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.

[Dans 555]

Does anyone know of a suitable project for approx 5-6mtr away from screen, screen is 4:3 aspect, 2.7mtr high, 3.6mtr wide. I want a 4k projector. Any ideas?

[Dax]

i think you might want to remove the 4k from your want list. Price being the first reason and a close second is that there are not really any out there that would likely work in a sim environment at the moment. Also the aspect ratio would be different.

[Dans 555]

Ah well Sony and JVC have some out, about £4k which is ironic! The aspect is 16:9 which a lot of people do play the sims in. Do you use 4:3? What sim do you use, I currently have a Panasonic vx400 which is 1278 x 762 native (approx numbers as I can't remember). I would love a better resolution 4:3 projector, any ideas? I really wanted the 4k projector for the new FSX software from FS

[Dax]

Please note that the eshift technology in the JVC's is not true 4k and if I recall the lumens on their projectors was pretty low. I'm running e6 at the moment and looking forward to seeing the new update when it is available for download within the next couple of weeks. My projector is the Benq 1080St. I would rate it as a good projector and wish it were a little brighter as I can't control the light in my sim during the daytime. Still a good image, but know I could do better. Also, I think I am running at a 16:10 setting. I think you would be fine with HD rather than 4k and save your money for when the price on 4k comes down in the future.

[closedclubface]

I am trying to work out shadows with the following dimensions:
throw distance: 229"
height: 102"
(width: 164". diag: 163")

ball distance from screen: 126"

I tried to remember what I learnt in school about triangles and I think I have a problem as the height that would start to create shadows seems to be 56"

When I am looking at the height, do I use the screen height or add the 12" I see on projector central between the projector and the top of the screen?

Should I be looking for around 72" (6ft) height at the ball location?

Thanks.

[jhp016s]

Ok, I am thinking about switching to a new projector that is full HD. I currently have a Canon LV 7490 1024 x 768 which has a lumens of 4000 and contrast ratio of 2000:1. I have it set up about 19 ft from the screen and am getting a picture of about 140in diagonal in 4:3. The only light in my room is the Pro-Tee lights. If I went with the BenQ 1070 is that going to cause problems because of the much lower lumens (2000)? Or am I going to see a significant improvement?

[Bubba22]

I don't think so. There are several folks here that have the BenQ 1070 and are very happy with the brightness even with the ProTee lights. I went to a 1080 full HD projector from a 720 and won't look back.

[bubs3141]

what one did you go with bubba? I was looking into a short throw suggestion also.

[mthunt]

I have the 1080st at 2000 lumens. The screen is 15' wide and the projector is 14 feet away. I run a GC2 with 5 pot lights. Plenty of light and the projector is fine. I wouldn't want it any brighter.

[jhp016s]

Awesome! Thanks for the help guys

[Bubba22]

what one did you go with bubba? I was looking into a short throw suggestion also.

Acer h6510bd. It's not a short throw though. Great picture.

[ryanoneill1]

Looking for ideas on projectors. I am building out a simulator setup in my unfinished basement. I ordered a golf cage from west coast. 1" netting top and sides with a PR-20 on the back. Impact screen 9'Hx11'Wx5'D - Frame to be 1" pipe 8'Hx 12'W x6'D. There is 1 light in the room, but because its unfinished I can always move it around or turn the light off. I was looking to put the projector 13' from the screen. I was looking around http://www.projectorcentral.com, but thought I might throw the idea out to the group to see there thoughts. I would like to spend around $500.

[goatbarn]

If you're projecting onto the PR-20, just get a used projector off ebay or craigslist.

I had a <$150 projector I used when I had the PR-20 as my screen. The problem with the PR-20 is that it is a net mesh, and not made to provide great image. 720p is more than enough for that level of screen. 1080p on PR-20 is a waste of money. Also, to improve the image quality on the PR-20, place something solid behind the screen, very close to it, to provide the light that shines through the mesh a chance to reflect back to you.

Many 720p projectors on ebay for well under $500.

[ryanoneill1]

Looking for help on the throw distance for a projector. I am looking to put my projector 13 feet from my impact screen. Is that considered short throw? I am looking on http://www.projectorcentral.com and I see throw distance at

Throw Dist (feet):

5.0 - 25.0

does this mean I can put the projector between 5-25 feet from my screen? How will I know at what size the image will be at 13 feet