Snow now in Pa & need help with my first and hopefully last build asap...please.

[DejaVu]

So my budget with kids has only allowed me to buy a bare-bones Protee and add on everything including software later. It's on its way. Yay. It's a start but I'm a little nervous. What would you guys recommend for a short throw projector under $700? My screen will be roughly 14' wide x 8' tall to keep it 16:9. My head is spinning with this forum with what is a good un-pixelated projector. Most seem to have the Optoma Gt1080Darbee, others the Opotma EH200ST, BenQ 1085ST, and Optoma EH415ST. Ugh. They all seem relatively comparable in price and specs and affordable to me, but if one is definitely the go to...PLEASE let me know. Also, where could I find a decent quality impact screen to compliment a good projector at that size under $300...hopefully..? I may have dug myself into a hole, but you guys seem optimistic...so pretty please help if you can and thank you in advance.

Btw...this is my first post on here so please take it easy on me.. lol

[Brettster]

Congratulations DejaVu I'm looking to complete something similar before Thanksgiving/Christmas on a limited budget. How much did the ProTee run you? I may be back to find out what projector/screen you bought as well, and mat? Like you I'm on a very tight budget, and we had snow today in Indiana.

[DejaVu]

Thanks and same to you Brettster I picked one up on eBay for $1,000. I'm looking to get TGC2019 to use with it, so all in it will be around $2k. It seems the cheapest/best route to go to get decently accurate ball AND club data (which is important to me) from all of my research. Ultimately I would like to get the Uneekor. According to gene438, I believe, after going through the trials and error of setting up the Protee I will greatly appreciate the simplicity of the Uneekor in the end. I am taking and will post pics of everything when I get er done. Stay warm over there since this white stuff is depressing...for now. Haha

[Netbogey]

I bought the BenQ th671st for $559 refurbished from here. https://www.benqdirect.com/benq-outl...rojectors.html. Works great

[DejaVu]

Netbogey It looks like they are out of stock right now, but I will check around as well as compare it to the others. Thank you.

[mmcfadin]

I also bought a refubished projector from same place. Mine is HT2150ST and works great for me. Make sure you check throw and screen size on projector central before you buy any model to assure it will work in your space.

[DejaVu]

Thank you mmcfadin After comparing yours with the one Netbogey mentioned they both look nice. Yours is 15,000:1 vs 10,000:1 contrast ratio and 2,200 lumens vs 3,000. How important are each of those factors when looking for a projector? It seems like clarity and brightness, but others have said not to pay attention to those specs. What screen material would you recommend for a durable and good picture that won't break the bank?

[mmcfadin]

I bought my screen from Par2Pro. I got the raw HQ screen and I am very satisfied with the picture, durability and low impact sound of the screen material. I know there are several others on the forum who've done the same. Can't really comment on breaking the bank since that is a personal item. I felt the price was very reasonable for what I got.

[DejaVu]

Thank you mmcfadin Do you mean the SQ Par2Par screen? I can't seem to find the HQ on their site. They seem to have some 'imperfect' screens for sale that might suit my needs for now (around $300), but have you heard how 'imperfect' they really are vs. their description? Can't seem to find info on that either. On a side note, I feel I have narrowed my projector choices down to 3. Either the Optoma gt1080darbee, gt1080Hdr, or the BenQ 2150st. I may create a new post on them but am wondering how the 2 Optomas compare and how some people are seeing a better pic on the BenQ with only 2200 lumens vs. 3,000 & 3,800. Thanks for your time.

[mmcfadin]

Yes mine screen is the SQ. My typo. I don't have experience with the 'imperfect' screens. As for projectors, I think the biggest issue impacting picture quality (other than the factors you mention) is controlling ambient light. I've seen other simulators with a lot of ambient light in the room and picture looks washed out. If your room is going to have a lot of other light you probably will want higher lumens and greater contrast.