Watching movies on a big screen is an amazing experience like no other. But imagine taking it to the next level by watching movies outside on a warm summer night in your backyard. Building your outdoor cinema can bring the joy of movies right to your doorstep.
TVs can be bulky and inconvenient to transport to the backyard, not to mention they lack the immersive big-screen experience you crave for your movie nights under the stars. Instead, opt for an outdoor projector and screen combo to achieve that true cinematic feel.
Building your outdoor home theater may initially seem simple, like using a cheap projector and a white bedsheet as a screen. However, this can lead to a disappointing movie-watching experience. Don’t worry; setting up a movie theater in your yard doesn’t have to be complicated, either. Let’s explore everything you need to build your home theater for unforgettable outdoor movie nights.
Install a Proper Speaker System
To enjoy your movie or listen to music throughout your entire backyard, relying solely on the built-in speaker of your projector or TV won’t suffice. These speakers are low-powered and fail to deliver excellent sound quality.
For outdoor areas, it’s essential to have evenly distributed speakers around the perimeter. This not only amplifies the volume but also enhances the overall experience for everyone. If you’re aiming for a big screen, you’ll want to complement it with a big sound.
Consider investing in top-quality outdoor speakers designed to withstand various environmental factors such as dirt and rain. Some brands even offer landscape speakers with subwoofers that blend seamlessly with your surroundings, providing both aesthetics and functionality.
Projector
The centerpiece of any outdoor theater setup is the projector. Without this essential device, your movie night simply wouldn’t exist!
While there isn’t a specific category of projectors designed exclusively for outdoor use, you can utilize a home theater projector that can be brought indoors when not in use.
Modern home theater projectors offer exceptional image quality, often with sufficient brightness for outdoor nighttime viewing (although daytime viewing may require an exceptionally bright projector).
Brightness is a crucial factor when selecting an outdoor projector. It is measured in lumens and significantly impacts the image quality on your screen. Insufficient lumens can result in a washed-out image lacking vibrant colors.
To ensure an optimal viewing experience, aim for a projector with at least 2,000 ANSI lumens of brightness. This level should be sufficient for backyard movie watching after sunset, but more lumens would be even better.
While it is possible to use a projector with lower lumen output, unless you have a moonless night with minimal ambient light, your projected image may appear lackluster—especially if you’re aiming for a 100-inch screen or larger.
When evaluating projector specifications, pay attention to lumens measured in ANSI lumens, as this is the most accurate measurement. Be cautious of cheap projector manufacturers who may use misleading brightness measurements, such as lux or regular lumens.
For optimal visual immersion, consider investing in a 4K resolution projector. These ultra-high-resolution projectors deliver incredibly detailed and vibrant images, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the movies you watch.
However, if you plan to use your projector only occasionally for backyard movies, a 1080p projector with a lower resolution can still provide a good image, though not as outstanding as a 4K projector.
Projector Screen
Since you’re investing in a quality projector, it’s important to pair it with a quality projector screen. While cheap screens found on platforms like Amazon may seem tempting, they often fall short of delivering a satisfactory viewing experience. These screens are akin to using a bedsheet, with every wrinkle and crease visible, and they fail to properly reflect the projector’s light, resulting in unnatural coloration. To ensure a quality picture, you need a high-quality projection surface.
Outdoor screens are designed to be easier to clean, allowing you to remove dirt and bugs that may accumulate on the screen during outdoor use. When purchasing a backyard movie screen, consider a few key attributes.
For those planning a permanent backyard cinema, a retractable projector screen is the ideal choice. With this setup, your screen is always ready to go, requiring no additional setup. Simply pull down the screen and align the projector. (If you’re opting for a more permanent movie theater setup, it’s advisable to install a designated place or mount for the projector, eliminating the need for realignment each time.)
Foldable and inflatable projector screens are excellent options for temporary backyard movie setups. These screen types enable easy setup and breakdown of the projection surface, making them perfect for occasional outdoor screenings.
