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A Complete Guide to Outdoor TV Installation

Updated: Mar 30

Backyard movie nights under the stars? Sounds amazing, right? An outdoor TV installation can make it a reality! This complete guide will be your essential guidebook for TV mounting outside.

We will explain everything you need to know about hiring a professional to hang a TV outside. We will also provide location tips, mounting secrets, and tips for maintaining your new entertainment system in good condition. Get ready to elevate your outdoor entertainment experience. Explore our blog now!

Outdoor TV vs Indoor TV

Can you use a regular tv outside?

Nope, it’s not a good idea to use indoor TV outdoors. Manufacturers make indoor and outdoor TVs differently to fit their specific usage, and we will explain those differences below.

Can you use a regular tv outside?
Use indoor TV outdoors

Indoor TV

An indoor TV works best indoors, as its name suggests. Using an indoor TV outside, even if it’s high-quality or in a sheltered spot, can damage it. It’s best to use outdoor TVs for open-air spaces to avoid this risk. That’s because it’s not made with special features to handle outdoor settings.

Indoor TVs usually have lower resolution and contrast, making it difficult to see them outside, especially in bright sunlight. Even if you try to put a TV outside by compensating by boosting the brightness, you’ll risk overheating the TV and making it break down faster.

Outdoor TV

Outdoor TV manufacturers design their products to withstand open-air conditions like weather and to be more durable than indoor TVs. Some TVs also include extra features like a rain cover or built-in heating system to combat cold temperatures.

Those TVs should have good resolution, strong contrast, bright colors, and wide viewing angles. This helps to prevent glare and allows people to watch from different angles in sunny outside settings. Some outdoor television models also feature anti-glare coatings with high brightness levels to ensure clear visibility.

Those two types of TV have unique features. Outdoor TV setup is usually pricier because of their special design. This price represents the extra money required to guarantee longevity and dependable operation in outdoor settings.

How To Install Outdoor TV?

Pick An Appropriate Outdoor TV

Weatherproof Design

When mounting an outdoor TV, go for one with an anti-glare or matte screen coating. This helps reduce reflections and ensures clear viewing, even in bright sunlight. Matte screens work by scattering light, reducing glare and improving picture clarity in open settings.

When searching for the right TV, focus on models with coatings designed to cut glare without compromising the quality of the displayed images.

SDR/HDR Peak Brightness

Outdoor TVs need higher brightness for clear viewing, especially in sunlight. While indoor TVs are around 400 units bright, outdoor TVs need to surpass 700 units for optimal visibility on sunny days.

Opt for a TV with HDR support to enjoy richer colors and enhanced realism. HDR technology extends the range of brightness and colors, resulting in vivid, detailed images that make your entertainment more immersive and enjoyable.

How To Install Outdoor TV?
Outdoor TV with anti-glare

Connectivity and Compatibility

When installing those TVs, remember to think about audio connections because most new models do not have built-in speakers. Outdoor spaces have less sound diffusion than indoors. Consider adding outdoor speakers with a wide frequency range for better sound quality.

This helps the TV produce all audio frequencies for clear dialogue, loud bass, and immersive sound effects, making outdoor viewing better. Look for outdoor TVs that come with weatherproof speakers to ensure durability in outdoor environments.

Best Outdoor TV Choice: Samsung The Terrace

Based on these criteria, Heyo Smart recommends the best outdoor TV for visual performance: Samsung The Terrace Partial Sun QLED 4K. The Terrace features a sturdy frame and all power cords and cables are waterproof and dust-resistant with IP5 standard.

The cooling system can handle temperatures from 122°F to 22°F, making it durable under different weather. With a brightness capability of 2,000 hits, The Terrace outshines other outdoor TVs and most indoor TVs. Among all TV options, Samsung The Terrace is the best-in-class choice available.

Choose The Right Mounting Location

Sunlight Exposure

Currently, there are three types of outdoor TVs available: full-shade, partial-shade, and full-sun models. Full-shade TVs are best for porches with screens. Partial-shade TVs are ideal for areas with some shade, such as covered patios or under pergolas.

Both partial and full shade can accommodate full-sun models, and full shade can also accommodate partial-shade TVs. But, shaded areas like covered decks or enclosed patios are the ideal locations for using full-shade TVs.

