FAQ
Why High Definition Golf™ and not another golf simulator?
- Realism - True 3D course modeling & photo realistic graphics - projected in true HD
- Accuracy - Critical Club & Ball Launch data measured to 1/10th degree - not calculated
- Versatility - Recreation, Competition, Practice, Learning, Instruction & Club-Fitting
- Connectivity - Remote Live Instruction, Competition and Diagnostics
- Reliability – Technology developed for 24/7/365 industrial application
- Integration – Simulator and all modules are fully integrated - require only one workstation
- Simplicity – Convenient touch screen – simple menu interface – ease of installation
Golf Course rendering process
HD Golf’s revolutionary image processing software utilizes high resolution digital images to create life-like “skins” and Geophysical Information Systems (GIS) to replicate accurate terrain and elevation data. This proprietary process creates a true 3D model of the entire golf course that not only looks real, but is completely accurate. Every tree, bunker, and hazard is faithfully reproduced exactly as you would see it when playing the actual golf course.
High Definition Golf™ uses advanced club and ball tracking technology developed by IST
Proprietary system has
the unique capability to measure all aspects of both club and ball motion at
high resolution. Approximately 1 million individual sensors cover the entire
play area providing extremely precise measurement accuracy of all
parameters. Low handicap golfers and Pro’s who know their club distances
well and can shape their shots will particularly notice a significant
difference in accuracy. Draws, fades, hooks, slices, thin and fat shots are
accurately reproduced every time.
Our club head data module is
included with all systems as is the powerful, but easy to use, club
comparison software - making High Definition Golf exceptional for
club-fitting and instruction!
What do I get with the High Definition Golf™ package?
High Definition Golf™ is sold and installed as a complete system package. The package includes the following major components:
- Pentium Duo Core professional workstation
- HDTV compatible high brightness projector
- 17” touch screen
- IST Precision Club & Ball Tracking system
- Golf frame including high brilliance screen with “quiet” technology
- Retractable weighted side curtains
- Pro-grade nylon golf turf and tee mats
- 250W stereo sound system.
Software includes:
- World famous courses
- Practice ranges
- Chipping and putting greens
- Games and contests such as long drive, closest-to-pin, windows and field goal challenge, trajectory analysis, club-fitting, clubface and swing-path analysis tools.
Since High Definition Golf is a very high performance, integrated multi-processor system, we cannot sell software separately to run on home PC’s.
There are a variety of accessories and options available including:
- Professional grade launch monitor
- Swing capture and analysis
- Internet play with live video and audio.
For professional applications, High Definition Golf™ is the only simulator that offers a completely integrated “Professional Studio” where everything works together seamlessly using one computer system.
For multi-simulator installations, we offer the Golf Center Management software solution to book tee times, manage league play, download player stats, place promotional ads, and more.
Internet Connectivity - Remote Diagnostics and Support
All High Definition Golf models include Internet connectivity that provides live remote diagnostics and support. The standard system utilizes the Internet to enable our full-service support staff to be “at your door” with the click of a button.
Have you heard or experienced the nightmare stories of contracted computer support resulting in days, weeks or months of downtime or the hassle of packing and shipping faulty sensor mats or circuit boards?
High Definition Golf capture technology was developed originally for international factory automation applications. Our motion detection systems were designed and built to operate 24/7/365 in harsh environments.
In the unlikely event that something is not functioning properly with a system, one click of the keyboard connects our staff engineers for live, remote diagnostics. The same technicians that designed and built your High Definition Golf simulator will diagnose and correct any problems immediately. You’ll be swinging again in minutes with no worries, except for that big water hazard to the left of the 18th fairway!
Remote Competition
Want to compete? Whether with a friend in another state or someone else looking for competition, only High Definition Golf connects your bay with theirs for live audio, video and data transfer.
Using picture-in-picture technology on the big screen and stereo sound, each players’ swings, shots and comments are transmitted and received. Take your game online with incredible ease. High Definition Golf remote competition doesn’t just mean a shared static scoreboard. Next level technology means for a new level of reality.
Remote Instruction
High Definition Golf connects you to your favorite instructors. That’s right, anyone, anytime from the comfort of your home. Imagine the possibilities! High Definition Golf’s standard system is known for the accuracy of its data capture for both club motion and ball launch. Your instructor will have a live audio, video and data connection with your bay. You will have them on your big screen with stereo sound. The extensive accurate data collected for each of your swings, as well as control of the two high-speed color video cameras allows your remote instructor to make complete swing analysis and comparisons.
