New simulator on way,

[WillieD]

Hi, New member here
I am in process of building a Simulator
So far I have
Skytrack
Tru strike mat
16' retractable screen ( 14 ft strike screen)
TGC 2019
I have 10' ceiling in room
Can set projector and hitting distance as close or far as required
I plan on a 10' high projection ( or close to it due to mounting the screen)
I plan on 12' wide projection, with side curtains to finish the look.
I am presently unravelling the mysteries of a projector as I have not purchased that yet

So I have the inevitable question
I was looking for a 4.3 projector as I am planning a squarer screenshot 10'hx12'w
I had a person tell me 16.9 0r 4.3 doesn't matter as you set the screen size (resolution) with the computer and software

Question
Can you set screensize with software
Any suggestions on best projector for my setup.

Thanks and looking forward to being part of this forum

[3on3putt]

Most all projectors will allow you to switch between different aspect ratios and you can set your resolution in the game, in your computer control panel and in your graphics card control panel.

What's your budget for a projector?

[WillieD]

Not "budget concerned. I want what is best for a golf simulator in picture quality and options important to "golf simulator". It seems most I look at are in the 1500-2000 range and I am good there.

[3on3putt]

You have a screen dimension that is closest to 4:3, want a really good picture quality and are willing to spend up to $2,000....

With all that in mind, go for a projector that is 4:3 native.

A projector that is 1920x1080 will get you 1440x1080 when converted to 4:3. That's a very good resolution.

But a projector that is 1600x1200 native will give you 1600x1200, which is a nice upgrade from 1440x1080. Or if you can find a good deal on one that is 1920x1200 native, that will also get you 1600x1200 when converted to 4:3.

[WillieD]

Thank you very much.
Will let you know what I end up with.

[WadeH]

I will 2nd what 3on3 is saying here. Good advise.

[WillieD]

So I looked at a couple projectors and found they are 95% 16.9 aspect ratio. Also read these have better picture than a 4.3
Now I have someone tell me buy the 16.9 but run it in 4.3 mode. My research says projectors cannot change aspect ratio.
My goal is to get as close as I can to a 12 wide x 10 high image.I can go up to 14 feet wide if I redesign room a bit ( ie tear out some shelving and move it) and with the screen on a roll up probably will have about 91/2 ft of screen viewable height
So question - Does the EGC software or graphics card do the switch ( resolution) because my research says the projector does not.

Thanks

Goal -12 to 14 ft wide x 9/12 to 10 ft high

[wbond]

I ran tgc on my monitor in 16:9 mode, I think it’s 1920/1080 or something like that. Then I used the remote on my projector and changed the aspect ratio there to 4:3. It worked fine. I have the Optoma gt1080.

[WadeH]

"My research says projectors cannot change aspect ratio."

You can always "chop" your image away to get whatever ratio is desired. Many guys run 16:9 projectors but send a 4:3 resolution to it. This "chops" the sides of the image off, leaving a 4:3 image.

[WillieD]

Thanks All
Decision made. Ordered the Optoma 1090 HDR ST
I am getting a gaming desktop computer from a buddy, he doesnt know what the graphics card is but will change that if necesssary.
i am supposed to get all the equipment Feb 01,

[WillieD]

Skytrack unit finally arriving this week. i am looking at computers and found this one on sale.
Would like some of your expert opinions . WILL IT WORK !!

• 3.0 GHz Intel Core i7-9700 processor (12 MB cache)
• 16 GB DDR4 RAM system memory
• 1 TB Hard Disc Drive & 256 GB Solid State Drive storage
• Windows 10 Home operating system pre-installed
• NVIDIA GeForce GTX1660 graphics
• WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity
• Ports: 3 x USB 2.0, 2 x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type C, 4 x USB 3.1 Gen1 Type A
• Dimensions: 8.27" x 19.21" x 17.72", 33.07 lbs
• 1-Year Warranty
• Compatible with Google Classroom, run Google Classroom on Microsoft Edge or Internet Explorer 11

Specifications

[3on3putt]

So I looked at a couple projectors and found they are 95% 16.9 aspect ratio. Also read these have better picture than a 4.3
Now I have someone tell me buy the 16.9 but run it in 4.3 mode. My research says projectors cannot change aspect ratio.
My goal is to get as close as I can to a 12 wide x 10 high image.I can go up to 14 feet wide if I redesign room a bit ( ie tear out some shelving and move it) and with the screen on a roll up probably will have about 91/2 ft of screen viewable height
So question - Does the EGC software or graphics card do the switch ( resolution) because my research says the projector does not.

Thanks

Goal -12 to 14 ft wide x 9/12 to 10 ft high

Did you get this part figured out? Yes, you can change aspect ratios with almost all projectors with just a couple clicks of the remote. The Optoma you bought will give you 4:3 (12 wide by 9 high) from 8 feet away. That's a resolution of 1440x1080. You are correct in saying that's not quite as crisp as 16:9, but it's still very good and will be better for your screen size.

As far as that computer, it should be just fine.

[WillieD]

Thanks for info, actually changed mind on projector and ordered GT1090HDR ST.
Will order the computer today that I put in above post. Hopefully it is still available.

[3on3putt]

Yes, that's the Optoma I was referring to.