Protecting Outdoor TVs from Sun Damage

Installing a television outside comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to sun exposure. The bright light and UV radiation from the sun can damage screens and negatively impact picture quality. Fortunately, with the right precautions, you can mount your TV outside and enjoy many years of stellar viewing. This comprehensive guide covers how sunlight affects TVs and how to best protect your outdoor setup.

Does Sunlight Damage TV Screens?

Outdoor TVs are designed to withstand some sun exposure, but too much direct light can still cause problems. Here‘s an overview of how the sun impacts different display technologies:

LCD TVs: LCD stands for liquid crystal display. These screens contain a layer of liquid crystals that block or transmit light to create images. LCD TVs aren‘t inherently damaged by sunlight like other technologies. However, the bright light makes it extremely difficult to see the picture, creating a major glare problem.

LED TVs: LED TVs use a backlight system powered by LEDs (light emitting diodes). This backlight shines through an LCD layer to produce images. Like LCD TVs, the screens aren‘t directly harmed by sunlight, but sun glare severely reduces visibility.

OLED TVs: OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode. Each pixel contains its own LED light source. Intense light can degrade the organic materials over time, shortening the lifespan. OLEDs are also very reflective, compounding sun glare issues.

Plasma TVs: Plasma TVs utilize electrically charged gases in each pixel to emit light. Extended exposure to sunlight can break down the gases and phosphors, leading to permanent image retention problems. Plasma is largely obsolete today.

The main takeaway is that while LCD and LED TVs aren‘t as inherently vulnerable to sun damage, glare remains a major problem. OLEDs and plasmas are more directly impacted by UV light.

What Factors Worsen Sun Glare?

Assuming your outdoor TV utilizes LCD/LED technology, sun glare will be your primary concern. Here are some factors that can make glare even worse:

Display Size – Larger screens naturally reflect more light. A giant outdoor TV may look great at night but become unusable during the day.
Display Reflectivity – Screens with glossy coatings reflect more light than matte screens. Many outdoor TVs use anti-glare materials to cut down on reflections.
Viewing Angle – Sun glare is worst when the sunlight directly hits the screen. Setting up the TV at an angle can help reduce washed-out images.
Time of Day – The sun‘s angle changes throughout the day. Glare will be most intense in the early morning and late afternoon.
Clouds – Surprisingly clouds can actually worsen glare since they act as a diffuse light source. Direct sun is preferable to overcast skies.

Considering these factors will allow you to choose an outdoor TV set up that minimizes annoying sun glare.

Tips to Reduce Sun Glare on Outdoor TVs

Managing sun exposure will go a long way towards getting an enjoyable picture from an outdoor TV. Here are some tips to cut down on glare:

Use a Matte Display – Matte screens have an anti-glare coating that prevent the picture from becoming washed out. Many outdoor TV models specifically advertise their matte properties.
Pick a Smaller TV – While it may be tempting to buy the largest television you can afford, smaller screens naturally have less surface area to reflect sunlight. Aim for less than 70 inches if possible.
Instal an Outdoor TV Hood – A sunhood acts like a visor on a baseball cap, blocking direct overhead light while still allowing you to see the screen.
Use Landscape Lighting Carefully – Improperly placed landscape lights can overpower the TV image at night. Make sure fixtures point away from the display.
Keep it Clean – Dust, dirt, and grime will all worsen glare and reflections. Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe away debris.
Watch TV at Strategic Times – Sun angles change throughout the day. Early morning and late afternoon viewing often produces heavy glare. Wait for the sweet spot mid-day when reflection is minimized.
Add Shade Structures – If all else fails, construct an awning, roof, gazebo, etc that blocks direct sun exposure on the television. Just make sure rainfall can still drain away.

Combining the right display with smart placement, structures, and viewing habits will let you watch TV outside without squinting at a washed-out image.

Should I Buy a Sunlight Readable TV?

There‘s no doubt about it – sun glare really hinders outdoor television viewing. In response, many manufacturers have introduced sunlight readable TVs designed to combat reflections. What exactly are these? And are they worth the higher cost?

