Impact Screen Size: 16x9 or 16x10

[StalefishFS3]

All,

Bear with me, as I know I am posting on a topic that has been talked about to death on this forum and others, but I am still confused because it seems the feedback is all over the place. I am in the beginning process of building out a new simulator room, still at basic planning stage. For the purposes of my question, I will have 11' ceilings, at least 21' of depth, and will be able to put a 16' impact screen in that will be 1' from the wall.

I understand the ratios of a 16x9 (full HD) vs. a 16x10. My confusion is that there are a lot of people who prefer a 16x10 resolution vs. a 16x9. Why? Isn't the 16x9 going to give you the much better picture given the resolution differences?

I guess my ultimate question to those in the know is this: if you had the ability to have a full 16' wide screen with an 11' ceiling, do you design it for a 16x9 HD resolution or a 16x10 resolution, and why?

Important note is that this room will not be used for any sort of movie watching, unless it is a very rare circumstance. I also am not a gamer, so while I might hook up an XBox to it, it also won't be used for that purpose. In other words, 98-99% of use will be for golf only.

Bonus question for everyone: I am 6'2" tall with long arms. Is there any way NOT to go with a short-throw projector if I don't want any shadows?

Thanks for helping a newbie out.

[Supraracer]

I have the 16 x 9 and love it. I think the ones with 16 x 10 use the extra length to rest on the ground or platform providing a buffer for the ball to roll off and keep the ball from going under the screen. Mine is tight all around and I have to use a stopper to keep the ball from going under on a worm burner. My ceiling is only 10' and my friend who is 6'2 never comes close to the projector that is directly over my head. the golf swing is at an angle. 11' would be fine. Short throw is the only way to go for no shadows unless you have higher or sloped ceiling.

[jtittle22]

Hi Supraracer, What are you using for your "stopper" you mention above? My screen is barley down to the floor and I brainstorming ideas to remedy the occasional worm burner that may get through. Do you have pictures? Thanks!

[Supraracer]

I use these. One did rip but it was a line drive into it.

https://shop.virtual-golf-simulator.com/PROTECTIVE-Pad-for-bottom-of-screen-10-Ft-1007.htm

[Supraracer]

Pics of my build are in this thread.

https://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/golf-simulator-forum/simulator-builds/174684-folding-garage-sim-build

[jswat20]

For me, the more height the better.

I'm currently on a 10x9 due to limited space in my garage and where the screen is attached at the top seems to be where many my wedge shots hit. My sim frame is wood where it seems that many of the folks that documented their builds here use EMT. The wood can provide quite the rebound if caught square. :-)

If I had the option to have another foot of screen height, I would have definitely opted for that. So in your case, my opinion is taller = better

[mthunt]

Go with the biggest you can. I had 16:10 and switched to 16:9 to add a hockey screen for my kid. 16:9 is amazing. 16:10 was better.

[StalefishFS3]

Thanks all,

Although 1 foot shorter, does the 16x9 give a significant boost to the picture quality?

[FaultyClubs]

Same quality.

[aja]

You can always project 16:9 on a 16:10 - there will be a white band (at the top or bottom). If you project 16:10 on a 16:9 screen, there will be white bands at the sides.

Don't forget that the projection ratios for your preferred or later replacement projector may be different in the future.