I have discussed out inside projector setup, but we have started to dabble in outdoor movies, as well. There have been some up and downs in my short time with this process, so I thought I would go over them.
Initial Setup
As I have mentioned, I have been striving for less time to get rolling with watching a movie indoors. For me, that is impossible with the outdoor theater. I have to get my projector, remote control, screen, and chromecast (which we are using now, but that could change). I also have to run electric to the area. I may put in some outdoor power cables near the space, but I would still need to plug everything in.
Screen Setup
I am using a 100 inch screen on a tripod mount for now. I was using this in the living room at one point, so it meant that I could do this whole process without pulling any more money out of my pocket.
Since we are watching on an field stone patio, that isn't perfectly level, I have had to do some adjustments to just get the picture straight. Once that is done, I am on to the projector.
Since we are watching on an field stone patio, that isn't perfectly level, I have had to do some adjustments to just get the picture straight. Once that is done, I am on to the projector.
Projector Setup
Unlike the projector setup in the house that uses the 5040UB, in this setup, I am using a 2040UB that does not have all the setup flexibility, but it is a lot lighter, which is a trade off I am pretty happy about.
I do have a couple tables out on the patio for drinks and one of them is the perfect height for the projector. I did have to prop up one end with a couple magazines to get it even with the screen, but I will just have to live with that issue since I chose field stone rather than pavers a long time ago!
I know this sounds like a pain, but it takes maybe twenty minutes for the whole process.
I do have a couple tables out on the patio for drinks and one of them is the perfect height for the projector. I did have to prop up one end with a couple magazines to get it even with the screen, but I will just have to live with that issue since I chose field stone rather than pavers a long time ago!
I know this sounds like a pain, but it takes maybe twenty minutes for the whole process.
Sound and Source
The 2040UB projector has its own 5 watt speaker. Since it is summer and we can't even start watching a movie until around 9, when it gets dark, I was hoping this would suffice because I don't need neighbors complaining. No such luck, with all the external noises ( air conditioner for the house cutting on and off, someone doing fireworks nearby, a pool pump running, and some crazy squirrel that was making a lot of noise in the trees), I am going to need an external speaker option. I have a small Bluetooth speaker that I am going to try out next time and see if it works. I do have a receiver in our sunroom and had speaker wire run to the patio if we want to go that route. I just need to attach my outdoor speakers which are currently in the sunroom.
As I mentioned, we are using a Chromecast and I am luckily get a great signal out in the yard with the Orbi wifi setup I am running. However, if I decide to use my receiver as a source for audio, I will use one of my AppleTV 3 devices that I typically take on trips. This will allow me to send the audio wirelessly to the receiver via Airplay. In other words, more experimentation before I find the best solution.
As I mentioned, we are using a Chromecast and I am luckily get a great signal out in the yard with the Orbi wifi setup I am running. However, if I decide to use my receiver as a source for audio, I will use one of my AppleTV 3 devices that I typically take on trips. This will allow me to send the audio wirelessly to the receiver via Airplay. In other words, more experimentation before I find the best solution.
Is it worth it?
Well, that is the question! I don't think this is something we would do during the week. For now, we have to get started too late and I just won't want to deal with taking down the whole system at 11:30 or whatever time the movie ends. Also, I think the 100 inch screen is a bit too small for the yard. I guess because of the open sky, it doesn't feel as large outside as it does indoors. However, I don't really want it to be seen from the street, so I don't want a mammoth 14 foot screen, either. A ~200 inch screen would probably be ideal if I can fit it into the space (will look into that later if we use this setup a lot).
All that being said, we really like to be outdoors. We have a pool and we entertain in the summer more than any other time, so it will be something we do when we are entertaining for sure.
Also, I mentioned some of the audio issues before and no matter which solution I come up with, the movie won't be as immersive as it is indoors with a surround system. I could get a decent sound bar, but at the levels we have to listen to it, it won't be the same as watching inside. As a result, this is more for watching romantic comedies, nature films, and other movies that don't rely so much on the sound system.
All that being said, we really like to be outdoors. We have a pool and we entertain in the summer more than any other time, so it will be something we do when we are entertaining for sure.
Also, I mentioned some of the audio issues before and no matter which solution I come up with, the movie won't be as immersive as it is indoors with a surround system. I could get a decent sound bar, but at the levels we have to listen to it, it won't be the same as watching inside. As a result, this is more for watching romantic comedies, nature films, and other movies that don't rely so much on the sound system.
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