How to Measure the Ideal Screen Size and Projection Distance for Your Golf Simulator
A golf simulator provides an easy escape from golfing in the rain and snow, allowing you to get your golf game on even when going outside isn’t feasible or all that pleasant. Simulators help you improve your game in terms of ability, consistency, and skill. For the most realistic and immersive experience, a good projector is arguably the most overlooked but essential parts of your setup. So in this article we will show you how to measure the ideal screen size and distance for your golf sim projector, and thus assist you in choosing the right projector for your golf sim setup
Relationship Between Screen Size and Projection Distance
The position of your projector and the size of the projected image all depend on your room configuration. And this is where the term ‘throw distance’ becomes really important. Essentially, a projector's throw distance is the distance between the projector and the image on the screen.
In other words, your screen size and throw distance determine the throw ratio of the desired projector in your situation.
Remember, throw distance and throw ratio aren’t the same:
Throw Ratio = Throw Distance / Image Width
For a golf simulator setup, a projector with throw ratios ranging from 0.5 to 1.1 helps you put the projector where it is needed to fill the screen while being mounted safely behind the tee. (and without casting a shadow). So, on a projector with a throw ratio of 0.8, for every foot of image width the projector needs to be 0.8ft (0.2m) away from the screen. That means that in order to project a horizontal screen size of 14ft (4.2m) or around 185-inches of display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, you’d need to mount the projector 11.2ft (3.4m) from the screen, accounting for the 2-3ft (0.6-0.9m) behind your hitting area and to the impact screen.
The projection distance between the projector and screen in your golf simulator is normally at least 3.6m and can be up to 4.5m, or even more in some situations. The tee to screen distance is a balance between immersion, reducing impact screen bounce back, and allowing maximal accuracy from your launch monitor.
You can also use the BenQ Golf Sim Planner, a tool to help you measure the ideal screen size and throw distance, and for finding the right projector for your golf simulator.
Projector Placement Decides Projection Distance
Projection distance starts with your room size and where the projector will be placed, which determine distance to the screen. To select the ideal projector for your home golf sim, you will need to measure the length, width, and depth of the room and use the maximum distance the projector can be placed from the screen to filter for the specific projector model that will meet your ideal screen size from that distance.
Want to Talk to a Golf Simulator Projector Expert?
BenQ has trained staff to help you find the perfect golf simulator projector – within your room size and budget. To help you make the best decision, you can reach out to one of our experts to set up anything from a chat to a complete online demo, to help you find the right projector for your needs.
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