Projector set-up for a cricket screening at home or on the terrace
In short
For an evening match, rent a native 1080p projector of 2,000–3,000 ANSI lumens, a 100-inch screen and a speaker. With a throw ratio of 1.2, place the projector about 2.7 m from the screen for a 100-inch picture. Connect the stream over HDMI and test everything before the toss.
Brightness: ANSI lumens, not 'lux'
For a room with the lights off or a terrace after sunset, 2,000–3,000 ANSI lumens is plenty. A daytime match in a bright room needs 3,500 or more, or curtains. Many cheap projectors quote 'lumens' or 'lux' that are not ANSI; those images are far dimmer than the number suggests.
Look for native 1080p. A projector that 'supports 4K' often just accepts a 4K signal and shows it at a lower resolution.
Distance and screen size
Throw distance is the throw ratio times the picture width. A 100-inch 16:9 picture is about 2.2 m wide, so a projector with a 1.2 throw ratio sits about 2.7 m from the screen, and a short-throw model (0.5) about 1.1 m. A smooth white wall works; a 100–120-inch screen with a stand works anywhere, including a terrace.
The stream and the sound
- Source: a streaming stick or a laptop over HDMI. Sign in to the streaming app that carries the match before guests arrive.
- Sound: the projector's own speaker is too weak for a room of people. Use a soundbar or a party speaker, by cable where you can; Bluetooth can put the sound slightly behind the picture.
- Power: a projector draws roughly 150–300 W. A 500 Wh power station runs one for about two hours during a power cut.
On the terrace
Wait until after sunset, keep the projector and cables off damp floors, and weigh the screen stand down if it is windy.
Test before the toss
- Picture fills the screen and is sharp in the corners (focus and keystone)
- Stream plays over HDMI with sound through the speaker
- Remote, HDMI cable, power cable and screen stand all there
- Extension board within reach, cables taped down
Typical prices in Bengaluru
| Type | Per day | Deposit (about) |
|---|---|---|
| Projectors | ₹500–1,900 | ₹2,000 |
| Projection screens | ₹200–600 | ₹1,000 |
| Soundbars | ₹200–600 | ₹1,000 |
| Party speakers | ₹300–1,500 | ₹1,000 |
| Portable power stations | ₹300–1,000 | ₹3,000 |
Lumo catalogue ranges for Bengaluru; each owner sets their own price, and the deposit is held by Lumo. All rental prices
Questions
How many lumens do I need for a home cricket screening?
2,000–3,000 ANSI lumens for an evening match with the lights off or after sunset; 3,500 or more for a daytime match in a bright room.
How far should a projector be for a 100-inch screen?
Throw ratio times picture width. A 100-inch 16:9 picture is about 2.2 m wide, so a 1.2 throw-ratio projector sits about 2.7 m away.
Can I rent a projector and screen together in Bengaluru?
Owners on Lumo Bazaar list projectors and projection screens separately; book both for the same dates.