Turn Your Backyard Into a Drive-In Theater With a Projector and Screen
Transform your backyard into a drive-in theater with the right equipment. A projector and screen can make all the difference in a movie-watching experience that’s far superior to the quality of your home entertainment system.
A good outdoor theater projector will have enough brightness to cut through ambient light from neighboring homes, porch lights, fire pits and even the moon on a clear night.
Retractable Screens
Retractable screens are available in a wide range of sizes and can be found at multiple price points. They feature a mesh screen insert, aluminum guide rails and a housing that allows the screen to retract into place when not in use. Most models also offer solar and insect protection to reduce glare and enhance comfort for outdoor viewing.
Motorized screens are a great option for those who want to create a dedicated outdoor movie theater space. They are lcd 14300 lumen projector available with a variety of mounting options and typically have an adjustable height frame that makes them easy to set up and take down. They require a power source and are more expensive than non-motorized screens.
If you don’t want to invest in a full motorized screen, consider this budget-friendly rigid frame model from Elite Screens. It has a slightly less taut screen surface and doesn’t come with a remote, but it does have dual sides to make projection on either side possible and is designed for use in harsh outdoor weather conditions.
Retractable screens that are used and stored outdoors have a propensity to collect moisture in the housing when rolled up. This can cause mildew and mold to form as well as attract bugs to your home. The best way to avoid these problems is to regularly open up and close the screen when not in use.
Inflatable Screens
An inflatable screen is a great choice for backyard cinema, drive-in theaters and other outdoor events that require projection. These screens are easy to set up, and when not in use they fold down to compact sizes for convenient storage. These screens can be easily cleaned with a mild detergent before each use. Regular cleaning of an inflatable movie screen will help maintain a bright white projection surface and extend the life of your investment.
When choosing an outdoor movie projector, look for a device that delivers high image quality from a wide range of view angles. You will also want to ensure the device is capable of producing clear sound from all seating positions in your audience.
Ideally, you should look for a projector that offers 4K resolution to Portable Projector give you the most crisp and detailed image possible. However, this often comes at a higher price point than lower resolution devices.
Inflatable screens are a great option for any outdoor movie night because they are able to be used by a wide range of people, from children to adults. Many of these screens are made from high-quality materials, and they are able to withstand a variety of weather conditions. These screens feature high-frequency welded seams, which means they will not leak or deflate during your movie night.
Air Filled Screens
Many people buy a projector and screen for their outdoor theater based on how it performs indoors, only to be disappointed when they find that the images are not as sharp or bright outdoors. The difference is that indoor projection equipment is often designed to be used in a well-controlled environment that is usually dark and free of ambient light. A lot of the outdoor movies you see are shot in daylight and require a large screen to work well.
The solution is to get a projector that’s specifically designed for use outside. This will not only ensure that the video quality is top-notch, but that it can be safely used in a wide range of weather conditions. It’s also a good idea to look for a model with an internal battery and built-in speakers, as this will save you the cost of buying a separate sound system.
You should also opt for an air filled or self inflating screen as these models are made from a durable material that will hold up to the outdoor elements. They also tend to be cheaper than the high-end models, and are better at dealing with windy conditions.
Once you have your projector and screen, it’s time to start planning the rest of your backyard movie set-up. Bean bags are great for a relaxed, cozy movie vibe, and they’re easy to reposition as needed. For more support, lawn chairs are a great option. You can even add a few blankets and pillows for added comfort. You can also make your setup more romantic by hanging some fairy lights around the viewing area.
Self Inflating Screens
Many people want to create an outdoor movie theater without the expense of buying a projector and screen. They may even think they can just use a bed sheet for their projection surface. But beware, bed sheets can cause distorted images because of their texture and wrinkles. Also, they often leave a color cast on the image and reflect too much light. Instead, look for a white projection screen with a neutral color that is designed to be a good projection surface.
A self-inflating or breathing screen offers a larger surface area than a conventional flat screen and can be carried by one person. These screens are inflated with an air blower, and the blowers must remain running throughout your filming to maintain a taut surface. This can add to your overall cost of ownership, but these screens do offer some impressive benefits such as rear projection capabilities.
You’ll need a brighter projector to work well with a large inflatable screen, and you may want to consider an HD model as opposed to a 4K option. For outdoor use, you’ll need a unit that is splash-proof and dust-resistant to withstand the elements. Look for units that are tested to ensure their ability to operate in harsh weather conditions, and look for IP ratings that measure how resistant the device is to water and dust. You should also avoid devices that have exposed wires to help keep your outdoor setup looking clean and professional.