The challenges in using a TV outdoors are multiple. Firstly there is the weather to think about. Even in areas that experience more than average sunshine, rainfall can be a sudden and unforeseen event. An unprotected LCD TV that gets caught in a rain storm is unlikely to work again. And its not just rainfall that can disable an outdoor screen: snow, hail, and windblown dust can all disable a screen and need to be protected against.
Temperature is another concern if you are planning on using an outdoor TV. While the screen may only get used in warm weather, this is exactly the type of temperature that can lead to an LCD TV from overheating. Most LCD and plasma screens have an optimum operating temperature range, and extreme heat, which can also be amplified by direct sunlight can lead to screen burn - a permanent mark on the screen - as well as disablement of the device.
The cold weather too can disable an outdoor TV. When temperatures drop too low, condensation can freeze and expand; this expansion can lead to damage in the internal components of the TV and can also cause permanent failure.
Finally, a screen that is permanently left outdoors also needs to be secure. Theft is an obvious concern but also protection from impacts - especially if there are children around.
When using a screen outdoors you are, therefore, restricted by the above mentioned elements and challenges, which leaves few options. You can of course use a an old TV set and wheel it out whenever the weather is mild enough to not cause any problems, but this also means getting the screen back inside once you are finished, and despite their diminutive size in comparison to their CRT forerunners, LCD screens are still cumbersome to be carrying around - especially if they are of a large size.
Another option is to invest in an outdoor TV or waterproof LCD. These are now fairly common and used commercially for outdoor digital signage. They have a wide temperature range, enabling their use in both winter and summer - as long as the weather is not too severe, but they offer little physical protection. Unfortunately, the price of these outdoor screens is extremely high and most home users are put-off by such a hefty investment.
There is, however, a third solution. You can use a standard consumer grade or commercial TV, either one bought specifically for the task, or an older screen from perhaps a bedroom - and house it in an outdoor TV enclosure.
Outdoor LCD enclosures can house almost any type of screen and provide all the protection necessary. Waterproof and containing climatic systems, they enable the screen to operate in any conditions, while the steel LCD enclosure provides physical protection too.
LCD enclosures can be mounted on walls or on stands and with tamperproof locks and shatterproof screens they are secure too. But the best advantage of an outdoor LCD TV enclosure is that they are cost effective too, with the combined cost of the enclosure and TV, still far lower than the price of a waterproof or outdoor TV.
LCD enclosures are increasingly becoming common as more and more people wish to have the pleasure of an outdoor TV without the headaches and cost.
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