Can I Just Put My Indoor TV Outside?
Why do I have to spent extra to weatherproof my TV?
The most frequent objection we hear from would-be customers is that an outdoor TV enclosure costs more than the TV that it will be protecting. The refrain that we often hear is that even if an unprotected indoor TV wears down more quickly in an outdoor environment, a new TV is relatively cheap and it is more cost effective to simply buy a new TV when the old one breaks compared to protecting a TV with a presumed expensive TV enclosure.
The logic seems pretty sound at first. The problem with that argument is that an unprotected TV not only wears down more quickly in an outdoor environment but it will be unsafe, both for the TV and for you and your family. Moreover, given the long lifespan of a high-quality enclosure and the short lifespan of an unprotected indoor TV in an outdoor environment, protecting your TV with an enclosure will prove more cost effective in the long-run. So is it worth it to spend the money on an Enclosure?
Yes, protecting your TV and electronics for installation in the outdoor environment has a very specific value. Safety, convenience, a broader range of consumer choice, and a more cost-effective outdoor TV solution are what you get when you use an outdoor TV Enclosure.
Weatherproofing has a premium, and it should.
The dollar expense involved with repeatedly replacing the indoor unit, the time and hassle factor, the last-minute failure (Murphy’s Law, just before you need it) causing embarrassment, the disposal pollution of e-waste, and the fire and safety risks converge to enable a cost-effective risk-reward trade-off that make great common sense for the homeowner to make a smart choice.
Safety for you and your TV.
That sensitive electronics designed for indoor home use should not be used outdoors may seem intuitive to most, but there are numerous instances where people can compromise common sense, without the benefit of education, and the guidance of skilled expertise to “do the right thing”.
Guidelines issued by the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission for television safety are clear and unequivocal: “Never expose the set to rain or water. If the TV becomes damp or wet, pull the plug and have it inspected by a service technician before further use. Rain or excessive moisture – even as the result of exposure on a back porch – may cause electrical shorts which can result in fire or shock hazards.” In other words, don’t ever place an indoor TV outdoors. Period. As a result of these guidelines, and to protect against liability in the event of a problem, every manufacturer, without exception, provides detailed safety instructions within every owner’s manual. Their lawyers have done a thorough job of explaining the risks associated with placing their TV outdoors. Don’t listen to Apollo, listen to them. Sticking an indoor TV in your outdoor living space is not a good idea and can cost you and not just in terms of money.
Enclosures vs Purpose-Built Outdoor TV.
If you do not want to put an indoor TV outside and hope for the best, you have two main options, a purpose-built outdoor TV or an indoor TV that is protected with an outdoor TV Enclosure (sometimes known as an outdoor TV Cabinet). With Apollo Enclosures, you get to choose the make, model and features of the best name brand TV you want and safely protect it in our enclosures. Outdoor TVs have the LCD built in, typically are not smart or feature driven with apps and streaming and if there is a problem, the entire unit comes down and goes out for repair or replacement. How much does that cost and how long do you wait to get it back? The cost savings with an Apollo and TV of your choice can be anywhere from 15-50% less than outdoor TV depending on the TV you select. No issues with obsolescence as the TV’s can be replaced or repaired quickly by local store or ecommerce purchases while always having the integrity of the outdoor enclosure for use years down the road.
Engineered for ruggedness.
Apollo Enclosures are designed, engineered, and built – in the United States – especially for the unique conditions encountered in the outdoor environment and are certified to UL/CSA safety standards.
The special features built into the units include:
- Powder coated aluminum housing for durability and style
- Anti-reflective safety glass to reduce glare and enhance contrast
- Tight seal technology seals your TV against rain, dust and insect
- Thermostatically controlled airflow system protect the TV in temperatures up to 122 degrees
- Down facing sound ports transfer TV speaker audio effectively
- Watertight cable cover protects cable connections to TV inputs and outputs
- 9’ outdoor rated power cord for safe outdoor installation
- EZ mount internal TV swing brackets simply installation and easy cable management
Most of these features are not needed for a TV that you place in the safe, shaded, climate controlled setting that is your living room, family room, or bedroom. But when a TV sits in your backyard, patio or other outdoor areas, these features are essential if you want a safe, enjoyable outdoor TV installation and experience that will last you for years to come.
Outdoor TV is worth the investment.
It costs more to enjoy TV in your backyard than it will to enjoy it in your living room. What we, at Apollo Enclosures, want for you is to provide the best combination of quality, value, reliability, safety and versatility on the market.
If you like to learn more about outdoor TV and our products, please take a look at our FAQ Page and no matter who you choose for your outdoor TV solutions, we hope you have a safe and memorable experience!