen and projector then go for it. Seems like overkill though unless you or your wife are OCD perfectionists :P

3) I put 2.5inch memory foam mattress, and also a hanging heavy blanket. I have my screen fairly loose so the ball drives into the memory foam withing the screen going tight.

4) Nope never used fabric mate

5) Nope sorry.

[NomiGuy]

Thx Kinitex, not sure if the screen included is the same or not, just says double sided high impact screen on the invoice from Cory. You may have noticed on the sketch up I had left openings above the door to house left and right speakers as I am also concerned about hosel shots/ shan** (can't say the word) going God knows where. Hopefully the curtains on the sides will catch most if not all of those, but then I was thinking behind the screen may be the "safest" place as long as the screen doesn't get pushed back more than 5 or 6 inches from ball impact, and the screen is acoustically transparent. In this scenario I was thinking the remainder of the speakers would be mounted on the side walls and rear wall and would be out of bounds for a ball; again hopefully!! First pic was just the empty space.

I appreciate you taking the time to respond, keep the advice and thoughts coming!

[NomiGuy]

Also, was just thinking since I'm starting with a blank canvas, perhaps at least running wiring, etc. for the dual setup would make the most sense as this low voltage cabeling, etc is fairly reasonable and much, much easier to run now vs. later.

[kinitex@gmail.com]

I don't see why you would need 2 projectors though, and I assume you will be playing movies off the same PC that you'll be playing the simulator from. You won't be playing golf while watching a movie, so I'm curious about why you think you need two projectors?

[NomiGuy]

My thinking was if the image on the impact screen was to be impacted by ball marks or if it wasn't taunt and had wrinkles I could imagine watching a movie on the screen would be annoying with the wrinkles and bumps/bruises I would assume the screen would take via the golf balls. Could definitely be overthinking it, I'm prone to such behavior unfortunately. Also, not sure how "good" of an image can be created by a typical sim projector.

[kinitex@gmail.com]

I get the need for 2 different screens, but you definitely don't need 2 projectors. You should be buying a top end projector for the simulator anyways which will double as a great movie projector as well. There is no golf simulator specific projectors, except most people go with short throw because of room dimensions and shadows while swinging.

[NomiGuy]

Makes sense, thanks again! Went down that road on projector central and having a hard time finding a reasonably ( sub $3,000) projector that will work. Looking at the view sonic pro8530hdl which will seemingly work.

[kinitex@gmail.com]

I bought a Benq 1080st about 4 years ago and the thing has been perfect. Great quality and have not had a single issue with it being left in my garage through hot humid summers, and -20 winter days.

[mthunt]

I have both screens. The Protee absorbs shots better and is a lot quieter. The HQ has a little better quality as it remains flat. The Protee kind of puddles from contact. The Protee is brighter IMO. To me the Protee seems like an impact screen and HQ seems like a fabric someone decided to use for screens.

The he bottom line is use some good and tight archery netting behind it.

[aja]

About screens and speakers....

The HQ material is more of a fabric (as already noted) and putting speakers behind it is a non-issue as the sound quality is not affected. Mind you that's with the screen backed up with golf netting which also is acoustically "transparent". All bets are off though if you go the moving blanket route. They for sure will affect the sound.

I have the ProTee material as well but have not used it since the HQ has served me well so far. I would second the thought about the ProTee screen being more of an impact screen as it is a double layer, very tough material. I think that it would tend to muffle the sound of anything behind it.

The only issue I have had so far with the HQ as a potential high quality projection screen material is that is does get dirty. The outline of the golf net (backing up the screen) shows on the screen where the golf balls have struck and left a little bit of dirt. Over time this has accumulated and the net has made it's own imprint on the screen in front. The HQ material can be washed but it's obviously a bit of a hassle since it has to be taken down and then reinstalled.

The HQ material should definitely be backed up with golf netting stretched tight right behind it. It will reduce wear on the impact screen.

One thing to remember when using your sim... absolutely never use golf balls that are marked with any kind of felt tip marker. The marks will rub off onto the impact screen.

Finally, congrats on choosing ProTee. You'll enjoy it.

[NomiGuy]

Thanks so much for the feedback! I think the combination of the Protee screen potentially muffling sound coupled with what seems a probability that may puddle or have dimples I think I will plan to build out the space to include dual screens. I will also put the archery net behind the impact screen and see how that works before investing in the second screen. And thanks for the advice on the golf balls, I'll try to source balls with no markings/print, anyone have a source?

Not or sure I answered the previous question regarding two protectors. My rationale is that when watching a movie I wouldn't want the image all the way floor to ceiling, more like 36" off the ground and similar distance from top of the screen to the ceiling, as to center the image when viewing. I have selected the view sonic pro8530hdl projector for the sim portion and will use that for a bit to see how it all works out before investing in a second (more expensive) projector; perhaps it has two settings for image size.....? I have a feeling over time and with the ages of my children that the theatre portion will get as much use.......so much for the dedicated man cave!

Frankly my heads spinning from trying to plan this all out, spent an hour at the local AV store trying to get it straight. After initially thinking I was straight crazy, the folks there understood the goal and made some helpful suggestions. Now just need to convince the wife to hand over my wallet!

[aja]

No need for balls with no print.... regular balls are fine - just don't mark them with a felt tip ...

[wbond]

You will need to decide what aspect you are going to run the sim in. I'm sure you'll want something along the lines of 16x9 for movies but you may be 4x3 for the sim. When doing this, your projector will be different distances away from the screen to keep the same width. They make brackets that allow you to move the projector for and aft for this very reason. Then you could get away with one projector vs two.

[NomiGuy]

Sim is running 16:9 and movies will too, mostly. I'm going to give the sim screen a shot first and see how it works for movies. Given the seating is 24 feet or so from the screen it may be ok. The space was designed for and will be used as the simulator the majority of the time, but my wife is wanting a nice theatre as well.

Speaker placement has become the problem child, specifically placement of the center speaker (prefer not to do phantom l/r) and the subs. I have a feeling I'll end up making the center channel non permanent and simply pull it out of the closet when needed. L/r will go in the cutouts above and next to the two doors, two in wall on sides of sitting area, two in rear behind seats and two in ceiling above the seating. Going for atmos 7 channel surround.

Enough with AV stuff, let's get to the golf! First FedEx delivery from Cory comes tomorrow, 161 pounds worth of stuff. Feels like Christmas Eve!

[Wormiez]

What did you do for lighting?

Where you able to eliminate glare and un-wanted shadows? If you have issues, look for specific LED studio lights and Barn-door lights..