Try something new this summer and experience an outdoor cinema with friends and family. Whether you are looking to project movies or just watch the game on the big screen either in the garden or camping, we have you covered with every screen and projector option to suit every budget.

Use a projector for multiple applications other than just for outdoors such as creating a home cinema entertainment system on the big screen, gaming, zoom, work and more. Read more to find out tips and tricks on maximising your outdoor cinema experience.

See recommendations below for ultra portable projectors, bright lamp based projectors and screens.

Tips & Tricks for Projecting Outdoors Projecting outside during the day can be tricky as the sunlight can fade images just like on a TV, however, there are plenty of solutions to help maximise the viewing experience. Here are just some below:

• - Using a gazebo / canopy is a great way to block off direct sunlight and stop the projected image fading
• - Use an Ambient Light Rejection (ALR) screen with a high gain to increase the brightness (some ALR screens are only suitable with UST projectors, please check that your projector is compatible with the screen).
• - Use a portable projector in a tent and enjoy a memorable camping trip.
• - Alternatively, project in the shade where the sun isn’t facing

Other safety tips for projecting outdoors:

• - Projecting outdoors can be cold, especially at night, be sure to bring blankets, covers or electric heaters to keep you comfortable and warm whilst you enjoy the movie.
• - Always remember to keep the projectors away from any water, turn off sprinklers and move drinks away from the projector.
• - Don't forget an extension lead to plug in your devices outside, preferably waterproof to avoid any damages.
• - Remember to bring the equipment indoors at night and keep in a safe place.
• - Keep cables out of the way, save any accidents and secure them down.

Creating Your Outdoor Cinema

When creating an outdoor cinema choosing the right projector and screen for your setup is critical.

We have selected a range of options from high powered lamp projectors, portable LED projectors to a range of outdoor screens to suit every budget. These will work in shaded areas during the day, at dusk or at night, providing glorious images up to 120" that will transport you into the movie or the game.

High Brightness Lamp / Laser Based Projectors

These projectors are ideal for projecting outdoors with their high brightness. There is a trade off between lamp projectors and portable projectors.

Portable projectors offer portability, wireless connectivity, LED light source, android and built in battery whereas lamp based projectors generally speaking only offer high brightness, without all these other features, and are mains powered so an extension cable may be needed.

Bear in mind when reviewing lumens on Amazon or Ebay lumens are often quoted at 6 to 20 times the real ansi lumen figure so be sure to compare like with like. For example, some of the 4000 - 5000 ansi lumen models below would equate to 100,000 lumens using the marketing lumens method of comparison!

Key Features	Vivitek DW832	ViewSonic PG707W	Acer H6531BD	CHiQ V8S
Brightness (Ansi Lumens)	5,000	4,000	3,500	2,500 (understated, similar to 3,000-5,000 Ansi lumens)
Resolution	WXGA (1280 x 800)	WXGA (1280 x 800)	Full HD 1080p	4K UHD
Native Aspect Ratio	16:10	16:10	16:9	16:9
Speakers	10 Watt	10 Watt	3 Watt	20 Watt
Input Connections	X2 HDMI X2 VGA X1 USB	X2 HDMI X2 VGA X1 USB	X2HDMI X1 VGA X1 USB	X2 HDMI X1 VGA X2 USB
Audio In / Out	3.5mm In / Out	3.5mm In / Out	3.5mm In / Out	3.5mm In / Out
Operating System	No	No	No	Yes
Waterproof	No	No	No	No
Battery Life	Mains Only	Mains Only	Mains Only	Mains Only
Weight (kg)	3.2	2.33	4.5	10.25
Dimensions ( H x W x D – cm)	12 x 31 x 21	11 x 29 x 21	9 x 32 x 23	13 x 32 x 48
Price Inc Vat (subject to change)	£748.80	£435	£450	£2445

 

Luxury All-In-One Projector, Speaker, Screen Bundle

Chiq A5U 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector & Screen Bundle - From £2,955.00

Whilst a 2500 ANSI lumen projector may not be the first choice for an outdoor projector, the CHiQ A5U is worth considering due to its separate high powered speakers and highly understated lumens. The A5U has the equivalent brightness of some other manufacturers whose stated advertised lumens are 4,000 - 5,500 ansi lumens so don't be put off by the low advertised ansi lumens.

Bear in mind when reviewing lumens on Amazon or eBay lumens are often quoted at 6 to 20 times the real ANSI lumen figure so be sure to compare like with like. In addition, using the A5U with an ALR screen drastically reduces any ambient light issues making it a great high-end home cinema for indoors or outdoors.

The all-in-one A5U bundle can be easily setup by placing the A5U on a table and projecting on to the mounted ALR screen. Its separate 40 watt designer speakers provide amazing quality sound even when outdoors. The screen can be mounted on most surfaces including a fence, shed or wall and can be unhooked quickly and be flat packed away for easy storage.

