Score Big with your Outdoor Space: Your Guide to Watching TV Outside

Outdoor living spaces are a great way to enjoy the fresh air with friends and family. With the convenience of technology, it’s now possible to bring your entertainment outside as well. If you love spending time outdoors and catching up on your favorite TV shows or sports events, then having an outdoor TV setup is an excellent way to do so. In this post, we will guide you through different options for setting up your outdoor TV.

By the way, I’m writing this post while watching Monday Night Football! 🏈 It is a chilly evening here in Colorado so check out my other posts on outdoor heating options to maximize your viewing comfort.

Key Considerations

When setting up a TV outdoors, there are a few things to consider before you finalize your decision on your technology purchase.

Brightness

Your screen must be bright enough to have clear visibility in bright sunlight. This is most easily overcome by placement of your TV. If you don’t have a covered patio, you can use an umbrella, shade sail, or awning to improve visibility.

Weather Conditions

In addition to its performance, it is crucial for a TV to be able to endure various weather conditions. While most weatherproof TVs are designed to resist dust, humidity, and heat, you can further protect your TV by using weatherproof covers or setting up a portable system that can be brought indoors when needed.

Sound

Sound is another crucial aspect; consider the competing outdoor noise like traffic. Ensure that the TV has a built-in or external sound system, like a sound bar, that can deliver clear audio even in noisy environments.

Power & Internet

Power is also essential; make sure you have a safe and reliable power source nearby. If you’re streaming content, a strong and stable internet connection is vital.

Outdoor TV / Video Viewing Options

There are a variety of options available for outdoor TV and video viewing. From portable projectors that can be set up in your backyard to weatherproof outdoor TVs designed to withstand the elements, you can create an immersive outdoor entertainment experience. Whether you’re hosting a backyard movie night, cheering for your favorite team, or simply relaxing outside, these options offer flexibility and convenience for your outdoor viewing needs.

Outdoor TVs

Outdoor TVs are designed to withstand the elements, thanks to their durable and weather-resistant casing. This ensures that they are protected from rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Outdoor TVs are typically designed to offer higher brightness level. In terms of pricing, outdoor TVs can range from $500 to $3000.

Pros: Weather-resistant, high brightness levels, and improved audio-visual quality.

Cons: Expensive, not easily portable, and limited options.

Standard TVs

These TVs are your typical indoor models without the additional weatherproofing features. Prices can vary significantly depending on the brand and size of TV.

Pros: Affordable and readily available, familiar setup and operation.

Cons: Not designed for prolonged outdoor use, susceptible to weather-related damage.

If you’re considering a standard TV it is recommended that you combine it with a weatherproof cover or use it for special occasions and ensure that it’s stored indoors when not in use.

Jenn In the Outside’s Tip! We purchased a very affordable standard TV and have enjoyed watching our favorite shows and sporting events from late spring to late fall for the past 2 years. Since we don’t have a covered patio, we keep our outside TV protected with a weatherproof cover at all times when not in use. The weatherproof cover has protected our TV from the extreme weather conditions in Colorado including high temps, rain, snow, and hail!

Projector & Screen

A projector and screen is perfect for anyone who values portability and flexibility and are perfect for larger gatherings or movie nights. Projectors can run you between $100 and $2000, while screens can cost between $50 and $500.

Pros: Larger viewing potential: ideal for group settings, flexibility in placement and adjustments.

Cons: Best viewed in darker settings for optimal clarity and may require additional audio solutions.

Complete Your Outdoor TV Setup!

To ensure a complete and seamless outdoor TV setup, there are several accessories you might need to purchase. Firstly, a durable weatherproof cover is crucial to protect your television from the elements when not in use. Depending on your chosen setup, you might also require specific cables, including HDMI, optical, or coaxial, to ensure a perfect connection. A robust TV mount is essential if you’re opting for a permanent installation, with anti-rust and weather-resistant properties being top considerations. Consider investing in a high-quality surge protector to safeguard your equipment from electrical fluctuations. Finally, remember to purchase necessary audio equipment like external speakers or soundbars for an immersive viewing experience. Please note that the price for these accessories can vary greatly, but you should anticipate additional costs.

Jenn in the Outside’s Outdoor TV Buying Guide

For our outdoor TV setup, we opted for a more inexpensive standard TV with a cover. Weather permitting, we watch outdoors way more than indoors! Here is our shopping list:

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Get Your Game On!

Rooting for your favorite sports team, having a cozy family movie night under the stars, or streaming your favorite TV shows outside is an excellent way to fully embrace and enjoy your outdoor living space. With the convenience of modern technology, creating an outdoor TV setup has never been easier!

Have you had the chance to try any of these options? We’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below. Share your thoughts and let us know how you make the most of your outdoor entertainment!