Projector for Garage Sim

[birdiethom]

All, i have read many different posts but thought i'd be selfish and open one for myself. I am finalizing my garage sim room and only need the final piece of the puzzle.....projector. Main pieces for consideration are a Carl's premium screen 9x12, mevo plus, available distance from screen is up to 14 ft (would be longer but need room for garage door to open as i want to mount on the ceiling). Garage ceiling height is 9' 8". And finally budget is around $1500.

Appreciate any and all feedback.

[birdiethom]

Looks like i've come to realization that the BenQ TH671ST might be the best option for my particular setup. Projectorcentral.com shows the throw distance to be within my 14 ft range however while using the throw distance calculator it doesnt show that the image will fill the entire screen. Is that something that can be adjusted with this projector (even when ceiling mounted)?

[3on3putt]

Looks like i've come to realization that the BenQ TH671ST might be the best option for my particular setup. Projectorcentral.com shows the throw distance to be within my 14 ft range however while using the throw distance calculator it doesnt show that the image will fill the entire screen. Is that something that can be adjusted with this projector (even when ceiling mounted)?

It will fill the entire screen. Make sure you are selecting 4:3 aspect ratio on projector central. You probably have it set to 16:9. That projector will fill your screen (144 inches wide and 108 inches tall) when mounted 12'1'' away. However, it warns that the brightness will be too low from that distance.

https://www.projectorcentral.com/Ben...ulator-pro.htm

[birdiethom]

Thanks for the feedback. With the limited brightness of this particular model are there others within my $1500 budget that i should consider?

[3on3putt]

Thanks for the feedback. With the limited brightness of this particular model are there others within my $1500 budget that i should consider?

You're running into a common conundrum: Low ceilings with larger screen size.

Projectors with throw ratios short enough to cast a wide enough and bright enough image for that screen size from inside the 12 foot range tend to have bigger vertical offsets, which doesn't line up well with your shorter ceiling height.

And projectors with shorter vertical offsets tend to have longer throw ratios and thus images that aren't as bright because you have to back them up so much (which then introduces the possibility of putting your shadow on the screen).

One solution is to go with a lower resolution projector like this one =

https://www.projectorcentral.com/Ben...ulator-pro.htm

Another option is just to make sure you have complete control of the lighting in your room. If you are able to totally black out the room, then the lumens and estimated brightness becomes a little more relative.

Otherwise just determine your range of throw ratio that you need and use the search filters on projector central to see what you can find.

[Kbrucato]

You really can’t go wrong with the BenQ 671. I originally went with the Optoma 1090GT based off the specs, but I can honestly say the BenQ wins out. The zoom is without a doubt a game changer. With the 1090 GT, I was pulling my hair out trying to get a perfect image size. I had to move the mount a few times to just get it close. I ended up giving the Optoma to my boys to use as a gaming projector and never looked back. The BenQ has not let me down at all. Plus, it’s about 1/2 the price! I have 8’10” ceilings in my garage with a 14’ x 9’ screen. The BenQ is mounted on the ceiling about 9 feet away from the screen and my hitting mat it just behind it. I have 3 windows with blackout shades and no issue at all with the image quality. Hope that helps!

[3on3putt]

birdiethom -- To the point above, a lot of people who have the 671 say it's brighter than advertised. The brightness estimate on projector central is just that -- an estimate. And if you can black out the room, that will help a lot. The good thing is that if it doesn't work out it will be easy to sell to try something else.

[birdiethom]

Perfect i appreciate all the advice and seems like i wont be disappointed with the benq. I do have windows on my garage door but had already committed to creating some blackout inserts for playing during the day. So hopefully that cures any issues with brightness.

[3on3putt]

Just make sure you won't be casting a shadow from that distance. There's a tool or formula I've seen somewhere around here that can help you determine that.

[GullLakeMi]

I'm using a BenQ TK850 in my garage. I built an EMT cage with 6 foot sides and top covered in netting and blackout curtain. Screen size is 4:3, 10WX7H (fit 1 stall of garage). If I close blinds on windows, it reduces ambient light to where image is good during day but you can still see to get around. Image is great at night. 4k quality on streaming video is amazing.

[birdiethom]

@GullLakeMi what is the throw distance with the benq TK850 for you setup?

[GullLakeMi]

Its under '14 feet throw for screen just under 120" wide (EMT frame reduced by corner cushions). The Projector Central data is pretty accurate in my experience.

[jcoats15020]

birdiethom I went with the Optoma gt1080hdr short throw in my garage. Ceiling 9'6," screen width 120", projector mounted 6'-8" (measured horizontally from screen to lens). I had to go with the short throw due to where the framing struts are located for the suspended garage door opener motor (if I were to mount the projector 7'-0" from the screen the framing struts would cast a shadow onto the screen). I do recommend the short throw if you have space restrictions. you can also adjust the image size via zoom, image shift, keystone, etc. so that it fills the screen. Happy garage golfing!

[birdiethom]

@jcoats15020 nice setup. Did you even consider any of the BenQ's? Just asking because it seems you are pretty tight to the screen and it looks pretty good. I actually have up to 10-12 feet so it seems i several more feet for the throw distance. Did you use project centrals site?