While it is technically possible to use an indoor TV outdoors, some significant risks and considerations make it less than ideal.
If you’ve ever been tempted to buy an outdoor TV for a backyard movie night or for watching the game during a summer BBQ, you’ve probably come to realize that purpose-built outdoor TVs are pretty expensive. I bet your thoughts then wandered to whether you can use your indoor TV outside. You won’t be the first.
Understanding the Differences Between Indoor and Outdoor TVs
There are fundamental differences in design, durability, and functionality between outdoor TVs and those intended for indoor use.
Once you understand these distinctions, you quickly recognize why using an indoor TV outside can be problematic. Many, if not most, of the risks and issues discussed later in this article, stem from these design differences.
Design and Build
Weatherproofing: Outdoor TVs are designed to function while exposed to the elements. They have weatherproof enclosures that seal all critical components and electronics. It prevents water, dust, insects, and even moisture from damaging the TV. Indoor TVs on the other hand don’t have any additional protection and there is a high likelihood that moisture, water, or dust may damage your set if used outside for any prolonged period.
Durability: Outdoor TVs are built from rust-resistant metals and UV-resistant plastics that will protect them from sun damage, discoloration, and all the challenges of exposure to outdoor environments. Indoor TVs are made from materials that are intended for indoor use. If exposed to the elements, plastic parts might become brittle, and metal components could rust or corrode.
Sealing and Ventilation: Manufacturers of outdoor TVs use specialized sealing techniques that protect internal components from moisture while still allowing for proper ventilation to prevent overheating. Some include fans or cooling systems that are designed for outdoor climates. The ventilation systems on an indoor TV are designed for exactly that; indoors. When exposed to humidity or rain, moisture can infiltrate the internal circuitry, leading to potential short circuits or component failures.
Brightness and Glare
Brightness Levels: Outdoor TVs are designed with significantly higher brightness levels, often ranging from 700 to 3,000 nits. This high brightness is necessary to ensure the screen is visible even in direct sunlight. Indoor TVs by comparison typically have brightness levels ranging from 250 to 500 nits. That’s more than sufficient for a living room or bedroom. If your indoor set is exposed to direct sunlight, it will cause the screen to appear “washed out” and make the image difficult to see.
Anti-Glare Technology: Outdoor TVs minimize the reflections from the sun through the use of anti-glare coatings. Indoor TVs may feature some basic anti-glare technology but are simply not equipped to deal with direct sunlight or bright light sources which can lead to distracting reflections and poor visibility when used outside.
Viewing Angles: Outdoor entertainment spaces are often wide and open and require viewing angles and outdoor TVs are designed to accommodate various seating arrangements in open spaces. Indoor TVs may not perform well when viewed from extreme angles, especially in bright environments. Colors can appear faded, and the image may lose contrast.
Temperature Tolerance
Operating Temperature Range: To ensure it works reliably outside in extreme heat or cold, outdoor TVs can function across a wide temperature range, from as low as -20°F to as high as 120°F, sometimes even more. Indoor sets are designed to operate in a controlled temperature range, usually between 50°F and 90°F. If you expose your indoor TV to extreme temperatures, especially for prolonged periods, there is a good chance some of the components will fail. Condensation can form inside the TV under cold conditions while heat can cause overheating. Both can cause permanent damage to the internal circuitry.
Heat Dissipation: Advanced cooling systems on your outdoor TV manage the heat levels, whether it be from the high brightness levels or the sun. It will prevent it from overheating even on hot days. Indoor models are more prone to overheating when exposed to direct sunlight which can damage the components and reduce the lifespan of the set.
Winterization and Storage: Some outdoor TVs can remain outside year-round, even in harsh winter conditions without needing additional protection or the benefit of an outdoor TV cover. They are equipped to resist freezing temperatures and can continue to operate even in cold climates. If you do decide to use an indoor TV outside, it will require careful storage, particularly during the winter months.
The Best Outdoor TV
Samsung Terrace
The Samsung Terrace smart TV carries the same high quality expected from Samsung Electronics televisions, featuring a high-end QLED display with 1500 Nits of brightness, excelling in full sun viewing.
The Risks of Using an Indoor TV Outside
There are real risks associated with using an indoor TV outdoors. These include the risk of being electrocuted, fire hazards, or being hurt through the destabilization of structural components due to exposure to the elements. All in all, these risks present the single most compelling reason why you should not use an indoor TV outside. Let’s look at some of the causes and their potential associated risks.
Exposure to the Elements
Moisture
Rain and Humidity: Indoor TVs are not designed to handle exposure to moisture. Even a small amount of rain can seep into the TV’s internal components, causing corrosion and electrical shorts. Condensation from humidity can lead to the same issues.
Dew and Condensation: In the morning or after a rainy day, dew can form on the TV screen and components, leading to moisture buildup inside the device. Again, as with the rain, this can lead to electrical shorts and permanent damage.
Dust and Dirt
Outdoor Conditions: Dust and dirt can find their way into the vents and ports of an indoor TV. Over time, this can clog the internal components, leading to overheating which can damage the electronic components and circuitry.
Insects: Your TV screen is a light and heat source that is likely to attract small insects. They can get inside the TV through vents and openings, potentially causing short circuits or other internal damage.
Sunlight and UV Exposure
Screen Damage: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the screen of an indoor TV to become faded or discolored. The UV rays can degrade the materials, leading to a diminished viewing experience.
