Don’t buy a battery-powered projector without knowing this

One of the appeals of a projector over a TV is the opportunity to take your entertainment experience to unique places. Smaller, portable projectors allow you to set up your favorite movie or show in spaces that a smart TV may struggle to serve. While a smart TV is static, a projector, especially smaller ones, can be set up in bedrooms, vacation rentals, or even outside, casting onto walls, ceilings, or screens.

There is a lot of fun to be had when using a portable projector, but in order to enjoy it to its fullest, you’ll have to be mindful of how it’s obtaining power. Batteries and cords can be a problem if you’re not prepared. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your projector running.

1

Most projectors don’t have batteries

Limited quality options available

While the projector market is quite diverse, with both budget-friendly models for casual viewing and high-end options that rival the best smart TVs, there are not a lot of diversity and options when it comes to battery-powered models. The power required to cast an image makes it tough for batteries to hold up, and because of all the technology used to put together a projector, there’s not always room for a battery to be installed.

There are some models that allow for battery-powered operation, but it’s worth knowing these units will be relatively simple. These will be small, portable models that have limited power and capabilities, mainly because so much power is required to run a quality projector. You’ll also want to be mindful of the companies selling these projectors. While there are reputable players in this industry, the market is also flooded with cheap models that exaggerate specs and quality, trying to appeal to those on a budget. Don’t buy a projector unless you are familiar with the company selling it.

2

Battery-powered projector considerations

There are plenty of limitations when going portable

After you narrowed down your search to battery-powered projectors, there are some key features you’ll want to keep in mind. Most notably is that the battery life will be limited, typically lasting anywhere from 90 minutes to three hours. This means you’ll need the projector to be fully charged before use, and that perhaps some movies might run longer than the battery can last.

The presence of a battery influences a lot of specs as well. Battery-powered projectors are designed to be small; portable, and easy to use. You won’t find high resolution, top video or audio formats, or smart systems installed. You’re not going to be enjoying any of the top features of a smart TV. You’re also going to need to be mindful of ambient lighting. There will be a limitation to how bright such a projector can be; you’ll need to be watching in a very dark space, or, if outside, after sunset with no other light sources around. Lastly, as the battery power starts to drain, there may be power-saving efforts enacted by the projector, including dimming the light.

These projectors should have some inputs so that you can connect to other devices via USB-C and, hopefully, HDMI. Most options will have Bluetooth built-in while others may also include Wi-Fi.

3

Outdoor movie night preparation

Gather accessories and plan ahead

Ideally, if you’re setting up an outdoor movie night, you’ll be running an extension cord from the projector to an outlet. It’s the simplest way to ensure a successful screening session, and the consistent power means your projector can run smoothly. If you can’t supply power, though, you’ll need to properly prepare first so that everything runs smoothly. Firstly, fully charge your battery and be mindful of its general capacity.

You’ll have to wait until the sun goes down to enjoy it; be mindful of any streetlamps or ambient light, even if it’s from the moon or a fire. You’ll also need to consider where the source material is coming. Battery-powered projectors won’t have a smart system built-in, you’ll likely need to connect a USB drive in order to access titles. A streaming stick may be possible, however, it will need a Wi-Fi connection, and it will also need to draw power from somewhere. That will be hard to do if you’re using a battery on your projector. You may also be able to connect a laptop in order to cast content, though you’ll need to be mindful of the laptop’s power as well.

Lastly, consider what you want to watch. Due to the limitations of battery-powered projectors, you’ll want to stay away from anything that has a lot of dark scenes or a ton of fast-paced action sequences. It may be hard to follow if your projector isn’t up to the task.

4

Portable projector tips and tricks

Be mindful of the entertainment experience

If you’re insistent on a battery-powered projector, there are a few things you can do to improve the entertainment experience, but many limitations exist. Investing in a white screen can help improve the image. While you can cast on a wall or fence, a white screen offers the best surface to reflect light and present a uniform, uninterrupted image. You can cast on the side of your house, for example, but any blemishes, discoloration, or surface inconsistencies can tarnish the image. While there are high-end projector screens for indoor and home theater use, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available for casual viewing.

You’ll also want to consider the audio situation. Most portable projectors include a couple of weak speakers that will not sound particularly good. Bring along a portable Bluetooth speaker to use instead to improve the sound quality. Finally, consider connecting a portable charger or power bank to the projector if possible to supply more juice. You’ll need to make sure your power source has enough charge for the projector, but if it does, it can help extend your movie night.

Battery-powered projectors aren’t going to immerse you in a cinematic experience, but with the right preparation, they can facilitate a light and fun outdoor movie night.