As the managing director of commercial sales at Peerless-AV, I jump at every opportunity to bring the best AV solutions to key customers. With summer fully upon us and with the world opening back up again, there are an abundance of opportunities to gather and enjoy outdoor entertainment with family and friends. Furthermore, the influx of outdoor AV solutions and new products bring so many ways for homeowners to create unique backyard setups that everyone can enjoy. Read on for best practices to keep in mind as you set up the outdoor entertainment oasis of your dreams!
Durability & Weather Tolerance
For homeowners who enjoy entertaining, outdoor living spaces have become just as important as those inside the home. When it comes to upgrading an outdoor oasis with an outdoor-rated TV, it is important to keep durability at top of mind. Your outdoor AV needs to withstand extremes that weather can pose, especially as temperatures warm up. Look for outdoor-rated TVs with a water-resistant design, wide operating temperature range, sealed cable entry points, IPS technology for wide-angle viewing, HDR technology for better contrast ratio in high ambient lighted conditions, and more to withstand rain, heat, snow, dust, etc.
Furthermore, ease of use is key when you’re on the market for outdoor AV. Being outdoors and further away from Wi-Fi signals means that you may consider looking for an AV solution with an input compartment location that allows Wi-FI connectivity for smart TV compatibility and easy storage – minimizing the need for multiple wires, cables, and more.
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Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant
This is something I try to teach everyone — waterproof and water-resistant mean two very different things, and it’s important to understand the difference. A device that is waterproof means that it’s impervious to water and can even operate while submerged, whereas a device that is water-resistant is able to resist water intrusion to some degree but cannot be submerged. There are a lot of acronyms and marketing terms being used to describe water-ingress protection, so be aware of what they mean and ask questions if you are unsure. Don’t forget to make sure that the included remote is also water-resistant!
Placement
Placement is everything. No matter how durable, waterproof, or weather-resistant a TV may be, the TV’s screen may not be engineered for direct sunlight. This is an important feature that should be confirmed prior to purchase and installation — If an outdoor TV is not designed for such conditions, it may result in temporary black spots on the screen (referred to as isotropic blackout) and potential of permanent damage to the LCD panel. To avoid this, we suggest using a mount to ensure proper viewing angles.
Additionally, location is just as important as placement. Outdoor TVs rated for shade areas should be placed under an overhang, eave, pergola, gazebo, etc. AV solutions should also never be placed near fire pits, grills, and other heat sources as they are a hazard, and should be a safe distance from pools, hot tubs, spas, and other water sources. Once you have a safe, shady location established, consider your optimal viewing angles.
Mounting and Installation
In outdoor environments, you have to consider all weather elements within a year of installation. I’ve seen far too many high-quality TVs poorly placed or paired with low quality mounts. This affects the TV’s quality, and puts it at a higher risk of falling, dropping, injuring someone, or breaking. If you’re planning on creating a low-maintenance environment, it may be worth it to invest in a ceiling or articulating wall mount. To minimize glare and create the best angle for viewing, ensure that it is specifically made for outdoor use, with corrosion-resistance materials. It’s vital that your mount and TV are secure enough to endure the elements to prevent safety hazards and potential re-installation.
Low Maintenance
While most of Peerless-AV’s technologies offer maintenance-free construction and installation, be sure to check reviews and manuals to make sure that the unit will not require major maintenance down the road. Units that are completely sealed and ventless don’t require external vents, filters, or exhaust fans, which can get costly as the need to replace them persists. Keeping maintenance to a minimum allows you and your family to enjoy more time outside without the stress!
Now that you’re fully aware of what to keep in mind as you set up the perfect outdoor living space, I couldn’t go without mentioning the Neptune Shade Series Outdoor TVs by Peerless-AV. Designed as an all-season solution for outdoor entertainment and living, The Neptune Shade Series Outdoor TVs are designed to withstand harsh weather elements, such as rain and snow, as well as operate in extreme temperatures ranging from –22 degrees F to 122 degrees F (–30 degrees C to 50 degrees C). Not only this, but the TVs are IP54 Rated, meaning they are engineered to be used in wet environments, and can withstand rain and splashing water. For optimal viewing, they offer complete 4K, UHD resolution and an IPS panel for the best color performance and consistency and 178 degrees of viewing angles, so you can enjoy the stunning picture from anywhere in your backyard.
Choose between 55-, 65-, or 75-inch TV sizes – visit neptuneTV.com to learn more.
