There's nothing better than finishing a day's work and sitting down on the couch to watch your favorite team play, the next episode of your latest Netflix show, or an epic movie. But what if you're also on the lookout for a barbecue? Or do you just want some fresh air? An outdoor TV can solve all of these problems, and we certainly wouldn't blame it. An outdoor TV is also a great way to keep guests entertained, and in a world of quarantine and isolation, it may be the only way to safely watch TV with a friend or two without getting too close and together. Whatever your reason for considering an outdoor TV, there are a few things to know before you pull the trigger.
Should I buy an outdoor TV?
There are many reasons to consider purchasing an outdoor television. Maybe you're setting up an outdoor entertainment area and need something to match it. Or maybe you want to make sure you don't miss the game while cooking on a barbecue. Either way, it's important to set expectations and make sure you get what you pay for. Indoor TVs are getting better and better thanks to technologies like OLED, HDR and high resolutions like 4K. Thankfully, there's no shortage of outdoor TVs on this, but the latest technology is a little slower to show up on these outdoor TVs than it is on indoor TVs. Those with this technology are usually more expensive than indoor ones. That said, if you don't mind spending a little extra money to get the right product, and you think an outdoor TV would complement your outdoor setup, then it might be worth buying one.
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(Image credit: SunBrite)
Is it safe to place a television outside?
There are two main issues to consider when buying a TV for outdoor use: weather and security. Let's start with the weather. There are several ways to ensure that your television does not get damaged in bad weather. The first way to do this is by purchasing a television that has been designed and built to be used outdoors. These TVs usually have some form of weather protection and a screen bright enough to provide a good picture even in direct sunlight, but they are often bulkier and more expensive than their indoor counterparts. The other option is to buy a regular TV, but store it in a weather-resistant case that closes when you're not using the TV. In this situation, you will need to make sure that you do not use the TV when it is raining or snowing, and this is probably not the best option for areas where it is very cold or very hot. The upside to this, though, is that you can spend less on a TV, and in some situations, it can be better too. Ultimately, if you can afford it, we recommend buying a TV designed for outdoor use. This ensures that even if the weather gets a little crazy, your TV should stay perfectly fine, and you don't have to worry about sealing your TV perfectly when not in use. This is true even under a covered patio. In addition to rain, there are other risks, such as insects, temperature variations, etc. The other main issue is security. It's a good idea to make sure the area where you keep your outdoor TV is as hidden from passersby as possible. And it's also a good idea to have a security camera installed outside in case something happens. Of course, you also want to make sure your TV is properly bolted to the wall, rather than just having it on a stand like you would indoors.
How much does an outdoor TV cost?
If you want to put a TV outside, you will have to pay a little. If you buy a purpose-built TV, you're looking at around $1,000 on the low end and around $3,000 on a mid-range option. If you want to save money, buying a standard TV and outdoor TV stand may be the way to go, since you can buy a regular TV for a relatively small amount and a stand for not much more. In general, you should be able to put together a solution for much less than the cost of a dedicated outdoor TV.