Fight Light with Light: Turn Off a Streetlight with a Laser Pointer

I've held a couple of movie nights where light noise from a nearby streetlight has interfered with the picture quality. The darker the night the better the picture. Unfortunately, even with the authorized personnel on site, officials were unable to isolate the lamp to shut them off.

Well, here's an easy solution to turn off the streetlights – use a laser pointer or bright spotlight. Just make sure you have permission from the proper authority to shut it down. I now have a laser pointer in my movie night toolbox. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chl831lgXk4&NR=1

Movie Night Ideas that'll Bring the House Down

• Rent or buy usher costumes and escort your guest to their seats
• Create movie tickets and give your outdoor cinema a catchy name
• Make or buy Hollywood Walk-of-Fame Stars with your guest names
• Costume Required Party– Tell your guests to dress as their favorite movie star, character or throw an outdoor Rocky Horror Picture Show party
• Hold a mini drive-in by inviting the whole cul-de-sac to the watch the movie from their cars
• Throw a campout all-night movie marathon. Watch every movie in your favorite series from your tent.
• Host a Razzies Party and Celebrate the best of the worst films ever made

Lumens, I don't need no stinking Lumens

If you are looking at buying a projector, don't get too caught up in all the specifications. The problem is that there is no standard for how manufacturers rate the brightness, contrast or other specifications of their projectors. Each manufacture rate their brightness (lumens) differently from varying distances under varying ambient lighting.

However, you can use lumens and contrast ratings to compare projectors made by the same manufacture. It makes it easier to determine the differences between models within the same price range.

The best thing you can do is try the projectors under the conditions that you intend to use it. If you want to show only movies at dark on a 10 ft wide screen, you can get a decent projector for under $500 – really. 

Should You Rent or Buy an Outdoor Movie Screen System?

What makes sense for you will depend on how you answer these questions and more:

• What's your budget?
• How often will you use the system?
• Do you love or hate setting up audio and video equipment?
• Is the system for personal use or for a organization?
• Do you plan to use the system indoors too?
• How much space do you have?

Advantages of Renting an Outdoor Movie Screen System

• No set-up hassle – even if you choose to do the set-up yourself most rental companies have clear instructions and proven methods
• Cost – If you host 1-5 movie nights per year, rental makes more sense than buying
• Audio – Most rental companies will offer a professional audio system than would cost thousands to buy
• Expertise – Rental companies know how to make adjustments for wind, crowds and location

Advantages of Owning an Outdoor Movie Screen System

• You set-up when you want and where you want
• You can refine your system to your specific needs – you can make a screen that permanent, semi-permanent or completely portable
• Its a fun hobby with a lot of enthusiasts
• You'll be the coolest home in the neighborhood