Best Golf Simulator
Projectors

Projector Buying Guide

At Shop Indoor Golf, we have spent time collecting the top projectors for golf simulators. But even among all of the projectors, we offer there are still different features and types of setups to consider. The Buying Guide below will help with making the right decision to fit your needs.

What are your needs?

The most important aspect of any setup is the constraints of the room. Calculate your room depth to make sure the projector you select will suit the room you have to work with. Sometimes buying the most expensive product won't solve all your problems, you need the right projector for the right room. When working with home golf simulators, the goal should be to find the most compatible product for you and your setup. The more space you have the further back you can put your projector. Most people with indoor golf setups have limited room behind them, so short-throw projectors are the solution. But those with a large area or a lot of room behind them have the ability to select one of our ceiling-mounted or offset projectors. Also, it's important to consider the software you will be running, different software runs on different devices that use different aspect ratios. For example, if you get a SkyTrak Launch Monitor it uses an iPad to show you how your swing affects your shot, so a projector with an optional 4:3 aspect ratio will make the most sense.

• Throw ratio

  A projector throw ratio determines what image size you can project from a certain distance. Look in the product description to find a throw ratio that fits your needs.

• Aspect ratio

  Different software has different aspect ratios, be sure to find out what aspect ratio you are going to be using and double-checking to confirm that everything is compatible

• Contrast ratio

  Contrast Ratio measures the difference between the brightest color and the darkest color on the image. The higher the contrast ratio the better the image quality. Look for projectors with high contrast to bring you the closest to the course.

• Resolution

  All of the projectors at Shop Indoor Golf are 1080p, but there are also 4K options available. If you plan on using your projector for movies as well as golf, consider a 4K option for a better movie-watching experience.

• Throw distance

  Throw distance is the distance from the tip of the projector's lens to the screen. The distance determines where the projector will sit in your setup relative to the projection screen. A shorter throw distance means you can move your landing pad even closer to the screen while hitting. Figure out what throw distance works for you here: Throw distance calculator

• Noise level

  Many projectors use bulbs to light the picture on the screen, these bulbs get very hot during use and have to be cooled using fans. Typically the brighter the projector the bigger the bulb, and the bigger the bulb the more fans it will take to keep it cool. Fan noise can be an intrusive issue when trying to enjoy a round of golf. If you are concerned about fan noise laser powered projectors are a much quieter option.

• Short throw vs. long throw

  There are two types of projectors that can be used inside of golf simulators, short throw, and long throw. Short throw projectors are designed to be placed closer to the screen therefore cutting out the need to find space for mounting it farther back. Long-throw projectors require space and distance to keep the image from looking too small. If you have limited space, a short-throw option could enable you to have the picture quality you are looking for without the need for space behind you to mount. But, If you have space and are looking to keep your projector out of sight and out of mind, get a long throw projector.

• Brightness

  A projector's brightness is measured in lumens. The more lumens the brighter the projector image. Most projectors include their lumens in their product description, check there for the most accurate information. Seeing the image clearly around the clock is an important feature. For rooms with little to no ambient light, you'll need a minimum of 1500 lumens. For rooms with windows or ambient light, a minimum of 3000 lumens is ideal.

• Sound

  Are you setting up your projector in your garage or another area where no speakers are available? Consider an option with a built-in speaker for a more immersive experience. A speaker's loudness is measured in watts, the higher the wattage, the louder the speaker.

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Types of projector setups

Floor mounted

Floor mounted with the projector in front of your hitting mat. The best projector for this setup is a short-throw projector, perfect for short distances to the wall. If floor mounting, check the throw ratio and throw distance to ensure you get the ideal image that works within your setup.

Ceiling mounted

Mounted on the ceiling, this projector setup is out of sight and out of mind but requires a farther throw distance so make sure you have the room. A ceiling-mounted projector puts nothing between you and the golf course making it a perfect option for those seeking immersion with a crystal clear image.

Offset setup

With Four Corner Correction, you can move an image drastically along any plane possible. A hybrid of the prior options, the offset option puts the projector behind you and to the left or right. This option leaves it easily available to make changes or hideaway when not in use.

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Wrapping it up

Finding the right projector for your setup is an important decision for any setup. Measuring your room and deciding where you want to place your projector is the first step. That will help you decide between a floor mounted, ceiling mounted, or offset setup. Decide whether you need a short throw or a long throw option judging by where you want to place it. After you figure out where you want your projector, the next step is to look at features and specs to make sure you're getting the best projector for a golf simulator. There are many options available, if you don't know what to get, feel free to call us at 972-848-7491 for more information on the best projector for golf. To view all of our golf simulator projector options you can visit the link below

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