Are you planning to install an outdoor TV? Before you buy one, you should first know some facts about this device.
Unlike your living room TV, outdoor types are different. They are made to deal with harsh elements like snow, rain, dust, and direct sunlight. Also, you may need a professional installation since this TV is heavy and has unique connectivity.
In this post, we’ll talk about outdoor television, what it is, how to install it, and other things you need to know before getting one. Read on to learn more!
5 Things To Know Before Getting A TV for Outdoors
If you’re entertaining the idea of outside TVs, it’s important that you know the following points first:
1. They’re Not Like Regular TVs
Can you put any TV outside? No. You should know that outdoor televisions are not the same as typical TVs. Outdoor types are designed to ensure endure harsh elements like rain and wind (more on this later).
Outside TVs also have an anti-glare screen to keep the picture clear even if it’s under direct sunlight. It’s made to last, but you should know that it also comes at a higher cost.
In terms of construction, outdoor TVs have features that you won’t find on a standard television. It has gaskets, sealed cabinets, and silicone-based coating to protect against outdoor elements.
2. Outdoor TVs are Heavy
Nowadays, flat-screen TVs are lightweight, no matter how big they are. But don’t be fooled by its outdoor counterparts.
An outside television is hefty due to the extra material to protect it from the outdoors. This way, your TV can take the beating of whatever nature throws at it.
Since it’s cumbersome, you have to plan the installation area. You should ensure that you’re putting it up on a stable vertical surface that can support the TV’s weight for a long time. After all, the last thing you want is an expensive TV smashing on the floor. Sure thing, outdoor TVs are durable, but they are not invincible to impact.
Overall, you should always check not just the size but also the weight of the outdoor LED TV you’re going to get. In general, bigger TVs will be equally heavier. If you’re unsure which suits you best, we suggest that you contact a TV rental company for advice.
3. Outdoor TVs are Weatherproof
The biggest selling point of outdoor TVs is their weatherproof construction. Also, it’s not just a waterproof TV, it can also repel a slew of damaging items. You might be surprised how such an electronic device can endure rains, winds, snow, and a whole lot of other things.
This is made possible by IP or Ingress Protection. This gives your outdoor TV a level of protection against water and solids like dust or dirt.
So if you’re scouting for a good outdoor TV, make sure that you check its IP rating. For example, an outdoor TV with an IP65 rating means that it’s tight-sealed against dust and low-pressure water jets. For you, this means that the outdoor TV on a deck will remain functional against pool splashes or heavy dust.
4. Outdoor TVs Don’t Come with Built-in Speakers
So here’s the catch: while outdoor TVs are tough, they don’t have built-in speakers. Wait, what? Let’s explain.
Since this TV needs to withstand harsh conditions, it comes with an outdoor TV enclosure. This enclosure prevents various elements from getting into the electronics of your television. And since there can’t be any opening in the TV’s body, it’s impossible to incorporate a built-in speaker.
Besides, even if the outdoor TV comes with a speaker, it won’t be enough to give a decent audio quality. The outside environment is mired with noise and you’ll end up plugging in separate speakers or soundbars anyway.
But wait, how about the cords? A waterproof TV outdoors is equipped with a special seal material and a cabinet that protects the ports from various elements. It also has industrial-grade gaskets that keep the opening to where the cords come out sealed.
5. Outdoor TVs are Very Bright
Another thing that sets outdoor TVs apart is their very bright image quality. If you compare, a standard indoor TV usually uses about 200 to 500 nits of brightness. On the other hand, outdoor TV options can have as much as 1,000 nits or even more!
So why is this necessary? Well, sunlight can take away so much of the image quality if you’ll use a standard TV. By compensating for the ambient light, you’ll enjoy streaming your favorite movies or TV shows in sharp quality.
Aside from that, the extra brightness ensures that you’ll see dark scenes in movies clearly. The same goes if you’re watching a sporting event or using the TV for gaming.
Tips When Choosing Outdoor Televisions
To find the best TV for outside use, you have to know what features to check. You also have to consider where you want to install it together with these other aspects:
1. Screen Size and Resolution
Whether you need a TV on a screened porch, pool deck, gazebo, or patio, you always have to consider the size. Bigger areas often require equally larger TVs for comfortable viewing.
Aside from that, you should also check the resolution. Nowadays, it’s easy to find an outside TV with 4K or even 8K image quality. The higher the resolution, the better if you want the best viewing experience.
However, you should know that high-resolution outdoor TVs can be very pricey. This is why you should also consider your budget before scouting for options, so you won’t end up picking the unit you can’t afford.
2. Connectivity Options
Another thing you should check is the connectivity of the outdoor TV. You should inspect if the TV has the right ports for the devices you want to connect. Some of the essentials include HDMI, USB inputs, Bluetooth, and so on.
By checking the connectivity, you’ll have a seamless setup. It will also let you maximize the features of your outside TV.
In case you’re not sure if a specific model has the right ports you need, you can rent a TV from the same brand. This way, you can personally see and try the features before buying the unit.
3. Durability Features
Since outdoor TVs are not cheap, you’d surely want to invest in a durable option. Look for rust-proof, impact-resistant, and anti-glare features, so your unit will last long.
Also, these features make TVs tougher against strong winds and hailstorms. This will also make your TV less likely to shatter in case it got hit by flying debris.
Since a water-resistant TV is tight-sealed, it can overheat during extended use. This is why you should consider one with a built-in cooling system. It will help increase the lifespan of your TV and prevent the risk of fires.
4. Warranty and Support
If you’re planning to buy an outdoor TV, we recommend that you consider an added warranty. Some brands will offer you extended warranties, which can be a good investment if you’ll install the TV in high-traffic areas.
5. Professional Installation
Lastly, you should consider professional outdoor TV installation. Since these models are heavy, it can be tricky to mount. And if you’re not careful, you may end up damaging the wall or surface where you plan to install it.
Also, the good thing with professional installation is you’re assured that the TV is placed optimally. The technicians can guarantee that you’ll have an enjoyable experience.
If you want, the installers can also provide outdoor TV stands, weatherproof as needed. You can also request other accessories that you need.
They can also advise you on the best placement for excellent visibility. Also, they will ensure proper cable management, so you can enjoy watching without the risk of tripping on wires. Most of all, professional technicians can calibrate your TV’s settings, so it’s all set for your next movie night.
Conclusion
Outdoor TVs will elevate any open space. Whether it’s your porch, garden, deck, or commercial venue, the right TV will level up your guests’ entertainment experience.
Still, it’s important that you choose the right TV model and size. You should also look for features like waterproofing, high brightness, and a range of connectivity.
Aside from that, you should consider working with professionals to install your outdoor TV. Remember that it’s not the same as mounting a standard TV in your living room. Outside televisions need added reinforcement and tools that technicians have.