Ultra short throw (UST) projectors like the A5U only work with fixed frame screens, these can either be standard fixed frame or ALR screens.

 

Portable: All-In-One Projectors

Portable projectors are not as bright as lamp-based projectors but have more features such as built-in battery, android operating system, wireless connectivity and more. However, there will be plenty of projectors on Amazon claiming to be much brighter than they actually are by 6 to 20 times the true figure!

Portable projectors are a perfect all-in-one solution when projecting at night, in a tent / gazebo or in the shade. All the portable models all have standard TRIPOD MOUNTS on the base of the projector so you can put them on a mini tripod eg on a table or on a large floor standing tripod. You can also simply mount them on any flat surface but the tripods help angle the projector onto the screen and are a well worth while accessory to invest in. £14 - £29.

Key Features	Pico Genie Impact 2.0	Pico Genie Impact 3.0	BenQ GS2	Pico Genie M550 Plus 2.0	Acer PD1520i
Brightness (ANSI Lumens)	200	300	500	650	3000
Resolution	480p	480p	HD	HD	Full HD
Aspect Ratio	4:3 (16:9 supported)	16:9	16:9	16:9	16:9
Speakers	1.5 watt	5 watt	2 x 4 watt	2.2 watt	3 watt
Input Connections	X1 USB X1 HDMI X1 MicroSD	X1 USB X1 HDMI X1 MicroSD	X1 HDMI X1 USB X1 USB-C	X1 HDMI X2 USB X1 MicroSD X1 Ethernet	X1 HDMI X1 VGA X1 Video Composite
Audio In / Out	3.5mm Out	3.5mm Out	3.5mm Out	3.5mm Out 3.5mm In	3.5mm Out 3.5mm In
Operating System	Android 7	Android 7	Android 6	Android 6	N/A
Battery Life	Up to 3hrs	Up to 3hrs	Up to 3hrs	Up to 3hrs	N/A
Weight (kg)	0.174	0.510	1.6	0.685	2.2
Dimensions (H x W x D – cm)	5 x 5 x 5	6 x 6 x 13	14 x 14 x 14	20 x 12 x 5	30 x 20 x 7
Waterproof	No	No	Splash & Drop Proof	No	No
Price Inc Vat (subject to change)	£210	£265	£569	£599.99	£870

Outdoor  / Indoor Screen Options:

Choose from a range of projector screens for use both indoors and outdoors. Options include fixed frame, portable, easy setup or even Ambient Light Rejection (ALR) to reduce sunlight. Note, none of these screens are waterproof and will need to be taken down at the first site of rain however they can be used indoors and outdoors. Here are some useful screens for outdoor use.

• Inflatable Screens (140"")
• Ambient Light Rejection (ALR) Screens (Fixed frame flat packed)
• Fixed Frame
• Wall / ceiling screens ideal to fix on a wall or shed
• Portable Screens (tripod, fast fold from 80"" to 140")

Ambient Light Rejection (ALR) Screens for use with UST Projectors With new ambient light rejection technology, create a more impressive and brighter image in daylight conditions. ALR material is designed to reflect the projected image, promoting the deep black levels and vibrant colours while absorbing the ambient light to prevent the image from fading.

Please note, some ALR screens only work with ultra short throw projectors although it is possible to have ALR for non UST models so it is important to take advice first.

Please contact us via email, live chat or by phone. There are two separate options for ambient light rejection screens to be used outdoors.

CHiQ 100” S-CK100 ALR Screen 100"" Ambient Light Rejection Screen

With CHiQs advanced material technology, the S-CK series offers a screen gain of 0.8 while enhancing the image contrast by 20 times making it perfect for brighter areas whether that be your garden, shed or lounge.  

See more ALR/CLR screens here: https://www.personalprojector.co.uk/accessories-screens/screens/alr-screens.html  

Inflatable 140" Outdoor Projection Screen

The inflatable 140" projection screen is the ideal screen for your outdoor cinema. This packs down to a manageable size and once fully set up delivers a monster 140" viewable screen size.

Setting up this portable inflatable screen is simple. Simply use the included pump to inflate the screen in seconds and attach the screen fabric which can be front (standard) or rear projection (optional) ! See the video below to see how fast this huge outdoor projector screen inflates. 

Portable Screens

We have a wide choice of screen options for indoor and outdoor use that divide into fast fold screens with flight cases that go from 80"" to 140", alternatively we have 80" lightweight tripod projector screens.

When using lightweight projector screens such as the 80" Tripod Screen, it is recommended using tent pegs, sandbags or rope tensioner to keep the screen safely in place.

Electric / Manual Pull Down Screens

These wall or ceiling mounted screens fix with ease to a shed, wall or fence panel. They are designed for indoor use so as with all screens its essential to make sure they can be quickly removed in case the weather changes.