Projector guide

Hi guys, I'm putting together a home golf simulator guide. Have just written the projector guide. Would appreciate any comments or criticism?

Projectors


Key projector features (in order of importance):

1. Brightness/power. Brightness is measured in lumens. Essentially, the higher the lumens the better. Image brightness will also depend on the reflective properties of screen, the required projection image size, projector distance from screen and the ambient light level. Ambient light depends on extraneous light sources, and methods to shield that light from the screen e.g. blackout drapes, black walls. Minimum projector lumens is about 1500, which is Ok for dark rooms that have good surrounding screen blackout. Preferable is > 3000 and ideal > 6000.

2. Lens throw ratio = projector distance from screen / screen width. Golf simulators are best with a short throw (0.3-1) – this enables the projector to display a large image but still be directly above or in front of the golfer. Being above or in front and not behind the golfer avoids shadows on the screen created by the golfer. For example, if the distance from screen = 2 metres and screen width = 3 metres. Optimal throw ratio = 0.67:1. Longer throw ratio projectors can work back from the golfer if they are sufficiently elevated to avoid shadows. Ultra-short throw projectors are designed for office presentations and generally don’t have the required lumens and resolution required for simulation.
3. Aspect ratio = projection width / height. Projectors have a “native” aspect ratio which is the aspect ratio in which image resolution is maximal. Projector aspect ratio is usually 4:3 or 16:9 (or 16:10). The projected aspect ratio can be switched vice versa, but as a result, resolution is lost because pixels are removed to achieve the desired ratio. Therefore, it is always preferable to use a projector with a native aspect ratio as close as possible to the desired screen dimensions. Because room height is usually constant at about 9 feet, the required throw ratio is usually dependent on the required screen width: if width < 12 feet, 4:3 ratio is best. If width > 14 feet, 16:9/16:10 is best. Most high-quality projectors are native 16:9 or 16:10, so for maximum resolution, a screen size of 16:9 or 16:10 is best
4. Resolution (number of pixels): higher the better.
4:3 (=1.33): 1024x768 (XGA)
16:10 (=1.6): 1280x800 (XGA),
16:9 (=1.77): 1280x720, 1920x1080 (HD)
4096x2160 (UltraHD/”4K”).

Simulation software is generally 1080p or higher and most support 4K resolution. Note: resolution achieved will be dependent on the “weakest link” of the system – either the simulation software, PC or projector, so if either the software or PC are only capable of a maximum resolution less than the projector, that is the resolution that will be projected.
5. Contrast (=difference between brightest and darkest parts of the image). Higher the better. Gives depth to video images. Measured as contrast ratio or the standardised “ANSI” contrast. Depends on ambient lighting which makes blacks appear more grey.
6. Zoom lens – to enable fine tuning of image size once projector is mounted e.g. 1.2x, 2.0x. It is preferably to not use the zoom function as zoom reduces light output. All recent projectors have this feature.
7. Lens shift – with joystick. To fine tune the image position up/down and left/right.





Projector position

To maximise immersion for golf simulation, screen size is key: the larger the screen size the better the immersion. However, for a given screen size, immersion also depends on golfer distance to screen: the smaller the screen, the closer the golfer needs to be to the screen. That said, there are down-sides in getting too close to the screen:

1. Screen claustrophobia / restricted view of screen periphery.
2. Ball ricochet.
3. Projector:
a. shadows if projector behind the golfer.
b. swing path or ball flight collision if projector ceiling mounted and ceiling low.


For most simulators, the best trade-off for the above factors is to have the hitting area approx. 2-3 metres from the screen (4 metres for very wide screens).



Sequence for projector selection. Decide on:

1. Screen dimensions – the larger the better and preferably 16:9 or 16:10 as that gives the best image immersion, and will likely match the native aspect ratio of the projector. 4:3 is also an option.
2. Projector position – ideally in the midline of the screen and just in front of the hitting area. Projectors can be placed to the side without too much image distortion (by using “keystone correction”), but it is always best to place in the midline if possible. Optimal position is just in front of the hitting area, so the projector is sufficiently away from the screen so as not to catch high wedge shots, and sufficiently in front of the hitting area so away from the club path. High ceilings give more options for projector positioning. Floor mounting is also an option. Once the optimal position is decided, calculate the required lens throw ratio.
3. Resolution - higher the better: 1080p but preferably 4K.
4. Brightness/power – higher the better: min=1500, ideal >6000, particularly if you plan to use swing video, which requires supplementary lighting to avoid movement blur.

