Anyone use a 4k Projector?

[tgrever]

Just curious if anyone has tried a 4k projector for TGC 2019 or even E6? I had purchased an Optoma GT1080HDR, but have sent it back. It was not even as clear as my Epson EX9200. So i will continue my search lol Any info is appreciated.

[GungHoGolf]

I just got a BenQ TK850 4K and will be publishing a comparison article of it up against a high-end HD projector in about two weeks, when I’ll be done with my new studio remodel.

Remember that if you’re going to push 4K pixels, your PC will need a 1080 Ti or 2080 gpu (or AMD equivalent) for acceptable frame rates.

[tgrever]

Did you ever get that benq tk850 setup? I expect mine to arrive later today. I hope its good lol

[GungHoGolf]

Not yet, still working on studio remodel.

[tgrever]

Ok thanks. Ups should be here within the hour. We shall see how it goes

[adstotz]

I upgraded to a BenQ LK953ST and am super happy with it. 4K makes a huge difference in my opinion for sim builds with large screens.

[tgrever]

The lk953st looks great. Just a little higher than I want to go lol I did end up ordering the tk850. We will see how that goes. I'll keep climbing the ladder until it looks like I want lol

[Greg Colley]

I purchased the BenQ LK953ST which is a pixel shifting 4K that had the perfect short throw ratio for my room. I have FSX 2020, E6 Connect and TGC 2019 using a Foresight GC2a launch monitor. I am using the Carl's Premium impact screen configured as 13' wide by 9' tall in a room that is 13 wide x 17 feet long and has no windows for perfect lighting control. My projector is ceiling mounted about 10" from the screen. When ceiling mounting the projector, I was able to use great lens shifting features to property mount and square the projector to the screen so I did not have to use the keystoning feature which adds distortion.

Overall I agree with some of the other early 4K postings in that the impact screen definitely takes away from the 4k resolution maybe as much as 25-30%. I also have a n LG 65' 4K OLED monitor to the right side for shot data and video feedback (see pic below) so I can compare a native 4kOLED to the 4K projector image. This is why I decided to pull the trigger on a pixel shifted 4k unit instead of paying a huge premium for a short throw native 4k projector like the Sony. When I compare Pebble Beach TGC 2019 with E6 Connect's version you can see the finer details in the TGC 2019's graphics so I would also agree that TGC 2019 ranks slightly higher in graphics quality than E6.

But when you factor in the E6 play-ability features, I think E6 overall is the best current sim software in the market with a much more committed R & D effort to improving their products. I find myself playing E6 the most and we will likely end up using this in our TPC neighborhood winter golf league where we will link 3-5 sim rooms together for local play. Compared to the 671ST which I loved, the 953ST is soo much brighter and most resolute. I would subjectively say that I improved the graphics by 100% but not by 200% as you would expect going from 1080P to 4K.

When I get some time, I hope to do a more detailed 4k write up for our sim forum users with video and pics.

Thanks,

Greg Colley

[Dax]

I did a quick test with my pixel shift 4K projector. Prior to installing it in my theatre I hooked it up in my sim room and while I really liked the image quality and colours it was not enough for me to make the switch at this time. I still like the HD res that I am getting and also like that my old projector has very high lumens which allows me to light up my room and still not fee that I am not losing out on a bright image. I would say that my sim projector is now worth about $500 to $1000 and it is just fine for my set up.

[fortysixandtwo]

I would think the limiting factor would be having a video card that can handle 4K 60fps or better, which even the 20 series from Nvidia struggle. Also the screen material we use for impact screens just can’t replicate 4k...
Different story if your using a tv monitor though..,.

[Solstice72]

If you're going to go for simulator 4k, the pixel shift is still the practical play, same today as it was two years ago when i bought mine. The lumens per price problem is still there for native 4k & large screens. Using it as movie room may make a pixel shift worthwhile even with a impact screen or consider a pull down movie screen in front of impact screen. (at least 2 years ago that was available, I don't have it though)

I'm looking at the 3000 series gpu's, but im torn, greater than 100% render in TGC2019 2160 have inconsistent improvements in visuals, IE some courses benefit, some are worsened actually

[tgrever]

Just in case anyone is looking at this projector. The Benq tk850 looks amazing with my laptop running RTX 2070 @ 3840×2160. I have all of the settings maxed out, and It looks amazing. I also have a premium screen from carls place. I love that i can see the detail in the rocks, and the water flowing/splashing. Just a little past hole 7 on Pebble Beach. This will be my 4th projector, and finally my last one for now.

I do have a decent size window in my garage. It doesnt affect the projector much at all. I believe this one is 3000 lumens. The optoma gt1080hdr was either 3800 or 4200 lumens. The picture is just as bright imo. The images doesn't quite do it justice, every thing is so much more clear in person.

[Solstice72]

Looking sweet. Do you try moving the render slider past 100%? And you probably said above, but what size screen there?

[tgrever]

Yeah its at 200% the screen is 10' wide.

[Solstice72]

Any idea your frame rate on many couses at 200%?

[tgrever]

I will have to check next time I have it on. I had messed with some many settings. Ill let you know.

[Dax]

On the frame rate question, I am curious on what others are finding. I have been reading a bit in the new Microsoft Flight Sim 2020 release and it seems the most that anyone can get out of the sim (even with the best rigs) is between 65 and 70 FPS. I believe this is due to the fact that you will get CPU limited due to the fact that at the moment using Directx 11 limits you to just four cores. In any case, even at 40 FPS MSFS 2020 looks fantastic and I am wondering what FPS is really needed for sim golf to look great? I suspect it would have to be similar to MSFS2020 and that 60 FPS should likely be more than acceptable.

Anyone else consider this ?

[Solstice72]

I played wolf creek today, a terrific looker. Frames are nearing 60 fps on 1080ti 2160. When I increased the render to 200% it not only bombed the frame rate, the image was worsened. I had ReShade going so there wre other variables, but increasing render unreliably inproves the visual for me. It's a course by course crapshoot

[jamesq]

First time post after searching and learning the past couple weeks. I'm considering the TK850 also for my build although I'm also looking at the 1090HDR. Is the 16:9 experience better than the 4:3? Would you rather have the 4K in the BenQ or the Laser Optoma? I have 10.5 foot ceilings in the basement and plenty of room as it's unfinished. Going to do EYEXO or QED with Carls DIY enclosure and Fiberbuilt mat.

[Foreman33]

jamesq Make sure you do your homework on the 1090HDR mounting height and distance. I am running into issues with my carls enclosure blocking some of the image. I'm happy with the picture, although I don't have anything to compare it to. I'm actually going to return it and try the TK850 because mounting from 16' away will work better than 7' away for my set up.