As summer gives way to fall, what better way to spend these last few weeks of perfect weather than outside? What if we told you that you don’t even have to go inside to tune into games like Thursday Night Football anymore?
Trust us, you’re going to want to invest in an outdoor TV to take your space to the next level. So, what’s the 411 on outdoor TVs?
We spoke to John Couling, the SVP of Entertainment at Dolby, about all things outdoor TV, including what to look for when shopping for one.
Per Couling, “Regular TVs are intended to be used in controlled environments, like your home, whereas outdoor TVs are designed to handle the elements better than a regular TV.”
Indoor TVs are not made to withstand the elements, including sun, water, humidity, and dust, while outdoor TVs are specifically designed to not wear out after repeated exposure.
“Many people also don’t realize that bringing an indoor TV outside, even for a little bit, can potentially void your warranty,” Couling adds.
“Outdoor TVs are categorized into different rating tiers for how much sunlight it can handle,” Couling says.
Direct sunlight, partial sunlight, and full shade are three different options when it comes to shopping for an outdoor TV. Where you’ll end up placing the TV in your backyard will likely be the deciding factor in which TV to purchase.
Then, consider size and features. According to Couling, “a bigger TV doesn’t necessarily mean better picture.” He also says that from his perspective, features like HDR or Dolby Vision, which give the picture a much more vibrant and lifelike quality, are worth prioritizing.
“Seeing these logos as you are doing your research also serve as an indication that the manufacturer is choosing to invest in better picture quality, which is a sign that the TV you are choosing will offer a phenomenal picture,” he says.
For this question, Couling offers simple advice: “Always read your owner’s manual – which many of us are guilty of not doing. It’s a source of knowledge for all the information you will need to know on how to protect your TV. “
From there, you can also be cognizant of the sun and water exposure and invest in a TV cover to keep the TV safe when not in use.
However, if you prefer, you can also bring your outdoor TV indoors when not in use.
“If you live in an area with dramatic weather, consider storing the TV during these periods,” Couling says. “Alternatively, if you find yourself using the TV seasonally, consider storing it when not in use.”
Designed to be used in full shade, SunBrite’s Veranda TV uses QLED screen technology and local dimming zones for brighter brights and darker darks. It also has 4K UHD, Dolby Vision HDR, and support for Dolby Atmos cinematic audio. Android TV is built in for easy streaming, and the TV features an IP55-rated aluminum exterior that protects against rain and snow.
This “Handpicked by Amazon” outdoor smart TV comes equipped with all your favorite apps and streaming services, plus built-in voice assistants Alexa, Bixby, and Google Assistant. It’s built for partial sun, has an anti-glare screen with a wide viewing angle, and the IP55 rating means it’s protected against dust and water.
This Samsung The Terrace TV is essentially the same as the one above, with a QLED screen, voice assistants, and an anti-glare wide viewing angle. However, this one is also built with full-sun protection instead of the other model’s partial sun rating.
A major highlight of this outdoor TV, in addition to the great price, is the built-in Roku interface. If you’re used to using a Roku for all of your streaming needs, it’ll be easier than ever to get up and running once you’ve mounted the TV. It’s rated for partial sun, and is built to handle is built to handle rainstorms, snow, sprinklers, splashes from pools, high humidity, condensation, insects, and dust.
This TV from Peerless-AV is all weather rated for partial sun and can operate in a temperature range of -22°F to 122°F. HDR panels on screen provide a more accurate and lifelike picture from any viewing angle. You’ll also get an Outdoor Tilting TV Wall Mount included to make installing your new TV easy and keep it secure.
If you have a covered patio or a screened-in porch, this TV is a great choice for your backyard. It’s still IP54 rated for weather, but built to be hung in full shade. The screen has 400-nit brightness, which is up to 70% brighter than indoor TVs and thanks to an anti-glare display, is easily visible at any time of day.