Enjoying Outdoor Entertaining

It used to be that you had to go to a drive-in theater to enjoy a movie outdoors.

Not any more.

Imagine watching a film from the comfort of your own backyard--or even from the hot tub.
More and more Americans are converting their backyards into oases, where state-of-the-art, weatherproof large screen HDTVs and digital surround sound systems are seamlessly integrated into expansive decks, patios, pools and stonework. Computer-controlled lighting sets the mood, adjusting automatically on paths, steps, underwater and overhead as the sun rises or sets. Speakers vanish into walls, planters and decking, yet 3D sound is audible everywhere—even underwater in the pool.

“Outdoor home theaters are the biggest trend in home entertainment since the introduction of the flat-panel TV,” says David Berman, director of training for Home Theater Specialists of America (HTSA), a trade group.

Homeowners are transforming their backyards into a place for friends and family to gather, barbecue or swim while enjoying high definition video, MP3 surround sound, surfing the Web, watching a big game or taking in the latest movie.

Costs vary for creating the perfect backyard retreat, but most upscale installations cost at least $10,000, and many range up to $50,000—or more—depending upon the quality of the equipment used, according to HTSA.

Outdoor home theaters may be one of the few bright spots in an otherwise down market for high-end electronics. Says Berman: “Watching movies under the stars still has great appeal.