How to Pick the Right Projector for Your Golf Simulator Setup?

Projectors powering golf simulators need to be bright enough to the BenQ and to display their images on a large impact screen – typically 8 to 16 feet wide.  The larger your screen – the more important resolution is for you to see the details. This is especially important on 4K-enabled Foresight, TruGolf, and other simulators that can display small details like the slope of the fairway.  For smaller golf simulation screens a lamp-powered XGA or 1080p resolution projectors are inexpensive and can be mounted on the floor. But for midrange and higher-end systems with larger impact screens, WUXGA is often used since has both high resolution with 2.3 million pixels – and also has a 16:10 aspect ratio that will enable the image to be taller (and closer to the floor) than a regular 1080p projector.   But many players who are creating a dedicated playing space are looking at the latest BenQ LK953ST model that offers true 4K UHD resolution with a whopping 8.3 million pixels.   This projector can enable you to see all of the minute detail on the course generated from your 4K simulator software.  On a 12 foot wide or larger impact screen, the difference between 2.3 and 8.3 million pixels is amazing.    One other benefit of the 4K is that it will enable your impact screen to double as an amazing home theater for movies or watching the Masters in true 4K resolution.

For a smaller impact screen – the low cost of a lamp projector is attractive.  The BenQ TH671ST is a 3000-lumen short throw 1080p projector and with its exclusive SmartEco mode has a lamp is rated up to 15,000 hours.   But bigger impact screens need a brighter projector – and if you need 4000 lumens or more, the higher initial cost of the laser projector is often a better choice.  Why?  Higher brightness lamps tend to have shorter lamp life and are expensive to replace.  Plus – many manufacturers are phasing them out.   In 2020, nearly 75% of high brightness projectors used lasers.  For golf simulators, there are several advantages that BenQ laser projectors have over the traditional 5000-lumen lamp projectors.   Here are a few to keep in mind:

• 20,000-hour lamp life – assuming a street price of $350 for 5000-lumen replacement lamps, the BenQ laser can save as much as $1400 over the life of the projector

• Instant On & Off – A laser projector is ready to go in a couple of seconds after you turn it on

• Higher color accuracy – lasers provide higher color accuracy  - more on that below

Stays Brighter Longer – high brightness lamps start losing their brightness after a few hundred hours – and once they reach 50% brightness – need replacing.   A laser projector loses brightness at a much slower rate – helping your simulator look bright for years.

Most people using a simulator want to focus on the course – not maintaining the projector.  Most projectors using LCD panels from brands like Panasonic and Epson lamps have filters that have to be kept clean to keep the lamp cool.   The problem – if the “Clean filter” light comes on during your game of “Wolf” – all play stops until a new filter is put in – or the existing filter is vacuumed or washed.