How to make a backyard cinema

How to make a backyard cinema

Now that it's nice outside and you can invite friends over, a backyard movie theater is a fun way to enjoy warm summer nights. Best of all, you don't need a budget like the Marvel blockbuster to set up a backyard theater.

Here's all the equipment you'll need for your backyard theater and how to set it all up for movie screenings.

Digital Projector. Unless you want to recreate a drive-in movie theater, a $50-$100 projector should be sufficient. For example, I have a Naxa projector that projects a 150-inch image for $65.

Apart from the size of the image, it is important to buy a projector that has an HDMI port and an audio output port.

Streaming sticks. unless you are storing your movies on USB or microSD cards, you will need a streaming stick. The best streaming devices include the Roku Streaming Stick+, Chromecast with Google TV, and Amazon Fire TV 4K.

Something like the Fire TV Cube is more powerful, but in this case you're better off with something smaller that is easier to set up and can connect directly to your projector.

Bluetooth speakers. One of the drawbacks of cheap projectors is that they don't have the best audio; a Bluetooth speaker can quickly remedy that. The easiest way to do this is to find a Blueooth speaker with an audio input port and plug it into your projector.

Many of our best Bluetooth speakers don't have audio jacks, but you can also wirelessly link a streaming stick to a Bluetooth speaker.

Large white bed sheets. There are plenty of pop-up and inflatable outdoor screens, but a big white bedsheet hung from a clothesline will do just as well.

Tripod or small table: The projector should be off the ground and level. Many small projectors have a tripod mount on the bottom. A tripod is the easiest way to level the projector and screen to the desired height. A small table or chair will also suffice.

With an iPhone tripod, the Ravelli APTL3 is strong enough to support the projector.

Power strips and extension cords. Since you will need power for everything, get an extension cord to reach the ad hoc theater and a power strip with at least three plugs.

Wi-Fi extender. Depending on the strength of your router and the size of your yard, you may need the best Wi-Fi extender to ensure that your streaming stick can play the movies you want to see. It is best to test the connection a day or two before the screening.

Chairs. Unless you are comfortable sitting on the ground, you should have a chair.

Popcorn: No movie experience is complete without popcorn. This popcorn maker costs about $37, makes up to 6 quarts of popcorn, and is a popular model on Amazon.

To get everything set up, you want to be ready at least 30 minutes before the screening. Ideally, you should do a test run the night before to see how dark it needs to be for the movie to look good.

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