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Summary
When the great outdoors calls, we must go.
But no one says we cant bring our movies with us.
To decide if a projector can overcome extraneous outdoor light sources, review its brightness first.
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Brightness
Projector brightness is measured in ANSI lumens, LED lumens, or light source lumens.
However, you might still find some brands listing brightness in LED or light source lumens for marketing reasons.
Theres not a universal minimum for outdoor brightness, but the higher, the better.
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A projectors light source also affects its brightness, with laser projectors generally being the brightest of the bunch.
Resolution
Resolution likewise influences outdoor picture quality.
If you cant splurge for 4K, a native 1080p resolution is still a solid option.
Lower than this, you risk an image that cant stand up to the elements.
For this, you should review keystone correction and throw ratio specs.
Look for the horizontal and vertical degrees of keystone correction and whether this feature is automatic or manual.
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Of course, the greater the degree, the more flexibility you have in your setup.
AsCNETreports in adept alliteration, proper projector placement placates potential picture perils.
But in the art of outdoor projecting, adjusting for irregular elements is often a necessary evil.
Luckily, many projectors also offer built-in audio capabilities.
Projectors will advertise their audio specs in watts, which essentially measure the sound output from the speaker.
If youre prioritizing other specs like resolution and brightness over audio wattage, compensate by connecting external hardware.
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Review a projectors audio jacks and Bluetooth connectivity to ensure compatibility with your soundbar or portable speaker system.
A lighter weight increases an outdoor projector’s portability and doesnt necessarily mean that its any less durable.
Some projectors will include handle features to improve the portability of a heavier machine.
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There are workarounds for projectors with shorter or no battery life.
Machines with lower power consumption, like thelightweight Emotn N1, can also leverage portable power sources.
Only an IPX8 rating assures a machines safety when submerged in water.
BenQ
Anyone who has braved a projector setup knows that the research process can be time-consuming.
