Summer is in full swing, and with movie theaters still stuck in different phases of reopening, creating your own theater experience is a good way to enjoy these summer nights while staying safe. (We miss you Alamo Drafthouse!) Here is a short list of things you will need to set up the ideal outdoor theater experience, right in your own backyard.
- While you could lug your TV outside, a projector has a bit more “pizazz “ to it. You will need a projector that is strong enough to beat the twilight hours especially if you want to watch anything before the sun sets (or make sure your kids get to bed on time). Projector strength is measured in lumens, and you will be able to find this on most product listings. We recommend a lumen strength of above 3000 for an optimal viewing experience. Most projectors in the $400+ range will be perfect for any outdoor setting.
- Next, you will need a screen (or if you’re really on a budget, the side of your house). You can find a free-standing collapsible projector screen online. Buying a collapsible screen has many benefits as it adds portability, flexibility, and longevity to your outdoor theater experience. In a pinch, you can set up a large white sheet on any flat surface (the wall of your house, or your fence). Make sure the sheet is wrinkle-free as wrinkles can distort the overall image. Be wary of inflatable screens you will see online as they have been reviewed to both sway in the wind and quickly degrade and break.
- What’s a movie without the sound? There are two important factors when considering what kind of speaker to use outdoors – power and portability. Having a speaker that runs off of a charge will be acceptable as long as you remember to have it charged before the movie, as the outdoor heat can drain batteries fast. Test your speaker before you finish your setup. You want to make sure it is placed in a centralized location where all parties can hear, we recommend under the screen or right near the foot of your chairs if using a small speaker.
- Arguably, the most important piece is a streaming device. This can be a laptop or a smartphone. If you buy a higher-end projector, some will have built-in Google Chromecast/AppleTV connections which will make your setup quick and easy. When your projector does not support screen casting, make sure your laptop has an HDMI outlet or purchase an individual Chromecast/AppleTV to plug directly into the projector. (We recommend this as it’s the easy way to get started without the fuss of a laptop.)
- One last technical note: make sure you have all the appropriate wiring you will need outside. You’ll sure feel silly if you drag everything outside with no way to plug any of it in! A power source or extension cables will guarantee your laptop and projector do not give out halfway through Jurassic Park.
Now your own backyard is ready for a season of your favorite blockbusters! All you have to do is pull up some chairs, grab your favorite movie-time snack, put on some bug spray, and sit back and relax.
For a list of summer movies we recommend to watch in your brand-new outdoor theater, check out this post.
