Outdoor Projector

There’s nothing quite like enjoying a movie outdoors on a warm summer evening - whether it’s a relaxed family movie night, a gathering with friends, or watching your favourite sports team on the big screen during the finals. Compared to indoor setups, outdoor spaces offer more room and flexibility, making them ideal for larger, shared viewing experiences.

Outdoor cinema has become increasingly popular in recent years. Below, we answer some of the most common questions people have when choosing an outdoor projector.

What Is Required to Set Up an Outdoor Cinema?

Setting up an outdoor cinema is simple. In most cases, you’ll need:

• A projector
• An outdoor projector screen
• A long power extension cable
• A video source such as a Blu-ray player, media player, laptop, or wireless streaming device (e.g. Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or Apple TV for Netflix and YouTube)

Always check the weather forecast before setting up. Projectors are electrical devices and should never be exposed to rain or moisture, as this can damage the equipment and pose a safety risk. If weather conditions change, pack everything away immediately.

Are There Projectors Made Specifically for Outdoor Use?

Most projectors on the market are designed for indoor use and are not waterproof. While there are a small number of portable, IP-rated “rain-resistant” projectors available, these typically offer around 1,000 lumens, which limits screen size and brightness—especially outdoors.

For this reason, most outdoor cinema setups use standard indoor projectors that are:

• Set up temporarily
• Used in dry conditions only
• Packed away after each use

Outdoor projector screens are available in sizes up to 200 inches or more, and many are foldable or inflatable for easy storage. Some users place their projector under cover (such as a patio or gazebo), but even then, moisture and humidity can still be a risk. We strongly recommend storing the projector indoors when not in use.

Do You Need an Expensive, High-Brightness Projector?

In most cases, no.

Very high-brightness projectors (e.g. 7,000 lumens or more) are typically used by commercial hire companies or for very large screens (250–300 inches) with hundreds of viewers. They are expensive and unnecessary for most home outdoor cinema setups.

The best time for outdoor projection is evening or night, when ambient light is low. For typical backyard movie nights or sports viewing, a mid-brightness projector used after sunset will deliver excellent results at a much lower cost.

If you plan to watch content during the day or early afternoon, a projector -regardless of brightness—may not be the best solution. A large outdoor TV or shaded viewing area may be more suitable in those situations.

Why Choose an Outdoor Projector?

• Big Screen Experience – Enjoy movies, sport, and gaming on screens up to 300 inches
• Flexible Setup – Use it outdoors for events or indoors when needed
• Portable Options Available – Ideal for moving between rooms.
• Cost-Effective – Achieve a cinema-style experience without the cost of a large TV

Perfect for Every Occasion

Outdoor projectors are ideal for:

• Backyard movie nights with family and friends
• Live sports screenings under the stars
• Outdoor gaming on a large screen
• Parties, events, and alfresco entertainment