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Optoma GT2400HDR Review: Ace Projector for Golf Simulation
Indoor golf simulators aren't easy to set up, and they aren't inexpensive. It starts with a home cinema projector, but you also need a wide, open space for swinging clubs, a backdrop with netting, and a gaming laptop or desktop to run the software. I was on a mission to see if I could do this much more cheaply with an affordable projector.
I accomplished my goal successfully by building around the Optoma GT2400HDR short-throw projector. I skipped the most expensive components, like the backdrop and the clubs. Instead, I used a gaming laptop and controller I already owned, and played EA Sports PGA Tour, which is included with my PC Game Pass Ultimate account. While the projector isn’t a bad option for playing golf at home on the cheap, it’s not ideal for watching movies and TV shows. It also struggles with high-octane games, and it doesn’t even include a smart TV platform.
Optoma describes the GT2400HDR as a laser-based short-throw projector designed for gaming, entertainment, and golf simulation (the latter being my main intention). It can project a screen size from 30 to 300 inches at Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution. My goal in creating an indoor driving range was to keep costs as low as possible, so I planned to use my Xbox controller with a gaming laptop and play on a 100-inch screen while still feeling like I was out on the links. For a golf game, you can get by with a midrange computer or even use a golf sim app on your iPad. (To do that, you’ll need to cast to a device that supports AirPlay or connect through HDMI via an adapter.)
For 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.
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.)
Fortunately, keystoning was easy with the remote because, during setup, you can just position the four corners of the image. I ran one HDMI cable for my laptop and one for an AV receiver for surround sound (I used a Yamaha RX300A). In less than 30 minutes, I had the projector running, and I was swinging with the pros at Augusta.
I will say, I had an absolute blast with the setup. I loved the massive screen for golf, and I was pleased I