The outdoor home theater is really starting to become popular. Like indoor theaters, they range in options and price, but the basic equipment required is the same. Lets take a look at the various equipment available for outdoor home theaters and what other things you should consider to make your outdoor theater a success.
When considering an outdoor home theatre, location is important. You will want to consider the sun and find a location where it will not be shining in your eyes or on the screen during the hours you expect to be watching your outdoor movie. Also consider rain, snow, etc. Either purchase weatherproof equipment or make sure it stays dry. Same idea goes for the seating area, if you want to be able to use your home theater come rain or shine make sure you and your seating can stay dry. Do not forget the noise, we give some hints in the speaker section how to reduce the noise so you do not annoy the neighbors. And last, if using a projector and screen (rather then a Plasma, DLP or LCD), consider the wind and make sure the screen is tied down otherwise watching your movie may make you sea sick.
Outdoor Home Theater Equipment Although you will require the same pieces of equipment you would for an indoor home theater, there are differences to account for the outdoors. Similar to indoors, for your outdoor home theater you can use Plasma, LCD or DLP or a big screen and projector.
Projector and Screen: There are several options for an outdoor home theater screen. By far the most popular outdoor screen is the inflatable projector screen. One popular, inexpensive, option is the Outdoor Movie Screen Airblown Inflatable, 12'. There are other options also however, see our Inflatable Projection Screen page for additional details. Screens can also be mounted and then you have the same options as with the TVs mentioned above, they can be installed as drop-down motorized screens hidden under eaves, pop up screens hidden in flower beds or the ground. Options are really only limited by budget and your imagination.
Any projector can be used for your outdoor theater as long as it stays dry. One popular option for backyard theaters is all in one projectors. These function as a projector, CD/DVD player and speakers all in one unit. The Epson MovieMate 30s MultiMedia Projector is an inexpensive outdoor all in one projector option. Other options are Epson Moviemate 25, Optoma DV10 or the Toshiba Multi-media Video Projector, TDP-ET20U.
Plasma, LCD or DLP: These work best for the smaller more intimate outdoor home theater. For larger settings you may consider having multiple TVs in strategy areas located around your outdoor area. Usually you will want the TVs to be out of the elements when not in use so consider drop-down motorized TVs hidden under the eaves, pop up TVs hidden in flower beds or the ground. All in water proof enclosures of course. Although not required, you may also want to look for antiglare, antifog and waterproof (MirageVision makes such a TV) and unfortunately you may need to consider theft and make sure the TV is in a cabinet that locks when not in use.
Speakers Outdoor speakers come in just about every size and shape you could ask for now. One key to a successful outdoor home theater is to have many smaller speakers all over your outdoors where you would like sound. Reason for this is that the sound can be more consistent throughout the outdoors rather then having a few speakers with very load volume when you are close to them. Also, since with many speakers the volume can be reduced, there is less echo off surrounding objects and less annoyance to neighbors. Look for speakers that look like rocks, lights, etc. that can be added throughout the yard. Also consider speakers in the pool. See our outdoor speakers section for more details and options.
Amplifier, DVD, Blu-Ray or HD-DVD and of course a Popcorn Maker No special equipment required here, in fact, we recommend sticking to standard equipment. If you choose to have many speakers throughout your yard, be sure to purchase an amplifier that can power them all. Definitely recommend a popcorn maker; the aroma and sound will set the right atmosphere for a home theater movie.
Keys To Making Outdoor Home Theaters A Success So you have the audio and video but do not forget the other elements of the outdoors. The temperature changes, humidity changes and of course there are the nasty bugs. Do not let any of this deter you from creating and using your home theater. Solutions to these issues are simpler then you would expect. Select a link below for additional information.
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