Outdoor cinema setup in Exeter
Professional outdoor cinema setup services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£110-160
Typical Duration
2-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Outdoor cinema setup done properly. Projector mounted under cover, screen positioned and tensioned, speakers wired, cables managed. Garden movie nights sorted.
Garden Cinema: Brilliant But Fiddly
Garden cinema nights are brilliant. Proper big-screen films under the stars, friends round, massive bowl of popcorn.
But the tech setup? More involved than you'd think. Projector needs mounting at the right height and distance, screen needs positioning and tensioning, speakers need weatherproof connections, cables need protecting.
💡 Pro tip: Mount projector under permanent cover (eaves, pergola, gazebo) so you're not rigging and de-rigging every time. Just slot projector in, power on, you're watching in minutes.
What Works vs What Doesn't
| ✅ Proper Setup | ❌ Bodged Attempt |
|---|---|
| Projector at correct throw distance | Image too small or huge |
| Screen tight and flat | Wrinkled, rubbish picture |
| Speakers positioned for good sound | Can't hear dialogue |
| Cables protected and safe | Trip hazards everywhere |
| Weatherproof connections | Stops working after rain |
What's Included
🔧 Complete Installation
| Component | What I Do |
|---|---|
| Projector | Mount bracket under cover, correct height and angle |
| Screen | Position and tension properly (or prepare wall surface) |
| Speakers | Mount/position for good sound coverage |
| Cabling | Run power and signal cables safely and neatly |
| Testing | Set it all up and test it works |
📦 You End Up With
- Projector mount ready to use
- Screen positioned and taut
- Speakers wired and working
- Everything tested and ready for movie night
Pricing
| Setup Complexity | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Projector mount only | 1-1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Projector + fixed screen | 2-2.5 hrs | £110-£135 |
| Full setup (projector, screen, speakers, cabling) | 3-4 hrs | £160-£210 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Doesn't include equipment - that's separate.
Perfect For
✅ Summer entertaining - garden parties with films
✅ Family movie nights - kids love outdoor cinema
✅ Sports events - watch the big game outside
✅ Special occasions - birthdays, anniversaries
Why Choose Us for Outdoor cinema setup in Exeter?
Projector mounted safely and weatherproof
Screen positioned and secured properly
Speakers wired for outdoor sound
Cable management sorted
What to Expect
Step 1: Plan Layout
I check your space, work out projector throw distance needed, find mounting points, plan speaker positions and cable runs.
Step 2: Install Components
Mount projector bracket under cover, set up screen (or prepare projection surface), position speakers, run cables safely.
Step 3: Test & Tune
Connect everything, test the picture and sound, adjust positioning for best results. Show you how to use it.
🔧 DIY Tips
Outdoor cinema setup is doable DIY if you're tech-savvy and handy. Here's what's involved:
🔧 Equipment you'll need (to buy)
- Outdoor-capable projector (min 2000-3000 lumens)
- Screen (or white wall/sheet)
- Speakers (Bluetooth or wired)
- Mounting brackets
- Weatherproof power extension
- HDMI cables
- Streaming device or laptop
📐 Planning the setup
- Calculate throw distance (projector specs tell you screen size vs distance)
- Find mounting point under cover for projector
- Position screen where everyone can see
- Plan speaker placement (either side of screen ideally)
- Work out safe cable routing
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Projector too close or far (wrong image size)
- Screen in direct sunlight (washed out picture)
- Speakers behind audience (can't hear properly)
- Extension leads lying across lawn (trip hazard)
- No weatherproofing (one shower kills it)
💡 Pro trick: Get a white or silver screen - much better than projecting onto a wall or sheet. And remember projectors show best when it's properly dark - dusk is okay, midday is hopeless. Plan your film start time accordingly.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Equipment location: Projector must stay dry - under eaves, gazebo, or in a weatherproof box. Speakers can handle some moisture if rated for outdoor use (check IP ratings). Screen usually comes in between uses unless it's permanently mounted outdoor fabric.
Sound matters as much as picture. Projectors have rubbish built-in speakers. Get separate speakers - even basic Bluetooth ones are better than projector audio.
Power and signal cables. You need power for projector and speakers, HDMI from source to projector. Plan cable routes before mounting anything.
Storage. Unless you've got a permanent outdoor setup, you're bringing equipment in and out. Make it easy - permanent mounts, quick-release brackets, cables that stay in place.
Neighbors. Sound travels at night. Check volume won't annoy people nearby, or give them warning and an invite!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's involved in an outdoor cinema setup?
Mounting a projector (usually under cover - a pergola, gazebo, or eaves), setting up a screen or projection surface, positioning speakers, and running cables neatly and safely. Basically creating a proper setup that works, not just balancing a projector on a garden table.
Does the projector need to stay outside?
No - most people have a permanent mount but bring the projector in and out. Projectors don't like damp or extreme temperatures. The mount stays, projector lives indoors, you just slot it in when you want to use it.
Do I need to buy all the equipment first?
Yes - there are loads of options at different price points. I can advise on what you need (projector, screen type, speaker setup, cables) but you buy what suits your budget. Then I install it properly.
How much does an outdoor cinema setup cost in equipment?
Budget projector, screen, and basic speakers? £300-500. Mid-range with decent sound? £700-1200. Proper setup with quality kit? £1500+. My installation is separate - that's just the kit. I quote the labor based on complexity.
Will it work in daylight?
Not really - even expensive projectors struggle in daylight. Outdoor cinema works best at dusk or after dark. If you want daytime viewing, you'd need a seriously expensive bright projector and shaded area.
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