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Topic: Outdoor theater - UST vs fixed projector
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Joined: Jan 23, 2021
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Point taken about ALR screens. There is certainly a trade off but worth considering for an outdoor setting. I feel like we'd still lean this way just to try to optimize pre-dark viewing, understanding the drawbacks. The ALR screen we were considering for standard throw was Firehawk G5 with 1.1 gain.

Your point about prioritizing brightness had crossed my mind. For reference, we're looking at probably a 120 in screen, maybe 130 in but not sure that it will fit in the space. It would seem to me that for an outdoor solution higher lumens would be a priority, but I'm not sure if that is an overly simplistic line of thinking and how you prioritize and choose appropriately.

For a 120 in outdoor screen, would you still lean towards the LG Cinebeam at 2700 ANSI lumens or the Epson 5050 at 2600 ANSI lumens, or would you recommend a projector with more brightness?

We had considered running some cables from inside the house, but because of our existing stone hardscape, trenching isn't an ideal option, so we'd have to have a conduit running across at some point which I was trying to avoid. The space underneath the grill is basically an empty enclosure for storage and protected from the elements, hence the consideration for putting the amp there. But we'll certainly re-visit the idea if it makes sense to wire completely from inside the house.
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So we've gotten a preliminary design for our outdoor theater space (photo attached) with the intention of attaching a retractable screen to one of the horizontal beams of the pergola and incorporating a landscape type sound system.

We were considering rear projection to possibly simplify set up (install some sort of pedestal in the optimal location), but I am not sure about the rear throw distance. If we hang the screen from the front beam, I estimate a maximum of 10-11 feet of space until we hit the wall. Our desired screen size is 120-130 in.

Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions on rear projection vs front projection for this particular application? One concern was difficulty in set up that may arise from the uneven grass for FP. RP would certainly minimize cords the the viewing space and give a cleaner look. I also don't know if the impact ambient light for the outdoor application affects decision-making.

The best projector option I could identify was the BenQ TK700STi (though it's labeled a "gaming projector") which is 4K with 3000 lumens and a throw ratio of about 1. But then it seems that it has to sit below the screen and does not include a lens shift so I'm not sure how that complicates matters and setup.

Any suggestions on the overall application or projectors that would fit would be very much appreciated! Thank you.

Attachments:

Pergola design for screen

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Joined: Mar 28, 2005
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The 3,000 lumen claim is 'max' light output, it will not be a realistic number for calibrated lumens. That said, I would expect this to be a directly replacement for the TK850 and should perform similarly. You will need to have the center of the lens a few inches below the bottom edge of the screen and the lens to screen distance will be 8'6"-10'2" for a 130" diagonal and 7'10"-9'5" for a 120" diagonal. If unsure, you should plan for a 9' throw distance which will allow you 120" to 130" diagonal no problem.

Rear projection and front projection are similar enough in image quality outdoors as to not matter a great deal. You get no real world benefit in image quality and in fact a very slight decrease due to the light passing through the material. It tends to be a bit of a light loss, but with a brighter projector like the BenQ it should be fine, especially for after dark viewing which should be very nice.

I expect you to be happy with this entire setup. I would not use any projector with shorter throw than that BenQ.
AV Integrated - Theater, whole house audio, and technology consultation during the build and installation process in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
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So for future reference - for anyone else attempting a similar application - it turns out that Stewart Filmscreen does not produce a rear screen projection material that is compatible with its outdoor rated Oasis housing. (I should qualify that their rising Allrise screen apparently can be used outdoors and is compatible with rear projection but is extraordinarily expensive). I clarified with a screen retailer who was not aware of any other brands who have something similar either.

So we are back to our plan of front projection plan - likely with the Stewart Oasis screen with Firehawk G5 material - which is ALR with a 1.1 gain. Hoping to pair this with the LG HU810PW, which hopefully will be bright enough for the early evening viewing.

Also planning on including a landscape sound system - looking at the Sonance Landscape series, currently. Hopefully it all works out!
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