Why a 4K Projector Delivers the Most Realistic Experience when Playing on a 4:3 or 16:10 Golf Simulator Setup

Golf simulators use gaming graphic engines to recreate a virtual reality environment of grass, trees, water, and flowers.  Every year, these mathematical algorithms are improved for more realistic and immersive experiences, and virtual course designers are constantly upgrading their software to mimic the complexity of organic material found on the golf course without slowing down the rendering of the screen.  With a higher resolution texture and a 4K UHD projector, the high pixel density now enables you to see the rendering detail of flowers, grass, and leaves that are already in your software.  It’s these textures that elevate a true golf simulator experience compared to a fun oriented game like Wii Golf.

Figure 1- Golf simulator designers are now using advanced ray tracing "texture” rendering algorithms like this one to create immersive realism in their courses.

Just like in home theaters, color accurate projectors are essential for golf simulation and make each pixel deliver the detail needed to make you feel as if you are playing a real course.  The best golf course designers focus on making sure all the colors on their virtual course can be found on a real course.  No two strands of Bermuda are the same color, so you need both high pixel density and accurate color to render a fairway in a realistic way when a designer uses an advanced texture in his course design.  To ensure a realistic course, look for a projector that specifies Rec. 709 color accuracy.  This is the only specification that ensures that organic colors like grass, tree bark, and water effects will look right.

Since 2019, golfers have been able to watch the Masters in 4K UHD resolution using DirectTV.  So, if you have a 4K UHD projector, you’ll be able see every single pixel from the broadcast on your simulator setup, essentially turning it into a giant 200” television.  You’ll also need a projector that has support for HDR, or High Dynamic Range, which increases the richness of the picture and is now standard on nearly every television sold today.  While both projectors can display a live 4K signal, only the BenQ LK936ST 4K UHD projector is designed for being able to replicate the complexity of a 4K live feed with HDR.   Here’s how these two projectors compare:

Trying to figure out the resolution and pixel density of golf simulation projectors isn’t very exciting but can make a big difference in the overall enjoyment and flexibility of your golf simulation investment.  The BenQ LK936ST has built in modes that enable you to easily switch to different aspect ratios – without losing much pixel density. While 4K projectors are more expensive than legacy WUXGA models, the difference in pixel density, color accuracy, can enable you see every detail when Scottie Scheffler makes that final putt at Augusta or virtually transport you to a chilly and windy tee off at the Old Course without having to tip a grumpy caddy.