As homeowners increasingly desire TVs for their outdoor spaces and price points continue to drop, the outdoor TV market will continue to grow. This upward trend coupled with increasingly affordable technology has contributed to a recent explosion of outdoor TV sales and installations.

There are plenty of outdoor TVs on the market, but they are most often repackaged commercial units that don’t really look good in a typical backyard. As we all know, all outdoor TVs need to be able to withstand the extremes of whatever climate they happen to end up in – whether it’s the heat of a Texas summer or the chilling cold of a Canadian winter.

The unique environment in which an outdoor TV might find itself in has created a challenge for designers and engineers. Designing a durable, weatherproof TV that also looks good is not as easy as one might think.

As AV experts, we believe that incorporating these 3 key design elements will contribute to a beautiful and dependable outdoor TV:

Shatter Proof Display

A typical consumer [indoor] TV will have a thin layer of plastic or bare glass over the display. Using shatter-resistant glass rather than plastic on an outdoor TV will ensure that both viewers and property are protected from potential accidents and broken glass.

Durable Case Material

The back case of most consumer TVs are typically made of plastic, which is not suitable for outdoor use. Commercial TVs typically use a cast-aluminum case since it offers more protection, although it sacrifices form for function. To achieve beautiful form and dependable function, composite materials with weatherproof ratings will work best on an outdoor consumer TV.

Climate Control

Operating in extreme temperatures calls for a climate control system that will maintain a constant temperature inside the unit, no matter what the temperature of the surrounding environment is. Traditional commercial-grade outdoor TVs employ large, unsightly heat sink fans to regulate the internal temperature. Reworking the inner-circuitry of the TV, which allows the TV to be thermostatically controlled, will eliminate the need for these devices, preserving the sleek look of the TV. Thermostatic control also ensures that the TV will operate within a specified temperature range.

Achieving form and function while maintaining profitability in this growing market segment is the challenge that we as an industry face. After all, the ultimate goal is to deliver a sturdy, dependable product that customers will love.

What design elements do you think should be incorporated into the ideal outdoor TV? Let me know in the comments below!