Throw distance for simulator screens
Simulator screens are usually 4:3 or square, while most projectors are 16:9 or 16:10. To fill a squarer screen, the projector's full frame is set so its height matches the screen height; the extra width is masked in software. That means the throw distance depends on the projector's native frame width, not the screen width.
| Screen | Full 16:9 frame width | Lens-to-screen distance |
|---|---|---|
| 10.5 × 8 ft (4:3) | 14.0 ft | 11′ 1″ |
| 12 × 9 ft (4:3) | 16.0 ft | 12′ 8″ |
| 8 × 8 ft (1:1) | 14.2 ft | 11′ 3″ |
| 12 × 7.5 ft (16:10) | 13.3 ft | 10′ 6″ |
| 14 × 7.9 ft (16:9) | 14.0 ft | 11′ 1″ |
How bright will it look?
Brightness on the screen is what the golfer sees. We convert the rated lumens into foot-lamberts (fL) for each screen, counting only the share of the frame that lands on the screen, and assuming a screen gain of 1.0. Real results are lower in eco modes and as the light source ages.
| Screen | Frame on screen | Brightness | What that means |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10.5 × 8 ft (4:3) | 75% | 45 fL | good in a dim room |
| 12 × 9 ft (4:3) | 75% | 35 fL | good in a dim room |
| 8 × 8 ft (1:1) | 56% | 44 fL | good in a dim room |
| 12 × 7.5 ft (16:10) | 90% | 50 fL | bright enough to tolerate some ambient light |
| 14 × 7.9 ft (16:9) | 100% | 45 fL | good in a dim room |
Resolution and aspect ratio on a sim screen
The seller lists 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) with a native 16:9 frame. On a squarer screen part of the frame is unused, so the effective resolution drops.
| Screen | Pixels on the screen | Share of native frame |
|---|---|---|
| 10.5 × 8 ft (4:3) | 2,880 × 2,160 | 75% |
| 12 × 9 ft (4:3) | 2,880 × 2,160 | 75% |
| 8 × 8 ft (1:1) | 2,160 × 2,160 | 56% |
| 12 × 7.5 ft (16:10) | 3,456 × 2,160 | 90% |
| 14 × 7.9 ft (16:9) | 3,840 × 2,160 | 100% |
Light source and running
A laser light source needs no lamp changes and holds brightness more evenly over its life.
| Ownership figure | Value |
|---|---|
| Rated light-source life | 30,000 h (Eco mode) |
| At 2 hours a day | about 41 years |
| At 4 hours a day (heavy use) | about 21 years |
| Input lag | 16.7 ms (4K 60 Hz); 8.6 ms (1080p 120 Hz) |
Fit check: Optoma ZK521ST-B
Planning checks from the published specification and our screen calculations.
- ✓MountingMount sold separately. Short-throw models usually ceiling-mount just in front of the golfer so the swing does not cast a shadow; floor enclosures are an alternative. See projector mounts.
- ✓Throw distanceAbout 11′ 1″ lens-to-screen for a 10.5 × 8 ft 4:3 screen.
- ?Screen shapeNative 16:9; on a 4:3 screen 75% of the frame is used.
- ?Image alignmentlens shift: Vertical 104–125% ; keystone: ±15° H/V plus four-corner
- iCablingPlan an HDMI run from the PC or phone/tablet to the projector; long runs may need an active or fibre HDMI cable.
Specifications
Each figure is labelled with where it comes from. Numbered references link to the source list below.
Published specifications
| Brightness | 5,000 ANSI lumens[S1] | Retailer listing |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K UHD (3840 × 2160)[S1] | Retailer listing |
| Native aspect ratio | 16:9[S1] | Retailer listing |
| Display technology | DLP[S1] | Retailer listing |
| Light source | Laser[S1] | Retailer listing |
| Light-source life | Up to 30,000 hours (Eco mode)[S1] | Retailer listing |
| Throw ratio | 0.79:1[S1] | Retailer listing |
| Zoom | Fixed[S1] | Retailer listing |
| Lens shift | Vertical 104–125%[S1] | Retailer listing |
| Keystone | ±15° H/V plus four-corner[S1] | Retailer listing |
| Input lag | 16.7 ms (4K 60 Hz); 8.6 ms (1080p 120 Hz)[S1] | Retailer listing |
| Fan noise | 29 dB(A)[S1] | Retailer listing |
| Weight | 6.6 lb[S1] | Retailer listing |
FOREference calculations
| Throw distance, 10.5 × 8 ft 4:3 screen | 11′ 1″ | FOREference calculation |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness on that screen | 45 fL | FOREference calculation |
Limitations to weigh
- Fixed throw ratio — the projector position is set by the screen size.
- Mount, cables and screen are not included.
Alternatives worth comparing
Where to buy
3 specialist sellers list this exact product. Prices were observed on 30 Sep 2026; confirm the current price, stock and included items before ordering.
| Seller | Listed price | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Rain or Shine Golf | $2,699 | Specialist retailer |
| Shop Indoor Golf | $2,699 | Specialist retailer |
| Golf Bays | $2,699 | Specialist retailer |
Every link opens the product page for this exact model. We may earn a commission; it never changes what we publish. Disclosure
Questions buyers ask
How far from the screen does the Optoma ZK521ST-B go?
Is the Optoma ZK521ST-B bright enough for a golf simulator?
Will the Optoma ZK521ST-B fill a 4:3 golf screen?
Laser or lamp: which does the Optoma ZK521ST-B use?
Sources and verification
- Rain or Shine Golf — Optoma ZK521ST-B 4K UHD Short Throw Laser — product page and specifications Retrieved 30 Sep 2026
- Shop Indoor Golf — Optoma ZK521ST-B 4K UHD Golf Simulator Projector — product page Retrieved 30 Sep 2026
- Golf Bays — Optoma Golf Sim ZK521ST-B True 4K UHD Short Throw Laser Projector — product page Retrieved 30 Sep 2026
FOREference has not tested this product hands-on. This reference is compiled from the sources above; our calculations are labelled and show their working. Last verified 30 Sep 2026. How we work