Best Golf Simulator Projector Under $500:
There are hundreds are ways you can set up a golf simulator studio at home under $2000.
You can spend much lesser in case if you are planning to set up a practice golf simulator.
It is not bad to cut the spending wherever it is possible, particularly with projectors as they are the one that puts weight on your budget golf simulator package.
That’s why we suggest you a few best golf simulator projectors under $500.
- ViewSonic PA503W Golf Simulator Projector – 2332 sold – View price
- ViewSonic M1+ Projector – 2728 sold – View Price
- Optoma HD146X Golf Simulator projector – 1253 sold – View Price
- ViewSonic PX701HD – 459 sold – View Price
1. ViewSonic PA503W Golf Simulator Projector:
Highlights:
| Brand | ViewSonic |
| Connectivity Technology | VGA, HDMI |
| Display resolution | 1280 x 800 |
| Display Resolution Maximum | 800 Pixels |
| Display Type | DLP |
- VERSATILE PROJECTOR: Advanced visual features ideal for use in golf and small business environments
- BIG SCREEN PROJECTION: Projects 120 inches from 15-feet 8-inches in 3800 lumens
- EASY SETUP: Simple setup and control; just plug & play your presentations, videos, and pictures
- LONG LAMP LIFE: SuperEco Mode allows the lamp to shine bright for up to 15,000 hours
- FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY: Supports most media players, PCs, Macs, and mobile devices with input options such as HDMI, VGA, and more
ViewSonic has destroyed the long-standing misconception that best projectors always cost more.
The reality is there are many brands in the market that produces high-end projectors for various purposes at low price.
ViewSonic PA503W is one good example that could also fits best to your low budget indoor golf studio.
The Picture Quality:
This ViewSonic PA503W comes with specifications and features that resembles a $1500 projector.
The first thing to note is its 3600 ANSI lumens of brightness, which is generally rare in this price range.
Supported by a 200w Metal Halide bulb, this projector is designed in the way that it should force the colors out of its lens with its brightness.
Certainly, 3600 ANSI is not a less number in the projector market as they are capable of operating even in day light like ambience.
The color accuracy is taken care by a 0.65″ DLP engine with a six-segment color wheel with RGBRGB color segments.
The DLP engine helps is producing life-like colors on the screen with the help of its color wheel.
Moreover, the projector has 10-bit color processing capability, which helps in producing around 1.07 billion colors on the screen.
Along with the above specifications, this ViewSonic PA503W has been included with ViewSonic’s exclusive color technology, SuperColor™.
The SuperColor™ technology helps in enhancing the color accuracy even in the places with more ambient light.
The color and the brightness is focused in the 1280×800 resolution at 16:10 (WXGA) aspect ratio.
Hence, there will be enough pixels to take your home theater, and gaming to the realistic level in no time.
The projector also supports 1920×1200 (1080p) resolution input signals.
This ViewSonic PA503W is equipped with 20,000:1 contrast ratio to help the projector to sharpen the images by highlighting the dark and bright regions of the images that are cast.
What makes it a gaming projector?
ViewSonic PA503W comes with no pre-tuned gaming mode, but it can do gaming.
The main reason behind its gaming ability is its 16ms input latency, which ends up offering great refreshing speed for the projector. The picture quality is already close to gaming level.
No doubts it’ll serve your indoor golfing needs in a great manner.
The Projector Placement:
This projector falls under the standard throw category with 1.55:1 – 1.70:1 throw ratio and 3.6′ – 32.9′ throw distance.
It needs to be placed at the 10′ to 12′ from the screen to cast an 100″ diagonally measured image.
ViewSonic PA503W has the capacity to cast 300″ image from the distance of 30′ to 32′.
Also, the projector is equipped with 1.1x manual zoom lens along with a digital zoom and digital keystone correction features.
The manual and digital zoom helps in focus and resize the image, but not to a greater extent.
The digital keystone correction helps a lot in vertical image alignment.
The Connectivity:
ViewSonic PA503W comes with enough flexibility in connectivity with,
- An HDMI 1.4 port
- An RCA composite
- An RS-232 pin
- A USB port
- A VGA In
- A VGA Out
- A Audio Mini Jack for Audio In
- A Audio Mini Jack for Audio Out
Speakers:
To be frank, its speaker is drawback in this ViewSonic PA503W. This projector has been affixed with only one speaker that is a 2-Watts Mono.
May be the 2 Watt is not enough for a movie night, but it is enough for a golf simulator.
Full HD 3D:
This ViewSonic PA503W is capable of projecting 3D images in Full HD.
It can also pick up 3D signals directly from smartphones, tablets, 3D Blu-Ray players, and 3D broadcasting networks.
