Setting up your own home theater can be a lot of fun. Since most of us aren’t multi-millionaires, renovating a house to include an indoor theater isn’t an option. Thanks to the low prices of outdoor projectors and the ease of installing a screen, you can provide a lot of joy to your family and friends (and annoy your neighbors) with a backyard theater that will provide you the same experience as a world-class indoor theater.

With the right screen, you don’t even need to install an outdoor projector today. Just set the projector on a table or stand at an appropriate distance from the screen, center the image, and you’ve got an instant outdoor theater that can display an image of up to 300 inches.

What Do Your Local Laws Require You to Do?

Properties have several levels of bureaucracy that must be navigated today. There may be noise restrictions that prevent you from installing a full-sound outdoor theater. You may have limits on the size of the screen that you can install on your property. Some homeowner’s associations (HOAs) may not even allow a screen to be permanently installed on your property.

Before you install one of the best outdoor projectors, check with your local jurisdiction and HOA to determine if an installation is possible. You may find that a temporary screen is allowed, but a permanent installation is not.

If you can install a permanent theater, then here are some options for you to consider.

#1. Hang it from a canopy or ceiling. If you have limited space and want to enjoy watching movies outdoors, but in an enclosed area, then hang your new projector. A ceiling or canopy installation is usually quite simple, especially if there is an outlet already within reach of where you’ll use the projector. If you do need to run power, consider hiring an electrician to put in a new outlet for you. Extension cords are a possibility as well.

#2. Create a permanent installation. If you have a nice yard space that you wish to use for an outdoor theater, then consider a permanent installation platform. Dig a trench to run your cable from the home or power source to the platform. Using PVC pipe that is rated for electrical wiring will give you an added layer of moisture resistance and give you an easy way to mount the platform. Then bury the pipe after you’ve run the wiring and you can take the projector out to use it when you’re ready.

#3. Consider the screen size your projector can handle. Although the max screen size of a projector could be upwards of 300 inches, that doesn’t mean you’ll receive an HD resolution at the max size. Always check the projector for its maximum HD size and then choose an installation point based on what that distance happens to be, especially if you’re considering a permanent installation.

With inflatable screens and portable outdoor projectors, setting up a new home theater outside is easier than ever before. Take your time to consider all your options and you’ll find an option that works for your needs.