START WITH THE SCREEN:

Find a location on the property that allows you to "string up" the cable or rope for your sheet. You'll also need some lightweight tubing to support the top rope, to keep the screen "level". Find some bricks, sandbags or other heavy weights to hold down the bottom edges. This will help keep it from moving in the breeze.

An alternative is the new AirScreen, basically a "bubble bounce" with a white surface. They go up easy, but must be strapped or secured from the wind. You'll also need extra power to keep the rather noisy blowers running throughout the show. RENT ONE from us for only $35

RUN SOME POWER LINES:

Use ONLY heavy duty extension cables that are PROPERLY GROUNDED !. Even a dry lawn is capable of giving you a tremendous shock. Unless your equipment is right near the garage or patio power plugs, you will need heavy gauge cable (10ga) due to the load and distance that you will be running. A system can draw up to 10 amps when you have the amplifiers cranked up, so plan accordingly. Voltage drop across the length of cheap cable can damage your equipment. Your hardware guy will probably be able to recommend the right stuff to purchase. A surge suppressor with drop out can also be a good preventative device. TEST the lines before plugging in anything!

HAUL OUT YOUR SOUND SYSTEM:

The kids won't mind if you pull everything out of their room. Place the speakers left and right of the screen, preferably at ear level to your guests. Small plastic end tables (lawn furniture) work well for this. Put your center channel in the middle. Run the cables to the system, apply power, and turn on the FM while you finish the installation. Oh don't forget to bring out the DVD or VHS for the movie show

FIND A SUITABLE VIDEO PROJECTOR:

We keep running into folks who "borrow" a projector from work or school. Is it worth losing your job to entertain your friends? Well if you do, here is the procedure.

You need to calculate the screen size (WxH) to obtain the proper lens to establish the projector to screen distance. Most small projectors need about 10-15 feet back , and will provide up to 15ft screen size. Remember, increasing screen size uses up brightness. If your location does not have many ambient lights (street, garage, car dealer etc), an 800Lumen projector will be more than sufficient. The larger the screen, and the brighter the surroundings, the more horsepower you need in the projector. When we figure this out, the drive-ins will be open for matinees. Connect the video (YRB, RGB, Y/c or Composite) from the DVD to the projector and your ready. This won't give you any quality control except to adjust the projectors image settings. Oh, you won't be able to aim and focus until about 10min after sunset. (Check the weather guys times)

And, consider having a spare projection lamp on hand. Check this out at
PROJECTOR CENTRAL.COM

WAIT FOR DARK AND ENJOY:

While this is a very simplified checklist, it demonstrates to you just how much "work" there can be to have a backyard theater. You also need to be a real drive-in fan to make this fun. If it seems like to much work, than consider calling us. GAS is the original personal drive-in folks.

We're less expensive than you may think. INFORMATION@GIVE-A-SHEET.COM