Choosing a Movie Projector For Outside
A movie projector for outside is the key to creating a backyard cinema that rivals any drive-in. It’s important to choose a bright projector for outdoor viewing and consider screen options that minimize ambient light such as house lights, fire pits, and street lamps.
Many people assume their regular home cinema setup will perform the same outdoors, only to be disappointed with a subpar experience that’s hardly drive-in quality.
Retractable Screens
While it may be easy–and free–to just shine a projector onto any surface, that method creates a lot of problems. The texture of the wall or garage door, for instance, becomes an added feature in the image that can distract viewers. A good outdoor projection screen has a smooth, color-neutral surface that shows only the movie image.
As you shop for an outdoor projection screen, consider your budget and your space limitations. Many screens fold up into a metal case when not in use, making them easy to move and store. You can find some that have wheels so you can roll them into a tight space, but these models are typically more expensive than those with just the case.
If you prefer a permanent installation, look for an electric model. This one from Elite Screens drops down with the push of a button and retracts back into its housing when not in use. It comes with a sleek enameled weather-resistant aluminum casing that adds style to any backyard theater.
For a less-permanent solution, opt for an inflatable screen. These are easier to set up and can be used in a variety of environments, but they require a fan for operation. This option from Vivohome inflates in seconds and offers solid picture quality, but the fan can be noisy.
Inflatable Screens
Modern families are increasingly transforming their backyards into charming exterior home theaters. One essential component of this setup is a projector screen. A quality projection screen provides the flat, even display surface that is required for a high-quality viewing experience. Many people mistakenly assume that the same equipment they use indoors will work equally well outdoors, but this is often not the case. Outdoor movies require a large screen that can compete movie projector for outside with ambient light from nearby sources such as headlights, house lights, the sun, the moon, and your barbecue grill.
The best outdoor projection screens have a white surface that is designed to reflect light instead of absorb it. This allows for a more balanced image and richer color. Most of these screens are also designed to withstand the elements. They are usually made from a material that can be easily cleaned and are lightweight for portability and ease of setup.
Blow up screens are a great choice for those who want a quick and easy set up. These self-inflating screens use fans or air pumps to fill up the frame, which then attaches to a flexible screen display surface. Some blow up cinema screens can also be secured to the ground with stakes for added stability. This is an especially good option for windy locations as these screens are much less likely to sail away with the slightest breeze than a rigid screen would be.
Blow Up Screens
Modern families love hosting movie night in their backyard or turning their garage into a charming exterior home theater with an outdoor projector and screen. They want to see their favorite films in high definition with flawless projection that will make the experience that much more memorable for the entire family.
The problem with many of these setups is that they assume that a projector will perform well indoors and simply transfer to outdoor viewing. While this is true in some cases, other factors come into play that can affect the quality of the movie watching experience.
For example, when watching a film indoors, you are typically in a dark room that is controlled to allow for the type of viewing experience you would expect from a theater environment. In the great outdoors however, you are competing with a lot of sunlight that can cause the image to look overly bright or even wash out.
There are a number of blow up screens that can help to overcome these issues. These larger inflatable screens are designed to be blown up before the movie starts and have a professional 110V external blower that will keep it inflated throughout the movie. They also tend to have a black backing that helps to eliminate some of the unwanted reflections that may be present on the screen. They can be purchased in both front and rear projection versions allowing you to decide which is the best for your specific situation.
Screen Mounts
Modern families are all looking for creative ways to spend time together, and a backyard movie theater is one of the best options. Many of the same projectors and screens used indoors can be adapted for outdoor use, but it’s important to have the right screen to get the most out of your investment. A good screen will ensure that the picture is Smart Projector sharp, clear and easy to read, while a bad screen can ruin your viewing experience with unsightly wrinkles and creases.
Choosing the correct screen for your projector for outside depends on several factors, including how far you need to sit from the image to see it clearly. The throw distance of your projector is also important. There are a variety of different types of projectors available, including short-throw and long-throw models that allow you to place the unit much closer or further from the screen without losing image brightness or quality.
If you want a simple solution for your backyard cinema, consider getting an inflatable projector screen. These are great for alfresco media entertainment on a patio or pool deck, and they are easy to set up and take down when needed. If you need a more permanent solution, check out a professional-looking rigid frame model with a snap-in-place screen. Most of these models come in various sizes and can be secured with pegs, stakes or ropes if necessary to prevent them from blowing over in breezy conditions.