TV Projector for outside use

[DRONE]

Looking for something that me and the Mrs. can watch while out in the hot tub.
Not sure if we have to run the cable out to it or would have to set up a laptop up and run it over some sort of Wi Fi connection?
what do you have?

[LWJ]

Used a standard business type projector off a laptop for summer movie nights. $40 used off Craigslist. Big hit!

[DRONE]

Would I have to play CD's or would I have to sign up to ROKU?

[rcecale]

If you have Comcast, you may be able to stream right to your laptop, ostensibly, to your projector.

Not endorsing Comcast, just the feature...

Randy

[Baz]

Originally Posted by LWJ

Used a standard business type projector off a laptop for summer movie nights. $40 used off Craigslist. Big hit!

Can you post an example of this, please? Perhaps a link to a CL ad? TIA!

[rcecale]

Originally Posted by Baz

Can you post an example of this, please? Perhaps a link to a CL ad? TIA!

Here's one up here in Atlanta...

HDMI Projector

Randy

[scottmandue]

Most newer laptops have a DVD player, yes?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by rcecale

Here's one up here in Atlanta...

HDMI Projector

Randy

Thanks Randy!

So this is hooked up to any kind of device that contains a movie file and projects it onto a larger surface, I take it?

I have a very small DVD player, for example - so this would connect to the outputs of that device and project the DVD onto a wall or large screen vs. going through a conventional TV or computer monitor, right?

That would be cool if the quality of the video wasn't too compromised.

I have quite a few vintage surf movies on both DVD and VHS that i would love to watch outside on a larger medium.......

You can see my small DVD player on top of my TV in the bottom two photos....it plays International as well as US DVDs...which is good because some of mine are International only. Those pics were taken back in '04 before i upgraded to a flat screen.

[Gogar]

Imagine it as just another TV. Depending on the inputs, you can hook a portable DVD or a computer or your cable box to it and good to go!

One consideration is also audio, so you need to make accomodations for that.

At Ms. Gogars we had a 'business projector' as mentioned and a set of cheapo multimedia speakers next to the projector. The projector had an HDMI input so I bought a HDMI 'pass through' box that seperated the audio out into a L/R RCA jack to the speakers.

It's fun! These small-format projectors aren't usually very bright so you need to turn off your porch light or something. You could find a really bright one but it'll cost you.

[flipper35]

2800 lumens on Newegg, refurbed with factory warranty was $167.

[Baz]

Thanks for the additional info, guys.....worth looking into!

I design and install landscape lighting and the concept of enjoying your outdoor living area after sun down is very appealing. Something like this is right in the same vein....

[DRONE]

Found a couple of projectors around here for $250/$300 on Craig's list, might have to look at Newegg, now I have to start thinking about a stand and a quick way to set up and take down

[Baz]

Lot of reviews on YT.....here's one but there are many more....

[crustychief]

We have a sony hdmi projector and surround sound system we use in the desert. hang a white sheet on the trailer, build a fire enjoy.

[LWJ]

You got it. We bought an outdoor screen off Amazon. Push music through a bass amp. We host a big summer event and projected movies at night. Quality is fine.

You could use something much cheaper than a legit screen. Plywood. Sheet. Lots of reflective stuff will work. It doesn't need to break the bank.

This is fun stuff. Surf movies outside? Sigh me up!

[DRONE]

Crusty do you have any pictures of your setup?

[dad911]

I have a hot tub also. Think I would prefer a flatscreen smart tv, near the tub. Then stream wireless.

[rcecale]

Originally Posted by Baz

Thanks Randy!

So this is hooked up to any kind of device that contains a movie file and projects it onto a larger surface, I take it?

I have a very small DVD player, for example - so this would connect to the outputs of that device and project the DVD onto a wall or large screen vs. going through a conventional TV or computer monitor, right?

Yes, just match the outputs of your player to the inputs on the projector. It works just like hooking it to a TV or computer monitor.

Originally Posted by Baz

That would be cool if the quality of the video wasn't too compromised.

There are steps you can take to improve the quality of the output. Mainly, project it onto an actual screen. I've seen folks try a setup where they hang a white bedsheet. It works, but not exceptionally.

You can actually purchase paint that has a bit of reflectivity mixed into it, so you could find a large, flat surface and then paint it. This would alleviate the need for a screen...

Originally Posted by Baz

I have quite a few vintage surf movies on both DVD and VHS that i would love to watch outside on a larger medium.......

You can see my small DVD player on top of my TV in the bottom two photos....it plays International as well as US DVDs...which is good because some of mine are International only. Those pics were taken back in '04 before i upgraded to a flat screen.

Randy

[stealthn]

Did you have a budget?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PmwDbkaeJs