May 07, 2008

The Economy of Backyard Theaters

It's that time again. Soon you'll be savoring long, hot nights, and looking for ideas for bigger and better entertainment that doesn't cost too much. So, how will you enjoy those summer nights? How about outside in your very own backyard theater? Sound like a dream? It's not. And it's probably cheaper than you think. Read on.

The Cost of Doing Movies

So let's do a little math. If you were to take your (2) kids (or a date) to see all the big movies coming out this summer; how much would it cost you? Here's a list of just a few of the 2008 Summer Movie releases and their tentative release dates (source):

Iron Man in theaters May 2nd
  • "Iron Man"    (May 2nd)
  • "Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian"    (May 16th)
  • "Indiana Jones 4"    (May 22nd)
  • "Kung Fu Panda"    (June 6th)
  • "The Incredible Hulk"    (June 13th)
  • "Get Smart"     (June 20th)
  • "Wall E"    (June 27th)
  • "Journey to the Center of the Earth 3-D"    (July 11th)
  • "The Dark Knight"    (July 18th)
  • "Star Wars : The Clone Wars"    (August 15th)

[ photo: Iron Man is scheduled for release May 2nd, 2008 ]

Now you might not see all of these movies in theaters this summer. In fact, the average family goes to see just about eight movies a year in movie theaters ( source Nielsen). But since you are reading our story, it's likely that you like movies more than the average American. So, let's pretend you actually do want to see all ten of the movies listed above. Below is an approximation at what you would spend:

Estimated Cost for Seeing Ten Summer Movies

  • Adult tickets: 2 @ $9 = $18
  • Kids tickets: 2 @ $7 = $14
  • Refreshments aprox = $20

    • -----------------------------
  • Total per movie = $52

  • $52 per movie x 10 movies = $520
  • ( Resale / Investment value = $0 )

(If you don't have kids, then you can factor in the cost of the kids and refreshments as about what you'd pay for dinner and a movie if you were generous enough to pay for ten with a date or friend.)

Now you've spent $520 on movies, and what do you have to show for it? You'll have the experience, which was hopefully positive, and if the movie was good enough, you'll want to pick up the DVD when it comes out. Other than that, you're pretty much out the $520 bucks. Now if you love movies, it's probably worth it for the big screen experience, the quality time with family, and the movie popcorn.

But what if there was a way to watch movies on the big screen, experience quality time with the family, eat healthier popcorn, and enjoy the great outdoors all summer long with one simple investment?

Low Cost, Better Investment Big Screen Entertainment

A Backyard Theater does not require additional space inside the house, but rather takes advantage of space you have outdoors. Some use their garage door as a screen and set up their temporary outdoor theaters in the driveway. Other folks will take the time to rig up a semi-permanent backyard theater, complete with a projection screen and an outdoor sound system.

Cost of Budget Backyard Theater Component:

  • Low cost projector = $449 and up (example NEC NP100 is coming soon!)
  • Twin size bedsheet or tarp = $10
  • Portable speakers (computer or regular AV)= $35 - $60
  • DVD player = probably already own
  • Component video or HDMI cable (depending on source) = $35 - $99
  • Bug spray = $5 - $10

    • -----------------------------
  • Total = $534 - $628
  • Resale / Investment value = better than $0

[NEC's new low-priced NP100 is coming soon and just might do the trick. It's $499 with a $50 rebate for a limited time.]

But wait, there's more!

So, while the cost of the projector will vary, you can find yourself in for as little as $550 or so. That's just a few dollars more than your ten movie summer. Plus, once the summer is over, you can think about where to set up your projector indoors for the upcoming NFL football season, the holidays, and beyond. Our own anecdotal evidence shows that houses with home theaters will sell better in a tough economy than houses without a home theater.

How to Choose a Projector?

There are a number of important considerations for buying a projector. We have updated our Backyard Theater Buyers Guide from last year for your reference. We made this guide because considerations for backyard use only, might be different from the projector you might choose for a permanent installation in a dedicated home theater like these [ see photos of our customer's dedicated home theaters. ].

Survey Says

A number of American's (about 20%) report that they would prefer to watch movies at home (source). After you get your home theater, you might just be one of them!



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May 02, 2008

Projector People Special Offers - May 2008

Projector Coupon Deals for May 2008

Here is a quick look at a few of the specials that are only available at Projector People.com.

Exclusive Projector People Specials

Unlike our Coupon specials. These deals will show up in your shopping cart automaticailly. Ya can't beat that. Purchase on or before 5/15/2008.

All Projector People specials are while supplies last.

Coupon Code: FREEMOUNT : Free Sanus projector ceiling mount when you pre-order select 1080p projectors. Through May 4th, 2008 only!

