Buying guide
Projectors for Golf Simulators (Throw, Brightness & Laser vs Lamp) — Epson vs BenQ
Get the projector right and your sim comes alive. This guide covers throw distance, brightness targets, laser vs lamp, and when to choose Epson (3LCD) vs BenQ (DLP). Ready to buy? Shop our curated projector range for golf simulators.
On this page
What matters most Throw distance Brightness targets Laser vs lamp Resolution & latency Epson vs BenQ Mounting basics Quick pick pathwaysWhat matters most
- Throw ratio & placement: Short‑throw (≈0.6–1.0) keeps shadows off the image.
- Brightness: Match lumens to image width and ambient light (see table below).
- Resolution & refresh: 1080p is fine for most; 4K sharpens big images and UI text.
- Input lag: Lower is better if your bay doubles for gaming/fast sims.
Throw distance: simple sizing
Throw ratio = distance ÷ image width → distance = throw × width.
| Image width | Distance @ 0.6 throw | Distance @ 0.8 throw |
|---|---|---|
| 3.0 m | ~1.8 m | ~2.4 m |
| 4.0 m | ~2.4 m | ~3.2 m |
| 5.0 m | ~3.0 m | ~4.0 m |
Mount the projector above/behind the strike zone to avoid shadows, and favour optical alignment over digital keystone for maximum sharpness.
How bright should you go?
Use these rule‑of‑thumb ANSI lumen targets for a neutral matte surface:
| Image width | Dark / dimmed | Some ambient light | Bright retail space |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0 m | 2,500–3,000 lm | 3,000–4,000 lm | 4,000–5,000+ lm |
| 3.5 m | 3,000–3,500 lm | 3,500–4,500 lm | 5,000–6,000+ lm |
| 4.0 m | 3,500–4,000 lm | 4,000–5,000 lm | 6,000+ lm |
| 5.0 m | 4,000–5,000 lm | 5,000–6,000 lm | 7,000+ lm |
Color brightness matters for real‑world punch—this is a key Epson 3LCD strength.
Laser vs traditional (lamp) projectors
Laser (solid‑state)
- 20k–30k hour light source, instant on/off
- More stable brightness & colour over time
- Lower maintenance — great for daily/all‑day use
Lamp (“globe”)
- Lower upfront cost, broad model range
- Bulbs dim; ~3k–5k hr replacements
- Warm‑up/cool‑down cycles, higher long‑run upkeep
Recommendation: If you play often or have ambient light, laser usually wins on total cost of ownership and consistency.
Resolution, refresh & latency
- 1080p: Excellent value and perfectly fine up to ~4 m width.
- 4K / 4K‑enhanced: Noticeably crisper on 3.5–5 m images and for putt lines/UI text.
- Low input lag: Preferable if your bay doubles for gaming; many BenQ units excel here.
Epson vs BenQ (which to choose, when)
Epson (3LCD)
- High colour brightness, rich saturation, no rainbow artefacts
- Often includes lens shift for easier, flexible mounting
- Strong laser options for studios and bright rooms
BenQ (DLP)
- Crisp, high‑contrast optics — great text and edge detail
- Excellent short‑throw catalogue for tight rooms
- Low input lag on gaming‑oriented lines
Mounting basics
- Ceiling short‑throw is the most common approach (above/behind the hitting area).
- Minimise digital keystone; prefer physical alignment and lens shift (where available).
- UST reduces shadows further but sits close to the screen — ensure a sturdy, protected placement.
Quick pick pathways
- Budget home bay (dim room, ≤3.5 m width): 1080p, 3,000–3,500 lm, short‑throw.
- Bright studio or wide image (3.5–5 m): Laser, 4,000–6,000+ lm, short‑throw; 4K if budget allows.
- Gaming + sim combo: Short‑throw DLP with low input lag (BenQ), or 3LCD with gaming mode if you prefer Epson colour.