Setting up an outdoor theater is pretty easy, but you’ll need the following items to create an enjoyable experience:
- A high quality projector (I provide some recommendations at the bottom of this page)
- A laptop or other device that you can connect to the projector for movies.
- A decent sound system, two speakers are ideal.
- An outdoor theater screen.
- An extension cord with enough slots for all your electrical components.
What do you need for an outdoor projector?
A video projector that is suitable for outdoor movies. A large screen with full size. An audio system with powerful speakers. A laptop, Blu-ray player, DVD player, or any other external media device. Power extensions. Electrical tapes. 1. Choosing and Setting Up The Projector Screen
How do you make an outdoor movie theater?
You can make your own screen using a sheet, the side of your house, the garage door, painter's tarp, you name it. Some of the best outdoor movie theaters we've seen were just a projector and a sheet hung between two trees. That said, you may prefer a more polished look for your outdoor theater.
What do you need for a backyard cinema?
If you're planning on going big and inviting a few friends round to your new backyard cinema, you might need a few more seats. Bean bags and inflatables are a cost-effective and comfortable alternative, just make sure they're outdoor rated. Last, but not least, the popcorn. It isn't a cinema without popcorn, after all.
Can I use my home projector for outdoor movie screen?
Although if you are planning to use your home projector on a regular basis for outdoor movie screen purposes, then it would be ideal to buy a separate outdoor movie projector. Moreover, it won’t be possible for you to daily set up the projector for your entertainment room and outdoor movie session. 3. Connecting Video Source
What do you need to make an outdoor cinema?
All you need is a projector, screen or white bedsheet, film source (i.e. a laptop, DVD player or streaming device–we recommend the Google Chrome Cast and the Amazon Fire TV Stick) and some cosy garden furniture. A projector is a great investment for any film-loving family.
How do you organize an outdoor cinema?
How to Organise an Outdoor Cinema for 2020Define your needs. ... Pick an impressive location. ... Pick an ideal date, send the invitation. ... Set the tone with a good film. ... Classic Movies to watch with friends include; ... For classic midnight movies consider the. ... Test your screening. ... Good food and drinks.More items...
How do you run an outdoor movie night?
You can use existing outdoor furniture like lawn chairs or create a DIY space for guests to enjoy the feature film. If you don't have outdoor furniture, bring out a few dining chairs from inside the house. Another fun idea is to lay out sleeping pads, pillows, and beanbag chairs for a cozy sitting area.
How do I watch TV on a projector outside?
The main way to watch TV on your outdoor projector is to first get an outdoor projector (i.e., a high-lumen projector of around 3,000 lumens that can take ambient daylight) that's HDMI or wireless and Wi-Fi enabled. From there, connect the projector to the digital TV media source.
What surface do you need to beam images on?
A surface is required to beam the images on, and it’s here where things could get tricky. The surface needs to be flat and white, which means you can use a wall (as long as it’s not dirty). Another option is a white sheet – though this isn’t an option we’d highly recommend.
How to determine how far back to put a projector?
Figure out the throw ratio (there are some pointers over in our projector set-up guide) to determine how far back to put the projector. Plug the projector into the mains extender (you’ll absolutely need one) and place it square on to the screen.
What type of HDMI input is used for projectors?
Another type of connection is a MHL HDMI input. If you come across a projector with this type input (it should be listed clearly in the specs), then it allows a connection to a compatible smartphone with a MHL HD MI cable. Some will require an adaptor to make them work, such as an iPhone.
How wide is a projector screen?
Much better is a foldable projector screen, preferably one with a stand for more flexible positioning. Some are as wide as 120-inches and that’s certainly big enough. If you’re streaming then check you’re not too far from the Wi-Fi connection (check out our best Wi-Fi extenders if you’re struggling).
Do you need a projector for a Blu-ray player?
An even trickier consideration than setting up the projector and screen is what you’ll use for the sound. If you use a Blu-ray player, then you’ll need a projector which has an audio output to plug into some speakers, or you could even lug your soundbar outside and run the player through that.
Can a projector work in the shade?
No home projector is going to be usable during full sunlight, but you’ll find models that can work in the shade (a gazebo can be useful). A projector that can produce 2000 lumens of brightness is a good start for watching during the day or at night. Go brighter if you can.