Once the above are determined, go to projector central and use their projector finder and narrow down to a projector short list to 3 or 4 models. Read the reviews paying special note of the other key features listed above.
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projector position can be from the rear or also from the ground with a short throw unit.

Ok yes noted thanks

Great guide. Getting the proper unit is so key to a great set up. I have my projector just slightly behind me.

Thanks for sharing. Things to look for when buying a projector: Manufacturer/Make There are many projector manufacturers these days that make it seem impossible to choose from. Look for a company that offers the best warranty & support. Brands like Sony, Panasonic, Toshiba, Sharp, In-focus, View sonic, Mitsubishi, Epson are amongst the best there -projectoreviews.com

Awesome Guide!! Thanks

Quote:

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Originally Posted by GolfMonster2

Hi guys, I'm putting together a home golf simulator guide. Have just written the projector guide. Would appreciate any comments or criticism?

Projectors


Key projector features (in order of importance):

1. Brightness/power. Brightness is measured in lumens. Essentially, the higher the lumens the better. Image brightness will also depend on the reflective properties of screen, the required projection image size, projector distance from screen and the ambient light level. Ambient light depends on extraneous light sources, and methods to shield that light from the screen e.g. blackout drapes, black walls. Minimum projector lumens is about 1500, which is Ok for dark rooms that have good surrounding screen blackout. Preferable is > 3000 and ideal > 6000.

2. Lens throw ratio = projector distance from screen / screen width. Golf simulators are best with a short throw (0.3-1) – this enables the projector to display a large image but still be directly above or in front of the golfer. Being above or in front and not behind the golfer avoids shadows on the screen created by the golfer. For example, if the distance from screen = 2 metres and screen width = 3 metres. Optimal throw ratio = 0.67:1. Longer throw ratio projectors can work back from the golfer if they are sufficiently elevated to avoid shadows. Ultra-short throw projectors are designed for office presentations and generally don’t have the required lumens and resolution required for simulation.
3. Aspect ratio = projection width / height. Projectors have a “native” aspect ratio which is the aspect ratio in which image resolution is maximal. Projector aspect ratio is usually 4:3 or 16:9 (or 16:10). The projected aspect ratio can be switched vice versa, but as a result, resolution is lost because pixels are removed to achieve the desired ratio. Therefore, it is always preferable to use a projector with a native aspect ratio as close as possible to the desired screen dimensions. Because room height is usually constant at about 9 feet, the required throw ratio is usually dependent on the required screen width: if width < 12 feet, 4:3 ratio is best. If width > 14 feet, 16:9/16:10 is best. Most high-quality projectors are native 16:9 or 16:10, so for maximum resolution, a screen size of 16:9 or 16:10 is best
4. Resolution (number of pixels): higher the better.
4:3 (=1.33): 1024x768 (XGA)
16:10 (=1.6): 1280x800 (XGA),
16:9 (=1.77): 1280x720, 1920x1080 (HD)
4096x2160 (UltraHD/”4K”).

Simulation software is generally 1080p or higher and most support 4K resolution. Note: resolution achieved will be dependent on the “weakest link” of the system – either the simulation software, PC or projector, so if either the software or PC are only capable of a maximum resolution less than the projector, that is the resolution that will be projected.
5. Contrast (=difference between brightest and darkest parts of the image). Higher the better. Gives depth to video images. Measured as contrast ratio or the standardised “ANSI” contrast. Depends on ambient lighting which makes blacks appear more grey.
6. Zoom lens – to enable fine tuning of image size once projector is mounted e.g. 1.2x, 2.0x. It is preferably to not use the zoom function as zoom reduces light output. All recent projectors have this feature.
7. Lens shift – with joystick. To fine tune the image position up/down and left/right.

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Thanks for sharing!
I'd also add some info about projector types (LCP, DLP, LCOS) - I've spent some time doing my research while I was choosing my first one. And I remember from 10 years ago, when I was setting up my first Home Theater, that I was highly sensitive to the rainbow effect generated by mono DLP projector, and there are still people who might be affected by this as well. Guess that's need to be mentioned.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pennywise

Thanks for sharing!
I'd also add some info about projector types (LCP, DLP, LCOS) - I've spent some time doing my research while I was choosing my first one. And I remember from 10 years ago, when I was setting up my first Home Theater, that I was highly sensitive to the rainbow effect generated by mono DLP projector, and there are still people who might be affected by this as well. Guess that's need to be mentioned.

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that's really informative I think so, I would love to know more about (LCP, DLP, LCOS) not 10 years ago but now I am looking for a new one and i will go with some review on Google but now you introduce LCP, DLP, and LCOS so I need to search more. Tough for me :-p :-p