• You're one step from joining Projector Forum – Home Theater Setups, 4K Projectors & Screen Reviews.
    Create a free account to post, follow threads, and never miss an update.  Sign up free →

Outdoor short throw projector

goldendoodle

New member
Joined
Jul 2, 2025
Messages
4
We're trying to put together a simple outdoor movie setup on a budget, and coz of how our yard's laid out, I'll prolly need to take everything down after each use. The only good spot for the screen means the projector would sit right in the middle of where people walk and sit. I'm thinking of using a short throw projector (maybe like a BenQ or Viewsonic) to keep it out of the way and still get a big 120-140" image from a few feet back. Anyone ever did the same project?? And any solid picks under $1K pls
 
@goldendoodle Yep, I've seen ppl do this! A short throw is perfect for taking down after each use.
For under a grand, keep an eye out for models like the BenQ HT2150ST if you can find a good deal (sometimes refurbished) or maybe a used ViewSonic PX706HD.
Super easy to set up once you've got your marks, and definitely worth it for the big screen experience!
 
@goldendoodle Yep, I've seen ppl do this! A short throw is perfect for taking down after each use.
For under a grand, keep an eye out for models like the BenQ HT2150ST if you can find a good deal (sometimes refurbished) or maybe a used ViewSonic PX706HD.
Super easy to set up once you've got your marks, and definitely worth it for the big screen experience!
Been getting these brands a lot, might pick either of the 2 now. Thank you
 
We're trying to put together a simple outdoor movie setup on a budget, and coz of how our yard's laid out, I'll prolly need to take everything down after each use. The only good spot for the screen means the projector would sit right in the middle of where people walk and sit. I'm thinking of using a short throw projector (maybe like a BenQ or Viewsonic) to keep it out of the way and still get a big 120-140" image from a few feet back. Anyone ever did the same project?? And any solid picks under $1K pls
I used a ViewSonic short projector for backyard movies last summer and it worked great. I think @JambalayaYes here can vouch for this since he's also saying the same thing. Anyway, I like that it's easy to pack up and the image looked awesome even at 130 inches.
 
We're trying to put together a simple outdoor movie setup on a budget, and coz of how our yard's laid out, I'll prolly need to take everything down after each use. The only good spot for the screen means the projector would sit right in the middle of where people walk and sit. I'm thinking of using a short throw projector (maybe like a BenQ or Viewsonic) to keep it out of the way and still get a big 120-140" image from a few feet back. Anyone ever did the same project?? And any solid picks under $1K pls
Yep, done that exact setup with the projector needing to be tucked right up close!
For a 120-140" screen, you'll want something with a throw ratio around 0.5 to 0.9.
I like the ViewSonic PX706HD it's a solid contender, usually hits well under $1K, and it's pretty bright
Another one to look for is the BenQ TH671ST
They're not 4K, but for outdoor movies, 1080p from a short distance looks fantastic, and brightness is usually more important anyway.
just make sure whatever you pick has enough lumens for those outdoor dusk conditions!
 
For your setup, a short throw projector is a great choice. The BenQ TH671ST and ViewSonic PX701-4K are both good options that cost under $1000. You can get a picture that's over 120 inches wide from only 4-6 feet away. All you need is a white sheet or a portable screen and an extension cord. If you're planning to use it outside where it's not completely dark, the BenQ is brighter.
 
Back
Top