Five Fine Tuned viewing modes:
The ViewSonic PA503W comes with five pre-set unique viewing modes. They are,
Brightest mode, Presentation mode, standard mode, Photo mode, and Movie mode.
Extended lifespan:
The projector is programmed with SuperEco Mode, which helps in increasing the lamp life up to 15,000 hrs.
2. ViewSonic M1+ Projector:
| Brand | ViewSonic |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming |
| Special Feature | Pico, Speakers, Internet Ready |
| Connectivity Technology | HDMI 1.4 (HDCP1.4), USB 3.1 Type C, USB 2.0 Type A |
| Display resolution | 854 x 480 |
- PORTABLE PROJECTOR: Ultra-portable WVGA (854x480p) LED projector that delivers convenient entertainment in nearly any room
- BIG SCREEN PROJECTION: Shorter throw lens project up to 100-inches from 8-feet 9-inches
- PREMIUM AUDIO: Built-in dual Harman Kardon Bluetooth speakers deliver room-filling audio (Bluetooth connection is for audio only)
- STREAMING SIMPLIFIED: Livestream sporting events straight into your living room, binge shows on Netflix or Disney plus by adding a dongle (not included)
- EASY SETUP: Simple setup and control, just plug & play your presentations, videos, and pictures
- SMART STAND: Enables easy placement in a variety of positions and angles. The smart stand also doubles as a lens cover
- BUILT-IN BATTERY: Provides up to 6 hours of power on full power mode. Battery life varies depending on usage and battery mode
Are you thinking of getting out of the usual and complete your golf simulator set up with an unusual projector? Then you are the right person to have this unusual projector.
ViewSonic M1+ is an ultra-portable projector that is powered by rechargeable batteries.
It’s a perfect choice for budget golf simulation set up. Also, the projector is a great entertainment gadget for modern lifestyle people.
The Picture Quality:
The device is ultra-portable, which is also small like an iPad. The device is so weightless; it can easily fit into you pockets or backpack.
Hence, ViewSonic has introduced some modernism in this ViewSonic M1+. First modernism is its LED light sources.
The LED light source doesn’t’ take a lot of space in the device, yet it can power up this baby to shine at 300 LED Lumens brightness, which would be as bright as 3500 ANSI lumens.
ViewSonic M1+ powered by a DLP engine which works with RGB color wheel to process around 1.07 billion colors.
The color wheel of this projector influences the color accuracy combined with the brightness.
However, it is hard to compare this projector with the high-end projectors that are capable doing unbelievable things. But for its size and technology inside and portability, this projector carries way more than one could expect from it.
It’s is advised to use this projector in dark to moderately lit room rather than a well-lit room.
Also, this ViewSonic M1+ carries the SuperColor™ technology in it like the rest of the ViewSonic models to enable life-like colors in projections.
The native resolution is 854 x 480p which sounds less when compared to the large projectors, but it is still enough for the projector of this small size to project clear and quality pictures.
The device also supports resolutions that ranges from VGA (640 x 480) to Full HD (1920 x 1080).
The sharpness and clarity is obtained on the image from its 120000:1 contrast ratio that enhances every pixels projected by the ViewSonic M1+.
What makes it a gaming projector?
ViewSonic M1+ is not actually a gaming projector but it can do well for a golf simulator. The picture quality of this projector already suggests that the device can be used as a gaming projector.
All it needs right now is a low input latency and fast refreshing rate. ViewSonic M1+ projector comes with 33ms input latency and refreshing rate upto 120Hz, which is not great but good enough for lag-free golf simulation.
Projector Placement:
ViewSonic M1+ is a portable projector which can be carried anywhere. Hence, the setting up process of this projector is easy. It comes with a smart stand which is also a lens cover.
The stand helps in setting the projector anywhere without tools. The stand also functions as a switch for the projector, which powers up the device once pushed away from the lens.
The ViewSonic M1+ falls under the short throw category with 1.2 throw ratio and 3′ to 8′ throw distance. The projector is capable of projecting a 120″ diagonally measured image from the distance of just 5′ to 6′.
It also gets the support of digital zooming, vertical keystone correction and projection offset to help the user to align the images with the screen with desired dimension.
The projector is capable of doing a 360-degree rotation with the help of that stand. So, the user has the freedom to project on the walls, on the floors and even on the ceiling.
The connectivity:
Despite its small and portable design, this projector sports with high-end projector in its connectivity front. ViewSonic M1+ comes with
- An HDMI (HDCP 1.4) port
- A USB type-A
- A USB type-c
- A Wi-Fi input
- A Bluetooth input
- A SD card slot
Eco-friendly design:
This ViewSonic M1+ is made up of paper-based materials which are almost 99% recyclable. So, it leaves incredibly low carbon footprint
Long lamp life:
ViewSonic M1+ is powered by the LED light sources which are profoundly known to last longer than conventional light bulbs. The LED lamp that is used in this projector can last upto 30,000 hours.
