How to Choose an Outdoor Projection TV
Outdoor projection TV lets you show movies and sports on a huge screen during the day. But unlike a dedicated home cinema room, outdoor environments have ambient light that can affect image quality.
Look for a projector with a high ANSI lumens rating to combat this challenge. And choose a portable model with a built-in battery for ultimate portability and convenience.
Size
One of the most important things to consider when shopping for an outdoor projection TV is how large you want your screen to be. While modern outdoor TVs can get rather big (some models have screens that reach 85 inches or more diagonally), if you’re planning on hosting regular outdoor projection tv outside movie nights or other viewing parties, an even bigger screen will be necessary and that’s where a projector comes in.
Projectors can display an image that’s up to 300 inches wide. As such, they can create a truly immersive experience that’s far larger than any standalone television.
Another factor to consider is the brightness of a projector. Because most outdoor spaces are naturally lit, the projector needs to be bright enough to cut through ambient light and make colors look vibrant on a large screen.
Luckily, many of the best outdoor projection TVs come equipped with high brightness levels to combat the effects of direct sunlight. When choosing a model, be sure to take into account the amount of ambient lighting in your backyard as well as its size so you can determine what type of brightness will be needed.
Brightness
Outdoor projection TVs must be able to combat bright outdoor conditions, such as sunlight. These devices come with high brightness levels and anti-glare screens that ensure you can watch movies, TV shows, and sports even on a sunny day or at twilight hours. To maximize the performance of your projector, you should set it up in a secluded spot that is away from direct sunlight and any other light sources like street lights or outdoor patio lighting. If you cannot avoid these lights, try to position the screen and the projector so that they face one of the sides rather than directly in front of the audience.
In general, outdoor projectors should be able to achieve a luminance level of 16 foot-lamberts or more. This is comparable to the level of luminance that is normally found in dark movie theaters and home cinema systems.
However, if you intend to use the projector at other times of the day, then your luminance requirements will be different. If you are planning to use it in broad daylight, you will need a device that can produce at least 2,000-2,500 ANSI lumens to be able to see the image clearly. You should also consider any ambient lighting in your surroundings, such as light pollution from your neighbors or the lighting on their porches, as these can affect the image quality.
Weather Resistance
The outdoor projector you choose should be able to withstand the elements, whether that means rain or hot summer sun. Many come with a durable waterproof enclosure and screen that can hold up to the weather, and others have a built-in battery that lets you enjoy movies cord-free on your patio or pool deck. You’ll also want to consider the operating temperature range and the Ingress Protection (IP) rating, which shows how well a product resists dust and liquids.
Brightness is another key consideration for outdoor projection TVs, since they need to be able to compete with the sun and other light sources when showing a movie. The best outdoor projectors can provide a cinematic experience on a massive screen, with some offering image sizes up to 200 inches or more. A good contrast ratio is also important, so blacks appear deep and colors don’t have a gray cast.
Finally, think about the connectivity options you need, such as Wi-Fi and HDMI support. Some models have an all-in-one mesh network, which can help extend a9s LCD projector your home’s existing Wi-Fi signal outdoors. Others connect to a Blu-ray player or streaming stick through USB or HDMI ports. Look for a model with the types of connections you use most often so that you can enjoy your favorite content on the big screen, no matter where you’re located outside.
Connectivity
Projectors can have different connectivity options based on the kind of entertainment you want to use them for. Some models come with HDMI ports, which can be used to connect devices like cable boxes or gaming consoles. Some also have separate audio outputs, which can be connected to speakers or a soundbar for improved audio quality.
A big factor in whether to go with a projector or TV depends on the amount of ambient light you can tolerate, as well as how far you’ll need to sit from the screen to see it. If your backyard has lots of trees or overhanging branches, you might need a projector with higher lumens than a standard TV in order to see the image clearly.
You can purchase a projector from any price range, with more expensive models offering tech like HDR and smart operating systems built into them. Some of the more affordable ones are still capable of delivering a high-quality experience, though. For example, the GS50 from BenQ is splash-resistant and comes with a carry case that protects the remote and all cords while keeping them organized. Setup was a bit more complicated than for some of the other projectors we tested, but this model was worth the extra effort. Once it was up and running, the GS50 was easy to use.