If you’re looking for the best short throw projector for golf simulator, you’ve come to the right place. Here we’ll take a look at some of the best projectors on the market that are perfect for use in a golf simulator.
We’ll also discuss some of the features you should look for when purchasing a projector and offer some tips on how to get the most out of your golf simulator system. So if you’re ready to take your golf game to the next level, keep reading.
Best Short Throw Projector for Golf Simulator Top Picks
1. Optoma EH412ST Short Throw 1080P
The Optoma EH412ST is one of the best projectors that are capable of projecting at short distances. It has a long lamp life—it will last 15,000 hours, and it is maintenance-free. On average, you can use it for five hours per day straight for the next eight years.
Key Features
- Short Throw Capability – you can experience 120 inches of screen viewing even if your projector is only 4.5 feet away from the wall or screen. It is ideal for golf simulator games as you only need a small space.
- High Brightness – the projector has the capacity to project 4,000 lumens of brightness. What it means is that you can use it in lit rooms with no impact on the quality of the video.
- 4K Output – you get to enjoy deeper and brighter video quality if your input is 4K; the projector shows real 4K, and its default is 1080. It is best used for gaming content as the color has a 50,000:1 contrast ratio. It also supports 3D.
- Connectivity – there are several ports to choose from, like USB, HDMI, and VGA. Take note that this projector has no WiFi connection.
This Optoma EH412ST can project an image from close range, making it perfect for a small office or classroom setting. It also has a high ANSI lumens and contrast ratio, which means that it can be used in environments with visible sunlight without issue. Its eco-setting dims the light intensity, but it is still usable in the daytime.
Its fan noise is not so loud, making it ideal for use in quiet environments. Although this unit didn’t come with its own protective case or lens cap, which I had expected to be included, none of these small issues are major problems.
The projector also comes with integrated speakers at 10 watts. They enhance your golf simulation experience, and there is no need to buy external ones. It is also portable, as it only weighs eight pounds. It is easy to carry and set up in any place.
Pros
- Plug and play setup
- Exceptional Picture Quality
- High Lamp Brightness
- Long Lamp Lifespan
- Extensive Connectivity
- Short throw ratio
- Supports 4K content
- Can be used in bright rooms
- High color accuracy and contrast ratio
- Supports 3D content from all HDMI sources
Cons
- No built-in Bluetooth or Wi-fi
- Buil in speakers are not the best
- No zoom or lens shift
2. Epson EX3260 SVGA
This projector model from Epson is what you need if you want one that delivers solid image quality. It is best used for schools and offices and also for golf simulation. It has loud audio, plus it offers several connectivity options.
Key Features
- Accuracy and Vividness – the projector has 3,300 lumens of equal color, which gives it power in bright rooms. You can use it in small rooms without turning off the lights and still get excellent video quality.
- SVGA Resolution – the projection is 800 x 600, so it is ideal for presentations and golf simulation games. The aspect ratio of the screen is 16:9. There is no optical zoom.
- Easy Set Up – just plug the projector and play; there is no need to tinker with the settings to get the Resolution right.
- Connectivity – you can connect laptops, media players, HDMI and standard audio paraphernalia. It is a winner for people who have a business or those who want to show a demo.
Overall, the projector is a reliable companion for golf practice in your house. It is also an excellent alternative to school and business presentations. It is compact and easy to carry as it only weighs 5.5 pounds. However, it has no 3D compatibility.
I want to point out that the low Resolution limits its use. While it is good for golf simulation, it is not the best for all games. It does provide accurate color rendition, and the image data you get from it is reliable.
Pros
- Easy setup
- Good data-image quality
- Reasonably loud audio
- USB Type-A port
- Compact and easily portable
- Great picture quality
- Good audio output
Cons
- Not suitable for small rooms
- No 3D capabilities
- Lacks optical zoom
3. BenQ HT2150ST 1080P Short Throw Projector
This projector model from BenQ is what I recommend for gamers who like flexible installation and zoom options. With it, you get 2x zoom and DLP technology. You can enjoy a similar quality of videos like the ones you get if you watch in theatres, including IMAX.
