How to Turn Your Backyard Into an Outdoor Cinema
When it comes to setting up a garden cinema, quality AV equipment is essential. You want a projector that supports the screen size you require and delivers a sharp image at a good resolution.
You also need a projector with high lumens to allow you to start your movie as the sun starts to set. There are many portable options available that will enable you to do this.
1. Brightness and Contrast
The brightness of a projector is a key consideration for outdoor cinema. Unlike a dedicated home cinema room, you’re likely to be competing with ambient light, including daylight and possibly even light from nearby street lighting and your neighbours. Therefore, you’ll want to look for a projector with high luminosity (measured in lumens or more accurately ANSI lumens).
If you’re planning on screening movies during daylight then opt for a brighter model like the Nebula projector movie outdoor Capsule II which can deliver up to 2500 ANSI lumens. This will ensure that your content is legible.
When it comes to watching at night, you’ll need something even more powerful – in the region of 3000 lumens or higher. This is partially because glare from the sun will be an issue, but also because the screen is typically further away than you would sit in front of a television. It’s also worth mentioning that higher resolution models will provide better quality video, but this doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker. It will just depend on what’s most important to you.
2. Weather Projection
A great outdoor projection experience requires a bit of technical know-how and some creative flair. From choosing the right projector and screen to enhancing the audio and setting the right mood, there are plenty of steps that go into making a backyard cinematic masterpiece.
While you can technically use an empty wall or brightly-colored blanket as a screen, a dedicated projector screen is essential for the best results. Not only does it improve image quality, but it also enhances the viewing experience with comfy seating and ambient lighting. And because it’s often breezy outside, a sturdy and durable option is a must to ensure the movie doesn’t literally blow away!
The brightness a projector can achieve is another important consideration. Since you don’t have control over ambient lighting like in a media room, a higher maximum brightness rating (measured in lumens or ANSI lumens) is generally better for an alfresco screening. This is especially true during the summertime when you may have to contend with streetlights, house lights and late sunsets. Choose a projector with an excellent contrast ratio and a minimum of 3,000 lumens for the best viewing experience.
3. Audio
With the right equipment, you can transform any backyard into an outdoor cinema. With the right screen and chairs, you can watch your favorite movies with friends or family. A projector can make your screenings even more enjoyable, especially if you pair it with a sound system.
Most outdoor projectors have built-in speakers but these can be a bit underpowered when used outside. This is because the acoustics of open spaces are different from those inside buildings. For this reason, it is recommended to invest in a pair of weatherproof speakers.
The Nebula Mars II Pro is one such example of a portable projector that comes with its own speakers and can play audio at full volume for three hours on a single charge. This is perfect for camping trips, picnics and other outdoor movie nights. It also has a 3.5mm socket fitted wifi projektor for connecting speakers or media streamers. It is also designed to be an all-in-one solution and includes features like autofocus, keystone correction and screen fit. Its only downside is that it does not support iPlayer, All 4 and Netflix on its smart platform.
4. Tripod
You can technically use just about any stable surface for your projector, but a specialized projector table or adjustable tripod makes the process of setting up and taking down your projection system much easier. These types of stands usually have useful shelves for your accessories and a built-in spirit level or bubble level to ensure that your image is always properly aligned.
When shopping for a good projector movie outdoor, you need to consider the maximum screen size it supports and what resolution you want to watch movies at. For example, if you want to watch movies in 4K, you’ll need a model that has native support for this type of input.
If you are in the market for a new projection screen, the Celexon inflatable outdoor projector screen INF200 (PS379) is an excellent choice for UK and Europe users. It offers a 140in screen, air pump, tether ropes and a carry case for easy storage. It also features a good gain level and is highly visible from most angles. It is also easy to set up and has an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
5. Portability
Some models of projector have a built-in battery that lets you watch movies without the need for an outlet, but these tend to be pricier and not as bright. If you want the option of being able to watch in remote locations such as at a rugged campsite, opt for a model with this feature.
You may find that a few models have the ability to download content for offline viewing, but you will probably need a media streamer like an Amazon Fire TV Stick or Chromecast with Google TV connected to play this. Some are equipped with Wi-Fi, but this isn’t a must and the picture quality may suffer as a result.
While you might be able to get away with using an empty wall in your home as a screen, having a dedicated outdoor movie projector screen is essential for a high-quality viewing experience. A good quality screen is designed to enhance the visuals of a projected image, but be wary as cheap alternatives tend to wrinkle easily and are not made from materials that stand up to rough weather conditions.