If you love watching films, why not bring that cinema experience to your home with an outdoor home theater? Knowing the things you need for this space can help you achieve the design and layout you want to enjoy your favorite movies, sporting events or TV shows. DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Northwest DC, a top provider of home remodel services, shares an overview of what you need to build your outdoor home theater system.
The Basics of an Outdoor Home Theater System
First of all, you need to decide whether to go with an outdoor television or a projector. The latter is best used at night. If you want to watch a movie or live game in the daytime, an outdoor television with special anti-glare technology is needed to display high-contrast images.
Another factor you should consider is the placement of your screen. Take note of the location where you want to set up your outdoor TV or projector and the nearest power source. If it’s far away, you will need a long extension cord. You also have to make sure the entire setup is as far away as possible from any “splash zone” beside a pool or near your sprinklers.
Consult a trusted home renovation professional like DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Northwest DC if you’re having trouble with the layout of your outdoor space. You can count on our skilled team to design the area to accommodate your outdoor theater, making sure it blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscaping.
What You Need for an Outdoor Theater
To build an outdoor theater system in your backyard, you need these four important things:
- Projector. If you are going for a projector for the outdoor theater, it should produce a minimum of 2,000 lumens and have an HDMI connection. If you want your movies and games to look crisp and clear, make sure that your projector has an HD resolution feature. Since this setup is not a permanent installation, consider sacrificing some contrast for increased brightness and better clarity.
- Screen. While you’re free to use the side of your home or a white sheet, they may not provide the best picture quality and will affect your viewing experience. A screen that you can easily set up and tear down is preferable. The screen should be durable enough to endure wind gusts.
- Speakers. Some home theater projectors come with built-in speakers but if yours do not, the best solution is to purchase weatherproof speakers. To recreate a surround sound experience, place the speakers in front of your seating area as well as in the back. If your speakers are not weatherproof, never leave them exposed to the elements.
- Video source. There are plenty of options available for your video source. If you choose streaming options such as Netflix or Amazon Fire TV, your wireless router signal should be strong enough to reach the projector. If you use a Blu-ray player or laptop, be sure to run some extension cords.
Let’s Start a Conversation!
Are you looking for a professional contractor for your home improvement project? Get in touch with DreamMaker Bath & Kitchen of Northwest DC! Whether you need exterior or interior remodeling, rest assured our design team can assist you. Call us today at (202) 933-7196 or fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve homeowners in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Arlington, McLean, Georgetown and many surrounding cities.
