Creating The Ultimate Patio Relaxation By Choosing An Outdoor TV
If you’ve gone over to a friend’s house for an outdoor BBQ, there’s nothing quite like relaxing with some delicious grilled food while watching something on the outdoor television. If you’re thinking of purchasing an outdoor television, it’s a fantastic investment and a great addition to your backyard. Outdoor TVs not only have sharp picture quality, but they’re also able to endure various weather conditions such as rain and snow.
If you’re not sure where to get started, we’ve gone ahead and listed 5 of some of the best outdoor TVs below. Before diving into them, let’s get started by talking a little bit about some things to consider when purchasing an outdoor tv.
LED backlighting and anti-glare technology deliver a picture that is 3 times brighter than an indoor TV for viewing in partial sunlight
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Smart TV capabilities give you access to apps, web browsing and video on demand programming with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
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HDR support delivers a vibrant picture with amazing contrast, portraying colors more realistically than standard TVs
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Super bright LED screen presents vivid colors even in full sunlight exposure
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4K Ultra High Definition panel provides stunningly clear picture quality and incredible motion rates perfect for watching sports, movies and more outdoors
View DealThings to Consider
As you can imagine, choosing a TV set for the great outdoors needs to meet a different set of requirements compared to one that’s designed for indoor use. The conditions that outdoor TVs are exposed to require meeting certain standards because of the temperature differences and the several natural elements the TV has to face. With that in mind, here are some of the things that you should pay attention to when you’re thinking of buying a TV for your yard:
Waterproof
First thing’s first: consider the waterproof factor. It is very important to know the difference between a TV that’s waterproof and one that’s water-resistant, even if these two concepts are often used interchangeably. They mean very different things and they describe the degree to which a TV set can resist in the face of water. A water-resistant TV will be able to handle a certain degree of water intrusion, while a waterproof TV set can be submerged into water and still function. The placement of your TV will greatly determine which one of these two you should opt for. If there are chances of the TV being exposed to heavy rainfall, waterproof is your best option.
Sets
TV sets that are actually suitable for outdoor use are built with better environmental control systems. What this means is that they have different technologies that can better control the internal temperature of the TV considering that the fluctuations in outdoor temperature are greater compared to the internal environment that’s inside your house. Outdoor TVs have thermostats and cooling fans, technologies which are needed to better protect the internal circuits of the unit. This is very important because the TV set needs to be protected in the sun, but also needs protection when outdoor temperatures start to drop.
Brightness
The brightness of an outdoor TV set is also very important because the amount of natural light that your eyes need to adjust to when outdoors is higher. If a certain TV doesn’t offer you more “extreme” brightness adjustment capabilities, you are going to have a tough time seeing through the glare. Sunlight exposure will make it nearly impossible to get a clear image and your whole experience will be ruined.
Size
When it comes to outdoor TV sets, size really does matter, because a TV that’s too small will be hard to enjoy and one that’s too big will render the same effect. TV sets are measured diagonally. That means that a TV labeled as being 32” will have 32 inches measures from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner. Resolution is also important because it helps determine the quality of the image. 4K TV sets are all the hype right now (as they have a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels), but a 1080p TV should do just fine for outdoor use as well.
Sound
The next thing to pay attention to is the clarity of the sound. When you’re watching TV outdoors, the amount of background noise is bound to be way higher compared to that of your home environment. Cars passing by, people talking, dogs barking, birds chirpings; these are just examples of outdoor noises that you’re likely to experience. If your outdoor TV set isn’t loud enough, all of these distractions are going to ruin the experience and you won’t be able to hear much. If you already own an outdoor TV that doesn’t do a very good job in emitting loud sounds, you might want to consider using a set of speakers or a home cinema set that’s designed for outdoor use.
Sealed
When a TV set is placed outside, it’s not just exposed to sun or rain, but also wind that will surely carry a huge amount of dust. That being said, the TVs ports need to be properly sealed in order to prevent any dust and debris from getting inside the casing.
Accesssories
All the accessories that come or are bought for using outdoors together with the TV set should be waterproof as well. That includes whatever cables are needed to operate the TV, the remote control, additional speakers and home cinema systems, antennas, mounts, etc.
