Help with picking a projector

[3on3putt]

Where are you reading that 4:3 doesn't give a good picture? A standard 1920x1080 projector in 4:3 casts a 1440x1080 image, which is really good. And 1920x1200 projectors will cast 1600x1200 in 4:3 which is even better. There are also some projectors that are 1600x1200 native. I think you went down the path that you did based on some bad information.

You can run 16:10 (or 16:9) on your screen and get a slightly crisper image but you'll be sacrificing some screen space. So it's either a slightly better image with blank screen space or filling the screen with what will still be a very good image.

What is your ceiling height?

How far away do you anticipate you'll be hitting?

Are you hitting from center or offset?

The answers to those 3 questions will go a long way toward helping you out.

[Dax]

I just came back to post on the ceiling height as well and see someone has already just asked. This will be an important consideration as well given the need for the ones noted above to be 15 feet from the screen. If you hit at ten feet, the there may be shadowing.

[GarnetGolf]

I am building my simulator room and having issues with finding a suitable projector for my space!!!
my screen is from par2pro SQ 12x9.
My depth from screen to back wall is 16.5’
I have been looking at 16:10 ratio but can’t find one that will fill my screen. I would like to have one that has around 5000 lumens. Can anyone help suggest a projector that would work?
Thanks!

It might be helpful to state more information so that people can help you; you stated 5,000 lumen and fill the screen. The 5,000 lumens desire implies you may not be able to control ambient lighting and/or want to have a fairly bright room.

Ceiling height would be helpful to know as well as budget. You could put the projector at the back of the room but that may cause unacceptable shadowing. A short throw 3000 lumen image would look better than a 5000 lumen obscured image.

Anyway, if you have to fill every bit of the 9ft screen, you would need a throw ratio of 1.1 at the maximum. The Panasonic PT-VMZ50U could work and it has horizontal lens shift so you could mount it to the side to minimize shadows. There is also the BenQ LK953ST which would work. It's 4K and $$$$.

[Dax]

suggestions above re 4:3 are accurate. However, if you are looking at the 1920x1200, then...

Have you looked at the Eiki 308u? The front of the lens will need to be 15.5 feet from your screen to fill 108 inches, which might not give you enough room to your back wall? You would also need to do a custom resolution for the width. Worth consideration though as it is a good projector. I now have this projector and like it a lot.

if you do go this route, please take my $150 and put it towards your projector.

mothers are the Panasonic PT-vz570 and 580, but those would give you than same issue re custom resolution as noted above.

[Dtruitt2@yahoo.com]

Thanks for the response. The reasons I didn’t originally start looking at 4:3 is because there are soooo many different recommendations. I’ve read that 4:3 doesn’t give a great picture that I need to stay at or above 5000 lumens. The problem is I can find a 5000 lumens projector that works with my distances. Ideally I would like to mount the projector on the ceiling and I have 16.5’ from screen to back wall. My screen is the Par2pro SQ and is 12x9.
I’ve tried the calculators and am lost. Too many options for someone who has no experience with projectors. I can pay a consulting fee but that is another $150 😩
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!!!

[3on3putt]

Why are you looking at 16:10 when your screen is 4:3?

The reason you can't find a projector to fill your screen in 16:10 is because your screen isn't 16:10. You need to be looking at 4:3 ratios. Two popular ones for golf sims are below:

https://www.projectorcentral.com/Ben...ulator-pro.htm

https://www.projectorcentral.com/Opt...ulator-pro.htm

My projector:

https://www.projectorcentral.com/InF...ulator-pro.htm

[Dtruitt2@yahoo.com]

I am building my simulator room and having issues with finding a suitable projector for my space!!!
my screen is from par2pro SQ 12x9.
My depth from screen to back wall is 16.5’
I have been looking at 16:10 ratio but can’t find one that will fill my screen. I would like to have one that has around 5000 lumens. Can anyone help suggest a projector that would work?
Thanks!