OT: tailgate/outdoor projector suggestions for daytime game viewing
Has anyone had success in finding an outdoor projector that works well during daylight? If so, would you be so kind as to share what has worked for you?
My situation:
- Outdoors in moderate to decent shade
- ideal throw distance of about 6-8 feet
Am I better off looking at outdoor TVs?
Thanks, y'all and my apologies if this is too for an in-season board post
September 22nd, 2021 at 10:35 AM ^
Buy a TV
105" should do the trick.
September 22nd, 2021 at 10:36 AM ^
An effective outdoor projector would need a huge lumen output to be visible at any size during daylight and would still have contrast problems. You'll for sure be better off getting a large, cheap tv.
September 22nd, 2021 at 10:36 AM ^
https://www.benq.com/en-us/knowledge-center/knowledge/projectors-for-daytime-outdoors.html
Here's an article with some info
September 22nd, 2021 at 10:39 AM ^
For that to work, even passably, you're going to need lots of shade, a bright projector, and a short throw distance. Daytime conditions are pretty tough for projectors as the darkest your image can get is your screen/viewing surface. You're adding light to that to make an image; so the light has to be coming from something super bright to create the contrast you need to see anything.
I do backyard movies all the time with a 3000 lumen projector. Earliest we can start a movie is around sunset and that's a stretch. We use a really big screen so a smaller screen would be more forgiving.
I'd look at the TV route. Unless you're looking at leaving the TV outside in poor weather, I'd look at normal consumer smart TV. You could replace one multiple times over for the price you pay for outdoor-rated sets that start around $2k.
September 22nd, 2021 at 10:40 AM ^
Asking for suggestions to improve the tailgate experience is probably not going to fall under the OT label - I don't think we've ever dealt with that question specifically in the eight seasons I have been a moderator here.
As for the question, if you're doing this in daylight, you're better off with a TV as it would take an impressively powerful projector to work well even in moderate shade during daylight.
September 22nd, 2021 at 10:41 AM ^
TV, for sure
September 22nd, 2021 at 10:46 AM ^
Thank you all for the quick insight, especially VintageBlue for the specifics on how well your 3000 lumen projector works in the falling dusk.
TV is consensus and with how inexpensive (and light) they are, makes sense to just move it in and out for viewing at this point.
Go Blue!!
September 22nd, 2021 at 10:48 AM ^
On top of the aforementioned large, high-lumen PJ (likely laser), you'd likely need a high-end screen and sun shades for it.
I watch games on a JVC DLA RS-2000 and even with it I have the room (with no windows) lights set to about 1/2.
There are brighter PJs for less $$, but you lose contrast quickly with them.
My suggestion: Get an OLED TV. If you want to be fancy, get two and have two games on. My Saturday setup is split screen on the PJ, so two games there, and then two 40" LCDs under with two more games. For the M games I go full screen (118") on the PJ.
So I have three or four games on at once. It takes some practice to keep up but after a few fall Saturdays "the game slows down" and I can take it all in :)
Edit to add: Maybe we need a "Show us how you watch the games" thread? Would that be OT?
September 22nd, 2021 at 10:56 AM ^
I second the idea of a post to show how you watch. First weekend this year I just used my gaming monitor with headphones watching youtubeTV with Twitter and mgoboard on second monitor. Family was away so I could do that. Typically I just watch on a standard tv.
September 22nd, 2021 at 10:48 AM ^
Highly recommend! Sadly sold out for now.
September 22nd, 2021 at 11:26 AM ^
We set up a cool outdoor tailgate at our house and I have a projector and I didn't even think of this issue. I'm pretty disappointed to be honest, although it's my own fault.
Night games will work or later on during 3:30 games once you get to October. Heavy shade also works but my backyard is in full sun.
I'm curious what others do with the projector situation.
September 22nd, 2021 at 11:32 AM ^
Agree with the first post. I have done a ton of research and the 11 and 2:30 kick offs do not work with a projector. Buy a Smart TV.....works during the day and extra clear at night. With way prices have come down for large tvs these days, I would not even waste money on an "outdoor" tv.
September 22nd, 2021 at 12:34 PM ^
Yeah I think you hit it and I'll need to just stick to that. Kind of a bummer, but seems pretty obvious and I should have expected it. Thanks!
September 22nd, 2021 at 1:41 PM ^
Do not get a project for outdoor daytime viewing. You will not be happy.
You can get a name brand 75” TV for about $900 or an 82” for $1,500 and you will be MUCH happier.
For night viewing, a projector is amazing. And short throw projectors are quickly dropping in price.
September 22nd, 2021 at 2:01 PM ^
put an awning over the tv if its attached to an outside wall
September 22nd, 2021 at 3:00 PM ^
Large TVs are so inexpensive and lightweight now that a projector is almost not worth it (for your application). I used a projector to show games (indoors & outdoors) for a while, but it became too much hassle (and projector bulbs are expensive to replace with relatively short lifespans).
September 22nd, 2021 at 4:59 PM ^
I really don’t like projectors. Watched the Washington game on it. Couldn’t get volume on speaker to pair up to it, has to be a night game to view well, have to make sure it’s not windy if you’re watch on a sheet.
September 22nd, 2021 at 5:00 PM ^
On my deck I have a 50” Roku tv and stream YouTube tv for games. I have a projector for night games, but it’s not bright enough for day games even at 2500 lumens. I have a black canopy tent that I can use the projector in, but it limits the view as everyone needs to sit outside the tent. The Roku tv I take camping and I have a mobile wifi hotspot I use for streaming. (However that requires wifi subscription) . IF you can get a reliable wifi connection, I’d get the biggest Roku tv you can fit in your car and use that. The TCL ones at Walmart are really bright and not that expensive. Plus you don’t have to fuss with screens and hooking up a screen in wind etc. The key is the wifi which in a large crowd like UM golf course can get dicey.