Tips for using LCD TVs Outdoors

LCD and plasma screens are no longer just the remit of the front room and bedroom. There is just as much chance of seeing a LCD TV on the high street these days than in a living room as outdoor digital signage and open air entertainment systems are spreading throughout our cities and towns.

There are many reasons for taking an LCD TV outdoors. For signage and advertising an outdoor TV system will obviously reach a larger audience while for entertainment, TV systems are more and more likely to be placed outside as customers choose to spend the evenings in the open air due largely to the introduction of the smoking bans.

Standard LCD TVs are obviously not designed for outdoor use but that doesn’t meant that they can’t be used outside and while specific outdoor LCD TVs are available their cost can be prohibitive to most businesses.

Fortunately a far more cost effective but just as protective solution is available in the guise of an LCD enclosure. These are a really flexible solution as they allow the use of standard TV systems in outdoor and hazardous locations. An LCD enclosure allows the use of standard TVs because it protects against the outdoor elements and when any LCD TV is placed outside these elements need to be considered.

Water

Rainfall and water splashing is perhaps the biggest threat to an outdoor TV system or LCD placed in an industrial location. Ensuring the LCD stays dry and is sealed against water ingress is important which is why just as outdoor LCD TV’s are built to IP65 and NEMA 4 so is an LCD enclosure, making it waterproof.

Dust and airborne particles

Not much of a consideration for outdoor use but a higher level of airborne particulates are present in outdoor locations but it is a real problem in industrial applications which is why LCD enclosures are dustproof.

Extreme temperature

Both the screen and LCD may experience a heat wave or cold snap which is why thermostatic cooling and heating systems are installed in LCD enclosures and the screens are protected using anti-glare glass.