When it comes to TVs and Audio, most people don’t realize the options available for their outdoor living spaces. Outdoor Audio and Video is just as important as indoor A/V. Afterall, Poolside speakers are what set the vibe for summer parties, and a TV in an outdoor kitchen ensures you don’t miss out on the big game while BBQ’ing.
Outdoor TVs
Outdoor TVs might come with a higher price tag, but they are worth the investment. They are designed specifically for an outdoor environment and provide a better viewing experience.
We often get the question: “Can’t I just get a cheap indoor-rated TV and put it outside?” You could – if you don’t mind voiding your warranty. An indoor-rated TV is not designed for exposure to direct sunlight, high temperatures, humidity or high glare environments.
A good outdoor TV will have a high IP (weatherproof) rating, protection against humidity, ability to operate at temps over 100° F, and have a minimum brightness level of 500 nits if viewing in the shade, and 1,000 nits minimum if viewing in direct sun. Not all outdoor TVs can withstand direct sunlight, however, so pay close attention when picking out a model to ensure you are getting a TV rated for where it will be placed.
The IP rating is based on a 2-number scale, where a higher number indicates better protection. The first digit indicates the level of protection against dust. You want a rating of at least 5, which indicates dust will not harm the equipment. The highest rating of 6 means it is fully protected against dust. The second digit indicates the level of water protection. While the highest rating of 9 is not necessary since your TV won’t be submerged under water, you do want at least a 4, which will protect against drips, sprays and splashes. Even better would be a 5 or 6, which would provide protection against actual downpours.
There are a couple manufacturers that make outdoor TVs, Samsung and Furrion being our favorites.
Our top pick is the Samsung Terrace. The Terrace has 2 options: a partial-sun and a full sun model. Both have very similar specs, although there is a difference in some of the sizes available. The main difference is the full sun model being able to withstand up to 6hrs of direct sunlight at 104° F.
| Partial Sun | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| IP56 Rated | IP56 Rated |
| 120 Hz refresh rate | 120 Hz refresh rate |
| 60 watt 4 Channel audio | 60 watt 4 Channel Audio |
| Operable -22° F to 122° F | Operable -22° F to 122° F |
| 55”, 65”, 75” sizes available | 65”, 75”, 85” sizes available |
| Shaded/partially shaded spaces | Direct sun for 6hrs at 104° F |
| 2,000 nits | 1,500 nits |
Furrion also makes outdoor TVs. Their TVs are equipped with a scratch and impact resistant screen protector as well as a wifi signal enhancer. The Aurora series has a partial sun, full sun and full shade option.
| Partial Sun | Full Sun | Full Shade |
|---|---|---|
| IP54 Rated | IP66 Rated | IP54 Rated |
| 60 Hz refresh rate | 60 Hz refresh rate | 60 Hz refresh rate |
| 16 watt 2 channel audio | 16 watt 2 channel audio | 16 watt 2 channel audio |
| Operable -24°F to 122°F | Operable -24°F to 140°F | Operable -24°F to 122°F |
| 43”, 55”, 65”, 75” sizes available | 55”, 65”, 75” sizes available | 43”, 50”, 55”, 65” sizes available |
| Partial sun/pergolas | Direct sunlight | Fully shaded/covered patio |
| 750 nits | 2,500 nits | 400 nits |
| IK08 rated screen protector on premier, IK09 rated on partial sun 2 | IK09 rated screen protector | IK08 rated screen protector |
Whichever TV you decide to go with, make sure you have access to power wherever the TV will be mounted. Oftentimes getting an electrician involved will be necessary, so make sure to get that lined up before getting Bond’s out to mount the TV. If you are relying mainly on streaming, ensuring your wifi has the bandwidth to support a signal outside is a crucial step; you may need an outdoor access point, which Bond’s can install for you.
Outdoor Audio
Now that you have selected a TV, it is time to move on to audio. While a TV is pretty hard to conceal, audio can be placed subtly within your landscape – whether it be mounting to trees, underneath the eves, or utilizing a speaker that is designed to look like a rock.
If you’re looking for a more traditional option, both the Samsung Terrace and Furrion Aurora series TVs have outdoor rated soundbars that can be paired with the TVs. A soundbar is a great option for a seating area or patio, but if you want true surround sound, getting some landscape speakers - either in ground or mounted on the wall or in the ceiling – will create an ideal audio experience. Definitive Technology, Episode and Origin Acoustics are all great brands for outdoor surround sound equipment.
For a more subtle option, going with a rock speaker will not only improve audio but boost your landscape aesthetic. If you’re looking for more of an all-in-one option, Episode makes a speaker with a removable lighting module that can be hung as a pendant, mounted on the wall or secured on the ground.
The one drawback to landscape speakers is the added complexity of running speaker wire to each speaker. This can add to the expense and should be done carefully so that the wire is not exposed or causing interference. This is where the Sonos Move wireless smart speaker excels – it is the best option for quality, portable audio. Most bluetooth/wireless speakers lack audio quality, but the Move is equipped with precision-tuned amps, tweeters and woofer. Don’t believe us? Stop by our showroom for a demo.
Take a look at some of our favorite outdoor speaker models:
Definitive Technology All Weather Series
|
Episode Surround
Scape Satellite Speakers |
Episode Radiance Speakers
|
Origin Acoustics Director EX In Ceiling Speakers
|
Origin Acoustics Seasons Landscape Rock Speaker
|
Sonos Move Portable Speaker
|
| IP66 rated | IP67 rated | IP66 rated | IP65 rated | IPx7 (submersion protection) | IP56 Rated |
| Operable in snow and extreme heat | Operable -20° to 185°F | Operable -4°F to 140°F | Operable -4°F to 350°F | Operable -22°F to 158°F | Operable 32°F to 104°F |
| Can be spray painted to match house exterior | Mount options for underneath eave, in tree or in ground | Combines lighting & audio, has detachable light module | Great for humid locations such as bathrooms, saunas or boats | Utilizes polypropylene woofers and aluminum tweeters for durability | Bluetooth & streaming capable w/ 24 hr battery life |
As a Custom Integrator, we can create a system tailored for your outdoor Audio/Video needs. Just give us a call and we’ll schedule you for a FREE consultation with our Project Manager. He’ll make an assessment, discuss options and write up a detailed proposal outlining a system that’s just right for you.