BenQ TH690ST vs Optoma GT1090HDR: Golf Simulator Projector Showdown

The Golf Simulator Projector Decision

Your projector makes or breaks the visual experience. Too much input lag and you feel disconnection from your shots. Too dim and the image washes out. Wrong throw ratio and you can't fit it in your space.

The BenQ TH690ST and Optoma GT1090HDR are two of the most popular projectors for home golf simulators. Both are short-throw designs built for gaming, but they take different approaches.

Quick verdict: BenQ TH690ST for lowest input lag and best overall performance. Optoma GT1090HDR for maximum brightness in rooms with ambient light.

At a Glance

| Feature | BenQ TH690ST | Optoma GT1090HDR | |---------|--------------|------------------| | Price | $999-1,199 | $999-1,199 | | Resolution | 1080p | 1080p | | Brightness | 2,300 lumens | 4,200 lumens | | Input Lag | 8.3ms | 8.4ms | | Throw Ratio | 0.69-0.83 | 0.50-0.66 | | HDR | No | Yes (HDR10) | | Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | | Lamp Life | 15,000 hours (Eco) | 15,000 hours (Eco) | | Fan Noise | Moderate | Moderate-High | | Best For | Dark/dim rooms | Bright rooms, garages |

The Products

BenQ TH690ST

BenQ's purpose-built gaming projector has become the gold standard for home golf simulators. The 8.3ms input lag is essentially imperceptible.

Optoma GT1090HDR

Optoma's brightness-focused short-throw brings HDR support and 4,200 lumens for challenging lighting conditions.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Input Lag

Winner: BenQ TH690ST (barely)

| Mode | BenQ TH690ST | Optoma GT1090HDR | |------|--------------|------------------| | Game Mode 1080p | 8.3ms | 8.4ms | | Standard Mode | 16ms | 16ms |

Both projectors deliver excellent input lag in game mode. The 0.1ms difference is completely imperceptible - you won't feel any difference between them.

Why input lag matters for golf: When you strike a ball, you expect immediate feedback on screen. High input lag (50ms+) creates a disconnected feeling. Both these projectors are fast enough that your brain won't detect any delay.

Brightness

Winner: Optoma GT1090HDR (significantly)

The Optoma's 4,200 lumens nearly doubles the BenQ's 2,300 lumens. This matters enormously in certain environments:

Choose higher brightness (Optoma) if:

• Your garage has windows or skylights
• You play during daytime with ambient light
• Your screen doesn't have great light rejection
• You prefer a punchy, vivid image

Lower brightness (BenQ) is fine if:

• Your simulator room can be made dark
• You primarily play in evening/night
• You have light-controlling window treatments
• You prefer a more cinema-like image

Real-world impact: In a properly darkened room, 2,300 lumens is plenty. In a garage with ambient light, you'll appreciate every bit of the Optoma's brightness.

Throw Ratio and Installation

Winner: Optoma GT1090HDR

The Optoma has a shorter throw ratio (0.50-0.66 vs 0.69-0.83), meaning it projects a larger image from closer distance.

| Screen Size | BenQ Distance | Optoma Distance | |-------------|---------------|-----------------| | 100" diagonal | 6-7 feet | 4-5 feet | | 120" diagonal | 7-8.5 feet | 5-6 feet | | 150" diagonal | 9-10.5 feet | 6.5-7.5 feet |

Why this matters: In tight spaces, the Optoma's shorter throw lets you mount closer to the screen, keeping the projector further from your swing path.

Image Quality

Winner: Tie (different strengths)

Both are native 1080p with 120Hz support. The differences:

BenQ TH690ST:

• More accurate colors out of box
• Better black levels
• Superior motion handling
• Cinematic, natural image

Optoma GT1090HDR:

• HDR10 support
• More vivid, punchy colors
• Better in ambient light
• Brighter overall image

For golf simulation, both produce excellent images. The BenQ looks better in dark rooms. The Optoma looks better in bright rooms.

HDR Support

Winner: Optoma GT1090HDR

The Optoma supports HDR10, which can provide better contrast and color range with HDR-enabled simulator software.

Reality check: Most golf simulator software doesn't use HDR effectively. This feature is nice to have but rarely matters in practice.

Fan Noise

Winner: BenQ TH690ST

The BenQ runs quieter, especially in normal mode. The Optoma pushes more light through a similar-sized chassis, requiring more cooling.

| Mode | BenQ | Optoma | |------|------|--------| | Normal | 33 dB | 36 dB | | Eco | 28 dB | 32 dB |

Practical impact: With music or game audio playing, neither is distracting. In a quiet room, the Optoma is noticeably louder.

