SnapAV says its new SunBrite Veranda outdoor TVs, introduced at CEDIA 2016, are game-changing because they cost only about twice as much as comparable indoor TVs. Game-changing? Dealers seem to think so.
“Customers aren’t willing to pay four times as much for an outdoor TV,” said one dealer at the show, “but they’re willing to pay twice as much.”
Because bright, weatherized outdoor TVs are so expensive, dealers tend to install cheap indoor TVs outside instead. Those TVs pose risks such as fire, their warranties are voided, they’re not bright enough, and you never know how much life you’ll get out of them.
“No matter what expectations you set with your customers,” says SnapAV president Adam Levy, “even if you tell them the TV might not last a few months, no one’s happy when the TV dies. It’s just not professional.”
SnapAV acquired SunBrite last year, expressly to develop a mid-market category for outdoor TVs, which doesn’t really exist.
President, SnapAV
The company determined through surveys of its massive dealer database that most outdoor TVs are installed in semi-protected areas and don’t necessarily require the brightness and overhead of a display made for fully exposed spaces. Dealers told SnapAV that they use indoor-rated TVs in about 70% of their outdoor installations.
Thus the Veranda series was born. The three products introduced at CEDIA start at $1,500 (suggested retail price) for a 43-inch fully weatherized model. The 55-inch retails for about $2,000 and a 65-incher costs about $3,500.
The products brave the elements just fine, but they’re built for shaded areas – like verandas – where bright sunlight isn’t such a problem and TVs can forego pricey anti-glare protections.
The 4K UHD Veranda TVs have built-in down-firing speakers.
New Signature Series Premium Outdoor TVs
In addition to the brand new Veranda series, SunBrite is showing a completely revamped Signature series of premium outdoor displays made for highly exposed areas.
The products are similar to the SunBrite's original line, but the new models are 4K UHD resolution and feature built-in HDBaseT connections for long-distance installations.
Even with the new features, the TVs are roughly the same price as the originals. The next-gen 43-inch Signature TV, for example has a suggested price of $2,800. The legacy 46-inch display sold for about $2,900.
Between the two new product lines, Levy stresses, “This is not a good-better-best scenario. It’s application specific. For covered spaces, spec the Veranda. For exposed areas, use the Signature.”
Press releases for both products below.
PRESS RELEASE
SunBriteTV’s New Veranda Series Brings Outdoor 4K Television to the Masses
SnapAV and SunBriteTV’s new outdoor televisions are among the world’s most affordable
Dallas, TX – September 15, 2016 – Underscoring SnapAV’s commitment to the growing outdoor A/V market, SunBriteTV today announced Veranda, a new family of weatherproof televisions that are safer and provide superior performance and durability than indoor televisions in outdoor installations. Available in three screen sizes (43”, 55” and 65”), the Veranda comes standard with a premium direct-lit 4K UHD screen, is brighter than typical indoor televisions and includes built-in down-firing speakers.
“We designed the Veranda series to give custom integrators a product with the durability and safety of a dedicated outdoor TV at an extremely affordable price point for their most common install locations, like covered patios and screened-in porches,” said Jonathan Johnson, General Manager, SunBriteTV. “Veranda models will be available in early October and at about half the price of similarly sized existing Signature Series models.”
Veranda was created with feedback from parent company SnapAV’s network of dealers, resulting in a weatherproof television that meets the needs of many home-install projects, but at a significantly lower price point. SnapAV acquired SunBriteTV in October 2015.
While approx. 30% brighter than an indoor television, Veranda is designed for full-shade applications, where, according to a dealer study, the majority of residential televisions are installed outdoors. Rust-proof powder-coated aluminum exteriors, large media bays and installer -friendly cable-entry systems retain the SunBriteTV weatherproof standard, fully resisting rain, moisture, dust, grease and insects.
Built for permanent outdoor installation in shaded locations, Veranda offers an operating temperature range of -24 to 104°F, and storage temperature range from -24 to 140°F
SnapAV acquired SunBriteTV in October 2015. Potential and existing customers are invited to see the Veranda at SnapAV’s CEDIA booth (#2110) September 15-17, 2016 in Dallas, or visit http://www.snapav.com/sunbritetv
PRESS RELEASE
The Best-Selling Signature Series Has Never Looked Better: SunBriteTV Announces Highly Upgraded 4K-Enabled Signature Series
4K UHD resolution, built-in HDBaseT, brighter screens and OptiViewTM are among the numerous upgrades for the new line of robust outdoor televisions
Dallas, TX – September 15, 2016 – SunBriteTV today announced a complete overhaul to its best-selling Signature Series line of weatherproof outdoor televisions. Designed for permanent outdoor installation in partial sun applications, the all-new Signature Series introduces highly-upgraded features that have been largely absent from other outdoor televisions.
Like SunBriteTV’s 84” Pro Series model, the new Signature offers brilliant direct-lit 4K UHD screen resolution (HDCP 2.2 compliant). An innovative new SunBriteTV feature, OptiView, provides preconfigured end-user settings optimized for brighter daytime or darker nighttime outdoor viewing environments. By dealer request, a built-in HDBaseT receiver also comes standard.
“The new Signature’s upgraded feature set and familiar outdoor durability means it boasts everything and more that made the original Signature Series our best-selling product line ever,” said Jonathan Johnson, General Manager, SunBriteTV. “Together with the new Veranda series and the rugged Pro Series, custom integrators now have a comprehensive range of outdoor televisions to meet every price point and install application.”
Like the original Signature Series, the new Signature models are designed for partial sun install locations and are guaranteed to perform in temperatures from -24° to 122°F. At nearly three times the brightness of typical indoor televisions, a new, brighter 700-NIT commercial-grade anti-glare panel offers a prime viewing experience in the indirect sunlight and high ambient light conditions often encountered outdoors.
Rust-proof powder-coated aluminum exteriors, large media bays and installer-friendly cable-entry systems retain the SunBriteTV weatherproof standard, fully resisting rain, moisture, dust, grease and insects.
With three popular sizes (43”, 55” and 65”) and with black, silver, and white color options, the new Signature series will be available in early November.
SnapAV acquired SunBriteTV in October 2015. Potential and existing customers are invited to see the all new Signature at SnapAV’s CEDIA booth (#2110) September 15-17, 2016 in Dallas, or visit http://www.snapav.com/sunbritetv.
