Projectors for Golf Simulators 101

[Maverick]

Great site to compare projectors and check throw distances.

https://Www.projectorcentral.com

[Jsgregg]

The image there is around 10 feet wide...I will be going with 12 feet for my screen. I am considering the PR20 screen/netting.

The picture above is with the PJ sitting on top of my table saw, around 5 feet from the wall. Ceiling height is 11 feet. The picture is really sharp.

[Maverick]

Any reason why considering that screen? Check with the manufacture to see if there would be a seam for the width.

[Jsgregg]

Yeah....price. LOL

I'm not dead set on it, but it seemed like a pretty reasonable option. Yes, there would be a seam...and I am not crazy about that. It seems to get pretty good reviews though. Any other lower cost alternatives?

[Maverick]

Picture quality is horrible. and strange ring effects sometimes. The CDG $300 is a good budget screen but that's for a 10ft wide screen. 12ft will be more.

You can go with Cory's HQ screen material and get it hemmed and install grommets yourself.

[Bubba22]

I would recommend Cory's screen.

[Dans 555]

Does anyone know of an SXGA+ projector which is ultra short throw and doesn't cost the earth? I am currently running 4:3 screen as I think its better to fill the whole screen. My screen size is 3.4mtr wide x 2.9mtr high. Would seem a shame to lose screen size (Going to 16:9 widescreen, but would improve graphics if cant find a 4:3 SXGA+ UST projector) Anyway input from you guys would be appreciated. thanks

[Maverick]

You should consider going with a 16:10 short throw projector. It will fill the screen a little bit better than a 16:9 and still be widescreen, making good use of the the ProTee courses.

Do you have a required distance from screen to the projector lens? Most projectors have a zoom so it doesn't have to be exact, but would be good to know.

Anybody have a recommendation for Dan?

[Dans 555]

Yes just checked out my current projector in 16:9 and 16:10 to see how much of the screen is used and 16:10 is better for using more of the screen. Also can anyone confirm that the projector I have will change screen size but resolution of XGA 1024 x 768 will remain, as it doesn't look like it is up scaling in anyway. I know projectors have native resolutions but don't know if they do upscale etc. Projector is Panasonic PT-VX400. Yeah and if anyone can recommend a decent HD 16:10 ultra short throw. Projector distance is approx 4.6mtr away from screen. But my main preference is an SXGA+ 1450x1050 4:3 aspect ultra short throw. thanks

[Jsgregg]

A little off topic, and please feel free to delete, but is anyone watching the closing ceremonies right now? The projection system that the Russians developed for this are completely astounding. The entire floor of the arena is alive. It's amazing.

[aja]

Guess you weren't watching the Vancouver Winter Olympics!

[Crusty]

I hope you guys can help me, I'm looking for a pj for my new Protee that arrived today
I've spent ages reading posts and researching at Projector Central but am more confused than when I started.

I plan to use the Protee screen and hopefully get an image approx 4.2M (13.7') wide, trying to decide on ratio, 16:10 seems popular. HD 1080 appears to be the best definition choice. Max distance available is about 5.5m (18') from pj to screen., There's a little ambient light through the garage doors to contend with, so I'm guessing about 3000 lumens but got confused with the fl, nits and throw ratio's??!! My price range is upto approx $1300

Any ideas or prefered brands would be really appreciated. The calculator at pjcentral came up with a big range but as a total newbie to the projector game I'm a bit lost. Thanks.

[Maverick]

Here's a list from Projector Central of 1080 projectors with the most brightness on the top.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/home-theater-multimedia-projectors.htm?sort=3#1

The Optoma HD25LV's minimum throw for a 14' wide screen is 20ft from lens to screen.
The ACer H6510BD's minimum throw for a 14' wide screen is 15.9ft from lens to screen.

The Acer has less contrast. The reason why they give a range in throw distance is because projectors have zoom lenses. Some have bigger zoom than others.

I would suggest you find a way to block the light coming through the garage doors. Maybe small pieces of tarp using velcros? If you can do that, you will open up a lot of projector choices.

Any other suggestions guys?

[Crusty]

Thanks Z, good point about blocking out the light, I just didn't want to trip over my beer in the dark. I!m off to a pj specialist today armed with a short list, hopefully I can find one that suits.

[Maverick]

It's ok to have some dimmed lights near the back of the room for a table, clubs, chairs, etc... They just need to be focused only in those areas and pointed towards the back so they don't interfere with club shadows.

The Protee needs to two halogen lights but they're focused downward on the sensors. And the image from the screen will light up the room also.

[Libbing]

that Acer looks like a pretty good option. Optoma 750/760 will be pretty bright, not 1080 but I'm not sure you'll notice that. I have the Panasonic AR100u which would also work. Would need to do a feature comp vs. the Acer to see if any adv/disadv