Outdoor TV Question

[Big23Head]

Hey all, very random question but being sports people I figured this would be a solid crowd to ask.

My dad is "finally" building a small but nicer outdoor area (grill, patio, seating, possibly TV) and wanted my opinion about putting a TV outside. The outdoor area will be smaller, so "protected" with a roof covering (car port like) and near the house but no walls. He lives in Pennsylvania and was wondering if he should even try the TV outside or protect the TV further somehow or take it down each year during the rougher season. He found this case (TV raincase) for possible protection.

Overall, I have no clue. Obviously restaurants have outdoor TVs but I've never paid attention if they take them down in winter or cover them (or replace them every couple years). Most times I have seen set ups like this in nicer weather locations. The case thing might work but I said it may be a pain to use, have glare with the cover on, harder to hear, etc.

Anyone have experience or thoughts on a set up like this? I don't want him to waste money on a TV set up for it to die quickly. Thanks in advance!

 

[wizards8507]

They ain't cheap.

Outdoor TV, All Weather TV | Official SunBriteTV

 

[Big23Head]

They ain't cheap.

Outdoor TV, All Weather TV | Official SunBriteTV

Awesome thank you. This one didn't pop up when I did a very quick search and definitely not cheap.

 

[Irish#1]

Outdoor TV's are becoming the hot thing. I haven't really checked them out, but from what I've seen on TV, they are made to leave outside. I would probably want to put it in an enclosure or some type of protection from the elements. I wonder how well they handle this Freezeageddon we're experiencing?

 

[Irish YJ]

Screw the outdoor TV....

I use one of these. I have a similar structure on the other side of the pool. You may also want to consider a mount that allows for an "easy off / easy on".


http://www.the-cover-store.com/SearchByCategory.aspx?CategoryCode=tv_covers&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=TV%20Covers&utm_term=%5Btv%20covers%20for%20outdoors%5D

 

[BGIF]

I want to some specs on the units ability to handle temperature variations.

Can it handle hot or cold extremes for a short duration or prolonged?

Effect of repeated freeze thaw cycles. Materials expand and contract can the circuit boards handle that?

The case may be rainproof but is it waterproof. Huge difference. Will humidity be a problem?

Is condensation on the screen or internals an issue.


I didn't know there was such a thing as an outdoor TV until this thread. Do they simply take a standard unit and but a weather case around it or do they design the build the unit with the wide variation of elements in mind?

Is he going to sit outside in 40 degree weather watching TV much less Freezageddon? Would a wheeled table make sense to roll the unit in and out of the house? How often does he intend on using it?

 

[Irish YJ]

I want to some specs on the units ability to handle temperature variations.

Can it handle hot or cold extremes for a short duration or prolonged?

Effect of repeated freeze thaw cycles. Materials expand and contract can the circuit boards handle that?

The case may be rainproof but is it waterproof. Huge difference. Will humidity be a problem?

Is condensation on the screen or internals an issue.


I didn't know there was such a thing as an outdoor TV until this thread. Do they simply take a standard unit and but a weather case around it or do they design the build the unit with the wide variation of elements in mind?

Is he going to sit outside in 40 degree weather watching TV much less Freezageddon? Would a wheeled table make sense to roll the unit in and out of the house? How often does he intend on using it?

Great points. I started with a wheeled unit (I still use it with 32in around the patio table), but finally took the risk and got a $400 50in. It's on it's second year and doing fine. I do live in GA though. We'll see how it does through this winter. Snow on the ground today..... Perhaps I should go watch some Mike and Mike tomorrow AM while freezing my @$$ off.

 

[Big23Head]

Thanks for the input. I will make these suggestions. I have never seen or heard of the outdoor TV either, I'm curious about that now.

He won't be outside in the cold haha, he enjoys the summer and fall BBQ, beer and watching some TV in the nicer weather. It was more protecting it when it isn't in use I would say.

 

[IrishLion]

Thanks for the input. I will make these suggestions. I have never seen or heard of the outdoor TV either, I'm curious about that now.

He won't be outside in the cold haha, he enjoys the summer and fall BBQ, beer and watching some TV in the nicer weather. It was more protecting it when it isn't in use I would say.

A friend of mine just put in his "outdoor TV area" for use exactly like the bolded.

He had a wooden case/wall-mount built that he screwed/bolted onto the back of his house and can then mount the TV inside. He weather proofed the wood and had fold-out doors put on it so that the TV can be completely enclosed when not in use (the best description/comparison I can think of is an enclosed dartboards that you open up upon use). It also sits under an awning that extends from the back of his house, so water is never in direct contact with the enclosure either way (the rain would have to be coming in nearly completely horizontal to reach the case). He left it out all summer and most of the fall... I believe he took the TV out of the case in early November to protect it during the winter.

I'll try to get a few picture the next time I'm over there to give you a better idea of what he did in case it's something you like.

 

[Irish#1]

Screw the outdoor TV....

I use one of these. I have a similar structure on the other side of the pool. You may also want to consider a mount that allows for an "easy off / easy on".


Outdoor TV Covers | TV & Accessories Covers | The Cover Store

That's what I call my wife!