Using an Outdoor Theater Projector to Transform Your Backyard Into a Drive-In Theater
Transform your backyard into a drive-in theater with this outdoor movie projector that features a rigid frame and snap-in-place screen. This model also comes with built-in speakers for sound that’s loud and crisp.
Look for a projector with multiple modes that can connect to sources via HDMI, USB, screen mirroring or Apple Airplay. That way, you can avoid having to run a cord across your yard between uses.
Image Quality
The image quality of an outdoor projector is important because it determines how clear the picture will be. There are two main factors to consider: resolution and brightness. Resolution refers to the number of pixels in a picture. Higher resolutions, such as HD or 4K, offer a higher-quality image. Brightness refers to the amount of light a projector produces. The higher the lumens, the brighter the picture.
When shopping for an outdoor projector, look for one with a high resolution and a brightness of at least 3,000 lumens. This will ensure that the projector can be used in a dark environment without the image being washed out. It’s also important to know the screen size you will be using with the projector. Many outdoor projectors can work with a variety of screen sizes, but it’s important to know the rated size that will give you the best image quality.
Most outdoor projectors come with a variety of connection options to connect your favorite devices. These include HDMI, USB, and screen mirroring for iOS or Android phones. Some even have built-in content, such as Netflix. Some are even portable and battery-powered, allowing you to take them with you on camping trips or to other outdoor locations. ZDNet reviewer Eileen Brown was impressed with the XGIMI MoGo Pro’s portability and ease of use, noting that it’s “so easy to set up, you can do it from the couch” when watching movies at home.
Screen Size
The best outdoor movie projectors can work with a variety of screen sizes, but you’ll need to decide on the size of your backyard and how far you want to sit from the image to find the right one for your space. It’s also important to pay attention to a projector’s maximum projection size and throw ratio, which affect how big an image appears on the screen.
According to Billy Harrison, product manager of mainstream video projectors at Optoma, a good general rule of thumb is to use a 100-inch screen size for an average backyard. This will allow a few dozen people outdoor theater projector to comfortably watch a movie or TV show without sacrificing too much picture quality.
When choosing a screen, consider the type of material it’s made of and how well it resists damage from rain and wind. Some screens have a waterproof coating, and you can find others that are easy to fold up or put away for storage. You can also find freestanding and pull-down screens, depending on how permanent you want the setup to be and where it’ll be located.
Some models have built-in speakers and support various connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI, screen mirroring and Apple Airplay. This makes it easier to connect your phone or tablet, stream movies and TV shows from services like Netflix and Amazon Prime and play games on an oversized virtual screen.
Connectivity
You can use an outdoor movie projector to host a group of friends, family members or colleagues for a night of social distancing in the comfort of your backyard. These gadgets come with various features to improve your movie watching experience and make the whole process of setting up a cinematic display easy for anyone. The quality of video and audio will also play a significant role in your overall satisfaction with this device.
You may want to choose a portable projector that comes with built-in speakers for convenience and a complete entertainment package. However, if you plan to connect external speakers for a full-sound experience, be sure that the device you purchase can support such audio outputs. Some projectors can support Bluetooth audio devices, while others are designed to work with wired speakers and media players.
Another important factor in determining the overall performance of an outdoor theater projector is its brightness or luminance, which measures how well it produces an image on a screen under different lighting conditions. Brighter outdoor movie projectors are capable of overcoming ambient light and still showing vibrant colors on a screen.
Some projectors even function like smart TVs, offering built-in apps and the ability to stream movies directly from your favorite services. If you don’t have a Wi-Fi connection nearby, you can use your smartphone as a hotspot to connect with the projector and watch your content on the big screen.
Audio
Getting the right picture is important, but having a good supplementary sound system is Home Theater Projectors equally crucial. A surround-sound home hi-fi setup will provide the best experience, but this isn’t always feasible for people putting together a temporary outdoor theater. That’s why Bluetooth-enabled speakers are a popular choice for outdoor movie night—they can connect directly to your projector and offer plenty of power without needing to run wires that may get caught on tripping hazards like tent poles or furniture.
The WEMAX Go we mentioned above is one such example, but other Bluetooth-enabled projectors with built-in audio are also worth considering. They have a bit less fidelity than the home Hi-Fi options, but can still provide immersive entertainment with clear and saturated images when set up properly.
Some models also allow you to connect a sound bar directly to the projector, providing a full-range of audio that’s much closer to what you’d get at a cinema. You’ll need to ensure the soundbar is positioned correctly and at least slightly away from the screen to avoid any echoing or distortion. Finally, it’s worth remembering that any noise or light from nearby plants, trees or buildings can cause the image to blur and become unusable. That’s why a well-positioned secluded location is the ideal spot for your outdoor movie theater.