During nice weather, we often feel the instinctual pull of sunshine and fresh air drawing us outdoors. While many of the activities we enjoy outside are sans electronics, there are times you may want to enjoy today’s technology in this environment. Several examples in which this may be the case include: sitting on the patio drinking your morning coffee while watching the news on iptv UK or a morning talk show, watching your favorite sports team with iptv subscription while grilling out with family and friends, enjoying music videos during your teen’s pool party, or just keeping an eye on the kids playing while soaking up some rays and enjoying sitcom re-runs. While your reasons may vary, the question remains – Does it make sense to purchase an outdoor or all-weather TV or simply bring an indoor TV outdoors?
As with most purchases, the first concern is usually cost. Unfortunately, all-weather TVs, specifically designed for outdoor use, will generally cost about three to five times as much as a comparable indoor TV of the same size with the same features. That may seem a bit inflated for a TV you may only use once a week or only at certain times of the year if you live in areas with seasonal weather.
So you may find yourself asking, can a standard indoor TV be safely used outdoors, particularly, if it is going to be somewhat protected from the elements (direct sunlight, direct moisture, etc.)? Well, here are some noteworthy points to consider before attempting this: Electronic devices are typically designed to operate within a certain temperature range, so an indoor television is expected to operate at ‘room temperature’; Extreme heat can have detrimental effects on internal hardware; Cold extremes and below freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on and damage the functionality of LCD backlights; Quick changes in temperature can cause condensation to form both internally and externally and there is no real way to stop this from occurring; Placing a TV into an outdoor environment, as well as attempting to modify the TV to withstand the elements, will void your warranty when issues inevitably arise.
Now, if after hearing this you still feel compelled to bring your indoor TV outdoors, there are a few precautions that may help you somewhat extend its relatively short life expectancy while in this harsh environment. First, it is imperative that the area be covered – this is the easy part. Providing shelter will not only help shield the television set from both the sun’s damaging UV rays and blistering heat, but it will also protect it from direct moisture sources like rain and snow. Unfortunately, covering the TV will not stop it from overheating. As mentioned above, the temperature will likely be a significant factor in your TV’s eventual demise once in its outside home. Since some sets can actually survive 90+ degree temperatures, it is important to check the television’s temperature range as indicated in the manufacturer’s specifications if you are still in the process of choosing which TV to purchase.
In short, because problems are inevitable, if you want to have a TV outdoors and you want it to last, choose an outdoor or all-weather TV because the technology is designed to withstand the elements.
