Which Projector to choose

[chris74]

I have decided to buy a 3.5m width x 2.5m length golf simulator enclosure form Golfbays UK, the link is below.

https://golfbays.co.uk/collections/s...ator-enclosure

I really don't know which projector to choose, could somebody please give me some advice?
Do I need a short throw projector etc?

My sim room will be outside under my covered patio as you can see in the pictures.

Cheers

[AdamV]

Outdoors - short throw and very high Lumens

[Dax]

Lots of lumens for sure. Maybe a way to darken the amount of light on the screen as well when you are playing as well.

[Jay28]

Depends a lot on budget... but obviously the higher lumens you get the better. Look for 5000+ lumens.
Projector central has a tool which shows the brightness on a screen based on screen gain which you can adjust and how far away from the screen the projector is.
example:
https://www.projectorcentral.com/Panasonic-PT-EZ590UL-projection-calculator-pro.htm

[Dax]

At first glance I had almost thought you had put my projector up their! Unfortunately mine is the 580. Mine has good lumens and I got it for an amazing price, but I would rank the picture quality at a "good" rating (still "very good" and "amazing" above that). For the environment in question though, there is a lot of daylight that you need to overcome and I am not sure my 5400 lumens would get you where you need and still think you would have a dull image (especially with the projector needing to be about 18 feet back for a good size image (11 feet wide/13 feet diagonal) for the projector shown. Also, watch the screen gain as well when looking at the measurements as I am not sure that the screen gain would be 1. Here I would suggest something that has a shorter throw and a really good amount of lumens.

[Will]

I agree with AdamV

Less than 1.0 throw ratio, 0.60-0.90, is optimal for this screen size. If you are hitting close to the screen, a 0.50 lens can work.

This will be a nice place to sim in the late evenings and night. Or, just refer to your primary monitors for data and user interface during the day. Light control is necessary and my projector can not compete with sunlight and the garage doors open.

[Jay28]

At first glance I had almost thought you had put my projector up their! Unfortunately mine is the 580. Mine has good lumens and I got it for an amazing price, but I would rank the picture quality at a "good" rating (still "very good" and "amazing" above that). For the environment in question though, there is a lot of daylight that you need to overcome and I am not sure my 5400 lumens would get you where you need and still think you would have a dull image (especially with the projector needing to be about 18 feet back for a good size image (11 feet wide/13 feet diagonal) for the projector shown. Also, watch the screen gain as well when looking at the measurements as I am not sure that the screen gain would be 1. Here I would suggest something that has a shorter throw and a really good amount of lumens.

Yeah, even with 5400 lumens, some darkening of the area would be needed.
That one is just my projector and I have the 31 short throw lens on it which has a throw throw ratio of 0.74-0.96.
It's not a recommendation for the poster, just an example of how the tool at Projector central can be used.

[dawms]

Invest first in blackout roll shades or blackout sliding curtains? Reduces your lumen need and opens up more projector choices to you, rather than high lumens only.

[chris74]

Thank you for the advice guys

[chris74]

I was told by a shop that does projectors that this projector should do the job and needs to be 1.75 metres from the screen.

https://www.justprojectors.com.au/optomazh406st.htm

[Dax]

That seems like a really nice projector, but at the price why not consider the Eiki 308u that others have had success with? That would leave cushion for lots of lamp replacements. Perhaps write some of the people with the Eiki and get their thoughts for how it would work in a brighter room?

[3on3putt]

That seems like a really nice projector, but at the price why not consider the Eiki 308u that others have had success with? That would leave cushion for lots of lamp replacements. Perhaps write some of the people with the Eiki and get their thoughts for how it would work in a brighter room?

I thought the same thing. It looked like it was listed at $3,000??

[Dax]

Forgot to mention to also go to projector central to check it’s brightness and location from screen to make sure it fits your space.

[chris74]

I looked at the Eiki 308u but it wont show it on throw distance calculator at projector central so not sure of the distance it needs to be from the screen, my screen is 3.3m wide by 2.5m in height.