By Rhonda Massad
I thought that too until i peaked over my neighbours fence to see them sitting outside in their newly appointed lounge watching golf on a Sunday afternoon. It was like they took the living room and put it outside. They watch TV outside on warm summer nights and now into the fall with the heating units they encompassed into the design.
Today’s TV displays have extra-bright panels which reduce glare, resulting in a better picture under natural outdoor lighting conditions. They are also designed for outdoor use and can withstand the elements. Believe it or not they are water resistant and are protected against elements like wind, bugs and humidity.
It is important to keep in mind that if you bring your inside TV outside you are likely voiding the warranty. I thought my neighbours were doing just that until I found out that they had redone their backyard lounge space with Concept72 and bought the proper TV for their elegant nest outside.
Steph Tanguay, owner of Concept72, pointed out that there is a difference between waterproof and water resistant.
“These two terms mean two very different things,” Tanguay explained. “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 can not be submerged.”
A waterproof TV can be power washed, which you may need to do if you live in an area that is prone to dust or salt. TV remotes and mounts should also be waterproof.
“As with all outdoor electrical equipment, cables should be rated for outdoor use,” Tanguay advised.