Cinematic Experiences:
Cinematic experience anywhere anytime. The projector can work upto 6 hours in a single charge.
The color accuracy and brightness enables ultimate cinematic experience on the go.
Harman and Kardon Speakers:
The Device incorporates a pair of Bluetooth speakers that are louder and clear. The speakers would keep you immersed with its strong base, and vibrant treble.
3. Optoma HD146X Golf Simulator projector:
| Brand | Optoma |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming |
| Special Feature | Speakers, 3d-Ready |
| Connectivity Technology | Inputs 1 x HDMI 1.4a 3D support / Outputs 1 x Audio 3.5mm, 1 x USB-A power 1.5A |
| Display resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
- CINEMATIC PICTURE QUALITY: Enjoy crisp, high-definition images with a native 1080p (1920×1080) resolution and an RYGCWB color wheel for home cinema color calibration.
- PERFECT IMAGE ALIGNMENT: With the latest technology from Texas Instruments, the DLP DMD single-chip design ensures perfect image alignment combined with high-brightness for an incredible picture
- LIGHTS-ON VIEWING: Enjoy an incredible 3, 600 of brightness in any room in your home; leave the lights on or keep it dim for a cinematic experience
- FAST RESPONSE TIME: Enhanced Gaming Mode enables lightning-fast response time; Game Display Mode boosts shadows and dark scenes for greater visibility of impending obstacles
- HDMI-CEC FOR SIMPLE ON/OFF: HDMI-CEC technology enables control of the projector and connected devices using a single remote, all via the HDMI connection with the projectors HDMI-Link feature
- MORE IMAGE DEPTH: Dynamic Black technology provides more depth to the image by smoothing lamp output to create a high contrast ratio (500, 000: 1); bright scenes appear clear while dark scenes remain detailed
- LONG LAMP LIFE: Enjoy up to 15, 000 hours of lamp life enabling an average of 4 hours of viewing time every day 10 plus years
Optoma is a favorite choice of indoor golf simulators. Whether you are planning to set up a practice golf simulator or studio-grade golf simulator, this Optoma HD146X would live up to your expectation just under your budget.
High brightness, huge screen coverage, and ultimate picture quality are the two most important features of this Optoma HD146X golf simulator projector.
The Picture Quality:
The projector has a DLP engine with a six segment RYGCWB color wheel that spins as fast as high-end projectors.
But the DLP engine gets its power from the projector’s 240W Metal Halide bulb and its 3600 ANSI lumens of brightness.
The DLP engine takes care of the color accuracy while the 3600 ANSI takes care of the operations carried out in well-lit rooms.
The projector carries around five different projection modes. The cinema, vivid and game are popularly used. The other two modes are the Bright and Eco.
All the operational modes allow the users to just plug and play without any further customizations out of the box.
The Cinema mode has the less brightness compared to the Game and Vivid modes. The cinema mode best suits for dark to moderately lit rooms rather than the bright rooms.
On the other hand the game mode offers greater brightness and color accuracy to help gamers experience the real adventure at home.
The native resolution of this projector is 1920×1080 but it can support upto 1920×1200 to its maximum level. The Aspect ratio is 16:9 (HD), which concludes that this Optoma HD146X is capable of casting clear and high-definition images in cinematic style dimension.
The 500,000:1 contrast ratio of this projector helps sharpening each pixel of the image cast by it. Its 10-bit color processing ability helps in casting around 1.07 billion colors.
The Dynamic Black technology helps in highlighting dark and bright regions for clarity and great visibility. All the above features combine to produce great pictures that offers a great experience.
The projector placement:
Optoma HD146X falls under standard throw projector category with 3.3′ – 32.2′ throw distance and 1.47:1 – 1.62:1 throw ratio. This projector can cast an 100″ diagonally measured image from the distance of 10′ to 11′.
You have the flexibility to mount the device either to the ceiling, on the floor or on AV cart. The device is incorporated with 1.1x manual zoom, digital zoom and Vertical digital keystone correction. All the incorporated lens features help in aligning the image properly to the screen or to the wall as you desire.
What makes it a gaming projector?
It was already mentioned that this projector has a special pre-set mode for gaming which obviously states that this projector supports gaming. But what makes this projector a gaming model is its input latency which is the lowest, 16ms.
Less input latency increases the refreshing rate upto 120Hz that always results in smooth and fine gaming.
Full HD 3D:
The 3D projecting works as well as 2D with great color accuracy and brightness in this Optoma HD146X. Furthermore, this projector is capable of accepting 3D signals from almost all sources such as 3D broadcasting, 3D blu-ray discs and modern gamin consoles.
