I am in the process of building a modest outdoor theatre. I currently have a Denon 4520 and will use the HDMI zone 4 out as my source and control my sources through either the Denon remote app, dish explorer app, IR blaster, etc. This will all be placed in a permanently covered outdoor living space roughly 15 wide by 24 long and 10 high. I have not worked out have far back the projector will need to go based on a the fixed location of the screen.

I currently have a number of Algonquin speakers for my pool area and was thinking of getting 5 more to produce a 5.0 sound field. I will likely buy another cheap Denon receiver with networking to accept the zone 4 HDMI out from the 4520 and power the speakers.

I need advice on an outdoor screen (120, 133 inch range) and projector. I would prefer a screen that can retract to limit the dirt on the screen. The projector would not likely be permanently installed. When we want to view it we would simply hook up the HDMI and power to the projector, pull down the screen and presto and outdoor theatre.

So any advice on screens and projectors? I don't want to "invest" more the $1,000 combined for these two items if possible.

Sounds too fun! When is movie night?!

I would check out a used screen and just get a table top projector that puts out a fair amount of light. Then just get a coffee table for your outdoor room and plug an HDMI and extension cord into it when in use. Luckily, there are tons to choose from in your price range. Vinyl screens are easy to wipe down if dirty.

Here is a good site to get you started with your research. There is a screen distance throw calculator for each specific brand and model you check out.

http://www.projectorcentral.com/best-home-video-projectors.htm

@Hellcommute, thanks for the reply. I will certainly check it out. Given my location buying used is often difficult. I have been looking at Elite screens -their yard master line- as an option or perhaps their manual line.

Why not get some blackout cloth, which is very much like vinyl (and can be wiped down with a damp cloth) do a DIY retractable screen. You couple probably build your own screen for 50$ or less. This would allow you more money on the projector and speakers?


if your remotely interested in the DIY route, let me know and I'll search for some products, as I am kind of wanting to do a similar project.

@dakkon, if I showed your post to my wife she would laugh. DIY is not my specialty but it does sound interesting. I would have to give this some thoughts.

FYI my latest DIY project was to replace the batteries in our sink for a touch activated faucet. I thought I did a good job

http://www.visualapex.com/Projector-Screens/Screen-details.asp?Product_ID=175&Category=4