outdoor projectors

ElkhornHusker

Would like to set up an outdoor movie projector.  Any suggestions? 

Lowcountrygamecock

Keep it simple and don’t spend a ton of money until you see how often it will be used. You’ll probably get suggestions to buy $5k worth of stuff that isn’t necessary. We do it occasionally for football games and movies in the fall. We use a cheap speaker and projector and project it onto our shop garage door.  Once it gets dark enough you can’t even tell the door has panels and it looks like a fat screen. It works great. We aren’t trying to recreate a movie theater with surround sound, especially for just a couple times a year. Darkness is key though. 

CornfedMA

Good advice above. Also think about when you want to use it. Brightness matters. If you plan on using it during the day at all, you’re in a different price range than something will strictly be used at night. 

Lit

We got a cheap viewsonic 3200 lumen with a hdmi port like 8 years ago and its still working great. I bought some raw screen and made my own frame that hangs in the garage and i have hooks outside above the garage door where it can hang there also. Total cost me like $4-500 and it looks good. I have been eyeing the 5000 lumen viewsonics lately that will be what i get if this bulb ever dies.

SonVolt

I just built one last weekend! Like others have said, I kept it cheap since it's going out doors w/~$75 projector, $45 screen, and ~$20 in PVC to make to the frame. Plug a Firestick into the back of it and connect it to a bluetooth speaker and you may as well be THX certified (after enough beers). But seriously, it works surprisingly well and the kids love it.

projector
https://www.amazon.com/Zeacool-Projector-Upgrade-Portable-Compatible/dp/B07JXZ9D3Y/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Zeacool+Video+Projector&qid=1594988583&s=electronics&sr=1-3

screen
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FB6VW1M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

frame - Lowe's

xfire_ATX

We have this one- box say O.E.G but I didnt feel like climbing up there to get more details.  I like this because we project from behind it so the projector isnt in the middle of the everyone trying to watch.

Jcl5150

SonVolt said:

I just built one last weekend! Like others have said, I kept it cheap since it's going out doors w/~$75 projector, $45 screen, and ~$20 in PVC to make to the frame. Plug a Firestick into the back of it and connect it to a bluetooth speaker and you may as well be THX certified (after enough beers). But seriously, it works surprisingly well and the kids love it.

projector
https://www.amazon.com/Zeacool-Projector-Upgrade-Portable-Compatible/dp/B07JXZ9D3Y/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Zeacool+Video+Projector&qid=1594988583&s=electronics&sr=1-3

screen
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FB6VW1M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

frame - Lowe's

That seems like a great set up!  Do you take the PVC frame apart after the movies for easier storage?

northGAcock

I rented one with triple high lunes (not what the call it) for a party last October. Showed a live football game on the side of my next door neighbors house. Connected via WiFi network. Picture was clear as day. Might consider as an option if not sure of your usage. I recall it being reasonable. Overnight to and from included...Sunday included cause no shipping options. Regardless....enjoy your evenings.

caliking

SonVolt said:

I just built one last weekend! Like others have said, I kept it cheap since it's going out doors w/~$75 projector, $45 screen, and ~$20 in PVC to make to the frame. Plug a Firestick into the back of it and connect it to a bluetooth speaker and you may as well be THX certified (after enough beers). But seriously, it works surprisingly well and the kids love it.

projector
https://www.amazon.com/Zeacool-Projector-Upgrade-Portable-Compatible/dp/B07JXZ9D3Y/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Zeacool+Video+Projector&qid=1594988583&s=electronics&sr=1-3

screen
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FB6VW1M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

frame - Lowe's

Wasn't really thinking of an outdoor movie setup, but now I'm inspired, after seeing yours!

How long are the legs/feet on that PVC frame? 

And I LOVE how your screen "models" are absolutely killin' it! 🤣🤣

ElkhornHusker

SonVolt said:

I just built one last weekend! Like others have said, I kept it cheap since it's going out doors w/~$75 projector, $45 screen, and ~$20 in PVC to make to the frame. Plug a Firestick into the back of it and connect it to a bluetooth speaker and you may as well be THX certified (after enough beers). But seriously, it works surprisingly well and the kids love it.

projector
https://www.amazon.com/Zeacool-Projector-Upgrade-Portable-Compatible/dp/B07JXZ9D3Y/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=Zeacool+Video+Projector&qid=1594988583&s=electronics&sr=1-3

screen
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FB6VW1M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

frame - Lowe's

I like this setup. 

Wanasmoke

Progression from light to dark.... 

Best early spring day is when I hang the projector up for the season!  Sits just under the overhang so doesn’t get wet when it rains. Use it almost every week - movies with kids, sports and Tuesday night phish concerts!!  Favorite aspect of our outdoor space. 

Elite Screens Manual Series, 135-INCH 16:9, Pull Down Manual Projector Screen with AUTO LOCK, Movie Home Theater 8K/4K Ultra HD 3D Ready, 2-YEAR WARRA https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VS6T06/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_oCZHXDQszW9Re

Optoma HD143X 1080p 3000 Lumens 3D DLP Home Theater Projector https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077C5FLJF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_UMrWDZ9bxIvTK