Hi all, As we sit trapped indoors with 20-30 degree temperatures and snow on the ground (New England), doing some dreaming of Spring. One thing I have always wanted to add to our outdoor oasis is an outdoor TV. I have read several posts on this site and others and looking for opinions (for the day I can afford to pull off this indulgence!). Given our seasonal changes, I would only keep this outside in Spring, Summer, and Fall. This would be mounted on the outside wall of the house (not under a roof or enclosure) so it would be very exposed to the elements (sun, rain, etc.). There is a pergola which would provide 'some' shading from the sun, but it would still have some direct sun exposure. I've looked into 3 options:
1. Outdoor TV - seems like a great option as these are built for temperature changes, direct weather exposure, but they are VERY expensive. Skyvue and SunBrite are very expensive, Mirage Vision is much less expensive (still about $1,950 for a 40" base model), but I'm not sure if these are "weather resistant" or "weather proof"? Going with Mirage Vision is still the most expensive option.
2. TV Shield - The product appears to be really well designed, but it is bulky and looks like you'd want to raise/open the lid any time you want to watch so as to reduce glare from the case. Oddly enough, to get their best kit with fan, moisture control, tilt mount, it would be roughly $700-800., which is about twice the cost of a decent indoor 42"-46" LED/LCD TV, but overall, still less expensive than option 1.
3. Cover - this seems like an inexpensive option ($80-150 for a decent one, ie Solaire, MossCovers), and not overly incomvenient to cover/uncover but wondering if these would trap moisture and heat, thereby damaging the TV?
Options 2 and 3 are appealing from a cost perspective, especially because indoor TVs are so affordable now, but very concerned about heat exposure, moisture, etc.
Greatly appreciate people's opinions!
1. Outdoor TV - seems like a great option as these are built for temperature changes, direct weather exposure, but they are VERY expensive. Skyvue and SunBrite are very expensive, Mirage Vision is much less expensive (still about $1,950 for a 40" base model), but I'm not sure if these are "weather resistant" or "weather proof"? Going with Mirage Vision is still the most expensive option.
2. TV Shield - The product appears to be really well designed, but it is bulky and looks like you'd want to raise/open the lid any time you want to watch so as to reduce glare from the case. Oddly enough, to get their best kit with fan, moisture control, tilt mount, it would be roughly $700-800., which is about twice the cost of a decent indoor 42"-46" LED/LCD TV, but overall, still less expensive than option 1.
3. Cover - this seems like an inexpensive option ($80-150 for a decent one, ie Solaire, MossCovers), and not overly incomvenient to cover/uncover but wondering if these would trap moisture and heat, thereby damaging the TV?
Options 2 and 3 are appealing from a cost perspective, especially because indoor TVs are so affordable now, but very concerned about heat exposure, moisture, etc.
Greatly appreciate people's opinions!