The Connectivity:
The Optoma HD146X keeps its connectivity portals to the minimum level. With only one HDMI, one USB and One Audio Mini Jack, this projector connects with almost all latest gaming consoles, set top box, Chromecast, Apple TV, Xbox, PS and more.
Portability:
The projector weighs only 6.20 lbs and has 9.5 x 12.4 x 4.3 inches as its dimension. Though it sounds like portable, it can do well with permanent installation to your ceiling or to the floor.
4. ViewSonic PX701HD:
| Brand | ViewSonic |
| Recommended Uses For Product | Gaming |
| Special Feature | Speakers, 3d-Ready |
| Connectivity Technology | HDMI |
| Display resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
- SUPERSIZED MOVIES AND GAMES: Immersive theater-like colors in Full HD (1920x1080p) on a screen up to 300-inches
- BRIGHT IMAGES IN ANY ENVIRONMENT: 3500 lumens brightness for projection in both bright and dark environments
- CINEMATIC COLORS: Exclusive SuperColor technology offers a wide color gamut for beautiful image production in nearly any environment
- REDUCED 16MS INPUT LATENCY: Ideal for intense action-packed gaming, this projector delivers smooth images without delay
- EASY SETUP: 1.1x optical zoom, and a vertical lens shift that offers up and down adjustments for flexible setup
- LONG LAMP LIFE: SuperEco mode allows the lamp to shine bright for up to 20,000 hours enabling an average of 5 hours of viewing time every day for over 10 years
- POWERFUL VERSATILITY: TV projector integrates seamlessly with Roku, Fire TV stick and ChromeCast for effortless programming for education, entertainment or business environments
For $500 bucks, you may be expecting for a dumb, quality compromised, projector to complete your budget golf simulator. Better don’t.
There are many good projectors in the market under $500 like the above. But, if you are willing to shell out fifty more Dollars, you will hit this beauty, ViewSonic PX701HD, a complete home entertainment device.
The Picture Quality:
This projector can cast a nice and lovely cinematic style 300″ image at 1920x1080p resolution as bright as 3500 ANSI Lumens.
Works under the influence of a DLP engine with Six-Segment color wheel to produce around 1.07 billion colors on the screen at 10-bit color processing ability.
ViewSonic’s very ow SuperColor™ technology works its best to offer vivid colors on the screen. The SuperColor™ technology also takes its responsibility along the side to produce true-to-life colors despite of dark and bright modes.
The native aspect ratio of this projector is 16:9 (Full HD) which is the cinematic style resolution that fits best for both movie watching and gaming.
The projector also comes with five operational modes where gaming is one of them along with Brightest, Movie, Standard, and Sports. Also, this projector allows the users to customize their own operational mode and name it to their will.
The vColorTuner is another important feature in this Viewsonic PX701HD that helps in creating a new color profile and share it to others. It allows the users to fine-tune the projection and help other to use the customized color profile.
Its 12,000:1 contrast ratio helps in sharpening the image to its better level by highlighting dark and bright parts of the image.
The Projector Placement:
This projector falls under the standard-throw category with 3.6′ – 21.8 throw distance and 1.50:1 – 1.65:1 throw ratio. The projector is capable of projecting a 100″ image from the distance of 10′.
Its 1.1x manual zoom helps in resizing the projection on the screen without moving the projector physically. Its +/-20% vertical lens shift and Horizontal and Vertical Keystone add more flexibility to the projector placement by helping in image alignment.
The Connectivity:
- Two HDMI (1.4) ports
- A USB
- A RS-232 pin
- A VGA In
- A VGA Out
- A Audio Mini Jack (In)
- A Audio Mini Jack (Out)
Lamp Life:
This projector uses a 203W P-VIP bulb that burns well even with the Eco mode turned on. The lamp can last longer upto 20,000 hours under eco mode where it can only last for 5000 hours in normal mode.
The Speaker:
This ViewSonic PX701HD incorporates a 10W stereo speaker that evicts the necessity of external speakers. This 10W speakers are loud enough to bump a small room.
What makes it a gaming projector?
Its 16ms low input latency makes it a gaming projector. This ViewSonic PX701HD has everything that is needed to be a gaming projector and a complete home entertainer.
The input lag only ensures them all. With that low input latency, this projector carries faster refreshing rate upto 120HZ for smooth and lag free gaming.
Conclusion:
These mentioned above 4 best budget projectors for golf simulators are under $500 that you can quickly get from Amazon with return policy.
Order the matched device today and start your Pro training as soon as possible.
- ViewSonic PA503W Golf Simulator Projector – 2332 sold – View price
- ViewSonic M1+ Projector – 2728 sold – View Price
- Optoma HD146X Golf Simulator projector – 1253 sold – View Price
- ViewSonic PX701HD – 459 sold – View Price