DIYer builds his own drive-in theater, brings back the retro

by Darren Murph Aug 11th 2008 @ 10:07PM

It's one thing to craft a home theater that keeps guests coming back weekend after weekend, but it's another to create one that keeps them rolling (literally) in by the dozens. Kevin Van fulfilled what we can only imagine was a mid-20s fantasy by building his very own backyard theater, complete with an Epson 77c projector, homemade 6-foot retractable screen and 8 vintage drive-in speakers rigged up to deliver 5.1 surround sound on his deck and 2-channel stereo around the pool. There's also a concession stand, a homegrown outdoor subwoofer being pushed by 1,100 watts and a whole slew of other audio / video components. Those cruising through Fraser, Michigan should seriously look this guy up -- sounds like a great way to spend a few hours.

[Via UberReview]

Filed under: DIY, Displays, Other hardware, Projector

Tags: custom, diy, drive in, drive-in, DriveIn, home theater, HomeTheater, nostalgia, other hardware, otherhardware, projector, retro, vintage

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Highly Ranked

Mike @ Aug 11th 2008 10:16PM

This is news?

Ive been reading www.backyardtheater.com for a year or two.

People have been doing this forever.

Highly Ranked

Rob @ Aug 11th 2008 10:33PM

Then, the MPAA rains on his parade by sending him a cease and desist order from their lawyers. I'm happy for him. But, organizations like the MPAA and RIAA can't allow mere mortals to have too much fun.

Highly Ranked

kcmurphy88 @ Aug 11th 2008 10:36PM

I'd think his neighbors would be first in line for the cease and desist.

Neutral

Evan @ Aug 11th 2008 10:47PM

Yep, I'm totally jealous, not gonna lie.

Neutral

DrSavage @ Aug 11th 2008 11:05PM

6 foot? You sure about that?

Neutral

Seanross @ Aug 12th 2008 12:09AM

They mean 6 Feet high

Neutral

EQC @ Aug 12th 2008 2:33AM

If that is a 6-foot screen (diagonal), then that guy is about 2 feet tall.

If that screen is 6-feet from top to bottom, then the guy is about 4.5 feet tall.

If you follow the chain of linked articles, you'll find that the same guy has a 60" TV in the basement, and a 6' retractable screen in his bedroom...that's probably where the quoted dimension came from.

There doesn't appear to be any mention of the dimensions of his outdoor screen...

Highest Ranked

nick @ Aug 11th 2008 11:12PM

"My neighbors love me this much when I play this thing at night"

Neutral

Wega Fan @ Aug 12th 2008 12:32PM

Okay, I looked over the other site, it appears to be a 16 footer. Which based on a 6 foot guy that looks about right. Nice screen size, I need to do something like this. He says he brings the screen outside when it is movie night. I think something retractable sounds better; however, that brings about its own problems. I definately need to bookmark that site.

EQC: Right on. That is for the inside screen size.

Neutral

Jonny @ Aug 12th 2008 1:02PM

Is he wearing denim shorts?

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