Need help with picking a projector

[Goldtoes68]

I've got a client who wants me to build them a golf simulator setup. I've never built something like this before.

I'm looking at this Optoma UHD50X https://www.projectorscreen.com/opto...400-lumen.html because I saw some people talking about it on here.

Is this a good projector for a golf simulator? Is there a better projector I should use?

[GungHoGolf]

I've got a client who wants me to build them a golf simulator setup. I've never built something like this before.

I'm looking at this Optoma UHD50X https://www.projectorscreen.com/opto...400-lumen.html because I saw some people talking about it on here.

Is this a good projector for a golf simulator? Is there a better projector I should use?

That's not a great projector for golf sim, because it's not a short throw. It will have to be placed so far back that the player will create shadows. There is a LOT to know about picking a projector for golf sim use. At the minimum, use the throw calculator at https://www.projectorcentral.com/Ben...or-pro.htm#top to check any projector you're looking at to see how far back it will need to be for the intended size screen. Then sketch out the side view of the room on graph paper to see if the player's head will throw shadows (or use https://draw.io).

Also, a 4K projector like that one will require a high-end gaming PC, which are $2000-3000 - need a GTX 2070 minimum, and 2080 is better. Most guys go with HD projectors and $800 computers.

[GungHoGolf]

[sorry, duplicate due to website error]

[Goldtoes68]

Thanks Ron! That's super helpful!

Knowing the client he'd want a 4k Projector, the more high tech the better.

So which one of these short throw projectors would you recommend? https://www.projectorscreen.com/proj...ra-short-throw (He apparently has a credit here from a previous purchase)

Do you have any recommendations for a high-end gaming PC? Or will pretty much any work?

[GungHoGolf]

Thanks Ron! That's super helpful!

Knowing the client he'd want a 4k Projector, the more high tech the better.

So which one of these short throw projectors would you recommend? https://www.projectorscreen.com/proj...ra-short-throw (He apparently has a credit here from a previous purchase)

Do you have any recommendations for a high-end gaming PC? Or will pretty much any work?

I don't have experience with any of the projectors on that list. Here's my favorite 4K projector, it's laser and short throw, but expensive: https://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ-LK953ST.htm

Any gaming PC running Windows 10 with an RTX 2080 gpu or better will work fine. RTX 2070 *should* work but will have lower frame rates.

[mystigiandoll]

I don't have experience with any of the projectors on that list. Here's my favorite 4K projector, it's laser and short throw, but expensive: https://www.projectorcentral.com/BenQ-LK953ST.htm

Any gaming PC running Windows 10 with an RTX 2080 gpu or better will work fine. RTX 2070 *should* work but will have lower frame rates.

Hey Ron, any thoughts on the Panasonic PT-VMZ50U? 1.07 throw ratio so should be behind by 5 feet or so possibly? Laser light source, 3LCD so you get a bit more out of the lumens compared to DLP, couple grand cheaper than the LK953ST (which would also be very ideal but it is pricey) and it does do some pixel shifting to get around 6 million pixels, not quite 4k but it does bump it a bit. Anyway another thought for the OP as may be something to check out.

[GungHoGolf]

It's a nice, very bright projector. Not 4K, which is double HD resolution, but 11% more pixels vertically than HD.

[JoeBlowGolfer]

What will be the:
1) Projected image dimensions
2) Screen size
3) Distance from the ceiling to the top of the image
4) Hitting distance from the screen

[Greg Colley]

Hi Guys:

Thanks to Gunho and other posters for their early experience with 4k projectors.

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. I hope this at least gives you some idea for now and I will try to post this on the forum.

Thanks,

Greg Colley