FOH DIY. Outdoor TVs

[El Presidente]

 

Part II of our outdoor renovation is underway shortly. 

Incorporating a 65-75" TV in the build. Under cover but still outdoor (heat/cold/humidity etc). I can get a waterproof TV cover that can solve most of the issues but there is also the option of just buying an Outdoor TV. They run at the top of the pricing scale however and I can't see it being worthwhile as I can buy 2 x TCL/Hiscence "65 for one Samsung Terrace Outdoor 65 "

If you have any experience in these matters........ convince me either way. 

[Pantone151]

Just buy a cheaper regular TV and replace it down the road if needed.

[Lt4-396]

I've had a TV outdoors in my gazebo for over 15yrs. It has always been a "regular" TV. As long as it's out of the elements it should be fine. That includes rain/snow and direct sunlight, which would also be terrible for viewing. The one benefit I see in the outdoor TVs is the usually much higher brightness (nit value) but with recent TVs it has been less and less of an issue.

Personally I would go with a mid to upper range TV with high brightness and dark blacks and one that has a thicker frame if possible. This should allow marginally better airflow over/around the electronics. Having said that, my ultra budget outdoor $200 55" 4K is still going strong after 4 years.

[chasy]

Buddy did this. Just bought regular tv and planned to replace when it shit the bed. 6 years later, still going strong.

[Fuzz]

I have a TLC 65" 4k UHD tv (paid less than $AUD900) that is under my pergola for the last 5 years (you've seen this one). Never gets rained on or water leaking on to it, so I just have a waterproof cover on it, though it does get quite hot in the summer. Haven't noticed any problems with temp or humidity affecting it. For most of the time, it is perfectly suitable, but in the late afternoon, the sun does shine on it, so I makes it harder to see. If I can, I just drop my outdoor blinds and that fixes the issue for the most part.

Rob, I wouldn't bother buying a specialised outdoor TV, they are not worth the money. And for your backyard, it is not necessary. If you are really worried about temp and humidity, you can get a ventilated outdoor TV box that will give better protection than a waterproof cover. Spend less than $AUD1000 on the tv and slap on a Lush outdoor tv cover for $AUD50-80. Get an extending wall mount so you can pull it out from the wall and turn/tilt it as necessary, then push back flat for storage.

Just don't buy the same brand tv as the one indoors, as you may find the remote controlling both tvs at the same time!

An old pic from before I installed the outdoor kitchen.

[Glass Half Full]

In my experience, a cheap (Costco or equivalent) tv does just fine under those circumstances -- and at 20% of the price of a "weather proof" tv.  

Will you need to replace it occasionally?  Yes.  

Will the all-in cost remain less after 3 replacements?  Yes.  

There will be occasional annoyances during the period of replacements, but the cost savings is worth it IMO.  

You've got to share the install pics whatever you choose!  How are the parrots?

[Chibearsv]

After seeing the ridiculous prices of the "weatherproof" TVs, I decided to experiment with a cheap TV in the pavilion just to see how long it would last before crapping out. 3 years of Chicago weather so far and it works just fine.  

[Chitmo]

All I have to say about this is that I’m jealous, and I don’t even watch TV. 🤣 

[mbrody]

I'm in the industry. If you are not in weather or direct/partial sun, and have a covered environment, you can use the regular non-outdoor tv. You will want a high brightness tv with a wide viewing angle. Close to saltwater can change my mind on this. If you don’t care about the picture, get the cheapest. If you want a decent picture, spend a little more. GL

[Nevrknow]

On 7/26/2024 at 10:25 AM, Fuzz said:

Just don't buy the same brand tv as the one indoors, as you may find the remote controlling both tvs at the same time!

Totally didn't see that coming! Great point!

Rob: Hey guys, let's go out and watch................

DI: ( inside ) Time for my......WTH!  😂

BOTH:  The tv is messing up!!!!!!

[MagicalBikeRide]

We don’t actually have a tv at home but a portable projector. Mostly watch sport and some movies. It works just fine on the shaded white wall in our garden. Sound comes through the bluetooth Bose system. 

[TR]

Just buy a cheaper regular TV and replace it down the road if needed.

This. Toss a cover on it when not in use. Bring it indoors when freezing temps hit. I can replace my outdoor tv 5 times before I hit the cost of 1 outdoor tv.

[helix]

I leave my 55 tcl 4k out in the porch in Quebec year round 5+ years never a problem.

[SCgarman]

18 hours ago, TR said:

This. Toss a cover on it when not in use. Bring it indoors when freezing temps hit. I can replace my outdoor tv 5 times before I hit the cost of 1 outdoor tv.

We're talking Australia here. I don't believe freezing temps happen there often.