How to Choose the Best Outdoor Projector for a Movie Night
A projector is perfect for garden cinema nights but choosing the best one depends on a few key factors. A few of the most important include illumination power, throw ratio and screen quality.
The ideal projector movie outdoor will be capable of working in daytime too. Many models like the Nebula Capsule 2 and Xgimi MoGo are designed to do just that.
Image Quality
Whether you’re hosting friends or family for a movie night in the backyard, great AV quality is essential. While you can make do with a makeshift projection surface and built-in speakers, investing in a dedicated outdoor projector with a projector screen is the best way to ensure crisp, saturated images from every seat around the yard.
You’ll also want to consider resolution and brightness levels. Carl Prouty, a technologist at Abt, notes that “the lower end of the resolution spectrum is 1080p.” Using this resolution will help ensure a sharp image. In contrast, a higher resolution such as 4K may look more detailed, but it will require more lumens to be visible in low lighting conditions.
The color and texture of your projector screen will also impact the image quality. Avoid a dark or gray surface, which can diffuse light and reduce contrast. A white surface, on the other hand, will help deliver a brighter and more vivid image.
In addition to selecting the right screen and resolution, you’ll need to choose a suitable location and time for watching movies. It’s always tempting to watch outdoors during the day, but doing so will limit picture quality and could make it difficult to see the images on the screen. For the most immersive experience, opt for a secluded spot away from any lights and the hours just before or after sunset when solar illumination begins to fade.
Throw Ratio
For the best home cinema experience, you need to position your projector correctly. Choosing a projector that is too far from the screen will result in image distortion. In addition, light glare from windows or lights can interfere with your viewing experience. In order to prevent this from happening, it is important to understand the relationship between a projector’s throw ratio and its projected image size.
To determine the ideal projection distance, first evaluate the dimensions and layout of your room. Then, identify the desired screen size by determining the width of the projection area in inches or feet. Then, compare this information to the projector’s throw ratio. Finally, multiply the projector’s throw ratio by the screen width to find the optimum projector distance.
Short-throw projectors are great for media rooms and dedicated home theaters because they can be placed close to the screen without disturbing or obstructing seating areas. Long-throw projectors, on the other hand, are ideal for larger venues and living spaces. However, long-throw projectors must 1200 ANSI super bright projector be positioned further from the screen than shorter projectors, which can cause image distortion and may require extra set up and calibration time.
To help you select the right projector for your home, use an online projection calculator to determine the ideal projector-to-screen distance. Simply enter your projector manufacturer and model (legacy models are available as well), then choose a desired screen size and your projection calculator will display the corresponding projector distance.
Sound
Most projectors have a built-in speaker but these aren’t always loud enough to fill the space for an outdoor movie. To get the full cinematic experience, pair your projector with a set of wireless speakers or one of these Bluetooth audio receivers. This lets you share the screen and sound in equal measure with friends.
Brightness is also a key factor when it comes to choosing the best projector for movies outdoors. Look for a model with a high lumen count, especially in a dark environment. The higher the lumen count, the brighter the picture will be, so you can watch your favorite movies with ease.
The best way to improve the sound quality of your movie theater setup is with a surround system like Portable Home Theater Projector 5.1 or 7.1 channels. This is a more expensive option but will deliver superior sound that feels like a real theater experience.
A good surround system requires speakers placed to the left and right of the screen, as well as a center speaker in front of or below it. This will give you a rich and immersive movie experience that is perfect for family night or your next game day.
Screen
An outdoor movie screen elevates a backyard barbecue, a pool party or a family movie night from a simple gathering to an event your guests will remember. An inexpensive projector can make a big difference in the quality of your entertainment, but you also need the right screen to complement it.
A freestanding or pull-down movie screen that folds up or is staked into the ground will work well with most projectors, but look for one that has a sturdy frame and heavy-duty fasteners to hold up to rain, dew and other weather conditions. A screen that uses a dark backing, similar to blackout curtains, will help reduce ambient light that can diminish the image.
The size of the screen is also important, and you should choose a screen that matches the dimensions of your yard or outdoor space. For a more cinematic experience, consider a screen that’s about 10 inches larger in diagonal size than the distance you plan to sit away from it.
A tripod movie screen is easy to set up and takes up little room when stowed, making it a good option for camping trips or impromptu backyard movies. However, it is limited in its size compared to other outdoor screens, so you may want to purchase extra support legs or a portable stand for a bigger setup.