Key Features
- High Picture Quality – the native Resolution of this projector s 1080p. It is capable of projecting HD quality images even if it only has 2200 lumens. The contrast ratio is 15,000:1, but it uses RGB color wheels to help it display accurate colors.
- Big Display – for golf simulation, you can enjoy up to 100 inches of the screen; the best part is that you only need a distance of three feet between the screen and the projector. If you have more room, you can maximize the screen size at 300 inches.
- Low Input Lag – this is a boon for gamers as the projection and what is happening on the device has a low lag, giving the gamer control of the situation in real-time. As such, you get a smooth gaming experience.
- Modes – you can switch between two modes. These are Bright Mode and Game Mode. Use the bright mode for PowerPoint presentations and the game mode for golf simulation.
Although I like many aspects of this projector, I feel that the black levels could be better. It’s not as good as plasma or OLED levels, but it is certainly better than LED TVs.
The projector does get noticeably hot but it doesn’t affect the viewing experience. However, it is concerning when any piece of technology runs hot. Perhaps this high heat is just inherent to traditional projector lamp technology.
The company offers a warranty of three years for parts and labor. That is how good this product is—it was even named Best Overall projector by IGN in 2019.
Pros
- Good color accuracy and contrast
- Short-throw lens delivers big image from close to the screen
- Low input lag means fast reaction time for gamers
- Amazing price
Cons
- Maximum input resolution is limited to the native 1080p
- No lens shift
- No 4K or HDR support
- 3D glasses are not included
4. Optoma HZ39HDR Laser Home Theater Projector
Another from Optoma, this one offers better connectivity options than the previous one. You can connect other devices like Fire TV, UHD HDMI dongles, Apple TV, Chromecast Ultra, and many other things.
Key Features
- Laser Light Source – it uses DuraCore laser light technology, which means you no longer need to replace the lamp. The projector can last 30,000 hours, and it is virtually maintenance-free.
- Protection – it is rated as IPX6 for dust. The quality of your videos will not go south over time, as dust is the common culprit of declining video quality.
- 4K HDR – you can use 4K input and it will help the projector display better brightness. You can enjoy viewing your game even in a bright room as it has 4,000 lumens of brightness. Enjoy 120 inches of viewing from 10 feet away. You can do the same from 13 feet away. The projector, however, is not capable of short throws, so you need a big space.
- Cinema Quality – the native Resolution is 1080p and the aspect resolution is 1920 x 1080. The contrast ratio is incredible at 300,000:1, making it capable of rendering sharp images.
One thing noticeable about this projector is its ability to create rainbow artifacts very easily. I noticed the most when scrolling through content like the media carousels on Netflix.
Even though rainbows aren’t my biggest concern, I can see that high-contrast details get smeared a little bit. This is especially true for white subtitles and some app UI elements, which look much less crisp than on other 1080p projectors. There is also chromatic aberration which is difficult to eliminate because the lens does not focus evenly across the entire screen.
This is a projector that I would highly recommend for golf simulation, provided that you have the budget.
It is best used in gaming and movie viewing. It is also easy to set up, plus you can enjoy its 1.3x zoom feature. The projector has vertical keystone technology, which makes setting up automatic.
Pros
- Easy to install and adjust image settings
- Great for next-gen gaming consoles
- Quiet fan
Cons
- HDR color quality could be better
- Supports 4K but doesn’t display actual 4K
- External sound is needed for better audio experience
- Colors can look washed out
- Lens cap not included
- Turning on the projector is a bit slow, similar to projectors with bulbs
5. ViewSonic (X10-4KE) 4K UHD Projector
This projector is what you need if you are looking for a short-throw projector for your golf simulation experience. It can project up to 200 inches of the screen at 4K resolution.
Key Features
- Lamp-Free – it uses solid-state LED technology, giving it a life span of 30,000 hours. Despite this, it consumes less power than your average television. As such, there is no need to replace the lamp, and it is virtually maintenance-free.
