Outdoor Projector

Outdoor Projector Buying Guide

An outdoor projector turns your backyard, patio or alfresco area into a big-screen cinema. You get a picture much larger than any TV, for movie nights, live sport and gaming under the stars. This guide covers what you need, how bright your projector should be, what screen size to choose and how to get the best picture outdoors.

What Do You Need for an Outdoor Cinema?

Setting up an outdoor cinema is easier than most people expect. You'll need:

• A projector - a home, laser or portable projector bright enough for your screen size
• A screen - an outdoor projector screen gives the best result, but a smooth, light-coloured wall also works
• Power - a nearby outdoor power point or a heavy-duty outdoor extension lead
• A video source - a streaming stick (Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV), laptop, gaming console or media player. Smart projectors have streaming apps built in.
• Sound - a Bluetooth speaker or soundbar. Built-in projector speakers can sound quiet in open spaces.

With everything ready, most setups take only a few minutes.

Can You Use a Projector Outdoors?

Yes. Outdoor movie nights are one of the most popular ways to use a projector. Most people use a standard home or laser projector on a stable table or stand in the backyard, on the patio or under a covered alfresco area.

Most projectors aren't waterproof, so set up in dry conditions, keep the projector out of the dew and bring it inside after use. Screens are different: many are designed to stay outside. The Elite Outdoor Manual Pull Down Screen is IP65 rated, and the Elite Outdoor Motorised Screen has rain and water protection, so either can be installed permanently under a pergola or eave.

How Many Lumens Do You Need for an Outdoor Projector?

Brightness is measured in ANSI lumens. How many you need depends on when you watch and how big your screen is. Watching after sunset is the key to a great picture: in a dark backyard, even a mid-range projector looks bright and vivid.

Watching in full daylight is difficult for any projector. If you want to start before dark, choose a brighter laser model and set up in shade facing away from the sun.

What Size Screen Should You Get?

For most backyards, a 100" to 150" screen is the sweet spot. It's big enough to feel like a cinema, and most home projectors can fill it at night. A good rule of thumb is to sit about 1.5 times the screen width away.

How far the projector needs to sit from the screen depends on its throw ratio. A 16:9 screen needs roughly:

• 100" screen - about 2.7-3.3 m with a standard projector, or about 1.1 m with a short throw
• 120" screen - about 3.2-4.0 m with a standard projector, or about 1.3 m with a short throw
• 150" screen - about 4.0-5.0 m with a standard projector, or about 1.7 m with a short throw

Short on space, or don't want people walking through the beam? A short throw projector can sit close to the screen and still produce a big picture.

Choosing the Right Outdoor Projector Screen

• Portable and folding screens - quick to set up and pack away, great for occasional movie nights. See our portable projector screens.
• Front and rear projection frames - large freestanding screens up to 200" for events and big backyards
• Outdoor pull-down and motorised screens - weather-resistant screens mounted permanently under a pergola, eave or alfresco roof
• Screen colour - white screens give the brightest image in a dark backyard. Ambient light rejecting screens help in lit areas but suit fixed installs best.

Laser vs Lamp vs LED Projectors for Outdoor Use

• Laser projectors - high brightness, instant on/off and around 20,000+ hours of light source life with no lamps to replace. Ideal for regular outdoor use.
• Lamp projectors - good brightness for the price, but they need warm-up and cool-down time and eventually a replacement lamp
• LED and mini projectors - compact and easy to carry, but usually less bright, so best for smaller screens after dark. Browse our LED projectors.

Which Outdoor Projector Should You Choose?

Here are our picks for common outdoor setups:

Portable and camping projectors

Compact projectors you can take from the backyard to the campsite. Best on screens up to about 100" after dark.

• BenQ GS2 Mini Projector - portable, IPX2 splash-proof, built for outdoor use
• Optoma OMA-S Portable Laser Projector - 1,500 lumens, portable laser that can run from a power bank

Backyard movie nights (100"-150")

Bright, great-value home projectors that fill a large backyard screen after sunset.

• Optoma HD39HDR - 4,500 lumens, Full HD with HDR support
• ViewSonic LX720-4K Laser - 3,500 lumens, 4K laser

4K outdoor cinema

• Optoma Wave 130RK Laser - 4,000 lumens, 4K laser
• Optoma PK230R Laser - 4,500 lumens, 4K laser

Small patios and alfresco areas (short throw)

• Optoma GT2160HDR - 4,000 lumens, 4K short throw
• ViewSonic LSD400HD-ST Laser - 4,000 lumens, Full HD short throw laser

Big screens, dusk viewing and venues

High-brightness laser projectors for 150"-200" screens, events, pubs, clubs and hospitality areas with some light.

• Optoma ZH521 Laser - 5,500 lumens, Full HD
• ViewSonic LSD500HD Laser - 5,500 lumens, Full HD
• Optoma ZH507 Laser - 5,500 lumens, Full HD
• Sony PHZ61 Laser - 6,400 lumens, Full HD

Why Choose an Outdoor Projector?

• Big screen experience - enjoy movies, sport and gaming on 100" to 200" screens
• Perfect for entertaining - great for family nights, parties and gatherings
• Flexible use - move easily between indoor and outdoor setups
• Better value - a cinema-sized picture for far less than a giant TV

Perfect for Every Occasion

• Backyard movie nights with family and friends
• Watching the footy, cricket and other live sport on a massive screen
• Outdoor gaming with immersive visuals
• Parties, school and community events, and alfresco entertaining
• Pubs, clubs, cafés and hospitality venues with outdoor areas

Outdoor Projector FAQs

What is the best outdoor projector?

The best outdoor projector depends on your screen size and when you watch. For a 100"-120" screen after dark, a 3,000+ lumen home or laser projector gives excellent results. For bigger screens or areas with some light, choose a 4,000+ lumen laser projector.

Can you use a projector outside during the day?

Daylight viewing is very difficult for any projector. For the best picture, watch after sunset. If you need to start earlier, use a high-brightness laser projector in a shaded area.

Can I leave my projector outside?

Most projectors aren't weatherproof and should be brought inside after use to protect them from rain, dew and dust. Outdoor-rated screens, however, can be installed permanently.

Can I project onto a wall instead of a screen?

Yes. A smooth, light-coloured wall works, but a proper projector screen gives a brighter, sharper and more even picture.

Is an outdoor projector worth it?

For most families, yes. An outdoor projector gives you a 100"+ picture for movie nights, sport and parties at a fraction of the cost of a large TV, and you can use it indoors too.

Not sure which outdoor projector suits your space? Contact our team for expert advice and fast delivery Australia-wide.