If you are looking for a golf simulator for a larger screen over 12 feet, your reseller may recommend the popular Epson EB-PU1006W as a solid projector that is easy to install. But since the launch of this projector, new golf simulator projectors from BenQ with similar brightness are now available that enable you to get nearly twice the pixels at half the price. Since all three projectors have similar brightness - let’s look closer at these key comparisons:

• Resolution 
• Color Accuracy 
• Fixed Lens vs. Optional Lens
• Daily Usage Limitations 
• Maintenance 
• Price Comparison

The most obvious difference between the Epson EB-PU1006W and the two BenQ alternatives is resolution. For a typical golf simulator setup with a diagonal screen size of 230 inches, a higher resolution enables you to see a more realistic image. The native resolution of the BenQ LK935 and LK936ST is UHD 4K with 8.3 million pixels, while the Epson EB-PU1006W is WUXGA with 2.4 million pixels. Let’s use a basic measurement used on cell phones to explain the difference between the two.

Today’s current smartphones have well over 1000 pixels per square inch on a six-inch screen, The BenQ LK936 delivers nearly 370 pixels per square inch on a 230-inch diagonal screen, 9 ½ foot tall impact screen. The Epson EB-PU1006W at its native resolution only delivers 97 pixels per square inch on the same size screen. If you use their 4K enhancement tool, it may improve the pixel density somewhat, but the BenQ has a clear advantage. This also means that the pixel size is different between the two – the native pixel of the BenQ is 1.3 mm on the screen, while the Epson EB-PU1006W is nearly 2.6 mm -- almost twice as large. The smaller pixels enable more detail when rendering trees, grass, and other course elements. 

The best virtual golf course designers compete to create a realistic feel to their courses. The type of grass, color of tree leaves, and color of water and flowers all are part of transporting the golfer to a course across the country or the world. The easiest way to break the illusion is to have colors on the screen that don’t exist in nature – such as a lime green fairway box.

The industry standard reference is the Rec. 709 specification – which all course designers use to ensure their courses look perfect whether it’s on a television or a projector. The BenQ LK935 and LK936ST both deliver high Rec. 709 coverage, and have a golf mode, which adds color depth to key elements on a course, such as grass, clouds, and water. Unlike other Epson models used for home theater, the Epson EB-PU1006W does not reference any industry standard color accuracy specifications.

According to a national survey of golf simulation owners and buyers, the setup of the projector is one of the top concerns. Projector manufacturers can either build purpose-built models with short-throw or long-throw lenses – or build a chassis where they can change lenses to adapt to the room. So, what is the best choice for a golf simulator projector lens – fixed or optional?

BenQ golf simulator projectors are built with fixed lenses, and this is one big reason they are so much less expensive than the Epson EB-PU1006W. With the lens built-in, it makes the design and manufacturing simpler while still enabling advanced image correction tools such as lens shift, zoom, and corner fit to fine-tune the image. The BenQ LK936ST features a short throw lens that mounts behind the hitting area, while the LK935 has a normal throw lens throw rations common in commercial golf simulators. The Epson EB-PU1006W doesn’t come with a lens – but uses separate or “optional” lenses with similar throw ratios that can be changed if the projector needs to be repurposed for another location such as a meeting room or auditorium. But the cost of these lenses is in addition to the cost of the projector and can run over $2000 just for the lens alone.

Both the BenQ and Epson projectors are capable of being used in a commercial or other high-use environment. However, even though the laser life on both is 20,000 hours only the Epson cannot be used “continually” or in a situation where the daily use exceeds 18 hours per day. In other words, using the projector Epson EB-PU1006W too much can void its warranty. By contrast, the BenQ does not have any specific usage limitations in its three-year warranty.

The BenQ LK936ST and LK935 have advanced IP5X sealed laser engines that never requires cleaning or maintenance, while the Epson uses a traditional filter that must be regularly checked or cleaned to ensure the unit doesn’t overheat or other issues. Besides being a potentially messy job, it typically needs a ladder to safely access a ceiling mounted projector, and neglecting to maintain the projector can also void its warranty.

So, what is the price difference between the 4K UHD BenQ LK935 and LK936ST golf simulator projector with fixed lenses and the lower resolution Epson EB-PU1006W projector with either normal or short throw optional lenses. While pricing will vary depending on promotions, retailers, and other factors, here is an overview of how much these projectors cost using online sources in the United States in August 2023.

While the two projectors are both examples of high-quality projectors that have enough brightness to support large screens, there are significant differences in resolution, color accuracy, maintenance requirements, and of course, purchase price. Optional lens projectors do offer some advantages to a golf simulator projector in special mounting situations compared to a fixed lens model, but at a significant cost difference with less features. By using a fixed lens golf simulator projector, you can realize the benefits of 4K UHD resolution with more pixels, no maintenance, and cost savings to pay for a lifetime subscription for your favorite 4K golf simulator software – and then some.

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.