Backyard Technology | Southview Design

Bringing the Party Outside

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Elevating Outdoor Living with Technology

Incorporating technology into outdoor living spaces is growing in popularity. With new and innovative products, it's becoming easier to do so, too. If you are interested in bringing the convenience (and fun) of technology to the great outdoors, your journey will most likely start with audio and outdoor TVs. We asked Mike Rasque from Halsten Entertainment to share his expertise with us.

Outdoor Speakers

Your backyard oasis is a convenient and comfortable space to relax and unwind. And what better way to relax than with some music? Before diving into recommendations, the first step is to take a deep dive into your space. Consider the aesthetics, size, layout, and how you intend to use your outdoor speaker system. After the assessment, the following three options are typically recommended.

1. Landscaping System

For the ultimate outdoor speaker experience, we recommend a custom landscape system. Landscape speakers are designed to be buried in the ground and blend into your landscape. The placement of your speakers will ensure sound is evenly distributed throughout your yard.

Now, this option usually takes about 1-2 days to install and requires digging, as we are running the wiring underground. So if you are considering a landscaping project that involves moving dirt, now would be the perfect time to start thinking about how technology will play into your design.

2. External Speakers

The next option might be installing a pair of traditional speakers. The good news is many stylish options are available, so they won’t clash with your outdoor aesthetic. These may be installed on the side of your home, on your screened-in porch, or even on a deck. Wherever they are installed, these speakers are weatherproof and built to withstand the elements.

Although this option may not have the same coverage that a landscaping system gives you, if placed correctly in relation to your outdoor space, this option is a sound solution for your space. Pun intended!

3. Portable Speakers

Lastly, portable speakers are a simple and affordable solution. They are small, compact speakers that are designed to be taken with you on the go.

So bring it along when gardening or hanging around the fire pit. See how you like it, and if, in the future, you want something more advanced, we can do that!

Sunbrite Outdoor TV collection offers a variety of TVs made to live outdoors.

Outdoor TVs

Now that we've explored the options for audio, we're ready to talk outdoor TVs! An outdoor TV can help enhance your outdoor living space and even make it feel like an extension of your home. Before you buy, you should be aware of a few misconceptions about the difference between an outdoor TV and an indoor TV.

Outdoor TVs VS Indoor TVs

  1. Outdoor TVs are treated and sealed to handle the elements. Outdoor TVs are designed to withstand outdoor elements, such as rain, snow, extreme temperatures, and direct sunlight, whereas indoor TVs are not. Outdoor TVs are typically sealed to prevent water and debris from entering the TV, and some models are even designed to operate in temperatures below freezing. With this said, we do generally recommend bringing in your outdoor TV if it isn’t being used in the colder months. Doing so will avoid unnecessary wear and tear. On the other hand, they also have a special cooling system to protect the internal components from overheating in direct sunlight.
  2. Outdoor TVs are brighter to help with visibility. Outdoor TVs are designed to be brighter than indoor TVs to compensate for the bright sunlight that can wash out the picture. Additionally, outdoor TVs often have higher contrast ratios to provide better picture quality in varying lighting conditions.
  3. For the best result, you want to consider the amount of light the TV receives when you buy it. If you have started your research on outdoor TVs, you may have noticed the price range is quite significant. Similar to an indoor TV, the size of the TV will drive the price. Additionally, the amount of sun an outdoor TV can withstand also plays a role. For example, Sunbrite categorizes TVs into three levels: Full Shade, Partial Sun, and Full Sun. For any gardeners, this concept is very similar to buying plants for your garden!

Our advice? Do your due diligence first. Once you’ve determined the location and size you want, make a note of the type of sunlight your outdoor TV will be exposed to.

Smart Solutions & Seamless Connection

Your outdoor set-up can be just as seamless of an experience as your indoor set-up. We install separate outdoor network access points and program all of your devices to be controlled from a single device. Overall, adding technology can be an excellent investment that will bring entertainment, convenience, and value to your outdoor living space!

Mike Rasque
Design, Halsten Entertainment

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