If you’re looking forward to hosting backyard parties or having a drive-thru experience in your own backyard, an outdoor theater is a must. Local remodeling company DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southern Lakes shares tips on setting up your own outdoor theater.
Should You Get a TV or a Projector?
A projector should be your go-to option if you want the full theater experience. You get a bigger image size for a fraction of the cost of a similar-sized TV, while getting flexibility in terms of placement. There are also options like compact projectors that project good quality images over shorter distances. While a TV is a good all-in-one solution, it’s not as easy to move around or protect from the weather. It also doesn’t give that theater-like feel that you get from images projected on a screen.
Using a projector outdoors is not without certain drawbacks, chief of which is that your viewing times are going to be limited to after sundown. To get the best picture quality, you should get a projector with at least 2,000 lumens.
Don’t Skimp on the Screen
Some people choose a top-tier projector, only to use the side of their house or a bed sheet for a screen. Unless you have a perfectly flat, white exterior wall, don’t skimp on a good projection screen. Outdoor screens come in all shapes and sizes. You can take your pick from standalone screens with folding frames, heavy-duty framed screens that can be permanently mounted on an exterior wall or hideaway screens with electronic controls.
Get a Good Audio System
Most home theater kits come with a wired 5.1 surround sound system, consisting of five mid-to-high range speakers, one subwoofer and a built-in amplifier. A newer model would have 7.1 or higher speakers. While having a surround system lets you get closer to a theater-like experience, it doesn’t necessarily translate to an outdoor setup.
Another consideration is that the more speakers you have, the more wires you need to run. Consider getting wireless speakers if possible. Wireless speakers that can be configured for surround sound, like Apple’s HomePods, work for most environments. If you must have wired speakers, have a dedicated PVC pipe buried in the ground to protect the cabling.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Southern Lakes offers a wide range of professional home renovation services. To get started with a no-obligation consultation, call us at (262) 500-3689 or contact us online. We serve homeowners in Pleasant Prairie, Union Grove, Bristol, Salem, Sturtevant, Somers, Paris, Twin Lakes, Brighton, Kansasville and many nearby communities.