Tips for Installing an Outdoor TV
Installing an outdoor TV is a process that will vary depending on a variety of factors: from the construction of the wall where the TV is going to be placed to the exact type of mounting gear you’re using. While we can’t cover all possibilities, we can surely give you some tips that will help you achieve the best outdoor TV setup:
- As we’ve mentioned before, the mount has to be designed for outdoor use as well. Since it will be exposed to nature’s elements, you don’t want the mount to be made of some sort of cheap material that will dilate when the temperatures outside are too high, nor do you want it to rust if exposed to rain. Plus, you need to consider the fact that most outdoor TVs are heavier compared to their indoor counterparts, so you want to make sure the mount is able to handle that weight.
- Full motion mounts can go a long way. They are designed to be moved, thus giving you the possibility to adjust your TV viewing angle. This will be of great help when you want to reposition the TV to an angle with less glare, giving you the possibility to move around as well. Full motion mounts allow you to swivel the TV to several directions and get a comfortable and clear viewing angle every time.
- Outdoor TVs do not run on batteries and are not solar-powered, which means they will need a power outlet to work. This is why it’s important to plan the placement of the TV ahead of time because there is a lot to consider when it comes to the power source. Can your TV be placed close to an existing wall outlet? Are you going to need an extension cord? Can you place the extension cord in a manner that prevents it from getting in the way of closing doors/windows? Is someone likely to trip over the cables? Will the extension cord be exposed to sun/water? These are all very important questions and knowing these answers ahead of time will prevent a lot of frustration when it’s actually time to install the TV.
- You can also consider the possibility of buying a protective TV case that’s designed for outdoor use. This is like a wall-mounted box with a transparent front side that allows you to watch TV whilst protecting it.
- A great part of the installation process of a TV is considering what types of cables you are going to use and where you’re going to place them. A modern TV set usually requires a WiFi connection (assume it’s a smart TV and can access the internet), a satellite receiver, a cable that sends the signal to the TV and, optionally, HDMI cables or Blu-ray players.
- If possible, opt for a wireless HD transceiver. This will allow the TV to operate using wireless signals and you will therefore eliminate some cables from the equation. That translates into less holes that need to be drilled and less cables that someone is bound to get annoyed by at some point.
- If you can’t afford or don’t want to invest into too much wireless technology, a HDMI cable is the next best thing. These cables can transmit HD images to the TV without compromising the quality of the image. With a single cable, your TV can benefit from clear images and quality audio. If the distance is less than 33 feet, you can also opt for a high-speed HDMI cable. Longer distances will require something like a fiber optic HDMI cable. These are thin and flexible, and can also help maintain the quality of image and sound.
- If you bought or are planning to buy a smart TV, you will surely want to connect it to the internet to watch YouTube videos or access streaming platform apps, like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or whatever other platforms are available in your region. That means that you will need a strong internet signal. There is always the possibility to connect an internet cable that goes from your router all the way to the TV set, but it is a much better idea if you just use your router’s wireless signal. However, this signal has to be strong, otherwise videos will experience delay or even have difficulties in loading altogether. If the internet signal in the spot where you want to mount the TV is poor, you might want to consider either mounting the TV in a spot with better signal or upgrading the router to one with better antennas.
- You can always consider the possibility of using an IR repeater. Without getting into too many technical explanations, an IR repeater can copy the setup of your in-house TV set and replicate it to your outdoor TV. You can place the repeater on top of your outdoor HDMI cable and plug it into the designated port. Place the repeater close to the TV set and you should be good to go.
Top 5 Best Outdoor TVs
We’ve taken the liberty of rounding up some of the best outdoor TVs and breaking down the details to help you choose one that will work for you.
1. SunBriteTV Signature Series 65 Inch 4K LED Outdoor UHDTV
This 65-inch outdoor television has all the necessary features and everything that’s required to keep it in mint condition and protect it from the weather. To start, it has 4K technology to provide a fantastic resolution that’s even better than normal HD. On top of that, it also has LED back lighting along with anti-glaring technology. The soundbar also provides excellent audio and everything you need for the perfect outdoor home theater.
The screen also intentionally delivers a picture three times as bright than a regular indoor tv so that it’s suitable for all sorts of sunlight conditions. It also has a durable aluminum casing and can withstand a range of temperatures.
LED backlighting and anti-glare technology deliver a picture that is 3 times brighter than an indoor TV for viewing in partial sunlight
View DealPros:
- 4K ultra-high-definition quality that’s even better than HD
- Includes a soundbar that provides excellent audio
- Weatherproof qualities including a weatherproofed remote control
Cons:
- It’s pricier than some of the other televisions
2. Sealoc Lanai Samsung 7 Series 55 Inch 4K LED HDR Outdoor Smart UHDTV
Samsung is a reputable television brand and this particular outdoor television is of no exception. It comes with gorgeous bright pictures along with fantastic sound quality. It comes with exclusive nano-coating technology to completely protect the internal components from weather, extreme temperatures, high humidity, and more. This outdoor television has a high-quality display that’s great for viewing in all sorts of conditions.
