It’s summer time and the livin’s easy. If you want to entertain more outdoors this season, then you’re going to need some charcoal, a selection of frosty beverages and a good outdoor TV! As you begin your quest for an outdoor television, inevitably you’ll find they are more expensive than their indoor brethren. But for good reason: Outdoor Televisions are designed with the intent to stand up to Mother Nature and all she has to throw at them. With these few tips on buying—and getting the most out of—an outdoor television you’ll be well on your way to having the backyard that everyone wants to visit this summer to watch Wimbledon. We’re here to help get you ready for serious outdoor action!
Don’t put an indoor TV outdoors
Never, ever, put indoor TVs outdoors. Indoor TVs are meant to be in light-controlled environments. Therefore, they won’t stand a chance against direct and often indirect natural sunlight and will falter when wet like the Wicked Witch of the West. Outdoor televisions are made to be much brighter than indoor models, performing better in sunny situations. While we always recommend a bit of shade, a TV built for the great outdoors offers a better experience, with some even marketed as “direct-sun” tolerant. Look for other features like rust-proof exteriors and all-weather back compartments that house devices like a streaming player (Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, or Chromecast, for example), protecting them from water and temperature extremes. Speaking of which, you’ll want to check the TV’s ability to function at various temperatures. Some models are operational from -24 to 122 degrees!
Pick a size that fits the purpose
What can we say; we love a big TV, no matter where it is. But different sized TVs may work better in different outdoor environments. For example, a 32-inch TV would be a great mate for an outdoor kitchen, while an 84- or 65-inch model is going to be better suited for a true outdoor media room.
Select your accessories
Now that you have an outdoor TV in mind, you might want to think about other options to protect and enhance your investment. For example, while most outdoor TVs are designed to keep the elements out, a dust cover will help protect your TV when not in use from both UV rays and weather. Likewise, you can easily add a sound bar or sound system to give your outdoor media room a little 26 oomph. Some outdoor TV manufacturers offer add-on speakers as options. You can also buy a security kit or mount for your TV that makes it harder for would-be thieves to jump the fence and abscond with your weatherproof TV! Finally, if you don’t want to see the TV when you aren’t watching it, there are all sorts of lifts that can make your TV magically disappear into cabinetry, walls, and more.
Throw in a pool or Jacuzzi, a waterproof remote, some ribs and a pitcher of lemonade or coladas, and you’ve got a recipe for a successful backyard bash, or a quiet evening at home under the stars.
Give us a call to check out your outdoor TV options.