Guide to Outdoor Technology

Until fairly recently, the only TVs anybody ever saw outdoors were near the curb, waiting for trash collection. There is a reason for that: Technology and the outdoor elements don't easily mix.

It's getting easier, though, thanks to countless manufacturers responding to consumer demand. Whatever it is, people increasingly want to stay home and be entertained while they're at it.

Sub-segments of product categories have sprouted to help installers safely equip clients with high-performance outdoor systems. In our Guide to Outdoor Technology, we focus on control, pool controls, cabling, video, audio, and irrigation controls all for the outdoors. For each category, installers with outdoor installation experience share obstacles and solutions while suggesting some handy products.

We realize that there is a geographic connotation to outdoor technology. Our editors based in Massachusetts, Michigan and Minnesota don't spend a lot of time listening to holiday music on the patio. We're hearing from Northern CE pros, though, that there is mounting demand for outdoor technology. These companies, perhaps, have more to gain creating a niche in their markets.

Overall, only 46 percent of CE pros say they're "unlikely" or "somewhat unlikely" to do outdoors installations in 2010, according to our reader survey. The other 54 percent are "likely" or "very likely." Meanwhile, 79 percent of those surveyed say they're likely to purchase or install outdoor audio/video during 2010.

The demand for outdoor technology is good news for the industry - finding another place to install products is always good. So we suggest you budget for some extra sunscreen this spring.

Article Topics

News · Outdoor Av · All topics

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