- High Resolution – even for a short-throw projector, this one is capable of producing vivid colors. The default resolution is 4K UHD, and it uses the TI XPR fast-switch pixel-shifting technology.
- Premium Audio – the projector has built-in speakers by Harman Kardon. These are powerful Bluetooth experiences that can fill a small room with audio.
- Easy Set Up – no need to toggle the settings; plug it and connect it to your video source, and it should be ready to display. It has no optical zoom, so you need to move the projector physically to adjust the image size.
The noise level is not as quiet as advertised, but it’s not terrible either. There is a low hum that is usually not too loud when watching movies. The projector is bright enough for a room that has some ambient light present. If the curtains are drawn, it will enhance the viewing experience.
The built-in speakers are good, but they don’t work well if you’re far away from them. Sometimes the sound effects are too loud and the dialogue can be hard to hear.
Some users have left 1-star reviews because the apps that come with the projector, like Netflix and Amazon Prime, don’t work. However, you can buy a fire stick or Roku stick and run any apps you want on the projector. I don’t think people leaving 1-star reviews for this issue is fair since it can be a copyright issue with using these apps.
Using this projector for gaming is great. Input lag is not very noticeable which is great for casual gamers who like fps shooters. However, the input lag can be a bit too high for serious gamers so a PC monitor might be a better option.
So far, this is one of the best options if you are looking for a 4K projector. It offers true 4K, and yet it is portable and easy to use. You will also love the sound from this model, as they use high-quality hardware.
Pros
- HDR10 support
- Built-in handle for easy portability
- 4K UHD resolution
- LED light source 30,000 hours life
- Carrying case included for transport
- Doubles as Bluetooth speaker system for mobile devices
- Full 3D compatible
Cons
- Color accuracy is not the best
- High blue color temperature
- Mediocre contrast and HDR performance
- Input lag can be a bit too high for serious gaming
- Remote control feels outdated and can be unresponsive
Factors to Consider when Buying A Golf Simulator Projector – Buying Guide
There are a few important things you should think about when choosing a projector to use at home. In this section, we will be discussing some of the key factors to consider when looking for projectors to use for golf simulators.
Picture Quality
If you want to have the best golf simulator experience, you need to buy a projector that is high quality. This will ensure that there is no motion blur and the contrast ratio looks realistic. The better the quality of your simulator, the more enjoyable your experience will be.
Short Throw or Long Throw
When choosing a projector for your golf simulator at home, you have two main choices: short-throw or long-throw projectors.
Short throw projectors have a shorter range but may be better if you don’t have much space, while long-throw projectors have a longer range but may require more space. If you want to project an image onto a screen from a distance, and you have plenty of space, then you should get a projector with a long-throw ratio. This will ensure that the image looks good from that distance.
Throw Ratio
The projector throw ratio tells you how big of an image you can see from a certain distance. This information can be found in the product description. Choose a throw ratio that meets your needs.
The throw ratio is the calculation of how far away the projector is from the screen, divided by the width of the screen. The smaller the throw ratio, the larger the image that will be projected from a shorter distance.
You will get the best image results with a ratio of between 0.3:1 and 1:1. For a 10 feet widescreen, the projector should be placed between 3 feet and 10 feet away from the screen. Remember to make sure there’s enough distance so that you can swing your longest club without touching the screen.
Throw Distance
Throw distance is the distance between the projector lens and the projection screen. This distance determines how close to the screen the projector can be while still projecting an image. A shorter throw distance means you can put the projector closer to the screen while still having a clear image.
Lumens
The brightness of an image projected by a projector is determined by the number of lumens. The brighter the room, the more lumens you need in your projector since the ambient light affects what is projected on the screen. In general, brighter rooms need more lumens than darker rooms. Most projectors need a minimum of 2,000 lumens, but for dark rooms, you might want a projector with 3,000 lumens or more.
