‘Tis the season for backyard entertaining! The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the smell of freshly cut grass fills the air, and you’re planning a backyard BBQ party with friends, or that family reunion your parents have been bugging you about. After the sun sets, why not keep the fun rolling by hosting your own “backyard movie night” with an outdoor projector, big screen, and big sound. Renting an outdoor video projector and screen could even be just what your Canada Day celebration needs!
Here’s a helpful guide for all that you need to make your night as magical as the Disney/Pixar flick you’ve likely already cued-up.
Setting the Stage
In order to get the most out of your outdoor theatre, choose an area of your yard where you can hang a screen on a flat surface, or between trees, within adequate distance from the projector. Make sure that your set up is easily accessible to power outlets and invest in a heavy duty outdoor extension cord. While it can be tempting to get the movie started right away, hold off until the sun has set to avoid interference from the sunlight. The darker your theatre space is, the clearer your picture, so turn off the house lights and keep your screen away from light pollution from street lights, etc.
If you are finding that you’ve got a tight space to work with, you could actually consider getting a huge flat screen LCD TV instead.
Choosing the Right Equipment
The Screen: There are many varieties available to suit your taste and budget, ranging from a basic white sheet to weather proof screens. Bear in mind that the larger screen you have, the higher resolution and lumen count projector you will need.
The Projector: Select a DLP projector, with a lumen rating of over 2000, as they have the best contrast and brightness for a crisp picture outdoors. Brightness is key, especially if you are battling against other light sources. In terms of resolution, a projector with 720p or 1080p is ideal.
The Sound: A solid sound system can truly top off your outdoor theatre experience. Opt for an system with two or more speakers that can be placed on either side of your screen to give that true surround sound.
The Media Player: Last, but not least, you will need a portable laptop computer, Blu-Ray, or DVD player with appropriate projector cables to play your movie from.
Let’s get started on your projector or big screen TV rental.
Looking to get started on your own outdoor theatre experience? Contact us at Metrocom today to discuss your options for laptops, projectors, and sound systems. Let us help you create an unforgettable party for you and your guests.
