Indoor vs. Outdoor TVs: Key Differences and How to Choose the Right One

What Type of TV is Best for Outdoors?

When it comes to enhancing your outdoor living space, having the right TV for outdoor use is essential. Whether you want to watch the big game from your patio, enjoy movies in the backyard, or keep up with your favorite shows while relaxing poolside, choosing the best outdoor TV can transform your experience. With various options available, including brands like Samsung outdoor TV and Furrion outdoor TV, understanding what makes a TV suitable for outdoor environments helps you make an informed decision.

Why You Need a Dedicated Outdoor TV

Regular indoor TVs are not designed to withstand the elements such as rain, humidity, dust, and extreme temperatures. Using an indoor TV outdoors can lead to permanent damage, making the investment risky. This is why a dedicated TV for outdoor use is necessary.

Outdoor TVs come with weatherproofing features such as sealed enclosures to protect the circuitry, anti-glare screens for better visibility in sunlight, and components designed to operate efficiently across a wide temperature range. These features make outdoor televisions reliable and durable for long-term use in open-air environments.

Key Features to Consider in an Outdoor TV

When shopping for the best TV for outdoor use, certain features should be prioritized:

Weather Resistance

Look for TVs with high IP ratings (Ingress Protection) indicating water and dust resistance. A true outdoor TV, like the Samsung and Furrion outdoor TVs, offers robust weatherproof enclosures that shield the screen and internal parts from rain, snow, and dust.

Brightness and Anti-Glare Screen

Outdoor environments are much brighter than indoor rooms. The TV screen should be bright enough to combat sunlight and have an anti-reflective coating to reduce glare. This ensures clear visuals even in direct sunlight.

Partial Sun and Full Sun Outdoor TVs

Most people don’t realize that not all TVs are built the same—especially when it comes to outdoor viewing. Indoor TVs are designed for low-light environments, such as living rooms or bedrooms, and simply don’t have the brightness or durability needed for outdoor use.

Outdoor TVs come in two main types:

Partial Sun and Full Sun.

• Partial Sun TVs are perfect for shaded or semi-covered areas like patios, gazebos, and pergolas.
• Full Sun TVs are built to perform in direct sunlight and are a must if your TV will be completely exposed to outdoor elements.

Both types are engineered with brighter panels and higher nit levels than standard indoor TVs, ensuring clear visibility even on bright, sunny days. In addition, they feature specially designed LCD panels that withstand direct heat and UV exposure—so you won’t find yourself squinting at the screen wondering, "Why isn’t the picture as bright as it should be?"

LCD panel Degradation

Outdoor TVs are built with specially engineered LCD panels designed to handle the harsh elements that indoor TVs simply aren’t made for. One of the most common issues with using an indoor TV outside is LCD degradation—which can cause the screen to display distorted or unnatural colors, like purples, strange tints, or a washed-out look.

This occurs when UV radiation breaks down the LCD layer, damaging the screen’s ability to display accurate colors. Over time, sunlight exposure can cause permanent panel damage, even if the TV is under partial shade.

In addition to UV protection, outdoor-rated panels are designed to withstand higher temperatures. Excessive heat can interfere with how liquid crystals control light—leading to blackouts, stuck pixels, or complete panel failure. Outdoor TVs use heat-resistant components and advanced cooling designs to ensure reliable performance, even in direct sun or on hot summer days. The bottom line? If you're placing a TV outside, choosing a model with the right outdoor LCD panel is essential for both picture quality and longevity.

Temperature Range

Outdoor TVs must operate efficiently in extreme temperatures — from scorching heat in summer to freezing cold in winter. Check that the TV is rated for wide operating temperature ranges to avoid performance issues.

Durability and Material Quality

Look for sturdy build quality with corrosion-resistant materials. Salt air near coastal areas can be particularly corrosive, so if you live near the ocean, this is a crucial factor.

Samsung Outdoor TV: A Premium Choice

Samsung outdoor TVs are popular for combining sleek design with cutting-edge technology. Samsung offers models specifically designed for outdoor use, featuring ultra-bright QLED displays and weatherproof builds that stand up to all seasons.

Samsung's outdoor TV panels typically offer superb color accuracy, excellent viewing angles, and smart TV capabilities with built-in streaming apps. These models also focus on energy efficiency and include protective coatings to withstand direct sunlight and moisture.

If you want a reliable and stylish TV for patios or terraces, Samsung outdoor TVs are an excellent investment that can elevate your outdoor entertainment space significantly.

Furrion Outdoor TV: Built for Rugged Conditions

The Furrion outdoor TV line is tailored specifically for durability and versatility in outdoor environments. Furrion TVs offer impressive weatherproof certifications and robust enclosures, making them ideal for both residential and recreational vehicle (RV) setups.

Their designs often include shatterproof screens and integrated cooling systems to maintain performance regardless of harsh weather conditions. In addition, Furrion outdoor TVs are known for easy installation and practical features aimed at active outdoor lifestyles.

For those who want a tough, weather-resistant TV that handles rougher environments outside the home, Furrion outdoor TVs are among the best options in the market.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right TV for outdoor use transforms your backyard, patio, or outdoor entertainment area into a vibrant spot for relaxation and social gatherings. Whether you lean toward the sleek, innovative features of a Samsung outdoor TV or the rugged durability of a Furrion outdoor TV, it is crucial to select a TV designed specifically for the challenges of outdoor environments. Prioritize weather resistance, brightness, and durability in your selection, and you’ll enjoy years of fantastic viewing experiences under the open sky.

Thinking about an outdoor TV? Great idea. At Fisher Custom AV, we offer personalized in-home consultations to help you evaluate your outdoor space and determine the best TV model and placement to suit your needs, style, and budget.

From weather-resistant TVs to custom-installed outdoor audio systems, we handle it all—so you can enjoy high-quality entertainment right in your backyard, patio, or poolside area.

Give us a call at 419-668-5131 or visit our Outdoor Entertainment page to learn more. When you're ready, fill out the contact form at the bottom of the page to schedule your consultation. We're here to make your outdoor space your new favorite place to relax and entertain. PS....Don't forget about the outdoor soundbar for the TV.