As the weather begins to warm up each year, we see a growing number of customers looking into outdoor entertainment components. The television is often the centerpiece of any outdoor entertainment space, and customers have many questions about using TVs outside. In this article, we break down the most frequent questions we get from customers about outdoor TVs and provide clear answers to help you make well-informed product decisions.

Can a regular TV be used for outdoors?

Short term? Yes. Long term? No. Temporarily, an indoor TV will function outdoors. So if it’s a one-time situation in mild temperature and weather conditions and you want to have a TV outdoors for an afternoon, you could technically use any TV. But if you plan to watch television outdoors more frequently or you plan to keep the TV outside full time, you should not use a regular indoor TV. It is not designed to stand up to outdoor conditions and will fail much sooner.

Are outdoor TVs waterproof or just water resistant?

You’ll need to do some research. Some outdoor TVs are designed to be completely waterproof. They could withstand a direct downpour of rain and still function normally. Others are water resistant. They will stand up to wet weather better than your indoor TV, but are not made to withstand constant direct precipitation. Water resistant TVs will work fine under a covered porch, but if your TV will not be covered and protected from rain, you should go with a waterproof model. 

Are outdoor TVs more expensive than indoor TVs?

Typically, outdoor TV models will be more expensive than comparable indoor TVs. Why? It comes down to features. Outdoor TVs feature specialized design and weather-resistance that creates additional expense. But they will also last much longer than a regular indoor TV in an outdoor environment.  

Do I need a special mounting bracket for an outdoor TV?

Yes. Most TV mounts are made of metal. So it’s important to select a TV mount that is rated to stand up to weather, or you will deal with rust and corrosion that will deteriorate the materials and require you to replace the mount. If you’re investing in an outdoor TV, it’s also smart to invest in a mount made for outdoor use.  

Do you need to cover an outdoor TV?

We highly recommend a cover for your outdoor TV to protect your investment and ensure a long product lifetime. Outdoor TVs are in fact built to withstand extreme weather and temperatures, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune to the effects over time. Whether it’s your outdoor TV or a snowblower (also designed to work in extreme weather), protecting it from unnecessary exposure to weather extremes is a good idea. 

How big of an outdoor TV do I need for my space?

Great question! Obviously, there are a lot of variables at play including the space where you have to mount the TV. A smart way to calculate minimum outdoor TV size is to calculate in inches the distance between the TV and viewing area. Then divide that number by 1.5 to determine the minimum size you should be shopping for. So if you’re 83” away from the screen, look for a TV that’s 55” or larger.

Do I need an outdoor TV for a covered patio space?

A covered patio space is a great way to protect your TV from both precipitation and direct sunlight, and it will also help minimize glare. But we still recommend a TV built for outdoor use on a covered patio. Dew, fog, extreme hot and cold temperatures, dust, and insects can still pose a serious problem for the electronics, effecting both the performance and lifespan of your TV. The best way to protect it from all outdoor environmental factors is to make sure it’s built and rated for outdoor use.

How long will an outdoor TV last?

Just like an indoor TV, there’s no way to guarantee the lifespan of your outdoor TV. Weather and the elements are just one factor that affect long-term performance. However, if you’re using a TV rated for outdoor use and you take exceptional care of it, there’s no reason you could not expect it to last as long as a comparable indoor TV.

Can I leave an outdoor TV outside in the winter?

Yes, you can. But no, we don’t recommend it, especially in the St. Louis area where we can see some pretty extreme cold winter temperatures. Just because an outdoor TV is resistant to the elements doesn’t mean it’s unaffected by them. Over time, exposure to extreme moisture or temperatures will compound to cause problems for any television. Here’s a great rule of thumb to follow: If the weather outside is consistently nice enough to enjoy using your TV, you can keep it outside. When the weather becomes to extreme for you to want to use your outdoor TV, bring it in.

Where is the best place to put an outdoor TV?

The most ideal place for your outdoor TV is one in which it will function to its fullest potential. Outdoor TVs are designed and sold in two primary categories—full sun or full shade. Some manufacturers also design TVs for partial sun and partial shade. Having an expert assess your outdoor space and make a recommendation will determine which type of TV is best suited for your environment. 

What is the tolerable temperature range for an outdoor TV? 

Most TV manufacturers will tell you the optimal weather for an outdoor TV is between 40 degrees and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with a relative humidity below 81%. Can your outdoor TV withstand some exposure outside those recommendations? Typically it can. But it’s best to avoid prolonged exposure in extremely cold or hot temps.

Can you make an indoor TV suitable for the outdoors?

There are in fact companies that make enclosures for indoor TVs to make them more tolerant of outdoor weather. This will prolong the life of an indoor TV used outdoors, but it’s by no means the best solution. You’ll still be using components built for indoor conditions in an outdoor space. And by the time you get done paying for the enclosure, you probably could have purchased a TV built for outdoor use.

Do I need special speakers for an outdoor TV?

Many outdoor TVs don’t have an internal speaker. These models require that you connect the TV to some sort of audio speaker if you want to hear sound. Indoor speakers will work, but we would recommend moving them back inside after each use. We do sell outdoor-rated speakers designed to stand up to the harsher conditions.

Will I be able to see the screen of an outdoor TV in sunny weather?

If you’ve ever tried looking at your smartphone or another screened device outside on a sunny day, you probably wonder if any kind of TV will work in those types of conditions. Outdoor TVs typically have anti-glare protection built in to make the screen more visible at any time of the day. But we still recommend removing sunlight as a factor, by installing your outdoor TV in a covered space.

Have Additional Outdoor TV Questions?

Do you have a question that wasn’t adequately answered in this article? No problem! The Sound Room’s outdoor living experts can help. Call us at 636-537-0404, chat with us live on our website, or stop in during regular business hours to get your answers and learn more about our complete inventory of outdoor entertainment products sure to turn your patio, pool, or garden space into an outdoor oasis for your friends and family.