2. 2 Commercial Integrator • 17 Definitive Dos and Don’ts of Installing Outdoor AV
H
AVING A TV OUTSIDE can entertain, inform and even put people
just a wee bit closer to the action. It’s becoming a selling point
for many restaurants, businesses, theme parks, stadiums, and
other attractions, making it something commercial installers really need
to know about.
Whether you’re just starting to install outdoor displays or consider your-
self a pro, know that this offering has its own very specific but easy-to-follow
set of rules. We asked a few electronic professionals for pointers, tips and
other ideas about what to do and what to avoid when it comes to installing
outdoor displays.
1. Indoor TVs and outdoor TVs are not interchangeable. Ask anyone
who’s installed an outdoor TV what the number one mistake is; the first
thing they blurt out is how you shouldn’t even dream of using an indoor
TV in an outdoor environment.
They love to talk at length about it, because it really is the worst pos-
sible decision for you, your client, and especially the equipment.
Sure, we know plenty of people love to drag the TV out to the back-
yard on a nice summer evening. And yes, it’s a cheaper solution. It also
isn’t a long-term solution. If your client is looking to make a TV a perma-
nent fixture, it needs to be rated for outdoor use. That means that these
displays have extra-bright panels and can fight off glare, resulting in a
17 Definitive
Dos and Don’ts
of Installing
Outdoor AV
Whether you’re just starting to install
outdoor displays or consider yourself a pro,
it’s important to note the very specific but
easy-to-follow rules for AV in the elements.
3. Commercial Integrator • 17 Definitive Dos and Don’ts of Installing Outdoor AV 3
better picture under outdoor lighting conditions.
For commercial applications, they are rated for
longer duty cycles & continuous operation. They
also fight off things like wind, water and bugs. And
besides being able to withstand hot and cold, an
outdoor TV can dissipate heat. It’s nice to gather
around a fire outside, as long as that fire isn’t coming
from the TV!
2. Remember the warranty! On the off-chance
you’re still thinking about using an indoor TV outside
(don’t do that!), remember that even most TV manu-
facturers advise against this. Look in the manual
(you still have that, right?).
That fine print in the back typically suggests you
keep the TV inside and will actually void the warranty
if you do otherwise.
3. Mounts need weatherproofing love, too. Just
like the TV, a mount needs to be rated for outdoor use as well. A regular
mount can deteriorate under extreme hot and/or cold conditions.
It looks bad, it rusts, and it could even fall apart. It needs to be able
to withstand all of the elements, just like the TV. Also, outdoor mounts
are made to handle the weight of outdoor Displays, which are typically
heavier than the average flat screen. Yes, you want it heavier because
your client won’t want it to blow away.
It’s worth noting that a drop-mount or ceiling mount may not be the
best choice in windy areas. Instead, consider an articulating outdoor-rated
mount. This delivers a wider range on the viewing angle and it won’t limit
the audience to one viewing area, allowing users to tilt the TV toward the
patio, the pool, the fire pit, or anywhere else people will congregate.
4. Ditto on the cables. Just like lawns, patio furniture, and every-
thing else that lives outside, cables can wear down and even crack when
exposed to the outdoor elements. Like the TV and the mount, the cables
need to be rated for outdoor use with UV protection.
5. Consider a drip loop. Speaking of cables, a drip loop is highly rec-
ommended for an outdoor TV installation. It’s basically the TV cable,
but formed into a 180-degree loop that lives right near where the cable
enters the display or any outdoor device. Having this gives water and
moisture a place to go and helps prevent water intrusion—which can lead
to costly repairs and replacements.
6. Size matters! The size of a screen can determine not only where
you place it, but also the weight and mounting restrictions that should be
considered. Of course, you need to have a spot that can support the size
of the screen being installed. However, it not only needs to fit that spot,
but should include a little wiggling room for maintenance needs.
If you do have the space, however, consider going big, which can
deliver an awesome view to even the largest crowds.
Mounts need to be able to withstand all of the
elements, just like the TV.
4. 4 Commercial Integrator • 17 Definitive Dos and Don’ts of Installing Outdoor AV
17 Definitive Dos and Don’ts of Installing Outdoor AV17 Definitive Dos and Don’ts of Installing Outdoor AV
7. Location, location, location. Both lighting and weather conditions
can put a damper on an outdoor viewing experience. If possible, pick a
spot that is protected from the elements and doesn’t get a lot of direct
sunlight. If the placement isn’t flexible, it’s okay.
Many outdoor TVs are rated for harsh weather conditions and are
sealed to protect against moisture and other outdoor conditions. If the
screen will receive direct sunlight exposure, make sure the outdoor dis-
play is direct-sunlight-readable with a bright, high-temperature panel.
8. Be involved from the beginning. Most people don’t spend enough
time planning any installation, let alone one fraught with unpredictable
weather issues. Being involved with a project from the beginning will save
a lot of time, money, and energy. For instance, you don’t want to come
into a project, only to inform the client that new cables need to be run or
swapped out.
