Rear projection tips?

[m0vieguy77]

I'm thinking of building a movie setup in my backyard here in Vancouver. I'm not using the garage but instead, I'll put a projector under my covered patio and hang a screen between two posts near the fence. I want to have movie nights with friends on the weekends.

One problem though. I want to try rear projection so street lights don't mess up the picture. But I don't know what kind of screen works best for that. I've heard people use blackout cloth or spandex, has anyone tried those for rear projection? I appreciate any advice before I start building!

 

[redh0r$3]

The main thing you need for this setup is a screen material that is translucent that allows the light from the projector to pass through it cleanly and create a clear image on the other side. Black cloth doesn't work for rear projection since it blocks the light completely. Spandex or a similar stretchy fabric could work if it's thin and white enough to let light pass through evenly. Try a white shower curtain liner coz it may work.

 

[biffyclyr0]

Agree with @redh0r$3 there, I set up a backyard movie spot last summer and used spandex for rear projection. Blackout cloth works too, but it's better for front projection. Just keep the screen smooth and pulled tight. What projector are you thinking of using?

 

[BoldCreations]

I'm thinking of building a movie setup in my backyard here in Vancouver. I'm not using the garage but instead, I'll put a projector under my covered patio and hang a screen between two posts near the fence. I want to have movie nights with friends on the weekends.

One problem though. I want to try rear projection so street lights don't mess up the picture. But I don't know what kind of screen works best for that. I've heard people use blackout cloth or spandex, has anyone tried those for rear projection? I appreciate any advice before I start building!

yep, @redh0r$3 is right that you need translucence. The proper dedicated screens are called the diffusion screens, but the thin shower curtain idea is actually genius for a low cost test.
Just make sure the material is tensioned really tightly on those posts, otherwise, any sag will mess with the light consistency

 

[PencilBoxLite]

I'm thinking of building a movie setup in my backyard here in Vancouver. I'm not using the garage but instead, I'll put a projector under my covered patio and hang a screen between two posts near the fence. I want to have movie nights with friends on the weekends.

One problem though. I want to try rear projection so street lights don't mess up the picture. But I don't know what kind of screen works best for that. I've heard people use blackout cloth or spandex, has anyone tried those for rear projection? I appreciate any advice before I start building!

That backyard setup sounds awesome! It seems Vancouver nights are perfect for movie screenings.
Spandex is a common DIY choice because it's cheap, stretchy, and light-transmissive, but results can be hit-or-miss with hot spots and wrinkling, especially on a large screen.
If you're serious about image quality and want to minimize that hot spot effect, you really need a dedicated rear-projection screen material.
They're designed specifically to diffuse the light evenly.
Check out materials from brands like Carl's Place or specialty vendors. They usually have a grey or slightly frosted look.
It will make a huge difference in dealing with those ambient lights!