Protecting Outdoor Television from Weather
 

I am considering installing a television on our Lanai..... any suggestions on the best approach to protect against the weather. Are there special covers? Does the humidity and heat have a negative effect if mounted permanently outdoors?

Thanks for the help....

They make outdoor televisions that are extremely expensive. I had a television on my covered porch for two years and now have a projector and 94" screen. (I've also had the same HD cable box outside for the entire 4 years and haven't had a problem. I was told that the cold will not hurt as much as humidity will. I did take the cover off of the projector and taped some of those sulfate packets (the ones that come in new shoes....) to the inside of the cover. Sounds crazy but an AV guy said it would help keep moisture down.

I have a TV on my lanai that has been there for about four years. I have had one problem with it that may not be a result of using it outdoors. But when the repairman came to fix it. He pointed out a few metal pieces inside that had rusted from the humidity. He mentioned the ones specifically made for outdoors, but as mentioned above, they are really expensive.

With the cost of flat screens dropping every year, I figure I'll just use this one until it dies, then replace it with one from the house and get a new one for the house. It will still be much cheaper than the outdoor models.

I cover the TV with a blanket when it goes below freezing (probably unnecessary) and have a waterproof cover for when the wind can drive the rain into the lanai. But, otherwise, no special protection. It is, however, secured so that it can't be easily removed by someone looking for a free TV.

Mount your TV where the rain won't hit it directly any you'll be fine. DO NOT COVER your lanai mounted TV. Plastic covers are great at keeping moisture in, not out. Just use common sense. If the walls are sweating and dripping, it's safe to assume the inside of the TV is a little damp and you should avoid turning it on during these conditions.

Outdoor TV's are designed to work in direct sunlight. They are super bright and waterproof but not needed under a covered lanai. The trade off for a Super bright image is horrible black levels and sub par image quality.