Trying to figure out projector. Brain starting to smoke!

[Specimen]

Holy Cow... I thought figuring out the screen was going to be tough. I am trying to find a high quality projector that will work good in a well lit bay. I plan to add swing cameras and need something that is bright. Ceiling is only 9' tall and I will be hitting from about 10' out. Trying to find something that will project 4:3 120" wide and have it 10' away from screen. That way it would be over my head. Everything I see says it needs to be brighter on the projector calculator.

Other option would be to have the projector in front of me about 4' from the screen. Would that be an issue? Can anyone recommend good place to buy projectors. I have one on order from bestbuy, but after researching it, I've decided to cancel that order. What I had ordered...the BenQ 2150st will not be bright enough per the projector calculator.

Are there any brands that I need to avoid? Do I need to worry about response time? Would a very short throw mounted in the ceiling (cut sheet rock and put it between the studs) work?

Any help appreciated. Thanks.

[CBearsSB]

Would be an issue with flop shots. Also projector needs to be ventilated well.

[Specimen]

Thanks! I assume directly overhead is the best option? I would never have an issue hitting it, but I am worried about less skilled players. I have kids (17 & 15) that will be using it with friends.

[StanMI]

I agree, I thought the projector would be the easy part. It was/is not.

I went with the BenQ MW632ST. It works great but I'd like something brighter and higher native resolution. Check these out.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/proj...917&pid_4=9597

If I was doing it now, the Epson would be one I would consider. It's a heck of a lot more $$$$$


Should also add "Projector Central" is a heck of a site for helping to ADD to the, "Which projector should I get" question !!

[Dax]

Can you try to darken the front of your room so it is not so bright? This will hopefully allow you to get a projector with less lumens (I would still try to find something in the 3000 range). Perhaps taking out the bulbs at he from of your room might be a start and while not ideal what about painting the walls at the front half of the room black or use dark material in your padding or what ever you propose to use to protect your ceilings and walls.

Go with a short throw projector that has a zoom feature. Also use the calculator on projector central to find something that you can put right above where you hit or even just behind. Puting something even slightly ahead would not be the end of the world. Mine sits about right over my head and I never worry about hitting it with about a 9 foot plus ceiling.

I would check out the benq, but make sure the lumens is good enough for you, as I am not sure where they have come to now, but am not sure if they have exceeded 3000 lumens.

[Specimen]

Hey Stan, Thanks for your comment on the 632st! I just ordered on from Bestbuy.... but now realize I should cancel that order. I got so tied up in the brightness, I forgot about the resolution. I wish I could find a epson that has the right throw. I will look so more. Thanks again.

hey Dax, thanks. I was thinking over head would work best. I would think slightly forward or back would have a better chance of getting hit. I could move it 5' forward, but then the ball might hit it. If I move it 5' back it would cause a shadow.

Brain still sizzling!😳

[Specimen]

Ok... thanks again Stan and Dax! Between the two of you, I think I have this figured out. I am going to go with a Epson PowerLite 4650. I can make it work if it's about 1.5' behind hitting area. I made some practice swings and it seems like it would work.

Brain is now cooling down, hopefully I can get some sleep tonight! 😀

[Dax]

I think you should be fine as it will technically centered on the hitting position and not where you stand. However, when doing your swing tests did you take into account that it will come down from the ceiling about six inches to 10 inches? I still think you will be fine, but I would put a box or something up there to test it out

[Specimen]

Thanks Dax... planning on putting it 17' back from the screen. Hitting area is 10' back, so hopefully it should be out of the way as it will be off center. Going to put commercial carpet over wood on side walls and ceiling. Have lights installled over the hitting area.

[Dax]

At 17 feet I agree that it should be safe, but at this distance are you sure you will not create a shadow when hitting?

[Specimen]

I thought about that last night... actually, I was more concerned about the decreased brightness moving it back to 17'. Changed position to 14.5' back. I think that will work nice. Hope to get the projector mounted soon.

[Dax]

minimizing light between the projector and the screen should help.

[Specimen]

I just had 2 lights installed over the swing area. I plan on having swing cameras eventually. Will that mess it up if the projector has to project thru the light to the screen?2 lights are close to the screen, but the can be turned off.. the are going to be used over putting green when practicing putting.

[Dax]

The two lights in front of the screen should be turned off. Not knowing how many lumens you have makes it tough to estimate the effect of the other lights you mention, but these will wash out the image somewhat. I think you will have to test when you get the projector. Projectors like a dark room. Inwould darken as much of the room as you can. Are the two lights above your hitting position on a dimmer switch as this might help getting a good balance. Have a look at projector central again and see what it is saying about ambient light.

[wbond]

Yes. How much will be determined by intensity of the light the image passes through and the lumens on the projector.

Will that mess it up if the projector has to project thru the light to the screen?