secret ingredient: outdoor projectors

TAKE MOVIE NIGHTS UP A NOTCH BY MOVING THEM OUTSIDE - POPCORN OPTIONAL

- CAROLINE PREECE 

For making the most of those warm summer nights - while we have them, you can't get much better than an outdoor projector. They're an easy way to make your own garden cinema, taking in some entertainment with friends during an outdoor dinner party or under the stars. And they're versatile, lending themselves to use on warm summer nights and cosy autumn evenings with a mountain of blankets and a steady supply of hot chocolate.

When you're shopping for an outdoor projector, there are a few things to keep an eye out for: throw distance, brightness (measured in ANSI lumens), resolution, and the minimum/maximum screen size. First, the throw distance of the projector tells you the distance it needs to be from the screen. You'll need to check this against the size of your garden or the spot you intend to set up your outdoor cinema so you can make sure you have room. Your projector will have a maximum screen size, so if you've already got a screen ready to go, buy a projector that'll project an image large enough to fill it.