What to do before setting up an outdoor theater?
Before setting up your outdoor theater, always check all the building regulations, CC, and R’s that will provide you with details of all the restrictions regarding any outdoor activity. It is recommended to write a letter to the building association head for permission.
What is the best screen for outdoor movie theater?
A top-class projector pull-up screen is always an excellent choice for the setup, but it entirely depends on the area where you will mount and the budget.
How many lumens does an outdoor projector need?
Outdoor areas will somehow get light interference, so minimum 2500 lumens is needed to maintain the brightness of the movie images.
How to get a screen for outdoor?
1.2 However the more straightforward way to get a screen for your outdoor setup is to buy a dedicated projector with an enormous screen size range and a minimum 16:9 aspect ratio. They are a little expensive but offer much better quality than a regular bed sheet.
Why is it important to avoid loud noises while watching movies?
It is advisable to avoid any loud sound while you are watching a movie as it may disturb other people in the locality. Inform them beforehand about your outdoor activity so that they don’t get alarmed by sudden loud noise.
Why is it important to keep the dark when watching movies?
While watching a movie, always keep your surroundings dark otherwise it would hamper the video quality of the film. Moreover holding the area dark will also bar you from irritating your neighbors at night.
Where is the audio port on a projector?
The speaker connection is effortless as you will only have to hook the designated audio cable to the audio port located in the back of the projector. Some 2.1 speakers nowadays also come with a USB port so you can also connect it using that port.
How to pick a garden cinema?
Picking a garden cinema set-up is about identifying the features you need, choosing the right equipment, being mindful of your budget and staying on the right side of your neighbours. And don't forget those little extras, such as seating and refreshments to make the night feel really special.
What is the best camera for outdoor cinema?
Tripod. The best-kept secret of the outdoor cinema enthusiast is a camera tripod. Most portable projectors do not have zoom lenses so setting them up at the right distance and angle for an image that fills your screen takes a fair bit of precision.
What is the most important thing to buy after a projector?
After the projector itself, your outdoor projector screen is probably your most important purchase. The key is to find something that fits your location and other equipment.
How to determine how big a projector you can go?
The more important consideration for this scenario is size and gain. Think about how far you'd like to sit from the screen. Find out the throw ratio of your projector and, with a quick bit of maths, you'll be able to work out how big you can go.
Why is luminance important in outdoor cinema?
Luminance is key because, unlike a dedicated home cinema room, outdoor cinema conditions will usually involve some level of ambient light to compete with. Even when the stars are out, there could be light from your house, from your neighbour's house or from nearby street lighting.
Do projectors need to run off mains?
For the ultimate in portable projectors, choose something that doesn't need to run off mains power. Most built-in batteries will only get you a few hours' usage, but that's enough for a couple of films. The Nebula Solar works well here, but there are cheaper models, including the popular Nebula Capsule, Nebula Mars 2 as well as the Xgimi MoGo and MoGo+ Pro.
Do you need a portable projector?
You don't need to use a portable projector or buy anything that's branded as garden-specific. We haven't come across any that are waterproof or protected from the elements in any way – and for good reason. No one wants to sit outside and watch a film in the pouring rain.
What is the best portable projector for movies?
Xgimi’s MoGo Pro is our favorite portable projector for movies thanks to its built-in Android TV, good-looking image, and small size.
What is the best budget home theater projector?
The BenQ HT2050A ’s best-in-class contrast ratio, bright output, and impressive color accuracy make it our pick for the best budget home theater projector.
How many amps does an Epson projector need?
The Epson Home Cinema 2250 mentioned above has a USB connection on the back for this very purpose, as do many modern projectors. It will need at least 1 amp of output. Older projectors might have the USB port but may not be able to provide enough power.
Why are movie screens so smooth?
There’s a reason why movie screens are so smooth. You’ll be able to see the texture and surface of the “screen” material no matter how bright the projector is. So if you’ve got wood shingles , you’ll see those shingles all colorfully lit by your movie. The same is true with stucco, or any other surface.
How to add a speaker to a projector?
The easiest way to add a better speaker is to use the projector’s analog audio output, which lets you connect any speaker that has an analog input. Many Bluetooth speakers have this, as do most soundbars and, really, just about any speaker system. You’ll need an audio cable to connect the two, either a 3.5-mm–to–3.5-mm stereo cable or a 3.5-mm–to–RCA cable.
