Projectors for Golf Simulators 101

[closedclubface]

I am building 2 enclosure side by side. They will be as close to 14' wide as possible (I think closer to 13'6"), the screen can be 10' high and I plan to hit from 10'6" (overall enclosure 16' deep with a further 7' for player seating. Behind the seating area is a relatively open space). The ceiling tiles are 10'8" high.
Can anyone recommend the best options for projectors at different price points (say <$1500, <$3000, >$3,000). I am going with either the e6 or TGC. I am building a commercial unit so want good pictures.

[DougieMn]

You will need to calculate or draw out the lines for your image. You need to know where the top and bottom of the image will be and then figure out where you will be standing in relation to the image being projected. Use projectorcentral to help. FWIW, i have a standard throw projector mounted about 10' H and 15' away from the screen. I stand about 8.5' from screen and I have no shadow. I use a 4:3 image that's about 8' wide and it starts about 3' off the ground.

So it sounds very possible that I can mount on rear wall with no shadow. I'll try to draw out sight lines. I can go all the way up to 16 feet if necessary but thinking 10-12ft high should get my 9x14'6" image without shadow. I plan on standing 8-10 ft from screen.

[wbond]

You will need to calculate or draw out the lines for your image. You need to know where the top and bottom of the image will be and then figure out where you will be standing in relation to the image being projected. Use projectorcentral to help. FWIW, i have a standard throw projector mounted about 10' H and 15' away from the screen. I stand about 8.5' from screen and I have no shadow. I use a 4:3 image that's about 8' wide and it starts about 3' off the ground.

My screen is going to be 9x14'6". Room length is 22'. Was told I can use a standard throw projector placed on the back wall and will have no shadow? True? The ceiling is a cathedral ceiling with the peek at 16' so height of mounting is not a limitation. Input?

Having the projector on the back wall makes mounting and wiring much easier but I don't want to be battling an annoying shadow all the time.

Thanks in advance!

[DougieMn]

My screen is going to be 9x14'6". Room length is 22'. Was told I can use a standard throw projector placed on the back wall and will have no shadow? True? The ceiling is a cathedral ceiling with the peek at 16' so height of mounting is not a limitation. Input?

Having the projector on the back wall makes mounting and wiring much easier but I don't want to be battling an annoying shadow all the time.

Thanks in advance!

[drcabral]

How important is the Vertical/Horizontal shift option on a projector? Does it really come into play and if so under what circumstances?

It's preferred over keystoning you images when the projector is above or below. The reason is key stoning does not keep the whole image in focus just the tip middle or bottom, where as vertical/horizontal can move the images while still maintains complete focus.

[DougieMn]

How important is the Vertical/Horizontal shift option on a projector? Does it really come into play and if so under what circumstances?

[drcabral]

I think the big question will be how close to your screen the projector will need to be placed for the image size that you want to have. Mine sits almost directly lay above me and is why I chose it over others. If it sits too close, then it may get hit with a ball and this would concern me more than anything else. Have you gone on Projector Central to see its distance for your screen size? Also, the hd25 is 3500 lumen and the eh200 is 2800 and thus on paper, not as bright as the hd25 (although published lumens can't really be relied upon in all cases).

The EH200ST list at 3000 lumens on projectorcentral, I've also seen it list for 2800. I've also seen HD25LV list at 3200 and 3500 lumens.

I've been using the calculator and playing with the numbers a bit and something very interesting comes out. So let's say all thing are equal and u want to throw onto a 10 foot wide screen. Themaximum room lighting for video/games for the HD25LV is 10%(5 fc) and the EH200ST is 8%(3fc) for video/games. Likey not discernible or statistically significant even side by side is my argument.

Obviously the HD25Lv sits at 15' and the EH200ST at 5'. Your space may dictate your needs. I personally don't want shadows and I think the EH200ST would have a more dramatic effect if I brought a larger screen and filled up my whole wall with a 16 feet wide X10.5 Height screen. Thus, giving me a larger projection with little sacrifice in quality, I believe.

FYI, the projecotor would be in a similar location as my current projector without short throw so I am not worried about balls hitting it.

[Dax]

That was my fear, I'm on my iPad at the moment and could not get on the calculator, but thought it might be placed too close for comfort.

[Maverick]

The Eh200st has no zoom. Has a fixed throw distance that can be too short for most people. i.e. for a 10 ft wide screen, throw is 5 ft. Right in line of my flop shot.

[Dax]

I think the big question will be how close to your screen the projector will need to be placed for the image size that you want to have. Mine sits almost directly lay above me and is why I chose it over others. If it sits too close, then it may get hit with a ball and this would concern me more than anything else. Have you gone on Projector Central to see its distance for your screen size? Also, the hd25 is 3500 lumen and the eh200 is 2800 and thus on paper, not as bright as the hd25 (although published lumens can't really be relied upon in all cases).

[drcabral]

I have a ST projector and am happy where it sits above me hen hitting and that I have get pretty close to my screen before I get a shadow. However, i do wish mine were a little bribughter. I have the Benq 1080st and it does have a good image, but like I said, wish it had more lumens.

But the Eh200st has 3000 lumens with contrast ratio of 20,000 and may perform better than the HD25LV that everyone raves about.

[Dax]

I have a ST projector and am happy where it sits above me hen hitting and that I have get pretty close to my screen before I get a shadow. However, i do wish mine were a little brighter. I have the Benq 1080st and it does have a good image, but like I said, wish it had more lumens.

[drcabral]

Has anyone considered a short throw HD projector? Seems a lot of people are sold on the Optoma HD 25 LV but the Optoma EH200ST has similar spec with short throw and 200 lumens difference. One could argue that it may be superior because although you have lower lumens, you can put it closer the screen and still have the same or greater brightness and picture quality. Anyone used or seen this projector?

[Maverick]

ProTee screen. It's dual layer and can be turned around after a few years. Double the life.

[TerenceBailey]

Any good impact screen advise? I currently use a sheet and PVC frame. Looking to finalize my set up and get a screen that will display a better picture.