What is a Sunlight Readable TV?

A sunlight readable television uses advanced technology to remain visible even in bright, direct light. Some of the enhancements include:

Ultra-high brightness – Up to three times brighter than a normal TV. This overpowers sun glare.
Matte anti-reflective coating – Prevents reflections from washing out the picture.
Anti-glare screen – Reduces diffuse reflections for clearer images.
Ambient light sensor – Automatically adjusts settings based on light levels.
Wide viewing angles – Allows viewing away from sun reflections.

In essence, sunlight readable TVs take standard glare-reducing tools to the next level.

Do You Need a Sunlight Readable Display?

These specialty televisions provide the ultimate in sun glare resistance. However, they also demand premium prices, often costing twice as much as a normal TV. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if the investment is worthwhile:

Room Location – Is the TV positioned such that sunlight directly hits the screen at problematic angles? This is the ideal application for a sunlight readable model. If excess glare isn‘t an issue, a cheaper TV may work fine.
Viewing Times – What time of day do you primarily watch television? If it‘s mainly at night, a standard TV likely provides satisfactory performance.
Shade Options – Can you utilize a sunhood, awning, or other shade to reduce glare? This also reduces the need for an expensive sunlight readable display.
Screen Size – Larger screens naturally reflect more light. A smaller standard TV (less than 65 inches) may be a better overall value.
Budget – High-end sunlight readable TVs simply aren‘t feasible for everyone‘s budget. Know how much you can reasonably spend.

Carefully weigh these considerations against the hefty price premium. For many outdoor installations, a cheaper TV combined with proper placement does the job just fine. But if you want the best image quality under even intense sun exposure, a sunlight readable model is money well spent.

Protecting OLED TVs from Sun Damage

OLED screens produce stunningly beautiful images thanks to pixel-level light precision. Unfortunately, they‘re also more vulnerable to sun damage compared to LCD and LED displays. Here‘s what you need to know about placing OLED TVs outdoors:

What Sun Damage Occurs?

The organic compounds in each pixel slowly degrade over time when exposed to heat, humidity, and bright light. Major problems include:

Shortened lifetime – Sunlight can cut an OLED TV‘s lifespan from over 50,000 hours to less than 10,000 hours.
Image retention – Uneven pixel wear can lead to ghost images burned into the display.
Color shifting – The red, green and blue OLED materials fade at different rates, altering color accuracy.

Tips to Protect OLED TVs Outdoors

While sunlight damage is unavoidable long-term, you can take steps to prolong your OLED television‘s lifespan:

Place it in afternoon shade – The low sun angles early and late in the day cause the worst damage.
Use an overhang or awning – This prevents direct sun exposure while allowing air circulation to keep the TV cool.
Apply a UV-resistant film – Specialty films can filter out some of the harshest ultraviolet rays.
Bring it inside when not in use – Don‘t leave OLED TVs sitting outside unnecessarily. The extra time indoors will extend its lifespan.
Accept shorter lifespan – Don‘t expect the same multi-decade performance as indoor use. Plan on replacing outdoor OLED TVs more often.

Ideally, OLED televisions shouldn‘t face prolonged sun exposure. But the right precautions allow you to enjoy their stellar picture quality outdoors. Just be prepared for the higher long-term costs associated with diminished lifespan.

Permanent Outdoor TV Installation Tips

So you‘ve decided to install a television in your outdoor living space permanently? Let‘s cover proper installation methods beyond just managing sun glare. A professional-looking, secure mount will keep your outdoor TV performing its best.

Choose an Outdoor-Rated TV

Buy a television specifically designed for outdoor installation. Look for these features:

Weatherproof casing – Seals out moisture, dirt, etc.
Operating temperature rating down to at least 0-degrees Fahrenheit – Handles cold temperatures.
Ingress protection (IP) rating of 55 or higher – Keeps out dust and some water.
UV-resistant outer layer – Prevents sun damage to externals.
Anti-glare screen – Reduces washed-out picture quality.

