Mitigating Risks: How to Use an Indoor TV Outdoors Safely

Willem Grobler | October 1, 2024

Invest in a waterproof and dustproof outdoor TV enclosure to keep moisture and insects out. The ideal enclosure should include temperature control, UV protection, and anti-theft features.

In an earlier article, we’ve stated that for various reasons, you should not use an indoor TV outside. If however you have no other choice, or have decided to go ahead and do so, here are a few practical ways to minimize the risks and some alternative solutions to consider

Temporary Use

One of the easiest and most practical ways of mitigating the risks associated with using an indoor TV outdoors is to keep your TV indoors, and only move it outside temporarily before moving it back inside. This allows you to control the conditions and elements your TV will be exposed to outside.

Choose the Right Weather Conditions

Dry Weather: Water and moisture resistance is one of the main differences between indoor and outdoor TVs. Only take your indoor TV outside during dry weather to minimize exposure to moisture. Monitor the weather forecast and plan your outdoor events and entertainment to avoid using the TV if rain or high humidity is expected.

Mild Temperatures: Outdoor TVs have architectures and fans that control overheating and components made to resist extremely low temperatures. Take your indoor TV outdoors only during mild temperatures, ideally between 50°F and 90°F, to avoid the risks associated with extreme heat or cold. Overheating and condensation can both be lethal to your indoor set.

Provide Shade and Protection

Under Cover: If possible, place your indoor TV in a shaded or covered area, such as under a pergola, canopy, or porch. It will help protect the TV from overheating due to direct sunlight, as well as from rain. Indoor TVs lack the brightness required for viewing in direct sunlight so this is also a great way of helping improve the picture quality outside.

Portable Shelter: If you don’t have a covered porch or pergola, use a portable solution like a pop-up tent or large umbrella. These can create a temporary protective environment for the TV and are very useful for impromptu outdoor gatherings.

Limiting Exposure Time

Short Viewing Sessions: Limit your indoor TV’s exposure to the outdoors by using it only for short periods. For example, bring it out for a single movie or sports event. This reduces the time the TV is exposed to hazards like moisture and temperature fluctuations.

Prompt Removal: Move your TV back indoors immediately after use, especially if you’re not certain about the weather. If you leave an indoor TV outside, even for a few hours, you increase the risk of damage from unexpected weather changes.

Outdoor Tv Enclosure

Protective Covers or Enclosures

The obvious solution for those wanting to leave their indoor TV outside for longer periods is to get an outdoor TV cover or enclosure.

Purpose of Enclosures

Weatherproofing: Weatherproof enclosures are designed to protect TVs from elements like rain, dust, and insects. They are typically made from durable, weather-resistant materials. While most are simply intended to be a protective storage cover for the TV while not being used, some can seal the TV while still allowing it to function properly.

Temperature Control: Some enclosures come with built-in cooling fans or heaters, helping to maintain a stable temperature inside, which is of course important to prevent your TV from overheating or freezing.

Types of Enclosures

Canvas TV Covers: Canvas covers are the most common outdoor protection for TVs, but they are primarily intended to serve as an additional layer of protection for an outdoor TV. Some are completely waterproof and protect the TV from most environmental hazards, but it is still a canvas cover and you may still have issues with temperature control for example. We would advise against using this for protecting an indoor TV outside.

Basic Protective Cases: There are basic weatherproof cases available that provide a shield against rain and dust. These are often more affordable but, not unlike canvas covers, may offer limited protection against extreme temperatures or intense sunlight. Again, we would advise you not to rely on one of these to keep your indoor TV safe outdoors, unless it is mounted in a shady spot under an eve or overhang.

Advanced Enclosures: Advanced enclosures have enhanced protective features, including temperature control, UV protection, and anti-theft features. This is your best bet for a more permanent outdoor TV setup with an indoor set but comes at a higher cost.

Installation and Maintenance

Ensure you install whatever enclosure you decide on correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Poor installation can compromise your set by leaving gaps or weak points where moisture or dust can enter.

And as with all things exposed to the elements, ensure you do regular maintenance of the enclosure. Cleaning the filters (if applicable), checking for any signs of wear and tear, looking for sun damage, and on canvas enclosures ensure the velcro or closing mechanism is clean and functional.

Limitations of Enclosures

Reduced Accessibility: Using an enclosure can sometimes reduce the accessibility of the TV’s ports and controls, making it more difficult to connect devices or adjust settings. Some hard-shell enclosures have transparent front panels, so you can watch TV with the lid closed, but in most cases, you will have to open the front (at the very least) or even remove the entire cover before you can watch TV.

Potential Impact on Picture Quality: If you have an enclosure with a see-through front you should expect an impact on your picture quality. This transparent front will almost certainly cause reflections or slight distortions on the screen, which could impact the viewing experience.

What Are the Alternatives?

Investing in an Outdoor TV

If you’re intent on watching TV outdoors or you’re setting up an outdoor entertainment area, then we believe the best viable long-term solution is to invest in a good dedicated outdoor TV. This is without a doubt the safest and most effective solution. Outdoor TVs are designed to handle the challenges of outdoor environments, offering better durability, safety, and performance.

Installing an outdoor TV is more expensive upfront than an indoor TV, but they offer a longer lifespan and fewer risks, which could save money in the long run. If you use an indoor TV outside you should anticipate repair and maintenance (and even replacement) costs to keep it functioning.

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Portable Outdoor Projectors

Another alternative would be to use a portable outdoor projector. This is a particularly good option for those who only have temporary or infrequent outdoor viewing needs. Projectors are less susceptible to environmental damage since they don’t have exposed electronics and can be used with a simple projection screen or even a blank wall.

A projector can be moved, set up in different locations, taken with you on vacation, and stored indoors when not in use, making it a very versatile solution for outdoor entertainment.

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Watching Through a Window

One final alternative is to temporarily place your TV on the inside near a window and watch through it from the outside. While not as elegant, this allows viewers to watch from outside while the TV remains safely indoors, and it’s never exposed to the elements.

Final Word

While we do not recommend using an indoor TV outdoors, there are some practical ways of mitigating the risks associated with that. Whether through temporary measures, protective enclosures, or alternative solutions. Our hope is you will make an informed decision that balances your desire for outdoor entertainment with the need to protect your electronics. Choose the solution that best fits your needs, circumstances, and budget, but always put safety first.

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Author: Willem Grobler

Willem is an audio enthusiast who's office and home is cluttered with Bluetooth speakers and headphones. He appreciates honest speakers which delivers on their design and marketing promises. His go to speaker when traveling with his family is a JBL Flip 6, but as he loves the outdoors makes no secret of his love for the Turtlebox Gen 2.

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Originally Published: September 30, 2024

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