Best projector for outdoor, inflatable screen?
July 9, 2020 12:08 PM Subscribe
In These Challenging Times, my library is thinking of doing some outdoor movie nights. Looking at reviews of projectors is making my head spin. We're thinking of getting a 20 foot inflatable screen, so we need something that works well with that, for a group of, optimistically, 25 people? Halp. Bonus: recommend me a sound system too.
I was looking at this, too. There is something called AudioFetch that works with FM transmitters or phone apps over wifi, to simulate the drive-in movie experience. Have not tried it, and I am watching this question with great interest.
posted by blnkfrnk at 1:33 PM on July 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by blnkfrnk at 1:33 PM on July 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
I second tomierna's advice about lumens. Projectors get expensive real fast above 3k "office" types. Much cheaper to wait until dark.
I helped a friend do this once and audio was a big problem. We did a backyard screening for about 12 people and a portable speaker was not enough - outdoors there are no walls to contain the sound and also background nature/traffic noise to contend with.
We ended up taking apart his nice home stereo with receiver and speakers, and re-assembling it hastily outside. That worked.
For a group of 25 outdoors socially distanced on chairs or blankets, you are going to need more audio power to keep speech intelligible. I would not try for subs and surrounds unless you can rent and get someone with pro experience to set it up and adjust it. Instead go for stereo but loud - like a wedding band or bar band PA system with speakers on stands and a powerful amp, like 200watts per channel minimum. If this kind of setup is beyond you ask around for help. You would be surprised what aspiring musicians/library friends might have in their basements.
I would gladly sit through a dim movie with clear sound. I would bail on a bright movie with lackluster sound.
posted by sol at 5:48 PM on July 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
I helped a friend do this once and audio was a big problem. We did a backyard screening for about 12 people and a portable speaker was not enough - outdoors there are no walls to contain the sound and also background nature/traffic noise to contend with.
We ended up taking apart his nice home stereo with receiver and speakers, and re-assembling it hastily outside. That worked.
For a group of 25 outdoors socially distanced on chairs or blankets, you are going to need more audio power to keep speech intelligible. I would not try for subs and surrounds unless you can rent and get someone with pro experience to set it up and adjust it. Instead go for stereo but loud - like a wedding band or bar band PA system with speakers on stands and a powerful amp, like 200watts per channel minimum. If this kind of setup is beyond you ask around for help. You would be surprised what aspiring musicians/library friends might have in their basements.
I would gladly sit through a dim movie with clear sound. I would bail on a bright movie with lackluster sound.
posted by sol at 5:48 PM on July 9, 2020 [1 favorite]
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Any amount of ambient light and you'll want something 5k lumen and above.
If you want to do (5.1) surround, you'll need five speakers and a subwoofer.
Really, I don't suggest buying any of this stuff, but renting it instead.
Your profile shows you are in Maryland. I know of an AV rental place located there which might be able to help, so MeFi-mail me if you want the info.
posted by tomierna at 12:45 PM on July 9, 2020 [3 favorites]