With summer upon us – at least in the northern hemisphere – and the weather getting warmer, you might be wondering if it’s okay to use a regular indoor 4K TV to watch outside. . Non, it is not OK. Let me explain why.
Brightness Matters
First, let’s say you were to take a regular TV outside, connect it to power using an extension cord, hook it up to Wi-Fi, and start streaming Netflix. There’s the fundamental problem of sunlight – sunlight is a powerful light source that a TV can compete with, even the latest models capable of delivering high screen brightness.
Another related problem is glare. Most televisions have a reflective screen coating which reflects light to some degree and can interfere with picture clarity. Screen glare is a problem even indoors when care isn’t taken to dim ceiling lights and cover windows; outdoors, they can make a TV picture nearly impossible to watch.
The weather is the enemy
And these are just the basic issues. Condensation due to temperature changes, as well as humidity of any kind, can kill electronic components like televisions. The same goes for extremely hot and cold temperatures. TV makers typically include an operating temperature range in their spec sheets — somewhere in the -4 to 140 degree Fahrenheit (-4 to 60 degree Celsius) zone — primarily for storage purposes. And this spec makes it clear to you that problems will arise in areas where the weather may dip below zero if the set is outdoors. Damaged electronics pose a fire hazard, so beyond just ruining your TV, there’s the possibility of damage spreading to your yard and home.
Now let’s talk about insects. Any car owner knows that insects can burrow in the most surprising places: I once had to have my car’s air conditioning repaired because a spider had nested itself in a pipe used by the system. Think where this spider would land in a TV set up outside! Dust and pollen are also an issue, and if you live near the ocean, the salty air will no doubt be unpleasant for both the case and the screen as a whole.
In case you’re wondering, none of the damages associated with installing an indoor TV outdoors that I’ve described above will be covered by your unit’s warranty.
Outdoor TVs: the right equipment
Now that we’ve covered the reasons why you shouldn’t put your TV outside, let’s discuss the sets you can use to watch outside. Companies like Samsung, SunBrite, Furrion, and others make special models specifically designed for year-round outdoor installation. These use powder-coated and moisture-proof cabinets as well as anti-glare screens. And as you’ve probably guessed by now, they cost more than regular indoor TVs – twice as much in some cases.
Since they’re designed to be used for viewing in daylight, outdoor TVs are usually very bright, delivering up to 2,000 nits in some cases. Many also support high dynamic range, and some like Samsung’s The Terrace models are QLED arrays with quantum dots for improved color reproduction. Outdoor TVs are divided into two categories, Full Shade and Partial Sun, with Partial Sun models being more expensive due to their higher brightness capability.
Of course, outdoor TVs are designed to work in extreme conditions, so you can leave them outside without worry in freezing weather or high heat – the latter element that those who live in the Southwest of the United States know good. And since an outdoor TV’s warranty fully covers outdoor use, you don’t have to worry about the ravages of time.
A cheap alternative: outdoor floodlights
Looking for a cheaper, less permanent outdoor viewing option? A portable outdoor projector is ideal for a neighborhood movie night where it can beam images onto a garage wall or be paired with a portable screen. These models are generally inexpensive and many have a rechargeable battery, so you don’t have to worry about running power cords. And while 4K portable projectors are available, the picture quality downside of any portable model is that the brightness will be drastically lower when the battery is depleted, so you’ll have to pick up that movie. night literally concept.
Recommended Outdoor TVs
- Samsung 75-inch The Terrace outdoor QLED 4K smart TV – partial sun
- SunBrite 65″ Veranda 3 Series Outdoor Smart TV – Full Shade
- Furrion 55″ Aurora 4K LED Outdoor TV – Partial Sun
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