Blowout Sale Continues!

Supplies are limited, but there are still deals to be had.

  • 3M Digital Media Systems 800
  • Casio XJ-S36 - Sold Out!
  • Casio XJ-S41
  • Hitachi CPX2
  • Mitsubishi XD206U
  • Mitsubishi XD430U
  • Mitsubishi XD470U - Sold Out!
  • NEC VT595 - Sold Out!
  • NEC VT695 - Sold Out!
  • Optoma HD73
  • Optoma TS400
  • Panasonic PT-F100U - Sold Out!
  • Panasonic PT-LB60U - Sold Out!
  • Sharp PG-F200X - Sold Out!
  • Sharp PG-F211X
  • Sony VPL-CW125 - Sold Out!

[ see complete list of our recently reduced projectors. Quantities are limited! Offers valid while supplies last! ]

Blowout Savings on Projector Accessories

More than just projectors, Projector People is also offering savings on projector accessories.

  • Mitsubishi Soft Projector Case
  • Kramer Electronics 1:2 VGA Distribution Amplifier (B-stock) - Sold Out!
  • Tannoy EFX 5.1 Home Theater Package - Anthracite - Sold Out!
  • Tannoy EFX 6.1 Home Theatre System - Platinum - Sold Out!
  • Tannoy EFX Satellite Speaker - Anthracite - Sold Out!

[ see complete list of accessories ]

[ Coupon codes not valid with other ProjectorPeople offers, but can be combined with manufacturer rebates and incentives. While supplies last. Shipping charges may apply. ]

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Screen Savers - Are Low Cost Screens a Good Investment?

One of Projector People's most frequently asked questions is, "Do I really need a screen?" Our answer to that is usually: "That depends on you."

Some projector owners are perfectly satisfied by an image projected onto a white wall, but those who want the best looking image for their home theater will opt for a screen. In this increasingly HD driven market, recent giant price reductions on HD products are driving record sales, and leaving buyers some additional dollars to make that HD image look it's best. So not choosing a screen seems like a bit of a waste when you've upgraded to HD. But how do you know how much to budget for a screen and how much better do projected images look with a screen anyway?

What are the benefits of a Screen?

Back in the old days, pre-millennium, screens were used to help boost the appearance of brightness from your projector. Shiny glass beaded surfaces actually reflected more light than the projector could generate on its own, and helped to create brighter looking images from those old 400 lumen business projectors.

Today, projectors less than 1000 lumens are no longer being developed for business purposes, and are also less common in home theater products as well. In business settings, matte white screens have become more popular, keeping a bright, true picture to accompany high brightness business machines.

Going Gray?

Gray screens are very popular in home theater applications because they improve contrast ratios, for deeper blacks, and richer colors. This is particularly true in home theaters with some ambient light, since the gray material will reflect less light glare. Gray screens also reduce the visible pixel structure in LCD and DLP projectors. Spaces between pixels on LCD and DLP projectors are black, and they virtually disappear when projected onto a gray screen.

There isn't a significant price difference between a gray screen and a matte white screen in most instances. Ask a Projector Expert when searching for the best price. They can help you determine which screen size will work best based on your room configuration, select the best material for your space, and they may be able to quote you a lower price than we advertise.

The Velvet Border

Fixed frame screens often come with a velvet border. A border does more than add a finished look to the screen. It also helps absorb light that 'leaks' off the side of the screen. In a movie theater, the drapes perform a similar function. Fixed frame screens (most common in a dedicated home theater space) do not all include a velvet border, but they are a very nice feature to have. One low-priced fixed frame screen option is the Elite ezFrame screen. Starting at just $375, the Elite screens are priced very competitively, and include a velvet border. Take a Flash Video product tour of the Elite ezFrame Screen »

How Much Should I Budget for my Screen?

Here is a general price breakdown for a few of the most popular screen options.

  • Gallon of Matte White Paint: $20
  • Screen Material (DIY screens): $12 per square foot ($300 for a 92-inch screen)
  • Low cost Fixed or Pull Down Screen: $149 - $799
  • Fixed Screen with Border: $375 - $2,199 (Elite ezFrame)
  • Electric Screen: $799 and up.

Quick Tip: What's a Foot Lambert (Ft.L)
The light reflected off of a screen is measured in a value known as foot-lamberts. The foot-lambert value is a good way to determine overall brightness because it factors in the screen gain, as it is combined with your projectors brightness, and the location of the projector. Foot-lamberts = Projector lumen rating / square feet of your screen x screen gain.

For questions about rear vs. front projection, screen size recommendations, mounting suggestions, and more, consult our Screen Guide »

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