Backyard Movie Theater Guide

Summertime is the perfect time to take it outside.

Why spend the best months of the year stuck indoors? The warm nights are a great excuse to set up a projector in the backyard and invite your friends over for a movie screening or two.

Let Mother Nature provide the weather, we'll take care of the rest.


Best Projectors for Backyard Movie Theaters[ top ]

HD projectors are the best choice for backyard theater. High-definition images look significantly better than their lower resolution counterparts when projected on a screen bigger than 120 inches.

For the best image, consider using a 1080p projector in your backyard theater setup. These have seen a significant drop in price recently.

(Don't forget an HD video source like a Blu-ray player. You can also get a great image with an upconverting DVD player.)

Backyard Movie Theater Projector Spec Recommendations
  • Brightness : 1600 lumens or better
  • Resolution : HD (720p or 1080p)
  • Connectivity : HDMI or Component video
  • Projector Audio: Some HD projectors like the Epson MovieMate 85HD come with built-in speakers. If your projector doesn't, or if you need extra audio power, try Anchor powered speakers, which feature built-in amplifiers.

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 it's 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 Movie Theater Without a Screen?[ top ]

You betcha! You can make your own screen using a sheet, the side of your house, the garage door, painter's tarp, you name it. We also sell cut-to-order screen fabric if you prefer to work with professional materials.

For the best image, consider investing in a nice portable screen. A portable screen has plenty of uses beyond your backyard; you can pack it up and take it to a friend's house for watching the big game, or for sharing photos at the reunion, and so on.

Quick Tips: 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. 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 Backyard Movie Theater Projector Solutions[ top ]

backyard movie theater

It's summertime - let us do the homework for you. We've created all-in-one backyard movie theater packages that include everything you need for cinema under the stars. Know exactly what you're looking for? Projector People can create an all-in-one package that will please even the pickiest of backyard theater afficionados. And everyone can appreciate the discounted price over buying the items individually.

But Don't Forget...
  • A power strip
  • Extension cord
  • Inexpensive upconverting DVD player
  • Entertaining DVD
  • External speakers
  • Food and beverages (beverages and food should be kept away from all electronics)

Quick tips: 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.
  • Keep electronics away from pools, BBQs, your neighbor's dog and that annoying kid from the next block.
  • Turn off your sprinkler system before setting up.
  • Remember: your projector is not a coaster.
  • Consult your projector owner's manual for specifications on outdoor use.

Backyard Movie Theater Projector Tips[ top ]

  • Invite your neighbors, or at least 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).

Get Some Inspiration For Your Backyard Movie Theater[ top ]

Check out some of the entries from last year's backyard theater contest for inspiration and ideas:



See the complete list of our backyard movie theater contest entries»