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Which is better for outdoor viewing, a TV or projector?
Wondering how to get the best outdoor screening setup for watching sport in the sun? We've pitched TVs vs projectors, so you'll know exactly which one will suit your plans best.
Summers well on its way and bringing the football with it, so how do you choose between precious time in the sun and catching your favourite sports? Great news - you don’t have to. Get ahead of the game by building a garden setup that'll let you enjoy every tense tackle and serious shootout whie making the most of the glorious weather were all hoping for (everything crossed!) But before you start planning your invite list, you need to decide what's better - a TV or a projector?
Taking your TV outside
The first port of call is moving your main telly outdoors, but it’s not always the best idea – not only is it a faff carting it in and out every time a new fixture’s announced, but you also risk damaging it (and really upsetting your partner in the process).
Things to think about:
- Damage - It’s all too easy to pinch or scratch the screen when you’re moving it around a lot, which can ruin the picture quality.
- The weather - Your plans are ruined when it rains.
- Direct sunlight -Not only does it ruin your view with glare, it can also cause overheating and damage the screen over time.
- Safety -Running cables across the floor can quickly become a trip hazard - especially if you’ve got little ones toddling around.
But if there’s really nothing else for it, try:
- Finding the right location - Avoid placing your TV in direct sunlight. If you’ve got a gazebo, pergola, or even a fancy outdoor bar, that’s a perfect place to pop it out of the sun.
- Getting furniture for it to stand on - This can also double up as a hiding place for all your cables.
- Clever cable hiding places - Look online for outdoor cord covers or guide them neatly under your outdoor furniture, so they’re out of the way.
- Outdoor-specific electricals -Make sure all your extension leads or plugs are fully waterproof and suitable for outdoor use, keeping them raised off the ground, so they won’t get wet.
Looks like you’re all set for kick off!
The perks of a projector
If we’ve really not sold bringing your TV in and out like a yo-yo, a projector might just be the choice for you. They’re designed to be flexible, lightweight, and easy to move around. It’s almost like they’re the ideal solution for a summer of sport and cosy movie nights when the match has finished.
- Small and lightweight - It’s easy to move your projector wherever you need it, as long as you’ve got something to pop it on and a flat wall, you’re good to go.
- Easy pairing - It’s really straightforward to cast the game from your phone and even connect a speaker for that stadium-worthy atmosphere.
- Weather changes won’t be an issue - If you’re hit with an unexpected downpour, you can just grab it and run inside.
- Simple to store - When you’re not using it, there’ll be no issues fitting it in a cupboard until you’re hosting next.
- Low lighting - Projectors work best in the evening when the sun’s less vibrant, so they’re great for evening viewing.
Taking the party (and the TV) inside
We don’t want to be negative, but when the rain inevitably makes a (hopefully short-lived) appearance, your projector or TV won’t be happy outside. The best alternative is to set up inside until the shower’s passed.
There are some serious benefits to setting up inside, like:
- All-season watching - You won’t miss out on good weather when it’s tipping it down.
- No chance of glare - You have full control of the lighting situation, which means you won’t have to rearrange things as the sun moves or gets brighter.
- Improved picture quality - You can take advantage of handy features like sport mode, which optimises the picture specifically for your favourite competitions.
- Next-level audio - You’ll also have the option of connecting your telly to a soundbar to deliver audio that’s as impressive as the picture – the roar of the crowd will create the atmosphere.
If you’re hosting the big game for all your friends, it could be the perfect time for an upgrade. A large TV will be the best choice. 75-inch screens make it feel like a big event and an OLED TV will give you the best contrast and colours, so you can see every detail (and every foul from the other team).
Does lighting matter?
In short, lighting plays a big part in every game you watch. While you don’t necessarily need total darkness (because that’s not going to happen if you’re outside), it’s about managing and limiting glare.
- Avoid direct sunlight - This can cause pesky reflections and wash out the picture, making it hard to see the action. So, try to pop your TV or projector in a shady corner of the garden or under a shelter if you’re watching outdoors or close the curtains inside.
- Pesky reflections - Even inside, as the sun moves throughout the day, it can still reflect off the screen. Changing the TV’s angle, drawing the curtains, or having a strategically placed parasol can sort that out quickly.
- Keep it under cover - If you’re setting up outside, popping your projector or TV under a gazebo, pergola, or sheltered area gives you more control of the lighting.
Whether you plan on hosting a matchday get-together or want to catch up on sports while enjoying the sunshine, we can help you create your dream home cinema indoors or out. While taking your main TV outside is an option, it might suit you better to pick up a portable projector that’s easy to move around and set up wherever you fancy – that’ll come in handy when the weather’s giving us all 4 seasons in a day.
