By Earl Naegele, Managing Director of Commercial Sales, Peerless-AV
When developing an outdoor entertainment oasis, homeowners must place outdoor AV at the top of their list, not as a second thought. Décor and entertainment pieces such as pools and spas are equally important, but when implementing technology, there are key considerations to be addressed.
Placement of AV
First, homeowners should be aware that placing a TV in direct sunlight may result in an isotropic state where the screen goes black. Check the manufacturers’ warnings and ensure you choose a TV that can be placed where it works best for you. If you aren’t using a TV with direct sunlight readability, tilizing mounts that allow for movement of the display can help avoid this scenario. AV should also not be placed near fire pits, grills, and other heat sources, and if it’s not waterproof, it must be a safe distance away from pools, hot tubs, spas, and other water sources.
Power
Waterproof seals and clean cabling are a must to ensure signals are unaffected by weather conditions such as water, ice, and dust. Wireless devices can provide flexibility without wires by allowing for signal transmission from the home to the TV. An important point to remember is that the power source should be located close by to avoid any signal failure.
Selecting Outdoor AV
When determining the best outdoor AV to purchase, homeowners should look to the following features.
Aluminum or Steel Body Construction
Materials used to build your TV or speaker must be of the highest quality, as it will need to operate in a wide range of temperature extremes. When putting a device near a heat source, aluminum will hold up much better than plastic, which is typically used in consumer TVs.
Weather Tolerance
A device with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of 55 or above will be sealed and protected from dust and water spray from any angle. When looking for an outdoor TV or speaker for your home, do not settle for less than IP55. For commercial purposes, I recommend finding an outdoor display that has an IP68 rating. A device with a rating of IP68 is a completely sealed unit that has been tested to stand up to the effects of moisture in the environment, be it humidity or torrential downpours.
NEMA, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, sets industry standards for electrical equipment that will be exposed to the elements. Before buying an outdoor TV, find the NEMA rating and look for a NEMA 6 rating, at minimum. NEMA 6 is widely accepted as the industry standard for outdoor TVs, and offers protection against dirt, ice formation, and temporary submersion in water.
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant
Waterproof and water-resistant mean two very different things, and it’s important to understand the difference. A device that is waterproof means that it’s impervious to water and can even operate while submerged, whereas a device that is water-resistant is able to resist water intrusion to some degree – but cannot be submerged. There are a lot of acronyms and marketing terms being used to describe water ingress protection, so be aware of what they mean and ask questions if you are unsure. Keep in mind that a waterproof device can be power washed, which you will undoubtedly be doing at least a few times a year.
Low Maintenance
When considering buying a TV for your backyard, check reviews and manuals to ensure that a particular unit will not require much maintenance down the road. Units that are completely sealed and ventless don’t require external vents, filters, or exhaust fans, which can get costly as the need to replace them persists. Small details such as rounded corners on the TV frame will allow water and dust to roll off the unit. You don’t want your TV going down right before a huge party. Keeping maintenance to a minimum allows you and your family to enjoy more time outside without the stress.
Peerless-AV’s Solution
Peerless-AV offers numerous solutions to create the ultimate outdoor entertainment space, including its UltraView™ UHD Outdoor TV.
Weather-resistant and maintenance-free, Peerless-AV’s UltraView™ UHD Outdoor TV makes it easy and affordable for homeowners to add digital entertainment to their outdoor living spaces. Available in 49″, 55″, or 65″, the TV is equipped with an LED backlight to provide 4K resolution for bright and crisp visuals. The UltraView™ UHD Outdoor TV also comes with a waterproof and dustproof universal remote that can be programmed to control up to three additional devices.
The UltraView™ UHD Outdoor TV is functional for all seasons, built with weather-resistant internal speakers, and the ability to operate at a range of -22°F to 122°F, offering users confidence in the TV’s quality and performance. There is no need to change filters or service the TV, creating a maintenance-free entertainment solution for year-round use.
To learn more about Peerless-AV’s UltraView™ UHD Outdoor TV and other outdoor AV solutions, please visit https://www.peerless-av.com.
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