How to Create an Outdoor Cinema at Home
Outdoor home cinemas are becoming more and more popular. And as people look for new and innovative ways to enjoy their favourite films in unique ways, inspired manufacturers continue to develop spectacular speakers, screens, and systems to create a truly one-of-a-kind viewing experience.
With summer just around the corner, now is the perfect time to learn how to watch your favourite films in the wilds, with an outdoor cinema at home. In this article, we’ll discuss how to create an outdoor cinema at home, sharing the basics of getting started and some of the best equipment you can use to make your movie moments truly unforgettable.
How to create an outdoor cinema – what you need to know
If you’re new to the idea of an outdoor cinema, you should know a few things before getting started. Firstly, while you might be used to watching films indoors in climate-controlled comfort, an outdoor movie will be at the mercy of the weather — especially the British weather.
That means if it’s a hot day, you’ll want to ensure you have enough shade for your audience, and if it’s a cold night, you might need blankets and heaters to keep everyone comfortable. It also means that rain can seriously disrupt your plans, so have a backup indoor location just in case.
Another thing to consider is sound. When you’re watching a film outdoors, there are more opportunities for noise pollution, whether from traffic, animals, or simply the chatter of your neighbours. A high-quality sound system that can help you drown out unwanted noise is important — more on that later.
Finally, you’ll need to consider the type of screen you want to use. A traditional projector and screen might be a little challenging to set up outdoors, so instead, you could opt for an outdoor TV. These are designed to be used in outdoor conditions and come with special features to help avoid some issues with outdoor viewing.
The best equipment for your outdoor cinema
Now that we’ve covered the basics on how to create an outdoor cinema, let’s look at some of the best equipment you can use to create an unforgettable outdoor experience.
The Sound System
As mentioned, a high-quality sound system is crucial for any outdoor cinema. For the best experience, you’ll want a system with multiple speakers to surround your viewing area to ensure everyone can hear clearly. While there’s an abundance of outdoor Bluetooth speakers available, they’re unlikely to pack the punch you’ll be looking for.
Bang & Olufson
Bang & Olufson‘s Beosound Explore might be small, but it packs a serious audio punch. This speaker has been designed for portability, making it versatile enough to take wherever your outdoor movie night takes you. It also features IP67 water and dust resistance, so you don’t have to worry about the British weather ruining your fun. The real benefit of this product is its ability to sync into stereo pairs, allowing for a pretty incredible two-channel experience for smaller outdoor theatres.
Bowers & Wilkins
Bowers & Wilkins‘ outdoor speaker range is an excellent option for larger spaces requiring even more punch. These speakers provide incredibly powerful audio, filling even the largest outdoor areas with rich sound. With 220-degree rotation, they’re ready to perform from a wide range of mounting positions, and their water and dust-resistant casing ensures they’re able to perform all year round — perfect for those days when the weather isn’t cooperating.
The Big Screen
If you’re looking into how to create an outdoor cinema, one of the most critical decisions is what type of screen to use. A traditional projector and screen might be difficult to set up outdoors and come with several weather-proofing challenges. Outdoor TVs, however, are built to withstand the elements, making them a perfect choice for use in the British wilds.
Aqualite Outdoor TV
If you want to ensure the picture quality of your outdoor cinema is top-notch, Aqualite Outdoor TVs are some of the best on the market. They’re perfect for use in even the brightest outdoor conditions, thanks to their high brightness levels, anti-reflective screens, and enhanced picture quality. They build screens resistant to condensation, humidity, moisture, ice, fog, rain, sleet or snow, and even withstand being cleaned by a high-powered pressure washer. And they’re also available in a range of sizes so that you can find the perfect one for your space.
The Smarthome Ecosystem
While not technically equipment for outdoor cinema, smart home automation can make the experience much more enjoyable. A quality home automation system will allow you to control everything from your outdoor lighting, speakers, and even your screen — from the comfort of your smartphone or tablet. Many smart-home systems are available, but we suggest considering Crestron and Control4 home automation. Both offer reliable and easy-to-use systems that’ll take your outdoor cinema to the next level, and, combined with your internet habitat, can control nearly every aspect of your home.
Finding and installing the right home cinema system
If choosing a home theatre system for your living room is a challenge, finding the right one for your garden is on a whole other level. But with the right products, advice, and support, you can quickly turn your garden into the ultimate summer cinema — perfect for entertaining family and friends. If you want to create an outdoor cinema this summer, contact our team at Element29. Our qualified and product-approved engineers can help you find the perfect equipment for your space, source the products, and install the system, so you can sit back, relax, and prep the popcorn.
