Is there a forum here for DIY screens for outdoor theaters? I've seen it mentioned but can't seem to find it.

I'm looking to build about a 92" 16:9 screen... Thanks.

This would be the place! But why only 92"? Not to brag, but my outdoor screen is 16 feet wide! I have 92" indoors!

At 16:9, the screen would be 92" x 44". I would probably go with black out cloth from a fabric store stretched over a light frame of some sort. Check out the DIY Screen section for more: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=110

Well I have a small yard and don't want to go too big... Maybe I'll do like 108" or something. Thanks for the link.

I'm having trouble finding parts to build a strong, weatherproof, lightweight frame, but I think I've found the place to get the material for the screen at least.

A fabric company called Dazian makes all kinds of great screen materials for front and rear projection, and it's cheap. They also have micro-perforated screens that might help with the 'sail' effect you may experience depending on how much of a breeze there is where you're putting your screen.

This would be the place! But why only 92"? Not to brag, but my outdoor screen is 16 feet wide! I have 92" indoors!

At 16:9, the screen would be 92" x 44". I would probably go with black out cloth from a fabric store stretched over a light frame of some sort. Check out the DIY Screen section for more: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=110


Agreed. Go at LEAST double that screen size. Bigger is ALWAYS better when it comes to outdoor viewing!

And if you really want to piss off the neighbors, go 3 times that size.

I built my outdoor screen using 1" pvc and a 5' x 9' canvas from Home Depot. I used eye-bolts and carabiners to attach the screen. This way I can take the screen down and leave the frame in place. It is portable, too. I didn't use any glue so it can be broken down easily. Total price is under $100.
http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/501/medium/screen_front.JPG http://gallery.avsforum.com/data/506/medium/screen_side.JPG
I have since tightened the screen. The image is very good. Much better than I expected. I'll try to get some screen shots up soon.

I'm having trouble finding parts to build a strong, weatherproof, lightweight frame, but I think I've found the place to get the material for the screen at least.

A fabric company called Dazian makes all kinds of great screen materials for front and rear projection, and it's cheap. They also have micro-perforated screens that might help with the 'sail' effect you may experience depending on how much of a breeze there is where you're putting your screen.

PVC makes for easy and not-too-expensive frames.

gscott69 -

Looks like a great frame. I'd just run a couple more screen supports to get the sag out. Looks like it wouldn't take but one or two grommets or something similar on each half of the top of the screen to work.

Good luck,
Tom

Hi,

The photos with pvc frame...how is the canvas working for you? I'm in the process of trying to make an outdoor screen for portable movie events and have been thinking of using canvas and pvc myself.

Thank you
Lisa

Sorry this took so long to reply. I haven't been around much lately. The canvas works great. It's a great inexpensive solution.

Hi,


I have an old billboard sign canvass. I tested it out last night with the projector and the picture looked great. The canvass still has a few wrinkles but it didn't affect the picture, still looked great.

I'm working on the frame. I'm using a light stand rig that is about 12' wide but the canvass is about 14' wide. I used a temporary set-up last night but planning to put a section of pvc through the openings that are already made into the canvass, worked out great already having the openings for the pvc pole. Once the pvc pole is in place at the top, I'm planning to connect it to the lighting rig using bungee cords or sturdy ties. Hopefully it will connect ok because I have a set-up Sat. Aug. 18th.

Best Regards,
Lisa

Also check out backyardtheater.com - they have a screen section in their forums. Here's the link to the screen I recently built (construction details included) - http://backyardtheater.com/forums/index.php?topic=1401.0