Creating your own backyard cinema may take a little planning, but the payoff is a great night out with family and friends from the comfort of home.
There’s a backyard cinema setup to suit all budgets however you will need some essential ingredients to make your night a success - a projector, a screen/surface to project on to, connection to power, and good audio.
1. Choosing a projector
When choosing a projector, one of the most critical factors to consider is the level of brightness you need. Generally, the higher the projector resolution, and the darker the environment, the better the quality of the projected image. Other important factors include the type of screen you'll be using, the size of the area you're projecting onto, the distance between the projector and the screen, plus audio connection. Before purchasing your projector, consider how you want to use the projector (including during day or night time) and set your budget to find one that best suits your needs.
2. Projector Screen
First, select your screen or surface to project on to. This forms the focal point for your whole setup. You can purchase anti-reflection outdoor screens, blow up screens or simply use makeshift surfaces including a blank wall or canvas sheet.
Screen size and gain are important considerations. Gain is a measure of how much light is reflected off a screen. A high-gain screen will reflect more light than a low-gain screen. This is important to consider when choosing a screen because the amount of reflected light will affect how bright the image appears.
The best spot for a portable or fabric screen is in a sheltered area where it won't be blown around by the wind. Hanging fabric canvas against a fence or a wall, or hanging it from an awning and securing all four corners will help keep it tight and in place.
3. Projector Position
Next, find a spot where the projector can be centred in front of the screen. A small table or raised flat surface works best. It’s important to keep the projector dry and protected from any potential liquid spills and the outdoor elements. Also, think about how you will connect your projector to the mains power connection. A garden extension cord with a multi power adapter is a good solution to provide all the inputs you need. Also make sure you tuck cords away so they are not a trip hazard for guests. A rug and some cable ties can work really well to hide any tangle of cords, and prevent any accidents.
4. Projector connection
Projectors offer a range of options to connect to your preferred media. Connection via AV, VGA, HDMI or TF are common inclusions in projectors. If you have WiFi and a chromecast device you can also plug straight into the projector’s HDMI port and stream a movie from your smart device. Other projectors offer Bluetooth connectivity with built in streaming APPS. Projector specifications vary widely. It really depends on your budget and preferred setup.
Tip: See our iBright blog on How to Connect a chrome cast device to a projector for streaming.
5. Connect an external speaker to your projector
Your outdoor cinema set up won't be complete without considering your audio. Projectors have a built in speaker system however may not be strong enough for outdoor use. We recommend using an external sound system (or portable speakers) that have a powerful sound output, are waterproof/resistant, and can either plug into the projector directly or stream wirelessly. Check the functionality of your projector so you can hook up a sound system that suits. Some projectors will require you plug external speakers into the projector unit whilst other projectors offer wireless Bluetooth connection. For optimum set up we prefer to connect two external speakers for a more surround sound experience.
6. Seating and decorations
Once your screen, projector and audio system are set up, it’s time to make your guests comfortable. Scatter some rugs, pull out some beanbags or deck chairs, and don’t forget the blankets for when cooler weather. We also like to decorate with some fairy lights or lanterns to create a great night time ambience, as well as provide a bit of light for safely moving around and grabbing some movie snacks.
Most importantly, leave plenty of time to test your setup and connections are working well before your guests arrive. Choose a movie to watch and enjoy the show!
Conclusion
If you're looking for a fun and unique way to spend a warm summer evening, consider setting up a backyard cinema with your own projector. With a few essential supplies and a little bit of planning, you can create a cozy outdoor movie theatre that the whole family can enjoy. Just be sure to choose a movie that's appropriate for everyone, invite your neighbours, wait for sunset, and don't forget the popcorn!
Are you looking for a mini projector? iBright Australia, offer affordable tech for home, office, and entertainment. Find iBright projectors in store and online @AusPost.