The projector is one of the components of a golf simulator setup. Let’s understand how it works in short.
The computer runs the golf simulation software and generates a video signal. This signal is sent to the projector mostly via HDMI.
The projector receives the video signal and projects the virtual golf course image onto the screen. The image quality depends on the projector’s resolution, brightness, and contrast ratio.
This means that you don’t get the visual experience of virtual golfing without a projector. You also need to choose the right one to have excellent visuals.
In this article, we will discuss the best projectors for golf simulators. They are in-budget and admired for giving the best experience.
Our Top 5 Picks
1) BenQ TH671ST
3) BenQ TH575
How to Choose the Right Projector For a Golf Simulator?
1) Check the size of your space
Understanding the size of your space is the first step in choosing the right projector.
Measure the dimensions of your room, including the ceiling height, to determine the optimal placement for both the projector and the screen.
Consider the throw distance between the projector and the screen to ensure the image size fits well within your space.
Short-throw projectors are ideal for smaller rooms as they can project large images from shorter distances.
For example, a projector that can display a 100-inch screen from just 5 feet away would be perfect for a compact setup.
2) Make sure it projects high-resolution visuals
High-resolution visuals are essential for a better golf simulator experience. Look for at least Full HD 1080p resolution projectors to ensure clear and detailed images.
Higher resolutions, such as 4K, can provide more realistic simulations.
Choose a projector with high color accuracy ratings.
A high contrast ratio will also provide deeper blacks and brighter whites, which is necessary for higher quality.
3) It should optimized for various lighting conditions
It is worth considering if a projector is optimized for various lighting conditions, such as maintaining image clarity and visibility.
A projector with at least 3000 lumens will ensure clear visibility even in well-lit rooms.
Some projectors have advanced features that reject ambient light and maintain image clarity in brighter conditions.
4) Check the throw ratio of that project
The throw ratio of a projector decides how far it needs to be from the screen to project a specific image size.
A lower throw ratio means the projector can be placed closer to the screen. This type of projector is good when you have smaller spaces.
Let’s understand with an example.
A short throw projector with a throw ratio of 0.5 can project a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away, which is perfect for compact setups.
Some projectors are more flexible and offer adjustable throw ratios.
5) Look for gaming performance
If a projector’s gaming performance is poor, it will show input lag and your actions will be delayed.
Your chosen projector should reflect the actions in real time.
That’s why you should look for projectors with ultra-fast input lag times.
You can use projecting devices with a high refresh rate, such as 60Hz or higher.
6) It should have multiple input options
When a projector has multiple input options, you can connect it with various devices.
For this reason, you need to check whether the projector has multiple input options, such as HDMI, USB, IR, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
It is also good to have multiple HDMI ports to connect your computer, gaming console, and other devices simultaneously without constantly switching cables.
Best Projectors for Golf Simulators
1) BenQ TH671ST
The BenQ projector is a standout choice for golf simulator enthusiasts.
It comes with native Full HD 1080p resolution.
Its 92% Rec. 709 color accuracy and high native contrast ratio ensure vibrant colors and deep blacks.
Designed with gamers in mind, the BenQ projector features ultra-fast, low input lag, and a refresh rate that matches top gaming consoles like Xbox One X and PS4 Pro.
It can project a 100-inch screen from just 5 feet away, making it suitable for compact spaces. It can also support.
High Ground Gaming awarded this projector as the best projector for gaming in 2019.
You also get various connectivity options, including USB, HDMI, IR, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
This BenQ projector can also be integrated with media players, gaming consoles, PCs, Macs, and mobile devices.
2) Optoma GT2000HDR
The Optoma projector is an exceptional choice for golf simulator setups.
It comes with advanced features within its compact design.
It features DuraCore laser light technology which gives 30,000 hours of maintenance-free operation.
It comes with an IPX6 dust resistance rating. The projector’s short throw lens allows for a 120-inch image to be projected from just 4 feet 4 inches away.
It displays sharp and detailed 1080p high-definition content without downscaling or compression.
Its enhanced game mode gives lightning-fast response times with low input lag.
It provides you the resolutions up to 4K even at 60Hz and delivers immersive gameplay experiences.
Its HDR10 and HLG support enhance cinematic colors and provide brighter whites and deeper blacks with a stunning 300,000:1 contrast ratio through Dynamic Black technology.
