Projector People Backyard Packages

Featured Outdoor Theater packages

Here are a few packages we have put together for you. Remember you can call and speak to a Projector Expert at 1-888-248-0675 to create your own package anytime.

Backyard Theaters are simple to set up. All you need are a few key components. We have outlined those components in our buyers guide below »

Want to hear more about Backyard Theaters? Just listen to our Backyard Theater Podcast today! [ Mp3 file size: 25.3MB / time: 27:34 min. ]

Budget Backyard Theater - $895.00

• Da-Lite Versatol
• Mitsubishi HC1600
• Comprehensive Video HD HR Pro Series HDMI to HDMI Cable, 35 ft
• 

All-in-One Backyard Theater package - $1,535.00

• Da-Lite Theater-Lite
• Panasonic PT-AX200U
• Comprehensive Video HD HR Pro Series HDMI to HDMI Cable, 35 ft
• Sharp BD-HP22U Blu-Ray Disc Player
• 

High Definition indoor/outdoor Theater Package - $1,145.00

• Da-Lite Versatol
• Epson MovieMate 72
• 

 

Backyard Theater Buyers Guide

Updated May 2009

Are you ready for the summer outdoor walk-out theater experience!? We sure are! What are the essential ingredients for a home grown outdoor theater? You need fair weather, big pictures, adequate sound, people you like to spend time with, and a great movie to watch that will please everyone. The toughest part is going to be finding a move that everyone likes, because we are about to fill you in on the rest.

Best Projectors for Big Backyard Pictures

There aren't any projectors that we sell specifically for backyard theaters. In fact, just about any portable projector will give you a nice looking image in the evening.

However, there are so many very good low priced HD options that are designed for home theater use that we'd recommend purchasing an HD projector. Why? Because a high definition image will look significantly better than a lower resolution image when projecting it on a screen over 120-inches. And when you're creating your very own walk-in outdoor theater, you might as well go ginormous! The night is right for giant screens.

Your HD projector will look best with an HD source like a BluRay player with a BluRay DVD, but you can also get a great image with an upconverting DVD player running a standard DVD.

Outdoor Theater Projector Spec Recommendations

Here's a quick guide to some recommended specs for an outdoor projector.

• Brightness : 1000 lumens or better*
• Resolution : HD (720p or 1080p)
• Connectivity : HDMI or Component video **
• Projector Audio: Audio out jack or built in speakers ***

*Brighter is better for projecting at dusk - and your image size is a factor - but 1000 lumens would work after dark on a 120-inch screen. And as it gets darker, your image just gets brighter.

** If you plan to use your laptop as your source, you should check your laptops video outputs and be sure you have a matching connection (s-video or VGA with component video ability)

***Some HD projectors (like Epson's Movie Mate projectors) come with built-in speakers that will be satisfactory for a group, but most projectors will only include an audio jack. This might be handy if you want to hook up some computer speakers just for the night. If you are particular about audio, your audio will probably best be connected out of your DVD player.

Quick Tip : We are sometimes asked if a projector can be mounted permanently in the great outdoors. For the record, Projector People recommends that you bring your projector - and screen if its a nice one - back inside to a cool and dry location after your evening viewing. You should also consult your projector owner's manual for specifications on outdoor use.

Can I Have a Backyard Theater Without a Screen?

You betcha! You can make your own using a sheet, the side of your house, the garage door, painter's tarp, or you name it. A lighter surface is usually preferable, so a white sheet or tarp will look nicer than a darker color. Light surfaces will reflect more of the ambient light though, so wherever you project, try and make sure there is no light shining directly on your image.

However, if you want a movie theater quality image, you can also invest in a nice portable screen. A portable screen can also be used for an indoor theater; you can pack it up and take it to a friend's house for watching a big game, or for sharing photos at the reunion, and so on.

The good thing about your outdoor theater is that the screen size not usually as limited for space. Our customers have been particularly innovative in their outdoor spaces using materials like PVC pipe and bedroom sheets. Just be sure to project your image where everyone has a view of the screen, and where your cords and cables can reach.

Remember, the further back your projector is from the screen, the larger the image will be. Don't get too carried away with the size of your image, or your visitors might get a crick in the neck.

All in One Projector Solutions

If you the kind of person that would rather have everything you need in one package, consider one of the "all-in-one" home theater solutions. Think of it like a home-theater-in-a-box, but with the display built in.

Epson's Movie Mate 72 is an HD (720p native) projector with a built-in DVD player and speakers. There are four 5W speakers inside the projector. The MovieMate 72 also has an HDMI input if you wanted to hook up an HD source to it. It also has a cool 'swivel' base just for fun.

Other Things You May Need

• A power strip
• Extension cord
• Inexpensive upconverting DVD player
• Entertaining DVD
• External speakers
• Food and Beverage (beverages and food should be kept away from all electronics)

Safety First!

Use common sense when setting up for your backyard event. This is by no means an inclusive list of safety regulations, but here are a few suggestions for a safer event.

• Keep power cords out of the way as much as possible.
• Beware of inclement weather and everything away in case of rain.
• Keep electronics away from pools & BBQs. (away from all heat & liquid sources)
• Turn off your sprinkler system before setting up
• Your projector is not a coaster
• Consult your projector owner's manual for specifications on outdoor use

More suggestions:

• Invite your neighbors, or inform them that there will be life size images in your backyard and maybe some extra noise.
• Do not charge admission without permission of the DVD distributor. Though tempting, it is against the law. See your local regulations.
• Backyard events will be best if started around dusk (just like at the drive-in).