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This Instructable will cover everything you need to know to get started with your own backyard movie theater. This is a great way to get the family and neighbors together in the evenings. I refrained from calling it a "Drive-In" since I don't want anyone parking on my lawn. Here's the summary of what you need.
1. Projector
2. Audio system
3. Screen
4. DVD player or laptop
5. Audience, snacks, chairs, blankets, etc.
This Instructable will be entered in the Dadcando so please rate it and vote if you like it.
EDIT: Thanks to everyone who voted for me in the contest. Didn't make it as a finalist,but I was very happy to get as many votes as I did!
1. Projector
2. Audio system
3. Screen
4. DVD player or laptop
5. Audience, snacks, chairs, blankets, etc.
This Instructable will be entered in the Dadcando so please rate it and vote if you like it.
EDIT: Thanks to everyone who voted for me in the contest. Didn't make it as a finalist,but I was very happy to get as many votes as I did!
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Signing UpStep 1The Projector
The projector is the heart of this system and it's something you can't really improvise. Well, you can, but that's another instructable. If you can't borrow a projector from work, you'll need to purchase one.
New projectors start at about $400 and go up from there (way up.) Used projectors can be had for $200 or so if you're vigilant on craigslist or ebay. Beware of old projectors with high hours or that need new lamps. The lamp in the projector will eventually need replace - usually in 1000-4000 hours. Lamps are expensive, usually $200 and up. Most projectors have an hour meter somewhere in the menu. If the seller won't tell you how many hours, be very careful about buying, especially if the price is too good to be true.
Brightness and contrast are the main things to consider. My projector is 1200 lumens and 350:1 contrast ratio. In Eco-Mode, the brightness drops to 1080 lumens, but the lamp life doubles. The difference is so minimal, I only run it on Eco-Mode. The 350:1 contrast is pretty low. If I had my druthers, I'd like something up around 1000:1 and 2000+ lumens. However, everything is relative. If you're the first kid on your block to do this, ANY projector is gonna look awesome.
There are 2 types of digital projectors - LCD and DLP. LCD uses red, green and blue, LCD panels to make the different colors, just like your old-timey tube TV. DLP projectors use a rotating disc to reflect the light off a chip to make the red/green/blue combination. Each has it's advantages. In general LCD has better color, but worse contrast than DLP. Contrast is important when outside because it lets the black look darker. Some older DLP models would produce a rainbow effect that some people could see. That's mostly fixed on newer models. Google "LCD vs DLP" if you want to read more.
Lamp life and replacement cost is a consideration when choosing a projector, but even at 1000 hours of life, you could use it for 4 hours a week for 5 years. If you're doing that much movie viewing, good for you!
Best resource I've found for checking out the specs on used projectors is www.projectorcentral.com. They list most projectors and give everything you wanted to know and more. Here's what I'm using. Not exactly top of the line.
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sharp-Notevision_PG-B10S.htm
New projectors start at about $400 and go up from there (way up.) Used projectors can be had for $200 or so if you're vigilant on craigslist or ebay. Beware of old projectors with high hours or that need new lamps. The lamp in the projector will eventually need replace - usually in 1000-4000 hours. Lamps are expensive, usually $200 and up. Most projectors have an hour meter somewhere in the menu. If the seller won't tell you how many hours, be very careful about buying, especially if the price is too good to be true.
Brightness and contrast are the main things to consider. My projector is 1200 lumens and 350:1 contrast ratio. In Eco-Mode, the brightness drops to 1080 lumens, but the lamp life doubles. The difference is so minimal, I only run it on Eco-Mode. The 350:1 contrast is pretty low. If I had my druthers, I'd like something up around 1000:1 and 2000+ lumens. However, everything is relative. If you're the first kid on your block to do this, ANY projector is gonna look awesome.
There are 2 types of digital projectors - LCD and DLP. LCD uses red, green and blue, LCD panels to make the different colors, just like your old-timey tube TV. DLP projectors use a rotating disc to reflect the light off a chip to make the red/green/blue combination. Each has it's advantages. In general LCD has better color, but worse contrast than DLP. Contrast is important when outside because it lets the black look darker. Some older DLP models would produce a rainbow effect that some people could see. That's mostly fixed on newer models. Google "LCD vs DLP" if you want to read more.
Lamp life and replacement cost is a consideration when choosing a projector, but even at 1000 hours of life, you could use it for 4 hours a week for 5 years. If you're doing that much movie viewing, good for you!
Best resource I've found for checking out the specs on used projectors is www.projectorcentral.com. They list most projectors and give everything you wanted to know and more. Here's what I'm using. Not exactly top of the line.
http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sharp-Notevision_PG-B10S.htm
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You can get 55"X36" for $18.30 / yard. So obviously 55"x72" screen would be $36.6 plus shipping of about $15+.
http://www.rosebrand.com/product703/Projection-Screen-and-Rear-Projection-Screen.aspx
i wonder if the screen material produced glare..
I guess white cotton bed sheet will be good on eyes.
reminded me of my neighborhood lady complaining that 'they' sold her the defective phone, as its LCD had only '3' signal sticks !!! ;)
she also brought along her another cell phone with '5' signal bands! :D
Let's All Go to the Lobby