We recommend reducing light exposure to extend your TV’s life, even if it’s the top model for sunny areas. Excessive exposure can still cause overheating and damage to your device.

tvs in patio
Covered decks or enclosed patios are good for full-shade TVs

Mounting Height & Ventilation

Considering viewing angles is important. Some areas are sensitive for mounting the TV, like above a fireplace or near a grill, as they can cause potential heat damage. Heyo Smart advice maintaining a distance of 6 inches if you plan to mount it above a fireplace or any heat source.

Also, ensuring proper ventilation around the TV is crucial to prevent overheating and maintain optimal performance. Choose a mounting location with enough space behind the TV for airflow. If installing the TV in an enclosed cabinet or outdoor enclosure, add ventilation holes or fans to improve airflow and dissipate heat.

Distance From Power Source

As you decide on the best spot for your outdoor TV installation, consider the distance to the nearest power source. It’s essential for ease of connection and safety. Avoid the hassle of long extension cords, which can create hazards and clutter.

Opt to position the TV close to the power outlet, and if required, install outdoor-rated electrical outlets for added convenience. To maintain a tidy and secure setup, use weatherproof extension cords and put in place effective cable management solutions.

Define Your Accessories

As mentioned, most TV models don’t come with internal accessories. So, for a complete entertainment experience, you’ll need to consider other outdoor speakers. Some speakers are not good outside, so outdoor speakers are best for their weather resistance and sound quality.

You have different options for outdoor speakers, including landscape, hidden architectural, and traditional speakers, which can be wired or wireless. Thus, thorough research is necessary to build your ideal outdoor entertainment center according to your preferences.

outdoor speakers
Choose your favorite outdoor speakers

Outdoor TV Installation

For setting up a TV outside, you have two options: manual installation or hiring a professional service. Manual outdoor TV installation may seem appealing as it can save costs and give you control over your system.

But, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks. Manual installation takes time and effort, as you need to check different aspects before finishing the setup.

There are risks associated with wiring, especially if you lack experience in setting up an outdoor entertainment center. Improper wiring can lead to safety hazards and affect the performance of your TV.

Or, opting for a professional service like Heyo Smart home automation installation can offer many benefits. With our cord-free outdoor TV installation services, you can leave the task to our experienced technicians. We’ll handle every aspect of the installation process, from mounting the TV to ensuring proper wiring and connectivity.

If you give us the job, we will install your outdoor TV well. We aim to provide a great entertainment experience with no problems, so you can enjoy it with no concerns.

Maintenance & Warranty

To ensure your outdoor TV stays in top shape for the long haul, consistent maintenance is key. Begin by cleaning it with mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris from the screen and outside.

Buying a good TV cover will protect your TV from bad weather like rain, snow, and UV rays. It’s also important to conduct routine inspections to check for any signs of damage or wear and tear.

Make sure everything is connected and fix any problems to avoid more damage. Keeping the software updated with the latest firmware releases will help to optimize performance and ensure your outdoor TV operates.

You can do maintenance tasks on your own. Yet, we recommend hiring a professional outdoor TV installation service. They offer good warranty terms. This can give you more peace of mind. Professionals will take care of your TV to keep it in good condition for many years.

How To Protect A TV Outside?

Outdoor TVs, while durable, must be precautions, especially in wet weather. Ensure proper electrical connections by using a GFCI outlet and do not rely on extension cords or power strips. You can invest in a weatherproof TV cover to shield the device from rain, snow, dust, and UV rays, thus extending its lifespan.

Mount the TV to avoid moisture exposure during rainfall and keep it away from water sources like pools or hot tubs. To prevent potential robbers, consider installing a TV safety kit with steel wiring for wall installation.

Enhance security further with motion-sensor lights or security cameras in the open-air area. These measures fortify your outdoor TV against environmental hazards and unauthorized access, ensuring its longevity and uninterrupted enjoyment.

How To Protect A TV Outside?
Weatherproof TV covers

Conclusion

In summary, your outdoor TV installation can be a gateway to endless entertainment, but it needs proper care and setup. Follow our guide for a hassle-free experience. From picking the right spot to considering professional help, each step counts. So, gear up, safeguard your investment, and get ready for epic movie nights under the stars.

 

Heyo Smart is not simply reinventing smart living, but also leading the way in this area. Our goal is to redefine modern life as the leading supplier of home automation installation services in North America. Our goal? To transform your everyday existence with all-inclusive automation solutions that put comfort, safety, and energy efficiency first. 

Heyo Smart is your partner in streamlining and maximizing every facet of life at home. We are a company rooted in cooperation, diversity, and a dedication to ongoing progress. Come along with us as we travel toward a connected, smarter future.

Heyo Smart



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