New Garage setup....Aspect Ratio and a few other questions

[connorblee]

I've been looking around the forums for setups and I think I've settled on what I would like to do, but thought I would reach out for a little feedback. I am building a new garage, so space is not an issue.

Mats:
Allturf Mat, Optishot Golf Mat
Allturf optishot putting green
Controls:
Foot pedals either the Scythe USB Triple switch or the Golfingator
Screen:
West Coast Netting PR20 - either 10X8 or 12 X 8 depending on Aspect Ratio
Projector:
BenQ-HT1085ST

So I had a few questions before I finalize.
1.) What aspect ratio do you use for your Optishot Setup? I was reading that if I do 16:9, I should probably get a wider net so I can make the image taller (move projector back) and 'feel' more lifelike. I want a setup of 16:9 for watching sports when not playing golf. Does 4:3 look alright for optishot? I was playing with the projector calculator with the Ben Q, If I place it properly, I can adjust the zoom and switch between the two.
2.) Is 8ft tall, tall enough for hitting into?
3.) How far back are you from the net? I've had trouble finding that measurement anywhere. I bought my optishot in April, hoping to use it in a room in my house, but it was just a tad narrow, so I haven't been able to get a good feel for it. I'm a little worried about the height of the net and how far back I am when hitting a wedge.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[madspeed]

I went with native 4:3 aspect ratio, but mainly due to screen size dictated by my net enclosure.

[FaultyClubs]

A lot of people use 4:3 and are satisfied. But wider is better provided you can still fill the screen vertically. 8 feet tall is fine.

If you are forced to make tradeoffs due to space then it gets very subjective at which point one becomes better than the other. Maybe project different sizes on the wall before buying the actual screen?

Are you using the pr20 for your sports and movies? It isn't a very hi resolution screen so make sure you will be satisfied.

You'll want to be at least 10' back and maybe further depending on screen size/taste. Better to be further than closer in my experience.

Wedges and mishits will clear most any screen so you'll need to have ceiling protection regardless.

Floor buttons are great, once you use them you'll never go back to keyboard solutions!

[gordmanca]

4:3 is fine for golfing, but I'm the same as you, I watch a lot of sports, so I'm going to go with 16:9 for my next set up. That way even though my golf game sucks, my Super Bowl party will be great!

[HeMan]

http://golfsimulatorforum.com/forum/...shot-sim-setup

I use 4:3 for Optishot and switch to 16:9 for movies. I have a short throw so I can't get the height 4:3 gives me on 16:9 setting. It looks fine. I also use pr20 and it is fine for movies if it is dark. It is a net tho so there is bleed through. My advice would be to spend the money on a solid impact screen if movies/TV is important to you.

Also, the directions for the foot switches (if you go with Scythe) are lacking. You need to unplug the first one after set up in order to configure the other. Then plug them both in.

[Tkabe]

I have an 8 ft tall screen and I am hitting from 7 ft away, it works great.

[connorblee]

Thanks for all the feedback. I ended up getting the BenQ-HT1085ST and a 12x9 screen from Amazon. It appears that the Ben Q's zoom should work to fill the screen for 4x3 and 12x9.

Now the waiting begins to get the garage finished.......It's well on its way though!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016DU6900/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[wbond]

Going good. What is your estimated time until it's completed?

[connorblee]

Still a few weeks....But I have shelter and can run power and cable for tailgating for first Hawkeye game this weekend.

[SoarnBy]

Connorblee any updates? I just bought the same projector for my house. Thinking of going with 135 in screen and have it a ft or so off the ground.

[Boo Radley]

"Thanks for all the feedback. I ended up getting the BenQ-HT1085ST and a 12x9 screen from Amazon. It appears that the Ben Q's zoom should work to fill the screen for 4x3 and 12x9." I have this with a Hi Def screen awesome! I play TGC in 16X9 and like the setting. A small monitor.helps

[connorblee]

I just got it up and running and played my first round last week. Getting the garage finalized took a little longer than planned...I didn't want to mount he screen and have saw dust all over it. The 12x9 screen is great and lot bigger than you think once you actually get it on the wall. I haven't had a to switch in to 4x3 aspect ratio since the screen is giant. In 16x9, the picture starts about 2ft off the ground. I can walk to about 3 ft in front of the screen before I cast a shadow on the picture. Also, I didn't realize at the time when I bought the BenQ-HT1085ST, that it is a manual zoom. So if you want to switch between aspect ratios you may need to get a ladder and change on the projector.

I ended up using galvanized piping fittings to attached the screen to the wall. It works out nice, because I have neons overhead and a sliding door next to the screen. If I want to start using a real ball (which I do), I think I can extend some of the piping and attach some side and top netting for protection.

I will add some pics later today or tomorrow