by Mat Dirjish
Display and projection tech company BenQ claims its AK900ST and AK800ST 4K projectors deliver highly realistic course experiences, simple setup, and higher performance for golf simulation, movies, and gaming. Purpose-built for golf simulation, the projectors combine true 4K UHD resolution, color processing, and automated setup tools to reportedly deliver a more realistic round of indoor golf while making complex simulator installations easier to set up and use.
Combining up to 6,000 ANSI lumens with 4K UHD resolution and 97% Rec. 709 color coverage, the AK900ST and AK800ST promises to reproduce the details and color variations that make courses feel more natural. BenQ’s Golf Mode 2.0 uses frame-based AI video processing to optimize color, contrast, and detail specifically for golf simulation. The result is more natural course textures, reflections, sun-lighting, and shadows while still being able to reproduce the subtle differences in surrounding foliage.
Taking the work out of simulator setups, AK900ST and AK800ST simplify installation with automated setup tools that include:
- Auto Screen Fit 2.0 uses the projector’s built-in camera and sensors to detect the size and shape of the screen and automatically adjust image geometry for curved or flat screens.
- Auto Focus sharpens projected images with a single tap on the remote, eliminating the need for manual adjustment.
- Ambient Visual Enhancer detects changing room conditions and automatically fine-tunes the image for a clear, balanced picture.
- Screen Fill Aspect Ratios including 5:4 and 3:2 let users select the aspect ratio that best fits their simulator screen, alongside common golf simulator formats such as 1:1 and 4:3.
Often, a golf simulator employs one of the largest screens in a home with two-thirds of golf simulator owners using their space for movies, sports, and/or gaming. The projectors make switching between these experiences easier via:
- Scene Memory lets users save customized settings for golf, movies, gaming, and sports.
- 97% Rec. 709 w/ HDR10 image support and Cinematic Mode with native 24p film playback delivers full movie-theater depth and picture quality.
- Automatic Low Latency Mode enables high refresh rates and low lag time when connected to a gaming console.
The AK900ST and AK800ST are available now, priced at $5,999 and $3,999 respectively. For greater gleanings and musings, visit the BenQ website.
