LCD TV Hooked Up Outside - Good or Bad Idea

[lngbruno]

Greetings,

I posted this over in the AC forum but only received a few comments. So, I thought I would try here also.

My next door neighbor decided to hook up an LCD TV outside (see pictures). We live in Pittsburgh, so we receive a fair amount of driving rainstorms and have 8-10 heavy fog and maybe an additional 12-14 days of light fog days. The TV hangs near the corner with two-wall protection and the other two sides are open to the elements. The ceiling has a waterproofed barrier. The discoloration above the TV happened during construction.

I told him, at a minimum, the unit would have to be taken down for the winter months. However, I thought generally it was bad idea to have the unit outside 24/7 due to the airborne moister during rain and fog. He said if he got 3-4 years out of it he would be okay with those results.

Please share your thoughts and/or experiences.

Thank you,
Lou

[dawgfan]

I don't think electronics that are not meant to be outside should be mounted there. Cool factor aside, the thing will not last very long subjected to the things you mentioned.

Down here in the South, the tv wouldn't make it till football season before the humidity would rust it out :).

I have seen this done before, but it was by a family that could afford to replace 'as necessary'. Wish him luck.

[m-fine]

There is someone who could get their moneys worth out of the 3 year extended warranty.

As long as he knows it is not likely to handle moisture and certainly no freezing very well, it is his decision to make.

[mfeust]

Hi Lou,

Is this the same neighbor with the new pool? As long as he invites you and Gina over to watch the Steeler games and a dip in the pool what do you care.:huge:

He seems able to just purchase a new one when this one bites the dust in a very short time.

Miss you buddy
Mark

[jephdood]

It seems someone has some disposable income.. :goodvibes: Literally.

[dvenardos]

Seems to me like a waterproof enclosure would be nice.

[Mike_TX]

Greetings,

I posted this over in the AC forum but only received a few comments. So, I thought I would try here also.

My next door neighbor decided to hook up an LCD TV outside (see pictures). We live in Pittsburgh, so we receive a fair amount of driving rainstorms and have 8-10 heavy fog and maybe an additional 12-14 days of light fog days. The TV hangs near the corner with two-wall protection and the other two sides are open to the elements. The ceiling has a waterproofed barrier. The discoloration above the TV happened during construction.

I told him, at a minimum, the unit would have to be taken down for the winter months. However, I thought generally it was bad idea to have the unit outside 24/7 due to the airborne moister during rain and fog. He said if he got 3-4 years out of it he would be okay with those results.

Please share your thoughts and/or experiences.

Thank you,
Lou

While the outside moisture may not be good, I don't think that will be the main culprit as many insides of homes have higher moisture, but I don't think it will last long.

There are a number of LCDs now made for outside or even poolside use, but much more expensive.:greedy:

Let us know how long it lasts.

Mike

[Karl_in_Chicago]

IMO permanently mounting it outside is a bad idea, even if the plan is to bring it inside for winter. If possible rigging the install in such a way that the TV could be easily popped in and out as-needed would be much better.

[BobJoe123]

If possible rigging the install in such a way that the TV could be easily popped in and out as-needed would be much better.

Yep, it would also cut down on possible theft if they brought it inside when they weren't using it.

[koa]

Maybe build some sort of shallow cabinet with doors. Do you have insects during the summer? I had a roach crawl onto my washing machines circuit board and fry it. Also the geckos love hanging out behind my plasma. There might be some sort of spray for electronics he could spray the inside with.

[dane]

Yep, it would also cut down on possible theft if they brought it inside when they weren't using it.

If it shows up missing in the near future.. check this thread first for suspects...

:D

..dane

[lngbruno]

If it shows up missing in the near future.. check this thread first for suspects...

:D

..dane

R O F L M A O !

KOA,

I forgot about the bug factor and this would be an ideal place for some of them to want to hang out. I have a pair of exterior speakers and every year I get a mud bee or something wanting to build a nest where the speaker attaches to the wall mount. I did vet out some options to enclose or cover unit and all ranged from expensive to very expensive. Here is a link to my AC follow-up post - http://www.audiocircle.com/index.php...9040#msg659040

Mfine,

The three year warrantee is a very interesting idea...I don't think he thought about that one.

Mark,

Miss you and Cindy too. When you come to visit you will be able to check out the new pool. They did a really nice job with it. As far as Steeler games, he would put up a big canvas screen and use a projector for night games. The pool seems to have put a big damper on that because the pool not sits where all the seating used to be located.

Peace and later,
Lou

[droht]

If it shows up missing in the near future.. check this thread first for suspects...

:D

..dane

I happen to have laserman's address. Bidding starts at $20...:greedy:

As far as the LCD outside, you would think some kind of desiccant could be creatively used to minimize moisture issues. Maybe something like these rust inhibiting discs. All of that stuff seems meant for an enclosed space though. Not sure it would help at all otherwise.

[koa]

I was thinking more like a simple wood frame attached to the wall with prefab prefinished standard cabinet doors from Home Depot. You could probably just velcro the doors to the frame. Or a sheet of Plexiglas with some sort of closable vent holes in the wood frame for heat.

Also, maybe a metal frame with wheels that the LCD is mounted to so it could be easily moved around on the patio and could be rolled inside when not in use.

Spraying the wall (or your speakers) occasionally with a insect repellent barrier spray might help.

[m-fine]

If it shows up missing in the near future.. check this thread first for suspects...

:D

..dane

If I am going to go through the hassle ( and loss of self respect ) to steal a TV, I will put in the extra effort to get one that has been well cared for. How pissed would your wife be if you brought home a new TV and bugs crawled out, or it died within a few days?

Rocks to smash windows are cheap and most homeowners have some for you to use.