Build Quality and Reliability

Winner: Tie

Both projectors are well-built with similar lamp life ratings (15,000 hours in eco mode). BenQ and Optoma are established brands with good support.

Lamp replacement:

• BenQ: ~$150-200
• Optoma: ~$150-200

At typical simulator usage (10-15 hours/week), expect 10+ years before lamp replacement.

Mounting Considerations

Both work well ceiling-mounted behind your hitting position. Key considerations:

BenQ TH690ST:

• Lens shift available (easier alignment)
• Wider zoom range
• More forgiving mounting position

Optoma GT1090HDR:

• No lens shift
• Shorter throw requires less depth
• More precise mounting needed

If your ceiling mount position isn't perfectly centered, the BenQ's lens shift makes alignment easier.

Value

Winner: Tie

Both projectors typically sell for $999-1,199. The value proposition:

BenQ TH690ST value:

• Best-in-class input lag
• Superior image quality in dark rooms
• Easier installation with lens shift
• Proven golf simulator performance

Optoma GT1090HDR value:

• Much higher brightness
• HDR support
• Shorter throw ratio
• Better in challenging lighting

You're not overpaying with either choice.

Who Should Buy the BenQ TH690ST

Choose the BenQ if:

• Your simulator room can be properly darkened
• You prioritize image quality and color accuracy
• Quiet operation matters to you
• You want the most forgiving installation
• You're building a dedicated simulator room

Best pairing: Dark-painted room, quality impact screen, premium simulator setup.

BenQ Pros

• Industry-leading 8.3ms input lag
• Superior color accuracy
• Quieter operation
• Lens shift for easy alignment
• Proven reliability in simulator use

BenQ Cons

• 2,300 lumens may struggle in bright rooms
• No HDR support
• Slightly longer throw ratio

Who Should Buy the Optoma GT1090HDR

Choose the Optoma if:

• Your space has windows or ambient light
• You're setting up in a garage
• You need the shortest possible throw distance
• HDR support appeals to you
• Brightness is your priority

Best pairing: Garage setups, spaces with windows, light-colored rooms.

Optoma Pros

• 4,200 lumens - excellent for bright rooms
• Shortest throw ratio in class
• HDR10 support
• Great for challenging lighting

Optoma Cons

• Louder fan noise
• No lens shift (precise mounting needed)
• HDR rarely matters for golf software
• More heat output

Common Concerns Addressed

"Is 1080p enough for golf simulation?"

Yes. At typical viewing distances (10-15 feet), 1080p looks sharp. 4K is nice but not necessary, and 4K projectors cost significantly more.

"Can I use these on a gray screen?"

Both work well with gray ambient light rejecting (ALR) screens. The BenQ actually benefits more from gray screens, while the Optoma's brightness can overpower them.

"How important is 120Hz?"

Both support 120Hz, which provides smoother ball flight animation. For golf simulation, this is noticeable and worth having.

"Will the fan noise bother me?"

In eco mode, both are reasonably quiet. With simulator audio playing, you won't notice either.

"Should I wait for 4K short-throw options?"

If budget allows, the Optoma UHD35STx offers true 4K at $1,600-1,800. For most setups, 1080p at $1,000 is the better value.

The Verdict

For Dark/Controlled Rooms: BenQ TH690ST

If you can control the lighting in your simulator space, the BenQ delivers superior image quality, quieter operation, and easier installation. It's the default recommendation for dedicated simulator rooms.

For Bright Spaces/Garages: Optoma GT1090HDR

If your space has ambient light challenges - garage windows, skylights, or you play during the day - the Optoma's 4,200 lumens cuts through where the BenQ would struggle.

Our Recommendation

Most simulator builders should choose the BenQ TH690ST. It's the industry standard for good reason - best input lag, great image, proven reliability.

Choose the Optoma GT1090HDR specifically if you have a bright space you can't or won't darken. The extra brightness is significant.

Budget alternative: The BenQ TH671ST ($699-799) offers similar performance to the TH690ST at lower cost, with slightly higher input lag (16ms).

Related Resources

• Best Short Throw Projectors - Full projector guide
• Mid-Range Build Under $3,000 - Complete setup guide
• Premium Build $5,000-$10,000 - Premium setup guide
• Golf Simulator Screens Guide - Screen pairing