4:3 screen size. 10 feet x 7.7 feet. Projector help please

[Glenno1859]

I’ve been ready and researching for a while but still need some advice. My screen size is about 10x 8 feet. A 16:9 projector would not be ideal but a 4:3 one seems good. This is my first sim build and I’m just not sure which way to go. Projectors seem to get confusing when you are considering ones that can project in two different aspect ratios. If I’m correct a projector that has a native aspect ratio of 16 x 9 can usually project and 4:3 as well but from what I’ve read one usually loses some brightness and the picture will usually be cropped. Since this is my first simulator I was thinking I should probably just get a native 4 to 3 projector and go from there. So my question is is this what you would do if you were me and if so what projector would you recommend. My budget is around $1000. Thanks for your help I really appreciate it and this form is really nice. My simulator is in my garage and it is dimly lit. Thanks again

[GungHoGolf]

Don't worry about aspect ratio. A 4:3 only projector will usually be only XGA resolution, which is pretty bad at that size. Go with a good HD projector like the BenQ TH671ST (we have them in stock at https://store.gunghogolf.com/BenQ-TH...NEW-p265749740), set its throw based on your image height of 7.7' (see https://www.projectorcentral.com/Ben...or-pro.htm#top), leave it set to "auto-detect" aspect ratio, then adjust the aspect ratio from your Windows PC to match your screen (using the Nvidia Control Panel app and Windows Display Settings).

You'll end up with 1080 vertical pixels and about 1,402 horizontal pixels.

[Glenno1859]

Thanks for the suggestion. Guess I have more to learn. Pretty interesting information though. I was leaning towards the optima hd1080 but the Ben Q looks like it might have more features.

[bdbd320]

Hi, I have a 3.5 x 2.5 m screen setup in my garage so pretty much the same size as you. I have gone with the Optoma EH400+ which is a 1080p projector.
Mine is ceiling mounted 5.2m from the screen. You then just set your vertical to 1080 and choose a horizontal in the 1400 range which fills the screen quite nicely.
Plenty of more detailed posts on here about getting the resolution right. I too was a bit worried about that bit of the setup but it wasn't that difficult once I got going. The zoom and focus on the projector gives you plenty of leeway too. Hope that helps.

[Glenno1859]

Yes. Really helps thank you. 👍🥰

[Godfather]

You should figure out how far you will be hitting from the screen and where you want to hang the projector to make sure you get the proper throw ratio. That is what ultimately makes the decision for many between a 0.50 short throw Optoma and 0.69 short throw Benq.

[Glenno1859]

I am planning on starting with either my IPad or my iphone 12. Then getting a gaming pc within a month or so. Does this make any difference?

[preludesam]

No, you should keep the setup recommended by the others above.

[Bob_peezy]

Don't worry about aspect ratio. A 4:3 only projector will usually be only XGA resolution, which is pretty bad at that size. Go with a good HD projector like the BenQ TH671ST (we have them in stock at https://store.gunghogolf.com/BenQ-TH...NEW-p265749740), set its throw based on your image height of 7.7' (see https://www.projectorcentral.com/Ben...or-pro.htm#top), leave it set to "auto-detect" aspect ratio, then adjust the aspect ratio from your Windows PC to match your screen (using the Nvidia Control Panel app and Windows Display Settings).

You'll end up with 1080 vertical pixels and about 1,402 horizontal pixels.

I have the same size screen. Now when i put that projector into the calculator. Fir the 151" diagonal. At 7'7 height. It is showing a throw of 15'⁵ at the closest. Then only 4 inches above the screen. So at that range and height wouldn't you get huge shadows? Maybe i am understanding wrong.

[Bob_peezy]

[Bob_peezy]

Ok so now i left it at 16:9 got it to a throw of 10'2. Definitely better as im hitting from 10. But says on 2 inches above screen. At 7'9 is that gonna be safe? Also have uneekor qed mounting 3'6 behind strike. So i dont think i can slide it back hanging that low.

[gohandbz8]

I have the Optoma GT1080HDR projecting to a 7.7x10 feet screen. The projector is about 80 inches from the screen and a about 90 inches high. I set a custom resolution of 1440x1080 using the nvidia control panel on my PC and the screen is about 90% filled. I'm sure I can tinker with the resolution to fill it out some more. I'm also hitting about 90 inches from the screen and have not even come close to hitting the projector with my swing.