It also has a unique motion rate technology that helps improve picture clarity and reduces any motion blur. It also comes with Smart TV features so you’re able to have access to applications, video-on-demand, and more through the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. There’s also HDMI and USB ports that you can connect and it’s compatible with other applications such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home. You’re sure to also enjoy the audio quality from the high-quality Dolby certified speakers for an all-round incredible outdoor home theater experience.
Smart TV capabilities give you access to apps, web browsing and video on demand programming with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
View DealPros:
- Has an exclusive nano-coating process to protect internal components from all sorts of weather elements
- Smart TV features mean you can access applications, videos and more through Wi-Fi connectivity
- Can be used in a variety of climates
Cons:
- There’s no outdoor protective box which means it can be damaged by certain impacts
3. SunBriteTV Veranda Series 43 Inch 4K LED HDR Outdoor TV
The 43-inch outdoor television delivers a high-quality 4K picture that’s better than what you’d get from normal HD. There’s also LED back lighting along with a full high dynamic range that allows you to enjoy an extensive range of colors in comparison to other televisions. The picture itself is also 50 percent brighter than an indoor television so that you’re able to enjoy whatever you’re watching no matter the time of day.
There’s a durable aluminium casing to protect against weather and insects. It also has a modern aesthetic which is the perfect addition to any outdoor area. There are 20-watt speakers included with the television along with a media bay so you’re able to place your streaming devices. The television also comes with HDMI ports and a USB input so you’re able to plug whatever you need to into the television.
HDR support delivers a vibrant picture with amazing contrast, portraying colors more realistically than standard TVs
View DealPros:
- Comes with LED back lighting
- Has a 4K ultra high definition quality that’s better than regular HD
- HDR delivers a vibrant picture with an extensive range of colors
Cons:
- Some have mentioned that the sound quality isn’t exactly the best
4. Weatherized TVs Samsung 7 Series 55-Inch 4K LED HDR Outdoor Smart UHDTV
One of the unique features of the weatherized television series is that it comes with a unique hydrophobic treatment that the television has undergone that’ll allow you to enjoy a sharp picture quality even in an outdoor setting. This particular television has been weatherproofed so it’s able to withstand a variety of weather conditions. It also comes with a high dynamic range display to provide a wider range of colors than what you would normally get.
The LED screen is brighter than usual to help display crisp images even when it’s under intense sunlight. It also has excellent video quality with minimal blur and you’re able to have all of your favorite applications from Netflix to Prime Video as the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities mean that you can easily stream content. It’s also compatible with both Alexa and Google Assistant and comes with Dolby certified 20-watt speakers. The media bay also comes with HDMI ports, USB ports, and more.
Super bright LED screen presents vivid colors even in full sunlight exposure
View DealPros:
- Comes with a brighter LED screen
- High dynamic range for exceptional color quality
- Comes with a Smart Hub so you’re able to have all of your favorite applications in one place
Cons:
- Some have said it isn’t great for evening use
5. Sealoc Lanai Samsung 7 Series 43 Inch 4K LED HDR Outdoor Smart UHDTV
This particular television is specifically designed for outdoor use under a covered patio and can help endure various conditions such as humidity, salt water, air, and more. This particular television comes with nano-coating technology that makes it exceptionally durable. It can also operate in a range of different temperatures, so you won’t have to worry about it not being able to endure the cold or heat.
You’re also able to access applications, browse the web, stream music, and whatever else you need as it’s a smart television. There’s no protective outdoor box that comes with this particular television to give it a sleeker and more modern aesthetic. As it’s not encased in a protective box, pictures are also sharper with brighter quality. No soundbar is required with this television as it also comes with speakers.
4K Ultra High Definition panel provides stunningly clear picture quality and incredible motion rates perfect for watching sports, movies and more outdoors
View DealPros:
- Will protect from humidity, extreme temperatures and more
- Comes with unique nano-coating technology
- Has Smart television capabilities
Cons:
- Can’t handle direct exposure to elements
The Bottom Line
There you have it, some of the best outdoor televisions that we’ve found. There are plenty of options to choose from in terms of features and what you feel would suit your needs best. There are some great positives to investing in an outdoor television from convenience to being able to enjoy a great movie or game in the middle of a warm and sunny summer day.