Heat Buildup: Sunlight can also cause the TV to overheat, as indoor models are not equipped with the necessary cooling systems to manage high outdoor temperatures. This can lead to a shutdown of the device or permanent damage to its internal components.
Durability and Lifespan
Shortened Lifespan
Wear and Tear: The constant exposure to outdoor elements such as rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations will accelerate the wear and tear of any device and a TV is no different. On indoor sets, components like the screen, casing, and internal electronics will degrade much faster compared to their use inside.
Component Failure: Exposure to elements like moisture, dust, and extreme temperatures can lead to the early failure of components, such as the power supply, motherboard, or display panel. If you’re lucky, and while it may be costly, you can get these fixed, but in many cases, it can render your set beyond repair.
Color and Screen Fading
Sunlight Effects: As mentioned earlier, UV rays can cause the screen to fade or become discolored over time. It will affect the picture quality and the overall aesthetic appeal of the TV. The plastic parts of an indoor TV including the casing and buttons, may become brittle and crack due to sun exposure.
Mechanical and Structural Integrity
Temperature Extremes: Some materials, when exposed to fluctuating temperatures can expand and contract, potentially leading to cracks in the casing or internal components. Since indoor TVs were not designed to be installed outside, they are more likely to incorporate some of these materials. Any cracks in the casing of the set make it more vulnerable to the elements and compound the risk of moisture or dust damage.
Safety Concerns
Electrical Hazards
Risk of Short Circuits: Any moisture, through rain, dew, or condensation that enters the TV set can cause an electrical short. This will not only damage your set but also pose a serious fire hazard. It makes it even more dangerous if you’ve plugged your TV into an unprotected outdoor power source.
Shock Hazard: If an indoor TV is not properly grounded or protected, there is a risk of electrical shock to anyone touching a wet TV. This is a serious safety concern, especially in homes with children or pets.
Mounting and Stability Issues
Mounting Problems: Outdoor TV mounts are specifically designed to withstand the stresses of high winds and other elements. So are the mounting points on outdoor TVs. Indoor TVs are not designed to withstand the outdoor elements and could be knocked down by strong winds, leading to injury or damage.
Structural Damage: As the indoor TV’s materials degrade over time, the TV may become less structurally sound due to sunlight and rain exposure. This could lead to components loosening or the TV itself becoming unstable, increasing the risk of it falling from its mount or stand.
Fire Risk
Overheating: Indoor TVs are not designed to dissipate heat effectively in outdoor conditions which can lead to overheating. In extreme cases, this can result in the TV catching fire. Any surrounding flammable materials like wooden walls or outdoor furniture can aggravate this situation and pose a real risk to the entire house.
Power Supply Issues: Outdoor environments can be harsh on electrical wiring and power supplies. If an indoor TV’s power supply is exposed to rain or excessive moisture, it could short out, leading to a fire hazard.
What Are My Alternatives?
Invest in an Outdoor TV
Let’s start with the obvious one. The long-term solution if you frequently watch TV outdoors, is investing in a dedicated outdoor TV. It is the safest and most effective solution. Outdoor TVs are specifically designed to handle the challenges of outdoor environments, offering better durability, safety, and performance.
Yes, outdoor TVs are more expensive upfront, but they offer a longer lifespan and fewer risks, which could save money in the long run by avoiding repairs or replacements.
Get a Portable Outdoor Projector
A portable outdoor projector is a viable alternative for temporary outdoor viewing. You don’t need to set it up as a permanent installation, get a portable one that can be easily moved, set up in different locations, and stored indoors when not in use. It’s a practical option if you prefer flexibility in your outdoor entertainment setup. All you’ll need is a foldable screen or even a blank wall and you’re good to go.
Get an Indoor TV with a Mobile Stand
Another alternative may be to get an indoor TV and mount it on a mobile stand. This allows you to move your TV outside when you’d like to use it there, and then wheel it back in again afterward to the safety of the house to ensure it is not exposed to the elements. This is a particularly attractive solution if this is not your primary TV. Keep it in a sunroom or enclosed patio where it can serve as your secondary set during winter for example.
Get A Protective Cover or Enclosure
Getting a canvas cover or hard-shell outdoor TV cover can help mitigate some of the risks described above, but certainly not all of them. That being said, it is
Enclosures and covers can do a decent job to help protect your indoor TV from elements like rain, dust, and insects. These enclosures are typically made from durable, weather-resistant materials and can seal the TV while still allowing it to function properly.
Temperature control is an area where covers may fall short. If you’re watching TV with the cover still partially on, you run the risk of the set overheating, leading to all the negative consequences we discussed earlier. Unless your cover is designed to specifically allow your indoor TV to transfer and regulate heat while on, we suggest you remove it completely when using the TV. Some hard-shell tive enclosures have integrated fans and temperature-regulating mechanisms.
Conclusion
Yes, you can use an indoor TV outside. No, you shouldn’t. Carefully weigh the risks of doing so and consider whether it is worth taking the chance before doing so. Setting off down this path as a way of saving money may not be the most frugal decision either as there is a good chance you may damage your indoor TV outside and undermine that goal altogether.
More importantly, though, there are real risks to your property and person associated with this decision, so we encourage you to explore the alternatives above and consider getting a good outdoor TV if you decide to expand your outdoor entertainment area in this way.
The Best Outdoor TV
Samsung Terrace
The Samsung Terrace smart TV carries the same high quality expected from Samsung Electronics televisions, featuring a high-end QLED display with 1500 Nits of brightness, excelling in full sun viewing.