What size is a yard master projector?
It’s related to one of our favorite indoor screens and comes with a sturdy frame and ground stakes, so it won’t blow over if your backyard gets a little windy. The Yard Master Plus is available in sizes ranging from 100 to 200 inches (in the 16:9 shape) and includes a storage/carrying bag.
Can you use a projector to hear movies?
You probably want to be able to hear your movie, too. Technically , you can use the projector’s built-in speaker. However, in most cases this speaker is small and low powered, so it’s not going to sound great. If we’re talking about a few people seated close to the projector, that internal speaker might be fine.
What to do after movie night?
After your movie night is over, remember to bring your projector and screen indoors. Leaving them outside and exposed to the elements overnight can result in damage!
How to make a sandbox?
1. Assemble the main frame by attaching the pipes with the connectors. Lay out the pieces on the ground in the way that they will be connected. The 8 ft (2.4 m) pieces should be across from each other and the 4 ft (1.2 m) pieces should be across from each other, forming a rectangle.
How to make a screen look better on a computer?
Turn your screen right-side out and iron it. Flip your sheet so the se ams are facing inward. Iron out any wrinkles, as this could distort any images that are projected onto it.
Can I project a movie from my phone?
There are adapters that you can purchase that will allow you to connect your iOS or Android device directly to a projector with an HDMI cable. If you have one of these, you can project a movie off of your phone!
Do you need a stand for a projector?
You may need a stand or support of some sort to get your projector at the right height, too. There are special projector stands that you can purchase, but you can also experiment with any furniture pieces or chairs that you might have on hand.
Can you set up a movie theater outside?
With a little bit of elbow grease, it’s not difficult to set up your own movie theater by making a screen, finding a projector, and arranging some seating.
Can I use a projector to stream Netflix?
Streamline your setup by purchasing a projector that is wifi enabled. These projectors are able to connect directly to apps like Netflix, HBO Go, Hulu, Google Play, or Amazon Instant Video and stream from there.
What resolution do you need for a projector?
If your budget is pretty tight, a business projector model with a resolution of 1280 x 800 or higher might work well for you. Just make sure to check for input compatibility.
How to contact Projector People?
Call 1-888-248-0675
Can you make an outdoor movie theater?
You can make your outdoor movie theater as simple or high-tech as you like.
Can non HD projectors work outdoors?
NOTE: Non-HD projectors will also work outdoors, but the image quality won't be quite as spectacular as their higher resolution brothers and sisters.
Can you make your own screen?
You betcha! You can make your own screen using a sheet, the side of your house, the garage door, painter's tarp, you name it. Some of the best outdoor movie theaters we've seen were just a projector and a sheet hung between two trees.
Can you put an outdoor screen in your garage?
That said, you may prefer a more polished look for your outdoor theater. Manufacturers have recently come out with a slew of affordable outdoor screens. From cinema-grade material you can attach to your garage to freestanding screens that set up in minutes, there is sure to be an outdoor screen that fits your needs and budget.
Can you leave a projector outside?
Quick Tip! No matter how often you use your outdoor theater, we do not recommend leaving your projector outside after use. Same goes for your screen.
Pick A Projector
Connections and Sources
- HDMI is your best course of action, and with an HDMI cable in tow, you can connect a Blu-ray player, laptop or even a streaming player. Another type of connection is a MHL HDMI input. If you come across a projector with this type input (it should be listed clearly in the specs), then it allows a connection to a compatible smartphone with a MHL HDMI cable. Some will require an adaptor …
Set-Up and Position The Projector
- A surface is required to beam the images on, and it’s here where things could get tricky. The surface needs to be flat and white, which means you can use a wall (as long as it’s not dirty). Another option is a white sheet – though this isn’t an option we’d highly recommend. Much better is a foldable projector screen, preferably one with a stand for more flexible positioning. Some ar…
Hook Up Your Sound
- An even trickier consideration than setting up the projector and screen is what you’ll use for the sound. If you use a Blu-ray player, then you’ll need a projector which has an audio output to plug into some speakers, or you could even lug your soundbar outside and run the player through that. If you’re using a laptop – the easiest option – then your best option is to run the picture over HD…