BenQ’s new AH500ST projector was specifically designed to meet the demands of golf enthusiasts who need high-quality golf simulation experiences in small spaces like garages, basements, and family rooms. The 4000-lumen 1080p AH500ST, available now for $1,899, features the same technology as the company’s Ace AH700ST to automate the install and setup process, achieving the perfect image for the chosen screen and space at the touch of a button, but now engineered to fit small golf sim spaces.
“Building on the success of the BenQ Ace AH700ST projector, we designed the AH500ST to meet the unique needs of home golf simulators in smaller spaces,” said Bob Wudeck, senior director of business development at BenQ. “With our AH500ST, golfers can enjoy the easier setup and an immersive experience even in the most space-constrained environments, making high-quality golf simulation more accessible than ever.”
In a recent survey conducted by BenQ, more than 50% of golf simulator users indicated they want to set up golf simulator projectors in smaller, multipurpose spaces. This feedback underscored the need for a powerful, short-throw projector capable of delivering vibrant visuals without requiring a large setup area. The AH500ST was developed in response, engineered to provide an unparalleled experience in tight quarters.
Key to the AH500ST’s design is its TR0.5 short-throw lens, which projects large, sharp images even at close distances. For users limited to garages, basements, or small rooms, this means they can set up the playing area closer to the screen without worrying about shadows or wall space. The AH500ST’s short-throw ratio will fill an 8×10 foot impact screen from just 7 feet away, significantly reducing the required room depth compared to traditional projectors and is ideal for golf simulators using floor mounts.
The AH500ST has an advanced Screen Fill feature that will reformat the picture to fit 1:1, 4:3, 16:9, or 16:10 aspect ratio screens used in golf simulators. Simply select the type of screen, and the projector will recalculate the resolution and communicate that information to the PC for a pixel-perfect, unsquished image every time. Additionally, a built-in autofocus function uses a built-in camera to ensure a sharp image with the touch of a button—no need to climb ladders to make manual adjustments. BenQ’s Golf Mode brings the colors of the course to life, offering golfers an authentic experience with vivid greens and deep blues for maximum realism.
The BenQ AH500ST is designed to meet the needs of modern users with its advanced connectivity options. And for added versatility, it features two HDMI ports and a LAN port. The projector also supports optional wireless connectivity, ensuring seamless integration with various launch monitor setups. This flexibility allows users to connect to multiple devices and enjoy a versatile and comprehensive golf simulation experience. BenQ also added a 10W speaker so users can fully immerse themselves in the game with ambient sound effects, such as birds and wind.
The AH500ST features a dustproof, IP5X-sealed engine that operates reliably in temperatures from 32°F to 104°F, providing low-maintenance performance ideal for multipurpose environments like garages. Its laser light source ensures up to 20,000 hours of operation, reducing the need for frequent replacements and comes with BenQ’s three-year warranty.