Power Supply
A reliable power supply is crucial for your outdoor theater setup. Ensure you have multiple extension cords running from different outlets in your house to avoid overloading circuits. If available, an outdoor outlet would be ideal. You’ll need cords to power your projector, speakers, and media player. Take precautions such as taping down the cords or positioning them to avoid tripping hazards.
Wi-Fi Coverage
The Wi-Fi signals from your house’s internal router may not reach far beyond its perimeter, leaving your patio space with weak or no coverage. In such cases, installing additional wireless access points on your patio becomes necessary.
Various wireless routers on the market are specifically designed to expand Wi-Fi coverage. For a more customized home theater installation, you may consider reaching out to a professional home theater service provider in your area, such as Mesa.
Home Automation
If you have a home automation system with evenly distributed video and audio, integrating your outdoor equipment is a smart move. With this integration, you can control everything seamlessly with a single button press on your smartphone app. Imagine continuing to enjoy music by the pool with just a tap.
Home automation isn’t limited to outdoor video and audio integration. You can also explore options like smart lighting, automated shades, or even a smart hot tub. The extent of your automated system is entirely up to you.
Movie
No movie night is complete without a movie. To enjoy your outdoor home theater, you’ll need a media player to play the movie. There are two main options to choose from: a DVD/Blu-Ray player or a streaming stick like an Amazon Fire TV or Roku stick. These media players can be connected directly to the projector and sound system or, for more advanced setups, through an A/V receiver. Some projectors even have built-in media players that offer streaming apps.
Once you have gathered all the necessary components, it’s time to assemble your backyard movie theater and create lasting memories as a family while watching movies and more.
How To Put It All Together?
Step 1: Choose the ideal location for your outdoor home theater, such as your patio, gazebo, backyard, or spacious balcony.
Step 2: Set up your portable screen or invest in a dedicated projection screen for better image quality. Avoid using sheets that can wrinkle and affect video clarity.
Step 3: Take care of the projector. Select an affordable HD projector that delivers a clean, crisp, bright, and vibrant picture with true-to-life colors. Aim for a projector with a light output of at least 2,000 lumens to enhance your movie experience.
Step 4: Prepare the sound system. Utilize portable speakers that offer high-quality and crystal-clear audio to fill the outdoor space.
Step 5: Connect your projector to a streaming device like Apple TV or Google Chromecast, or choose to use a DVD or Blu-ray player, depending on your preference for content playback.
Step 6: Consider your neighbors and practice good etiquette. If you live in a densely populated area, be mindful of the noise level and avoid playing movies at high volume late into the night. Respect the peace of your neighborhood, and practice crowd control if you have a large gathering.
Step 7: Add a stylish touch to your outdoor theater. Use Pendleton blankets and outdoor cushions to create a retro camp-inspired look and feel. Enhance the ambiance with wine chillers, snacks, and the warm glow of hurricane candles. For an enchanting atmosphere, hang string lights from a pagoda or trees. However, remember to bring any non-waterproof decorations inside in case of rain.
Once everything is set up and connected, you’re ready to enjoy your outdoor home theater experience!
Setting The Mood
To create the perfect outdoor ambiance for your movie night, follow these steps:
1. Hang enchanting fairy lights or string lights around the viewing area. These lights will add a magical and cozy atmosphere.
2. Arrange comfortable and visually appealing furnishings, such as outdoor sofas, bean bags, or blankets and pillows. Create a cozy seating area where everyone can relax and enjoy the movie.
3. Set up a snack tray filled with movie treats like popcorn, fruit, and Chardonnay. For a romantic movie night, consider indulging in a fancy cheese platter. If it’s a family gathering, ask everyone for their special snack requests in advance to ensure everyone has their favorite treats.
4. Consider giving your patio a mini-makeover before the event. Install stunning iron patio doors with a deep black finish and intricate design to enhance the elegance and serenity of the space.
5. Perform a quick clean-up of the patio area, removing any debris and weeds. Consider some light landscaping to freshen up the surroundings and restore the vibrancy of your outdoor space.