Pick a Quality Wall Mount

Don‘t skimp on the mount. It must firmly secure the TV and withstand the elements. Commercial-grade outdoor mounts offer:

Rust-resistant materials (aluminum, stainless steel)
Rain drainage channels
Concrete/brick wall anchoring
Theft-resistant locking features
Tilting/swiveling for sun glare adjustment
VESA standard compliance for easy TV attachment

Use Cables Rated for Outdoor Use

Indoor cables will corrode when exposed to the elements. Choose cables made specifically for outdoor installations, like:

Outdoor-jacketed coaxial cables
Gel-filled, weatherproof Ethernet cables
Waterproof HDMI and power cords

Seal all connections and infrastructure in weatherproof electrical boxes.

Carefully Route Cables

Run cables through walls whenever possible. If an external run is required, take these precautions:

Use conduit to protect and hide cables
Provide drip loops so water doesn‘t follow cables into jacks
Allow enough slack for thermal expansion and contraction
Use cable clips to neatly attach them to surfaces

Following these tips ensures your permanent outdoor TV installation looks and performs its best for years of trouble-free enjoyment.

Temporary Outdoor TV Viewing

Large get-togethers like backyard barbeques and pool parties call for some entertainment. While you may not want a permanent outdoor TV, temporary setups present fun viewing options when the weather cooperates. Here are some things to consider:

Use a Portable TV

Choose a television with a built-in battery or 12V DC power input. Smaller 720p or 1080p models less than 24 inches work well. Built-in DVD or Blu-ray players are also convenient. Just don‘t leave portable TVs exposed to the elements when not in use.

Connect an Indoor TV

Carefully connect your indoor television outside just for the party. This works best under a covered patio or deck. Use outdoor-rated cables and surge protection. Avoid exposing indoor TVs to moisture or direct sun. Immediately bring it back inside afterwards.

Rent an Outdoor TV

Many rental companies offer outdoor televisions and mounts for temporary installations. Look for units with weatherproofing features and anti-glare screens. Renting lets you test drive outdoor TV viewing without a permanent commitment.

Use a Projector

An outdoor projector setup can provide a giant impromptu movie screen. Make sure the projector is rated for at least some outdoor use. As always, avoid placing valuable indoor projectors in the elements.

With the right temporary equipment, you can enjoy TV and movies outdoors for special occasions without installing a permanent television.

DIY Outdoor TV Enclosure Ideas

Commercial enclosures that protect televisions from the elements can cost over $1,000. For the handy DIYer, here are some ideas for building your own affordable outdoor TV box:

Use plastic polycarbonate sheets to construct a transparent enclosure. Seal and bolt together to form a weatherproof box. Include a ventilation fan and cable inputs.
Build a wooden frame enclosure similar to a picture frame. Use exterior plywood sealed with water-resistant paint or stain. Add a plexiglass front panel. Make sure to include ventilation openings.
Convert a watertight tool box or marine dry box into a TV cover. Cut openings for the display, speakers, and ventilation. Include gaskets to seal the lid.
Upcycle an old bar-style beverage cooler into a TV cabinet. Remove the cooling unit and make cutouts to mount the TV and route cables. Close off the former drink opening with a plexiglass panel.
Purchase the front half of an outdoor enclosure. Build your own back half and mount the TV inside. This saves money while only exposing the TV-facing side to the elements.

With some simple construction skills and weatherproofing techniques, you can build a DIY enclosure suitable for protecting televisions outdoors.

Conclusion

Hopefully this guide has provided you with all the information you need to mount your television outside. To recap, here are some key tips:

Select LCD/LED TVs over OLEDs to minimize sun damage. Or look into sunlight readable models.
Carefully consider the TV‘s placement, awning/shade options, and viewing habits.
Only install TVs rated for outdoor use with weatherproofing.
Use high quality outdoor mounts and cables.
For OLEDs, take measures to minimize sun exposure time.
Temporary outdoor viewing works well for special events.
Building your own DIY enclosure can save money over commercial options.

Applying these best practices allows you to enjoy the convenience of outdoor television withoutmonitor glare and damage. Set up correctly, your open-air TV and movie watching will provide lasting memories for years to come.