How to Pick the Right Projector for Your Golf Simulator Setup

In 2024, the market for golf simulators exploded with new affordable launch monitors and projectors enabled people stuck in their homes to easily convert bedrooms, basements, and even garages into multipurpose entertainment areas. Projectors are a key part of providing a realistic golf course on the screen, and making you feel like you are playing a real course. In the last few years, innovative technology and products are now available to fit any budget. Here are four key factors to consider:

• 1080p vs. 4K UHD resolution

• Traditional projector lamps vs. laser engines

• Sealed engine design vs. open design with paper filters

• Colour accuracy specifications

   

BenQ is one of the largest projector brands in the world with over 75 different projector models to choose from.  So while it can be a bit overwhelming to find the right one for your setup, we will look at some of the most common setups – and what projector model is best suited for your playing area and budget.  

Here are the key areas you may want to consider when selecting the right projector for your setup:

Projectors powering golf simulators need to be bright enough to the BenQ and to display their images on a large impact screen – typically 3.6-4.5m wide. The larger your screen – the more important resolution is for you to see the details. This is especially important on 4K-enabled Foresight, TruGolf, and other simulators that can display small details like the slope of the fairway. Many players who are creating a dedicated playing space are looking at the latest BenQ LK954ST model that offers true 4K UHD resolution with a whopping 8.3 million pixels. This projector can enable you to see all of the minute detail on the course generated from your 4K simulator software. On a 3.6m wide or larger impact screen, the difference between 2.1million (1080p) and 8.3 (4K) million pixels is amazing. One other benefit of the 4K is that it will enable your impact screen to double as an amazing home theater for movies or watching the Masters in true 4K resolution.

For a smaller impact screen – the low cost of a lamp projector is attractive. But bigger impact screens need a brighter projector – and if you need 3500 lumens or more, the higher initial cost of the laser projector is often a better choice.  Why?  Higher brightness lamps tend to have shorter lamp life and are expensive to replace. Plus – many manufacturers are phasing them out. In 2020, nearly 75% of high brightness projectors used lasers. For golf simulators, there are several advantages that BenQ laser projectors have over the traditional 5000-lumen lamp projectors. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• 20,000-hour lamp life – assuming a street price of £350 for 5000-lumen replacement lamps, the BenQ laser can save as much as £1400 over the life of the projector

• Instant on & off – A laser projector is ready to go in a couple of seconds after you turn it on

• Higher colour accuracy – lasers provide higher colour accuracy  - more on that below

Stays Brighter Longer – high brightness lamps start losing their brightness after a few hundred hours – and once they reach 50% brightness – need replacing. A laser projector loses brightness at a much slower rate – helping your simulator look bright for years.

Most people using a simulator want to focus on the course – not maintaining the projector.  Most projectors using LCD panels from brands like Panasonic and Epson lamps have filters that have to be kept clean to keep the lamp cool. The problem – if the “Clean filter” light comes on during your game of “Wolf” – all play stops until a new filter is put in – or the existing filter is vacuumed or washed.  

By contrast, the projectors BenQ has designed for golf simulators use a sealed laser engine – which doesn’t require a filter. Because it uses advanced DLP technology, the projector can be cooled using the same technology used in Macbooks and other types of displays. BenQ tests these models using an industry-standard IP5X certification to ensure that the projector will operate even when dusty.