Better Projector Distance From The Screen: 8' vs. 12'

[Cactus Jack]

I'm in the projector purchase phase of my sim build. I'm down to two projectors, Benq TH671 and the Optoma GT1080. The throw distance to fill a 12x9' screen with a 4:3 aspect ratio of the Benq is 12' while the throw distance of the Optoma is 8'. I have the depth and ceiling height to accommodate either.

Is 8' too close? Being a 4:3 screen would I experience the screen door effect from being so close. Is 12' too far? Do I risk smacking wedge shots into my ceiling? Another option would be I split the difference and hit from 10', which would result in the projector being 2' in front or behind me.

Which would you choose? Thanks for the insight and I hope all is well.

[jasonreg]

I hit from 10 feet and my projector sits at 8 feet - works perfectly.

[Nugget]

I hit from 9-10 ft and my projector is 14ft from screen, 4ft behind me and all good

[MTgolfer]

I have the optima and the same size screen as you. It is mounted at 8 feet and I hit from about 11 feet. Works great

[Cactus Jack]

Thanks for the responses. My sim is going in my garage so I do think the Optoma would work well. I won't be able to controll all ambient light so having the projector closer to the screen will likely create a better picture.

Is there any value to considering a 4K projector for use with a 4:3 screen? I believe resolution will be limited, but not sure if it would help limit the screen door effect, if there would be any at all from a 10' hitting distance. Thoughts?

[Anagn1cc]

i just purchased the optoma 1090 - going to ceiling mount from around 7.7-8 feet and swing from 10-11 feet from screen. First time ever using a projector so i spent a lot of time on projector calculator and on this site. I went with 1090 because of ambient light and want it as bright as possible for my budget. I am concerned about it being too low in front of me and hitting it with a club or sky rocket ball. So question for the group. are you protecting it? these cages seem so expensive.

[Tom Howarth]

I have this projector. It's awesome. My set up is almost identical to yours. I am 6'4 and my clubs come no wear near the projector. I avoid hitting "Phil Mickelson flop shots" for many reasons (mostly the fear of hitting the projector, but also I don't like to hit the roof of my enclosure). Other than that, it's not an issue. I suppose you could "sky" a driver or something? I think most peoples "short throw" projectors are somewhere in this area (above or above and slightly in front of them.

[PKR]

Here's the big thing about that...How far away are you from the screen when hitting? What is the throw ratio of the projector? How big is your screen? You want to find one that will project the size you want and still be at about the same distance or a little closer to the screen as you are. That way you don't cast a shadow on the screen and it's far enough back that you won't hit it. If you're hitting from 10 feet, either will work but I'd probably go with the 8