You also get connectivity options which include USB and HDMI.
3) BenQ TH575
The third projecting device is again from BenQ. With its upgraded 3800 ANSI Lumens and improved 15,000:1 contrast ratio (FOFO), it delivers stunning 1080p Full HD image quality.
It is designed for ultra-smooth gaming. This projector comes with a very less input lag of 16ms at 1080p and 60Hz and a microsecond DMD fast response which minimizes the delay and ensures precise motion tracking.
Its high contrast ratio enhances dark scenes, producing deeper blacks and preserving fine details without washout. All these things make virtual golfing very realistic.
The projector’s short-throw projection capability allows it to create expansive 100-inch images from just 10.8 feet away.
With HDMI connectivity, it seamlessly integrates with gaming consoles, PCs, and other devices.
4) Optoma HD146X
It comes with a native 1080p (1920×1080) resolution and an RYGCWB color wheel, it provides high-definition images with vibrant colors calibrated for home cinema quality.
It is powered by Texas Instruments’ latest DLP DMD single-chip design, the projector ensures perfect image alignment and high brightness.
It enables lightning-fast response times which is needed for competitive gaming, while game display mode boosts shadows and dark scenes.
It is also full of advanced technologies. Let’s discuss them below.
Its HDMI-CEC technology simplifies operation by allowing control of the projector and connected devices using a single remote through HDMI-Link.
Its dynamic Black technology enhances image depth by adjusting lamp output which helps it achieve a high contrast ratio of 500,000:1.
With up to 15,000 hours of lamp life, equivalent to 10 years of daily 4-hour viewing, the HD146X offers long-term reliability and cost-effectiveness for gaming lovers.
It also comes with full 3D support which enables the display of true 3D content from various sources including Blu-ray Disc players and game consoles.
It provides ultra-smooth flicker-free images with a rapid refresh rate of 120Hz.
5) Optoma HD30LV
It comes with a standard throw lens with a projection distance range of up to 32 feet 9 inches, it is ideal for medium to large spaces.
It comes with a sharp 120-inch image from just over 13 feet away.
With its 1080p HD resolution, the projector displays crisp and detailed high-definition content.
The reason we are recommending it to use in your golf simulator is it is equipped with enhanced game mode.
It delivers a low input lag of 8.4ms at 1080p and 120Hz and 16ms at 1080p60Hz which makes it suitable for gaming applications and interactive presentations where responsiveness is a must.
It allows HDMI 2.0 connectivity that supports 4K HDR input and its dynamic black technology with a contrast ratio of 22,000:1.
HDR10 and HLG support further enhancing color accuracy and contrast.
Thanks to its USB and HDMI connectivity options, you can connect this projector to various devices like laptops, media players, and gaming consoles, providing flexibility in content sharing and setup.
Since it is compact and lightweight, you won’t face many difficulties in mounting.
6) Optoma UHD35x
It has a true 4K Ultra HD resolution with 8.3 million distinct addressable on-screen pixels.
It is best for golf simulator users as it offers ultra-fast 240Hz gaming for blur-free visuals and exceptional smoothness.
It has a 4.2ms response time at 1080p and 16ms at 4K UHD resolution so you will face minimal input lag.
Its HDR (High Dynamic Range) and HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) compatibility improve the viewing experience with brighter whites and deeper black levels.
It also provides 3,600 lumens of brightness. It comes with UltraDetail technology, which enhances image sharpness and clarity, while the RGBWRGBW 8-segment color wheel increases the color ratio.
Like other projectors, it also has USB and HDMI connectivity options.
7) WEMAX Portable Laser Projector
It comes with ALPD-Laser technology and compact portability, so you can use it indoors and outdoors.
This projector offers a native 1080p resolution with TI DLP technology DMD chip, projecting crisp Full HD images with over 16.7 million distinct colors and 600 ANSI lumens of brightness.
Its maximum projection size of 120 inches transforms any space into a cinematic experience.
Its built-in rechargeable battery provides up to 1.5 hours of viewing time in power-saving mode, ensuring true portability for on-the-go presentations.
For extended viewing, it supports USB reverse charging compatibility with power banks.
It is less than 1 inch thick and 1.7 lbs and easily fits into a handbag.
It also comes with smart screen calibration features.
