Buying a Movie Projector For Outside
While it’s easy to just shine a projector on the wall of your house or garage door, a movie screen offers a much better viewing experience. A screen with a smooth surface eliminates the texture of whatever it’s reflecting and makes for a crisper image.
There are many types of outdoor screens to choose from. This article will help you find the right one for your outside entertainment.
Retractable Cinema Screens
The best outdoor cinema screens are large and sturdy enough to support the weight of a projector hanging from them. Some also feature black backing to keep light from penetrating the screen and diluting picture quality. They should also be easy to clean to prevent stains from dirt or grime.
To make it easier to use a projector outside, consider purchasing a motorized retractable screen. These have a long metal case you mount to the wall or ceiling, and a built-in electric motor that raises or lowers the screen at the touch of a button. This eliminates the need to set up and take down a separate frame, making movie night much easier.
Another option is a freestanding inflatable screen like the Vivohome Mega Movie Screen, which has a huge viewing area and is available in several sizes. However, it can wrinkle easily and has a loud fan that can be disruptive during movies.
If you plan to host regular family movie nights, a permanent frame and mounted projection screen may be the best option for you. One option is to build a frame from wood 2x4s, which can be found at home improvement stores or even in your shed or garage. Alternatively, you can buy a PVC pipe kit from a hardware store to make the frame even sturdier. These options also give you a flat surface that’s less prone to curling over time.
Inflatable Cinema Screens
Inflatable cinema screens offer the convenience of portability and are ideal for outdoor gatherings, backyard movie nights, camping trips, and more. They typically come with a carrying case, a ground stake, and a high-quality blower for easy set up. Some models require the use of a manual air pump while others wireless wifi projector are self inflating and feature built-in fans to maintain air pressure. While these models are portable, they may not be able to withstand windy conditions.
A good inflatable screen should be made from durable materials and have a smooth display surface to enhance image clarity and brightness. It should also be compatible with your projector and support the aspect ratio of the content you plan to view. A good rule of thumb is to select a screen that is 10 inches larger than the distance you plan on sitting from it for an optimal viewing experience.
If you’re looking for a large, high-quality outdoor projection screen to host neighborhood movie nights or a family backyard party, consider the Open Air Cinema Elite series. These mobile, easy-to-set-up, and fast-inflating screens are designed for park and recreation directors, community organizations, military bases, and event producers who entertain hundreds or even thousands of people at a time. They are NFPA 701 fire compliant and have a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Foldable Cinema Screens
There are many different ways to transform your backyard into a home movie theater. You can keep things simple with a projector and a screen or go all out by adding speakers, a kitchen and a seating area. Either way, you will have a great place to relax with friends and family or entertain guests.
While it is easy to simply shine a projector against a wall or garage door, this will not give you the best experience because you will see the texture of that surface which can be distracting. A proper movie screen has a smooth display surface which will allow you to enjoy the image without any distractions.
An outdoor cinema screen will likely have a white surface. This helps to reflect light and make the picture appear brighter than it would on a black screen. If you are watching in a very bright environment you may want to consider a high-gain screen, but remember that this can reduce the viewing angle and can result in a hot spot in the center of the screen.
When you are ready to fold up your projector screen and put it away for long-term storage be sure to inspect it for any holes or dirt that may need repair. You should also be sure the screen is completely dry as moisture can cause mold or mildew to form.
Tripod Cinema Screens
A tripod cinema screen is a basic tool for anyone who wants to transform their outdoor space into a full-fledged backyard home theater. They’re similar to traditional pull-down projector screens but are usually more portable and easier to set up. Most models include an adjustable height frame and a sturdy aluminum tripod stand for stability. The screen itself may be made of a durable fabric or vinyl, with some featuring an eco-friendly color-coating and anti-static.
Some models feature a 160-degree viewing angle, which ensures clear projection images from various audiences at different angles. They also offer an adjustable height range from 78.7”-98.4”/200-250 cm, projector movie outdoor allowing you to choose a suitable height for your space and audience.
Inflatable cinema screens take backyard movie nights to a whole new level of fun and creativity. They feature an eye-catching design that’s perfect for parties and events, plus an air pump for quick and easy inflation. However, keep in mind that these types of outdoor screens can only be used at night and will need to be located away from direct sunlight, as the sun’s brightness can easily wash out the image. If you’re looking for a more permanent and solid solution, you can also opt for a fixed frame or hung projection screen. They’re usually more stable and come with special warranties for educational and church uses.