If you’re looking for a projector that fits into your compact indoor golf setup, look no further than the BenQ LH600ST+ Golf Simulator Projector. With a short-throw ratio spanning 0.69-0.83, a versatile 1.2x zoom, numerous keystone and corner fit options, and an effortless LED light source, this projector allows you to mount it in various locations while still delivering the clear and vibrant images you desire.
But how does it stand up against similarly priced models? Let’s take a look at the BenQ LH600ST+ vs. LW600ST and more!
BENQ LH600ST+ vs. LW600ST vs. LW500ST
Let’s start by comparing the LH600ST+ with the LW600ST and LW500ST. To us, it seems as though BenQ came out with the LW500ST first and, after listening to customer feedback, made some tweaks and released the LW600ST+, and then made a few more tweaks and released the LH600ST+.
So where does the LH600ST+ stack up compared to the other two? Let’s check it out.
|
Specs |
LW500ST |
LW600ST |
LH600ST+ |
|
Price |
|||
|
Brightness |
2000 |
2800 |
3000 |
|
Resolution |
WXGA |
WXGA |
1080P |
|
Selectable Aspect Ratio |
4:3 / 16:10/ Auto / Real / 16:6 / 1:1 |
Auto / Real / 4:3 / 16:9 / 16:10 |
Auto / Real / 4:3 / 16:9 / 16:10 |
|
Contrast Ratio |
20,000:1 |
20,000:1 |
20,000:1 |
|
Light Source Life |
20,000/ 30,000 (Normal/Eco) |
20,000/ 30,000 (Normal/Eco) |
20,000/ 30,000 (Normal/Eco) |
|
Throw Ratio |
0.72-0.87 |
0.72-0.87 |
0.69-0.83 |
|
Projection Offset |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Keystone Adjustment |
2D |
2D |
2D |
|
Corner Fit |
N/A |
YES |
YES |
|
Picture Modes |
Video / Bright / Presentation / sRGB / 3D / User 1 / User 2 / Golf / Spreadsheet |
Video / Bright / Presentation / sRGB / 3D / User 1 / User 2 / Golf / Spreadsheet |
Bright / Presentation / Simulator / sRGB / 3D / User 1 / User 2 / Vivid |
|
Rec. 709 Coverage |
98% |
95% |
94% |
|
3LED or 4LED Light Source |
3LED |
4LED |
4LED |
|
I/O Ports |
HDMI*2, USB Type A*1, RS232*1, Audio out (3.5 mini Jack)*1, IR Receiver*2 |
HDMI*2, USB Type A*2 (1 for FW upgrade, 1 for wifi dongle), RS232*1, Audio out (3.5 mini Jack)*1, IR Receiver*2 |
HDMI-1 (1.4a/HDCP1.4), HDMI-2 (1.4a/HDCP1.4)
USB Type A(2.0/Reader/FW Upgrade), USB Type A-1 (2.0/Power Supply1.5A), RS232*1, Audio out (3.5 mini Jack)
|
As you can see, just slight tweaks or improvements between the models. The biggest differences to us are:
- The LH600ST+’s lumens are just barely more than the LW600ST
- The higher resolution in the LH600ST+
- The LH600ST+’s shorter throw ratio
- The corner fitting capability of the LW600ST and LH600ST+
- The 4LED light source of the LW600ST and LH600ST+
After testing some of these models in real life golf simulator scenarios, we’ll be the first to say that 1080P resolution is noticeably better than WXGA, especially when scaled to a golf impact screen. But if the price for one of the WXGA models is more in your budget, that’ll do just fine.
BENQ LH600ST+ vs. OPTOMA GT2000HDR
We also wanted to put the LH600ST up against a competitor model in the same price range: the Optoma GT2000HDR. Let’s check out how the key specs of the two models compare:
|
Specs |
Optoma GT2000HDR |
BenQ LH600ST |
|
Price |
||
|
Brightness |
3500 |
2500 |
|
Resolution |
1080P |
1080P |
|
Selectable Aspect Ratio |
4:3 / 16:9 / 16:10 |
Auto / Real / 4:3 / 16:9 / 16:10 |
|
Contrast Ratio |
300,000:1 |
20,000:1 |
|
Light Source Life |
30,000 hours |
20,000/30,000 hours (Normal/Eco) |
|
Throw Ratio |
0.496:1 |
0.69-0.83 |
|
Projection Offset |
116% |
102.5% |
|
Keystone Adjustment |
+/-30° Vertical and Horizontal |
+/-30° Vertical and Horizontal |
|
Corner Fit |
N/A |
YES |
|
Zoom |
Fixed |
1.2x |
|
Light Source Type |
Laser |
4LED |
Although the Optoma GT2000HDR is priced a bit higher, the BenQ LH600ST does compete or win in many areas, such as:
- Same resolution
- Less projection offset
- Corner fitting capability
- Zoom capability
BENQ LH600ST REVIEW
We want to start by saying: don’t let the BenQ LH600ST’s lumen number fool ya.
Despite having less lumens than some similar models, it was as bright or brighter to the naked eye during our tests. The rich colors of the LH600ST seemed to at least trick our eyes into believing it was as bright.
Plus, the flexibility that the BenQ LH600ST gives you for mounting your projector slightly off center is so important in a space constrained golf simulator. It’s hard to write how valuable it can be until you actually experience it.
Nobody wants to put their projector investment in harm’s way, and having the ability to mount a projector off to the side while still perfectly filling the screen is a feature we used to only see in very high end projectors.
1:1 Aspect Ratio
One other somewhat hidden, but important, feature of the BenQ LH600ST golf simulator projector is that users can change the native aspect ratio right in the projector settings.
Typically, this was only possible by tinkering with computer and graphic card settings. If you’re not very techy, you won’t want to worry about that.
The screen fill setting on the BenQ LH600ST enables the projector to effortlessly adjust its native resolution to align with your preferred aspect ratio, including a 1:1 option. Opting for a 1:1 aspect ratio for your golf simulator screen is particularly favored in compact spaces, and the ability to access this option with just a few clicks in the OSD menu adds a valuable bonus to the projector's user-friendly features.
CONCLUSION
If you have a more spacious or luxury golf simulator at home, or a commercial setup, you’ll likely want to look into some higher-end options, but for many home golf simulator setups, the LH600ST offers plenty of benefits for a decently affordable price.
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