GoKawiilFor less than $1,300, the GT2400HDR is a reasonable option, especially since it works well as a basic golf sim and costs far less than 4K models that can run $5,000 or more. The GT2400HDR also has some interesting perks that make it ideal for long golfing sessions.
For starters, it’s rated for 24/7 continuous operation. That’s because the laser light source doesn’t need to cool down after a few hours and can last 30,000 hours total. (Optoma does recommend powering the unit off when not in use, though.) The laser light source does not use a bulb, so there is nothing to replace. Heat dissipation is amazingly good, as the projector tends to run cool, unlike some high-end models. The GT2400HDR has an IP6X dust rating, so it’s sealed better than some massive home theater projectors that cost $4,000—ironic, considering that if you’re spending that much, you would expect better dust protection.
The projector's light weight (just under 7 pounds) and portability make it a good match for golf simulation. I found it easy to position the projector on the floor and then use it on a table or even in another room without lugging it around like a massive brick.
I first had to figure out where to place it for the golf sim, though. As a short-throw projector, it should normally sit about 4 feet away from the screen. Since I wouldn’t be using actual golf clubs, I could set it on the floor in my windowless testing room; otherwise, I would have to mount it on the ceiling, away from swinging clubs. The projected image looked big enough that, when I started playing EA Sports PGA Tour, the players looked about as tall as they are in real life.
Photograph: John Brandon
I noticed Optoma offers an app to help with initial setup, but it’s a hassle to use. You have to install the app and sync over Bluetooth, but I found it was easier to just do the keystone adjustment with the included remote. (Also, Optoma did not include the required Bluetooth dongle even though it is normally part of the package.)