How to use a projector outside during the day- Guide

Using a projector outside during the day can present some problems, especially when it is used outside during the day when the sun is still shining.

The most common problem with the use of projectors during the day is the fading, washing out and often dull pictures caused by ambient light.

In this article we will look at how we can avoid this and also how we can better use our projectors during the day for maximum picture quality, good sound.

Here’s a few tips that you can try out so that you can better use your projector during the day.

Use bright projectors (More lumens).

To start off with, bright projectors won’t disappoint when using your projector outside during the day.

This is often the best and also the most “common sense” solution to image fading when projectors are used outside. Projectors are measured in lumens, the more the better.

The best range or brightness (sweet spot) of projector brightness is often from 2000 lumens upwards, but the more the better.

The recommended best projectors for daylight viewing may fall at 3000 lumens upwards, good investment in these mid to high priced projectors is a worthwhile investment for movies, presentations etc.

Use a grey screen

Poor image contrast can often lead to dull pictures especially when you are using your projector outside, to help with this, use a grey projector screen as it makes black more blacker.

Projectors don’t project black to show black as there is no “black” light, it instead omits colors in place of black, so whatever the color of the screen is, it affects how the “blacks” are perceived.

Using a grey projector screen usually helps with image contrast.

Use high reflective screen

High reflective screens which  are available on the market reflects light better, good reflection helps images to show up colorfully or brighter.

Imagine looking at your reflection on a pool of water vs looking at your reflection on a wooden flooring. Which of the two scenarios here do you find that you can look at your reflection better?

That is the best analogy that can represent using a reflective glossy screen vs using a normal screen.

Use smaller image projection

The larger the image, the more washed out it will be, so in-order to battle ambient light, projector users will often need to reduce projector image so that the image can be more vibrant and colorful.

To make the image smaller, use the zoom function that most if not all projectors have, zoom can be done with the wheel in-front of the projector or with the remote.

When the image is small, it tends to concentrate the colors is a small area making it more brighter.

Basic physics right there.

Switch off eco mode

Eco mode is meant to save power and also avoid straining the projector lamp. By doing so, it lowers the projector brightness.

Switching off “Eco mode” often to the projector being more brighter and helps the projector when it is used outside in ambient light.

Precautions, when using a projector outside during the day

Avoid setting up where it is too windy

This can potentially cause disturbance to the projector itself as well as the screen. Not great for viewing quality!

Ensure the projector is not set up in strong direct sunlight

The last thing we want is to cause unnecessary damage by overheating the projector!

Guard against dust getting into the machine

Protection against dust, will prevent damage, help your projector’s lifespan, and ensure a better viewing experience.