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Golf simulator can be termed the technology that makes indoor golf possible. One major challenge though has been getting the best projector screen for your golf simulator.
This is because this area is like a jungle. Without the right information, the right navigation of this world is almost impossible. This article has been set in different paragraphs, centered to shed light in this darkness.
What is a golf?
Golf is a club and ball sport which involves the players hitting the ball with club into a series of holes on a golf course. It is majorly an outdoor sport which has been in existence for about six centuries and with each moment, many are drawn to it.
Although, not everyone aspires to be like Tiger Woods carting awards at Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Tour and other championships. Most people do not consider it as a career and the amazing thing about this sport is that it can be played for recreation and even better, in the comfort of one’s home.
With the help of a golf simulator, golf is a sport available anytime for recreation and training for pros.
What is a golf simulator?
A golf simulator is a computerized technology that allows golf to be played on a graphically or photographically golf course either at home, office or any indoor setting. It is becoming increasingly popular due to the privileges of playing golf anywhere (indoors) and anytime.
As opposed to the outdoor type, there is no worry about irregularities in weather or time of the day. Also, they vary between two extremities; the not so expensive ones that are like video games and the grand ones that give a very realistic experience.
Function of a golf simulator.
They function as high-tech machines that can analyze your swing with sensory systems which collect the golfer’s data after hitting the ball. These data are interpreted and the results are effected on how the ball’s flight performance in the presence of terrains and/or weather influences in such a way that is so realistic.
This is achieved with the help of sensory systems like simulator mats, sonic sound systems, radar systems, Optical sensor systems and camera systems. To build a home golf simulator, there are no endless combination of materials to be used.
By majorly, you will need five items and they are golf mat, projector, golf net/impact screen, simulator and a computer to run its software.
The kind of projector you need for a golf simulator.
Each of these materials varies in cost on the basis of their quality and durability. Depending on how much you are willing to spend equates to the quality of materials you will get.
This is one of the many things to be noted in getting a projector/impact screen. It is even more imperative to consider the kind of projectors to be used for a golf simulator.
Projectors are the equipment that reflect the rays of the light of an image, or in this case, the golf course to a large clear surface to make it visible to you. Here are suggestions on the best ones to meet your needs. Although, they are still dependent on the space and dimensions of the location.
1. View-Sonic PJD5353LS
This offers a big screen projection. It will specially fit the Swing-Bay Golf Simulator Screen and Enclosure at a 4:3 aspect ratio. It offers advantages of ease in setting up, versatility in operation and flexible connectivity.
An amazing feature includes a balanced color and brightness in its projection. For educational or business functions, this will be recommended because of its developed features and reasonable price.
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2. Epson EX3260 SVGA 3,300 lumens Color Brightness Projector
Its features include a sleek operation by promoting HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) which allows for compatibility with the latest laptops and media players, fast and easy setup with Epson with lamps that last up to 10,000 hours. It is a portable projector.
Other advantages include a more accurate & vivid color, ease in adjusting images and convenience in control and in delay in setting up. As quick as setting up is, is its performance also. Thus, it is really great for launching everyday exhibitions and representations.
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3. Optoma EH200ST
You are seeking for the projector that will give you real life-like golf experience which will also perfectly suit the screen of the Swing-Bay Golf Simulator Enclosure, this is your go-to projector. With a 4:3 aspect ratio, 0.49:1 throw ratio and HDMI connectivity.
It is also easy to set up, non-ambiguous in its operation and allows you to practice any time of the day. Throw ratio refers to the distance the projector is from the screen versus how diagonally wide the screen is. P
lease note that to prevent your shadow from showing up on your hitting screen, you will need what is called a short throw or ultra-short throw projector which ranges anywhere between 0.3:1 to 1:1.
Also, aspect ratio refers to the shape the image will take on the screen or the ratio between the width and height of the image.
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4. VANKYO Leisure 510 HD Movie Projector
This is unique with its Hi-Fi stereo dual speakers and it has excellent strength.
Other amazing projectors include Ben-Q TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Projector, Ben-Q MW535A 1080p Projector, VANKYO LEISURE 3 Mini Projector.
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What are lumens and how many do I need?
In selecting the appropriate projector for your golf simulator, the following factors are considered; its resolution, lumen, aspect ratio or resolution, throw ratio and many more. The lumen determines the brightness of the image that is displayed by the projectors.
There is a direct proportionality between the brightness of the room and the lumen of the projector, that is, the brighter the room, the higher the lumen of the projectors to reflect and image of comparable brightness. A lumen of over 2000 may be good for dark rooms.
However, for a perfect golfing experience indoors, a lumen of over 3000 is recommended. Also, it is worthy to note that projectors with great lumens may compromise in other features. Therefore, ensure you achieve the utmost balance when you are choosing.
How to mount a golf simulator?
Now that the projector best for the impact screen has been picked, how is it mounted to a golf simulator?
This is important because if the right projector is gotten but not mounted appropriately, it is still a waste. A rightly mounted projector is meant to place the projector outside your hitting enclosure (away from any netting or impact screen), above and slightly in front of the golfer. At this point, it has the ideal mounting distance for the simulator.
This eliminates any worry about casting a shadow on your simulator screen. The golf simulator image should fill your golf projection screen horizontally, with little or no letterboxing above and below the image (this depends on the aspect ratio you select in the software).
Do you see how the features all work together in giving the best result? So, to the mounts;
1. Floor Mount Enclosure
This is appropriate for most projectors as there is rarely a projector that does not fit. Also, like most of the projectors above, it is pretty easy and quick to assemble. So, a lot of time is not spent in setting up and you have availed the joy of enjoying your golf experience as soon as possible.
One major advantage is that holes in the ceiling and wires overhead are eliminated. A feature of this mount, Turf-Covered ramp protects your projector. An example is The Terra-Shield Projector Floor Mount for Home Golf Simulators.
2. Ceiling Mount Enclosure
The name speaks of the location where they are mounted. This mounting technique is highly adjustable, as opposed to the first. However, it is also quick and easy to assemble. This overhead mount keeps the floor open and clear of wires.
In lieu of that, your home still looks really cool with the absence of wires lying everywhere. Some examples of this type are Universal Golf Projector Ceiling Mount and Sky-Rail Projector Ceiling Mount with the 17-inch track.
Golf simulators costs
Golf simulators vary in their costs like I said earlier in this article. They range in cost from compact units costing well under $200 that work with a computer or video game console, to sophisticated ones costing tens of thousands of dollars.
The simpler ones lack in built software hence the need to work with the video game with information being transferred to it via a sensor. However, the more sophisticated ones are costlier but with better features. You can spend anywhere from $500 all the way up to $70,000.
If you are on a tight budget but want a full simulation experience, you can do it for well under $5,000. If you have a bigger budget then you can get a much more accurate simulator, and increase the quality of all the materials you will use.
You can step it up to a range between $5000 and $10,000. With a budget above that, you are opened to a wider range of options like Full Swing Golf and so on.
After reading till this point, I want to believe that you are less confused when it comes to getting the best Projector screen for your golf simulator. Just ensure that every other factor is put in place and you are on your way to an amazing golfing experience anytime.
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