[lexmarks567]

I was thinking of having a backyard theater. me and my family would most likely be the only ones using it. I know i need a public viewing license sense its outdoors. I'm going to use a digital projector and a cloth screen about 54 inch's tall and 6 feet wide. the projector would be about 40-50 feet from the screen. How bright of a projector do i need or should the projector be closer. can anyone give me a idea of how much the license will be. I know where to get it I was just wondering about the yearly cost. the theater would be open weekends only and movies shown about 2 times each a night double feature. serious replies only

[JohnWill]

40-50 feet? You need some pretty expensive equipment for that distance, that's a lot of light! I think for the size you're talking about, the projector will only be maybe 20 feet from the screen anyway.

[lexmarks567]

will i can cover 40 as most of the projectors seam to go up to 39.88 feet

[tomdkat]

I know a guy who did something similar and he didn't spend a fortune to make it happen. In fact, the front projector he used was a consumer-level digital projector (I forget the brand but it might have even been a Sanyo). I'll see what info I can get from him to post here.

Peace...

[tomdkat]

Ok I found some info on what my friend did. He posted the details on another forum. If the staff here doesn't object, I can post a link to that thread here. Lemme know if that's ok.

Peace...

[TechGuy]

You can always post a link to another forum as long as the content on that site isn't objectionable or illegal.

Sounds like a fun project, though -- keep us updated!

[tomdkat]

Ok, you can see his theater here. The only question would be the licensing question raised above and I don't think he has a license. More importantly, he itemizes the gear he used so people can get a sense of how much he spent on the gear. There are some pics of it in action as well.

Enjoy!

Peace...

[Iguana Man]

I joined up so if anyone has any questions, please feel free to post them.

Iggy

[Frank4d]

For a 54 inch by 6 foot wide screen the projector can be a lot closer than 40-50 feet... more like about 8-10 feet from what I have seen. As far as licenses, I am confused what you are intending to do? You say "me and my family would most likely be the only ones using it." For that, you don't need a license (at least not in California). If your neighbors happen to see it that is their problem.

But then you say "the theater would be open weekends only and movies shown about 2 times each a night double feature". So are you selling admission or inviting other than family and friends? Or is it just you and your family? Confused.

[lexmarks567]

well i've been going through changes with it. im not charging anything I just like to run it all night. it would be invitation only. not open to the public.so only my family friends and maybe my neighbors(2) if they wanted to come but mostly i would be the only one using it. The screen im still deciding but everyone says i should go bigger for outside use. I was thinking 6 feet by 12 feet or whatever it would be for 16X9 format. can't be bigger the 6 feet so i can store it in the garage after use.The supports would stay outside but the screen itself would be removable.

[lexmarks567]

Originally Posted by Iguana Man

I joined up so if anyone has any questions, please feel free to post them.

Iggy

welcome

[lexmarks567]

well i contacted a guy who has a old PVC screen frame.Its currently set up for 16' by 9' so it will need to be shortened.I was thinking 5' high feet 9 feet long.I'm waiting for one guy to get back to me on a screen its 5' x9' around $40 the frame is free. sense hes only 6 miles away he said he would try to bring it over Sunday.right now trying to get a projector off of ebay

[tomdkat]

Which projector are you considering? Also, are you not interested in maintaining a 16x9 aspect ratio?

Peace...

[lexmarks567]

Originally Posted by tomdkat

Which projector are you considering? Also, are you not interested in maintaining a 16x9 aspect ratio?

Peace...

i think that would be 16x9 ratio. i don't have to have a screen thats 16' x 9' as long as the screen is in the right size to support 16x9. 5' high 9 feet wide should be the right size sense the screen is pre-made. 9 feet tall 16 feet wide is kinda big for my yard.

[Iguana Man]

9x5 is very close to 16x9 so yeah, you will be able to fit a 16x9 movie onto that screen. I would be more concerned with this cloth screen you mention. Unless it is very taught, a breeze or wind of any kind will kinda mess with your picture. I'd suggest something more firm like 1/4" plywood that you could screw into the pvc pipe. Granted, you would need two pieces and it would have a seam but if you seal the seam with some calk and paint over it with white paint, I doubt you will notice.

As far as the Ebay pj, just be careful in that you don't want one with a nearly dead bulb since brightness fades rather quickly as the bulb reaches it max lumens. Replacement bulbs 'can' be expensive.

Hope that helps and keep in mind that once you start throwing an image that is measured in 'feet', you may find yourself wanting more.

Iggy