Nothing compares to relaxing with friends while enjoying a cold beverage and some delectable snacks. Why not host it outdoors this summer and learn how to set up an outdoor cinema?
For any family who enjoys movies, a projector is a great purchase. Invest in a portable soundbar that you can take outside, so you won’t have to worry about speakers, and hang a sheet between two trees to use as a screen.
Continue reading, and we’ll go over it step by step.
Table of Contents
What Do You Need for An Outdoor Movie Night?
In addition to a screen, a projector, and the movie you’ve chosen, you might want to consider setting up a comfortable seating area for you and your friends to unwind in. Especially as the night grows cooler, cushy blankets and pillows will be a hit. A cooler box or a barbecue should be set up nearby to provide plenty of interval snacks and refreshments.
You might want to think about informing your neighbors in advance about your movie plans as well. If they’ve received a fair warning (or even an invitation), you shouldn’t upset the apple cart too much with a late-night box-set marathon.
Also Read: How Much Are Old Movie Projectors Worth?
How to Set Up An Outdoor Cinema?
Below is our step-by-step guideline to help you set up a wonderful outdoor cinema.
Step 1: Create the Movie Setup
Your movie setup must first be completed in its fundamentals. A projector and a screen are required for this.
There Are Many Outdoor Cinema Screen Options:
- Buy an outdoor cinema screen (and these are becoming more affordable)
- String up an old sheet
- DIY your own.
A portable outdoor movie screen can be made for a fraction of the price of a professional screen and produces excellent results.
Additionally becoming more widely available are outdoor projectors. I chose a Laser one because it was reasonably priced and had excellent reviews for its setup simplicity and image quality, among other things.
Approximately 2 meters away from your screen, place the projector on a small table (I used two used wood pallets as a table). When you’re satisfied with the image on your screen, turn the projector on and make any necessary adjustments. You might need to move the projector closer to or farther away from the screen, change the focus, or increase or decrease the size of the image. I completed this task in a matter of minutes.
Read More: How Does a Projector Work?
Step 2: Set Up Seating
The next item on the list is to have a comfortable place to watch a movie. With some jute rugs and scatter cushions from Early Settler, I kept things straightforward. You might want to bring your outdoor lounge furniture inside if you have one. As an alternative, using outdoor bean bags is a fun idea (or using indoor bean bags on jute rugs to protect them from damage).
For a comfortable viewing distance, position the seating area between 3 and 5 meters away from the screen. Depending on the size of your movie setup and the anticipated number of visitors, you should choose the appropriate distance.
Have plenty of blankets available if you’re watching a movie on a chilly night.
Related Reading: How Many Lumens Are Needed for an Outdoor Projector?
Step 3: Add Ambient Lighting
Outdoor lighting is useful for when you need to restock your snack bowl or dash to the restroom while watching a movie. They also just look nice.
I combined festoon lights with lovely lanterns that were lit by candles. I believe that ambient lighting should be used liberally because it gives the room a truly magical feel.
Step 4: Don’t Forget the Snacks
Don’t forget to pack the essential movie snacks before you settle in to watch your movie. My go-to snacks are popcorn and M&Ms, but we have a few movie nights planned with guests where we’ll get a little more inventive. For the ultimate outdoor movie experience, try some of the delicious snack ideas in this BuzzFeed article!
The movie can now be watched comfortably.
Does It Need to Be Dark for An Outdoor Cinema?
The caliber of your projector will determine this. The best models don’t require a completely dark night to function, but no matter which model you choose, you’ll always struggle if the weather is extremely bright and sunny. It needs to be at least getting dark before you try to air your chosen film, but check with your projector manual for the best advice.
Also Read: How To Use A Projector Outside During The Day?
FAQs
What Projector Do I Need for Outdoor Cinema?
Although most home theater models can be taken outside, there are no projectors made specifically for outdoor use. Just remember to bring them inside once you’re finished! To get those gigantic, vivid images projectors are known for, we highly recommend using an HD or 4K/UHD model in your outdoor theater setup.
How to Project a Movie Outside Without a Projector?
Utilize binder clips to create a smartphone stand. Placing your smartphone on the box’s stand is a good idea. To find the proper focus, move the phone around. visualize it on the wall.
