Outdoor Cinema Buyers Guide

Choosing the right projector for your outdoor cinema

How bright should my outdoor projector be?

With a few exceptions, the brightness level of mainstream projectors is measured in ANSI Lumens or ISO Lumens. The brightness level of a projector could range from around 50 lumens (with a small handheld projector) to well over 10,000 lumens (with a large-venue projector).

The brightness level you will require will depend on your image size and ambient lighting conditions. A bright environment will require a powerful projector to provide you with a vibrant image, while a dark environment opens you up to a wide range of options.

• Less than 2000 ANSI lumens – These models require a dark area. Night time with no bright lights on nearby. Most projectors under 2000 lumens are not designed for images over 2m wide.
• 3000-4000 ANSI Lumens – This is the brightness level of many home entertainment projectors. Subdued light in the area usually will not cause too much issue. These projectors are ideal for images between 2 and 3 metres wide.
• 5000-6000 ANSI Lumens – These projectors are capable of being used in brighter conditions, such as alfresco areas in hospitality venues or well-lit home entertainment areas. With the high lumens you could also project larger images if required. Keep in mind that these brighter projectors can create more fan noise and heat so may not be the best choice in a small room.
• Above 6000 ANSI Lumens – These ultra-bright projectors are popular in hospitality venues (ie beer gardens) as well as for use during outdoor events. Many are capable of projecting very large images and can compete with a high level of ambient light. Professional outdoor cinemas utilising images over 5-6m wide are recommended to consider projectors closer to the 10,000-lumen mark.

Can a projector work in sunlight?

Whilst there are plenty of very powerful projectors capable of being used in bright areas, direct sunlight should be avoided. An average sunny day can have a comparable rating of approximately 10,000 lumens, which is impossible for a mainstream projector to compete with. If your outdoor area is heavily shaded you can achieve reasonable results with a 5000+ lumen projector, although best results will always be achieved as the sun sets.

What resolution do I need for outdoor projection?

A native resolution is a measurement of the number of pixels a projector can display and therefore the level of detail that the projector can produce. A resolution is represented by 2 numbers: the number of pixels wide and the number of pixels high. When checking a projectors resolution, always check the Native Resolution, not the Maximum Resolution. Native Resolution is what the projector can actually do while Maximum Resolution simply indicates what signal the projector can accept. Some (usually less known) brands advertise Maximum Resolution to make their product sound better than it may be.

The best native resolutions for outdoor projectors are:

• 720p HD / WXGA (1920x720 / 1920x800) – Primarily known as HD, these resolutions offer similar detail to a typical DVD movie and a HD free to air channel on TV. This resolution is not overly common as it has been replaced by Full HD models.
• 1080p FHD / WUXGA (1920x1080 / 1920x1200) – These Full HD resolutions are the most popular for entertainment purposes. They offer great detail levels matching that of a Blu-ray disk and what may online streaming services feature.
• 4K UHD (3840x2160) – A 4K resolution offers 4 times the amount of detail of Full HD. It is primarily available in the home theatre range, but there are also some brighter multipurpose projectors being released that feature this high resolution. A 4K resolution is recommended for premium installations or when you wish to take advantage of the extra detail that 4K Blu-ray disks, Foxtel’s 4K channels, and 4K streaming subscriptions offer.

Are projectors weatherproof?

Just like with most electronics you need to protect your projector from the elements. The best way to keep your projector in perfect working order is to store it indoors when not in use. If you prefer to permanently install your projector outside, the unit must be undercover and should be covered up when turned off. Covering the unit helps minimise the risk of infestation by insects or other creepy crawlies, but also can help reduce dew or condensation rusting internal components. Warranties do not cover faults that are caused by corrosion or infestation.

Are there battery powered projector?

How far away should the projector be from the screen?

Distance is Important:

Many customers find projector placement a bit tricky. To achieve the desired image size, you'll need to position the projector at a specific distance from the screen. This distance varies between projector models.

The Rule of Thumb:

As a general guideline, many projectors should be placed a distance away equalling 1.5 times the required image width. For example, a 2-metre-wide image would require the projector to be around 3 meters back.

The Exceptions to the Rule:

• Model Variations: Throw distances can differ significantly between projector models. Always check the specific throw distance for your chosen model before making a purchase.
• Long Throw Projectors: If you have a long installation distance, a large venue projector with a long-throw lens attachment might be necessary. These projectors are designed for longer throw ratios but typically come with a higher price tag.

More Help:

• Throw Distance Chart: Projector information pages on the Just Projectors website feature a Throw Distance Chart. This chart advises the installation distance required for some popular image sizes and can be a handy resource when comparing models.
• Calculate Throw Distance Yourself: Every projector has an advertised ‘Throw Ratio’, represented by 1 or 2 numbers. To calculate the minimum and maximum installation distance of a projector, simply multiply the numbers by the required image width. Further information about calculating throw distance can be found on our blog ‘How to calculate Projector Throw Distance’.
• Ask Us!: If you have any questions about specific sizes or distances, feel free to ask our team for assistance.

Do I need a projector screen?

For optimal image quality, a projector should ideally be used with a flat, matte white surface, something the average Australian backyard usually lacks. As a result, a projector screen is typically recommended to ensure the best possible viewing experience. A projector screen will provide you a brighter image, more accurate colour reproduction, and potentially a wider viewing angle.

Pull Down and Motorised screens are the most common projector screen types, these must be attached to a wall or ceiling. Most screens of this type are not outdoor rated so must be protected from the elements, however at higher cost there are some outdoor rated versions available.

For a self-standing projector screen, a Fast-Fold screen is an excellent choice. These screens are easy to assemble and can be set up on any flat surface. The screen material is securely attached to the frame on all sides, minimising movement caused by wind. Many Fast-Fold screens also include ropes and pegs for added stability.

What projectors are recommended for outdoor entertainment?

The team at Just Projectors are constantly testing new releases to determine the best projectors available for the money. Below is a list of projectors we recommend for outdoor entertainment use. We keep this list updated regularly as new models are released. If you still need some more assistance to select your perfect projector, please contact our team.