Resolution
There are different types of projectors with different resolutions. The resolution is the number of pixels on the screen. A high-definition projector has 1920 x 1080 pixels. An Ultra High Definition projector, also called a 4K TV, has 3840 x 2160 pixels.
Use a projector that has the same or higher resolution than the device that is providing the images. Keep in mind, a projector cannot improve the resolution of an image.
Aspect Ratio
Aspect ratio and resolution are related. Aspect ratio is how wide or tall the image will be on a screen.
Resolution is how many pixels are in the image. The more pixels, the better the quality of the image.
There are a few different screen resolutions and aspect ratios that you are likely to come across.
4:3 (XGA & SXGA)
- For every 4 pixels of width, there will be 3 pixels in height
- Image will be square shape
- Lower resolution
- Budget-friendly option
16:10 (WXGA & WUXGA)
- For every 16 pixels of width in a picture, there will be 10 pixels in height
- Image will be rectangular shape
- Higher resolution
- More expensive than XGA & SXGA
16:9 (standard HDTV, 1080p)
- Every 16 pixels of width will be matched by 9 pixels in height for a more rectangular picture
- Produces the highest resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
Some projectors have a 16:9 4K UHD and 1080p resolution. This means that the picture is of the best quality and can be used for home theaters. It’s important to keep in min a projector can’t project a higher resolution than what your computer is capable of. This means that if your computer isn’t running at least 1920 x 1080 resolution, you won’t see 1080p on the projector screen.
Your computer’s aspect ratio is something you should consider. If the ratio between your computer and projector is different, the pictures might look squished or distorted. Even if you don’t need 1080p resolution for a golf simulator, 4K resolution can still make a big difference.
Contrast Ratio
The contrast ratio is a measure of the difference between the brightest and darkest colors on an image. The higher the contrast ratio, the better the image quality will be. When looking for a projector, make sure to find one with a high contrast ratio so that you can see all of the details when using a golf simulator.
Mount Type
First, you need to decide if you want to mount your projector on the ceiling or on the floor. If you mount it on the ceiling, there are some benefits, but it can be more difficult to set up and may require more room. If you want to keep your projector on the floor, there are special floor mounts that you can buy. These have space limits though, so make sure your projector can fit inside them.
If you mount your device on the floor, be aware of where the input/output ports are located. If they’re on the side, you won’t be able to hide the cables easily.
Connectivity
Check to make sure your projector has HDMI connectivity. This is required in order to display the simulation on the big screen. Almost all projectors have this feature, but if you have an older model it may not have HDMI connectivity.
Sound
If you are setting up your projector in an area where there are no speakers, consider a model that has a built-in speaker. The louder the speaker, the more immersive the experience. Speaker loudness is measured in watts.
Noise level
Most projectors use light bulbs to project pictures on screens. These bulbs get very hot during use and need fans to keep them cool. The brighter the projector, the bigger the bulb, and the bigger the bulb, the more fans it will take to keep it cool. This can be a problem if you want to watch a movie or enjoy a golf session without any noise. If this is a concern for you, consider using a laser-powered projector instead.
Laser vs Lamp
Laser projectors use a laser light source to project a clearer, brighter image onto the screen. They are usually better than lamp projectors because they have better contrast and colors, start-up quicker, make less noise, and last longer. Most people believe that in the long run, a laser projector is cheaper than a lamp projector because it doesn’t require bulb replacements or have other maintenance-related costs
Budget
When looking for a golf simulator projector, it is important to keep your budget in mind. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for – this means that a projector that is less expensive will likely have fewer lumens, resolution, or picture quality. Additionally, a projector with a higher throw ratio means that it will be more difficult to place the projector at the desired distance from the screen.
Compatibility
You should make sure that the projector you buy is compatible with the devices you currently own- like phones, computers, and tablets. The golf simulator you buy should also be compatible with these devices. This way, you’ll be able to use your golf simulator with all of your electronics seamlessly.
Screen
If you are purchasing a projector, you will also need to purchase a golf simulator screen. It is important that you purchase a high-quality screen if you are going to be investing in a good quality projector. The impact screens are the best option, as they can be integrated into the net of the golf simulator.
