Anybody put a tv outside?

[sharpshooter]

I'm looking to put a TV under our covered patio...There is a slight chance that it could get wet (if the wind blows hard enough). For anyone that has came across this before, did you put anything around the TV, or build anything special for it? I'm looking for ideas...

 

[mmhouse]

Google "outdoor TV's" and you'll get lots of ideas.

 

[rwhite692]

A family member in Florida has one (large flat panel LCD TV) in an outdoor screened patio area, same situation, it could get hit with wind-driven rain, in severe-weather circumstances.

He had a local marine canvas guy make him a fitted cover with elasticized edge all around it, whenever really bad weather is forecast, he slips it on. I think it cost him $75 or so and the cover is way nicer and heavier material than anything you could (probably) order online.

He actually leaves the cover on a good amount of the time when it's not being used..., figuring it's probably giving the added benefit of keeping dust and maybe bugs from getting into it, as well.

 

[b737mechanic]

My nephew owns a audio/video company, he has installed a lot TVs outside. I have built cabinets for several of them. Usually I construct them from cedar, but the picture shows one I made that is going in a protected area, so it is constructed of pine.

The doors are bifold.

 

[The Lazy Destroyer]

An outdoor TV would be perfect... but the sticker shock will be pretty bad depending on your budget

 

[rwhite692]

An outdoor TV would be perfect... but the sticker shock will be pretty bad depending on your budget

TVs are really pretty cheap these days, unless you simply "must" get every latest-greatest advanced feature..... For an application like this, you can get an older generation flat panel, since picture quality probably isn't critical...Decent used 42" flat panels that are a few years old can be had for $300 all day long...

 

[Kevin54]

TVs are really pretty cheap these days, unless you simply "must" get every latest-greatest advanced feature..... For an application like this, you can get an older generation flat panel, since picture quality probably isn't critical...Decent used 42" flat panels that are a few years old can be had for $300 all day long...

The bad thing about a regular TV though is that it is not weatherproof. To get a TV built specifically for outdoors you are looking at $1500-$4000+ depending on size.

 

[jdieter]

I've had a lcd outside under cover going on 5 years, live in northern Indiana, leave it out Spring, Summer, Fall. Last year the remote sensor on the TV died, this summer the sound is crackly when it's first turned on, but comes out of it in a few minutes. Never have done anything special excpet cover it with a plastic bag when power washing the bar/patio. When this one finally dies, I'll replace it and may pop the case open on the new one and spray the circuit boards with whatever the **** is that used to seal marine electronics.

 

[financer83rs]

My dad has a tv out on a covered porch. He takes it in during the winter. I have three garages with a television in each one. As friends and relatives got rid of there old console TV's i built sturdy shelves on the walls plopped them on them All three are working fine. One has been out there for six years while the other two have been four and three. Makes working in the garage not like work. Nothing better then putting an intake on the rebuilt 302 while watching the sox (Red Sox) win...

 

[Steves32]

They make them for spas so your idea should be workable.

http://www.masterspas.com/relax_spa-theater-system.php

 

[rieferman]

I'm planning on a cabinet similar to the one posted above, and a normal flat screen TV (not one specifically graded as "outdoor TV"). My thought is that with the cabinet, and a covered porch, to protect the TV, you're basically battling humidity (since driven rain would be blocked by the cabinet)... which is no different than if you had a TV in your living room and kept your windows of your house open. I'd bring it in during winter time probably, but am not sure if that is necessary or not.

 

[tomd]

for this application (outdoor) is a plasma or LCD best?

 

[csp]

Plasma does not work well in places where lots of natural light is present.

 

[PassnThru]

Plasma does not work well in places where lots of natural light is present.

I think the two actually go together quite well

Yeah - I know. Couldn't resist

 

[A**holes Garage]

I've had one on the outside patio for over 3 years now. It has been exposed to dust storms and some raindrops.

When I bought the TV, I went on line and found several companies that make custom vinyl covers for TV's.

I gave one my TV measurements, ordered it, and it fit like a glove.

http://www.customcoolcovers.com/

 

[W_A_Watson_II]

I would expect that the cover would need to breath, so as to prevent moisture build up, kind of like a modern car/truck cover.

 

[A**holes Garage]

I would expect that the cover would need to breath, so as to prevent moisture build up, kind of like a modern car/truck cover.

If you're referring to my post? Yes, there is enough air gap in the velcro at the bottom and on the back where it wraps around to provide some venting and prevent any moisture build up.

I would not recommend this type of cover for all outdoor exposure. Mine is under the patio, just a few feet under the patio cover facing West. it does get direct sunlight, dust, and some occasional raindrops.

 

[greg_0rs]

I was looking at this for my back porch or garage.

http://thetvshield.com -- seems a lot more affordable than an outdoor tv.

 

[LAROKE]

I don't have any recommendations but the query brought an old memory to the surface. Back in 1971, I drove my chevy van from Pennsylvania to Key West to pick up my younger brother who had just finished sonar school. He opted for shore leave before reporting for his first ship assignment. When I arrived, he was holed up in a dingy mom-n-pop motel in Key West. They had a big buzzing, blinking neon sign out front. Two-thirds of the sign was devoted to the words "COLOR TV". This place consisted of an office, a courtyard and several bungalows arranged around the courtyard. That was it. There was one tv in the entire etablishment. It was indeed a color tv and it was chained to a palm tree in the courtyard.

 

[dawgee]

How often do the Red Sox win these days? lol

 

[HotrodHR]

My nephew owns a audio/video company, he has installed a lot TVs outside. I have built cabinets for several of them. Usually I construct them from cedar, but the picture shows one I made that is going in a protected area, so it is constructed of pine.

The doors are bifold.

Nice cabinet! I would like to do something like this above my mantel when I move into my new place. It has a "ventless" gas fireplace and juts out fro the wall about 2 feet from the wall. The area above the mantel behind the wall is empty and would be perfect to insert a cabinet. I'd like the front to have a raised panel look with trim details etc. Are there any "hidden" hinges available that would help make this work?