Full-Sun or Shade-Rated Outdoor TV: Which Is Best for You?

Thinking of getting a TV for your backyard? Before you start, remember that bringing audio-video technology outside isn’t the same as setting up an entertainment system inside. You’ll need components that are designed to live and thrive in the uncontrolled conditions of the outdoors.

Start by looking at dedicated outdoor TV options, then narrow your selection from there! In this blog, we’ll help you decide if a full-sun or shade-rated outdoor TV installation is the right option for your unique backyard in Fairfield, CT. Keep reading to learn more.

SEE ALSO: Excite Your Senses with Stunning Outdoor Video

When to Choose a Shade-Rated Outdoor TV

Before choosing your TV, think of where you plan to use it most. Do you want your TV under a covered patio area where you drink and dine? Maybe you want it in your partially covered outdoor kitchen or bar. Your preferred TV placement will be the most important factor for deciding which TV is best.

If you want to place it under a fully shaded area of your backyard, then choose a full-shade TV like the Veranda 4K HDR TV by SunBriteTV or the Shade Series 4K HDR TV by Séura. Built with extra-bright panels and weatherproof housing, these TVs offer stunning definition and clarity in fully shaded spaces.

Need a brighter TV for partially shaded areas that receive direct sun during parts of the day? A great option for partial-shade environments is The Terrace Partial Sun 4K HDR QLED TV by Samsung. Featuring 2000+ nits, The Terrace Partial Sun TV is more than 2x brighter than the fully shaded options listed above to ensure picture stays vivid and crystal-clear even when the sun hits the screen.

Because The Terrace is designed for partial-shade areas, it features anti-reflection and adaptive-picture technologies to optimize picture settings based on varying light conditions. If the day turns from sunny to cloudy, or if the sun hits your screen, you’ll still enjoy enhanced picture contrast and minimal glare.

When to Choose a Full-Sun Outdoor TV

What if your preferred TV location provides no shelter from the sun? Maybe you want your TV by the pool or mounted on an exterior wall that has no awning or roof above it. For full-sun environments, you’ll need to choose an outdoor TV that’s rated for long-term direct sun exposure.

Fortunately, you have a few options! SunBriteTV, Séura, and Samsung offer a TV that’s specially constructed to perform well in direct sunlight. These models differ from fully shaded or partial-sun models in their brightness levels, technology, and housing to combat the extremes of sun exposure.

Not only do all full-sun TV models from these brands boast 1000+ nits of brightness, but they also feature anti-glare and adaptive-picture technologies to ensure picture looks perfect no matter the light conditions. They’re also built with commercial-grade screens, protective glass shields, and other direct sun protection technology to extend their life under the effects of the sun.

Need Help Deciding?

It’s critical to choose a TV that’s rated for your unique outdoor environment so that you don’t risk subpar picture performance or damaging your display. However, once you know whether you need a full-shade, partial-sun, or full-sun TV, you have plenty of options to choose from.

Let the technology professionals at Phoenix Audio Video help you select the right TV for your backyard and budget. We can recommend the best make and model, install it for you, add a soundbar or speaker system, and integrate everything with your AV distribution system if needed. Contact us to learn more!