Outdoor Flatscreens for the Summertime

It’s summertime 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 expensiv e than their indoor
brethren. But for good reason: Outdoor TVs 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 TV you’ll be w ell on your w ay to hav ing the backyard that everyone wants to v isit this
summer to watch Wimbledon or the Summer Olympics. 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 w on’t stand a chance against direct and often indirect natural sunlight and will falter
when wet like the Wicked Witch of the West. Outdoor TVs 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 ev en 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 v arious 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 w ith your w eatherproof TV! Finally, if you don’t w ant to see the TV w hen 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’v e got a recipe for a successful backyard bash, or a quiet evening at home under the stars.
Give us a call or come in today to check out your outdoor TV options.