With High Definition Golf remote lessons can actually be better than a standard outdoor video lesson because your instructor has two video views and all the critical club and ball data the system measures for each of your shots.
Reliability
The technology that drives High Definition Golf was originally developed for automated quality control in high-tech manufacturing facilities where tolerances were only one ten-thousandth of an inch and operation was required 24/7/365 in harsh environments.
The High Definition Golf ball and club tracking system is very reliable and requires no maintenance. The standard system includes two years of software updates and live support as well as the industry’s only remote system diagnostics feature. A five year plan is available. Projector bulbs and hitting mats are the only maintenance items.
Integration
The “Professional Studio” has been designed primarily as a complete solution for professional instructors, club-fitters and golf retailers who have had to utilize several independent technologies for video swing analysis, capturing ball launch data and measuring swing dynamics to properly service their customers.
The standard simulator utilizes three IST high-speed spectrum sensors to provide the industry’s most accurate measurements of ball launch data, club head speed, as well as clubface angle and path through impact. Our precise (1/10th of a degree) capture of both club and ball variables is critical to realistically projecting the resulting ball flight.
The Studio model does not require additional computers and utilizes the same easy to use touch screen operator interface. It fully integrates all the additional hardware and software required to provide the extensive accurate data that today’s consumers expect when seeking high quality professional instruction and club-fitting services.
Included are two automatically activated high speed color video capture cameras with special lenses to operate properly in the low light and close range conditions of an indoor bay. Video software includes complete drawing and editing tools, as well as sample swing library.
A fourth high-speed spectrum sensor (launch monitor) captures precise spin measurements at impact. Completing the Studio hardware arsenal is the force plate, which measures the golfer’s weight shift dynamics.
The Studio is the industry’s first simulator utilizing accurate IST high speed spectrum sensor technology and integrating all these functions within a single computer. Complete data measurements and video of player motion, club position and ball launch and flight are collected at high resolution, organized and projected in high definition. Perhaps most importantly, all these high tech functions are available through a simple touch screen interface that the user will be able to operate with immediate effectiveness. Professional instructors and club-fitters recognizing the importance of ball flight have been limited to teaching and testing equipment outdoors. The High Definition Golf Professional Studio provides the ultimate solution – indoors.
Simplicity
Operation - The simulator and all modules have been designed so that anyone can be immediately effective with system operation, regardless of prior computer experience. No keyboard or mouse are required, just turn it on and the convenient touch screen displays intuitive menu options like play, practice, compete.
Decide what you want to do – touch the button and swing away. It's really that easy! If you can operate a bank ATM, you can operate High Definition GolfTM. Following installation, our technician will train owners and users on all system operations. Seldom is more than a half hour required.
Installation – System installation is quick and easy. No room construction like sub-floors, walls or ceilings are required. The “golf cage” option allows free-standing installation in rooms with ceilings 10’ high. It can be disassembled easily and transported for temporary use as required.
Standard installation mounts ceiling tracks for the included retractable side curtains, Overhead projector and club head module mounts are included with the system and standard installation. System calibration is automatic. Why does your system cost more than some other golf simulators?
We use only high quality components. While other simulators use lower cost components such as “home PC’s”, analog video and polypropylene turf; we use only professional/business rated workstations, digital video, spring-set nylon turf and other components which cost more, but deliver much higher performance and reliability.
In addition, our tracking system technology is much more advanced and powerful than relatively inexpensive photodiode strips which makes it more expensive, but again delivers much higher performance and reliability.
Our software is also more sophisticated and R&D intensive than conventional computer graphics modeling, but well worth the additional time and effort. It produces life-like results versus typical PC video games.
How much space do I need? Are there construction requirements for High Definition Golf™?
The minimum space required to install High Definition Golf™ is 14’ (4.3 m) wide x 18’ (5.5 m) deep x 9’6” (2.9 m) height. Although the frame/screen for High Definition Golf™ occupies only 14’ wide by 2’ deep, the larger total space is required for a golfer to swing a club without interference.
Installation is significantly easier than most other golf simulators since no sub-floor is required. The frame/screen is assembled from six sections and then simply bolted to the floor with no wall or ceiling modifications required.
Unlike some other golf simulators, High Definition Golf™ can be installed in either “soft-wall” or “hard-wall” applications. In “soft-wall” applications the extendable curtains can be pulled back allowing the room to be used for other purposes, such as super large screen TV (HDTV compatible), when not being used for golf. With its finished upholstered appearance, this makes High Definition Golf™ the ideal choice for homes, clubhouses and hotel/resort applications.