Speed
If your projector isn’t fast enough, your golf simulator experience won’t be as good. The whole thing needs to happen in real-time. That means as you’re playing, the projector and software need to keep up with you.
Types of Projector Setups
Floor Mounted – When mounting your projector to the floor, it is best to use a short-throw projector. This type of projector is perfect for close distances to the wall. Make sure to check the throw ratio and throw distance before making your purchase to ensure you get the ideal image size for your needs.
Ceiling Mounted – This projector setup is mounted on the ceiling and is out of sight. It also needs more space to be effective, so make sure you have room for it. A projector that is mounted on the ceiling puts nothing between you and the golf course, making it perfect for those who want an immersive experience with a clear image.
Offset Setup – Four Corner Correction lets you move an image around in all directions. You can put the projector behind you and to the left or right. This makes it easy to change or hide when you’re not using it.
FAQ
Does a golf simulator need a short throw projector?
For golf simulator setups, the ideal throw ratio is between 0.3:1 and 1:1. This range will give you the best results no matter which golf simulator you use.
However, if you don’t have a short-throw projector that can produce a large image from a short distance away, you’ll normally have to deal with your shadow appearing on the screen.
Do you need 4K projector for golf simulator?
To get the best image possible, you should buy a 4K projector. This type of projector has 4 times as many pixels as traditional HD projectors. This means that the images will be very realistic and clear, no matter what size screen you use. When using a golf simulator, it is important to consider the contrast ratio and color accuracy.
How far should projector be from screen for golf simulator?
To avoid the ball bouncing back and hitting the projector, it is a good idea to keep about 7-8 feet from the screen. To avoid shadows, it is best to keep no more than 3 or 4 feet behind the player.
What is considered short throw projector?
Short-throw projection usually means that the projector is 3 to 8 feet away from the screen. Ultra-short throw projection usually means that the projector is 0 to 4 feet away from the screen.
What golf simulator does Tiger Woods use?
Full Swing Pro Series
Can you use any projector for golf simulator?
You will generally want to use a projector resolution that has a native 16:9 or 16:10 aspect ratio. You should adjust the image so you have a 4:3 aspect ratio with letterboxing.
Where does the projector go in a golf simulator?
You need to mount the projector a safe distance away from where you swing, so you don’t accidentally hit it with your club or ball. Also avoid shadows by not mounting the projector directly behind you.
What is the best aspect ratio for golf simulator?
Most golf simulators use an impact screen with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This is the same aspect ratio used in newer televisions and computer monitors. A screen that is 16ft wide by 9ft high will show a HD image without any distortion.
Can you use SkyTrak without a subscription?
First, you need to subscribe to the SkyTrak Game Improvement Plan that comes free with many SkyTrak simulator packages. This will give you access to the Fitness Golf software. The package includes a license for the software and full access to all of the courses.
How far from the wall should a golf Impact screen be?
When you are playing, keep enough space between the screen and any walls or objects behind it. This will help to avoid contact if the screen is hit hard. The distance you need will depend on how hard you swing, but in most cases it is recommended that you have 12-16 inches of space.
Do pro golfers use golf simulators?
Maintaining one’s golfing skills is important for both professional and amateur golfers. Golf simulators provide a way to practice these skills, even when the weather is not conducive to playing a round outside.
How thick is golf Impact screen?
Impact screens on the market are either 2.5 mm thick single-layer noise-canceling screens or 5.0 mm dual-layer noise-canceling screens. The layers of these screens are two identical pieces of noise-canceling fabric that are held together with Velcro.
How tight should impact screen be?
When attaching your impact screen to your enclosure, make sure it is only tight enough so that it is flat and not wrinkled. Do not attach it any tighter than this.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the best short throw projector, there’s no need to look any further. You can use our list of top picks as your shopping guide and make sure that you get the features most important to you.
We hope this article has been helpful in finding a golf simulator projector perfect for your needs