9. Have the proper power in place. As mentioned, no one wants to
run new wiring after the walls are sealed. Don’t just think about the types
of cables, but make sure you have the electrical power needed at your
installation spot. If not, you’ll need to factor those costs into the planning
stage. Hidden and unexpected costs are not pleasant surprises to bring up
during the installation process.
10. Consider control early. If you’re splitting content from a cable box,
satellite box, some other indoor source, or all of the above, think about
how users will control the outdoor display. And do they need to control
more than one TV? Make sure the user has the proper controller to access
content, adjust the volume, and even switch sources if needed.
11. What do you want to watch? There are a lot of ways to get con-
tent to outdoor TVs these days. If you plan to split a cable or satellite
box, make sure that the proper wiring is already in place. If that’s not an
option, media players are compact enough to conceal outdoors and sev-
eral options can even tap into an existing WiFi network, provided a strong,
stable signal is available.
Just make sure that the box is weatherproof. All-weather point-to-
point wireless transceiver systems are also available, and can offer simple
HDMI-in, HDMI-out wireless streaming.
12. Plan on a few delays. Proper planning takes time. However,
there’s one thing you can’t plan out: the weather. Because this is an out-
door installation, it can be unpredictable. The environment, additional
equipment, budgets and even “the ever fateful scope creep” can all throw
a wrench into your timeline. Plan for potential delays and you’ll be a lot
happier—and so will your client.
12.5. Provide the outdoor TV option! Okay, so technically, this is the
13th tip, but it’s an important one. Make sure your clients are aware
of the benefits of an outdoor TV and what it can do for their business,
whether it’s for entertainment or informational purposes.
Their return on investment from potential advertising & promotion,
increased attendance, or improved patron experience can be attractive.
There’s one thing
you can’t plan out:
the weather. The
environment,
additional equipment,
budgets and even
“the ever fateful
scope creep” can
all throw a wrench
into your timeline.
5. Commercial Integrator • 17 Definitive Dos and Don’ts of Installing Outdoor AV 5
It’s possible that they’ve never even thought about
it! Having an outdoor display can make for a nicer
install, a happier client, and an incremental source of
revenue for your company and your client’s.
CONSIDER SAFETY ISSUES
It’s not just the post office who has to deal with
snow, rain, heat and the gloom of night. It’s also
what an outdoor entertainment system has to
endure.
13. Choose equipment wisely. You wouldn’t
leave that trusty iPad or iPhone outside in the rain
or even under brutal sunlight. Why would you do the
same with a TV? Well, some AV equipment is actu-
ally built to withstand those elements.
Those pieces are outdoor-rated and come sport-
ing Underwriters Laboratories (UL) or Canadian Stan-
dards Association (CSA) certification. This basically means that a third-
party association has put that equipment through the ringer, in order to
make sure it can handle being outside for a lengthy period of time.
It doesn’t just make sure that those TVs don’t burst into flames, how-
ever, but also that each piece can actually survive that type of abuse—
and perform well while doing so.
Some manufacturers even run their own tests as an added bonus.
For instance, SunBriteTV conducts several of its own analyses. In fact, the
company recently subjected some of the displays in its Pro Series to living
in a salt-fog chamber, which can simulate years of use under high-heat
and salty weather conditions.
It’s definitely interesting to see what types of torture-tests that these
manufacturers can come up with, but just know that these TVs also have the
UL and CSA seal of approval. This is what installers should always seek out.
“It’s not just us saying that the product is safe,” says Jonathan John-
son, director of brand marketing for SunBriteTV. “It’s a third-party lab
that’s developing, independently testing and verifying that the product is
fit for that application.”
And in case you haven’t noticed, those certifications don’t come
with indoor TVs, meaning that those are not appropriate for an outdoor
install—no matter how much your client is pushing for it. It’s important
to let your clients know that using an indoor TV outside won’t produce the
same type of experience because they can’t fight off glare or deliver the
same type of bright image in ambient light.
More importantly, it’s a safety hazard. If lawsuits seem farfetched,
costly repairs and replacement AV is certainly something your client
would be on the hook for, since putting an indoor TV outside will abso-
lutely void the manufacturer’s warranty.
14. Avoid casual hookups. We’re not going to help you install every
Take safety seriously. Back in 2013, a display
board at an Alabama airport (not shown) fell
to the ground, injuring several people and
even killing a young boy. The survivors sued
the project contractors, saying that the display
was not properly installed.
6. 6 Commercial Integrator • 17 Definitive Dos and Don’ts of Installing Outdoor AV
17 Definitive Dos and Don’ts of Installing Outdoor AV
wire, connector and cover. That’s what your electrician is for. You’ll need
to seek out a licensed professional to make sure that all of your electrical
needs are there—and up to code. And that pro doesn’t just need to know
the National Electrical Code, but municipal codes as well.
Know that grounded circuits, GFIs and everything else exposed to the
elements needs to be protected. This includes adding things like weather-
proof fittings and cables, whether those will be buried or above ground, as
well as covers for outlets that can withstand the elements as much as the
actual outdoor AV products.
Kevin Burnley, president/owner of Creative Audio Video and Automa-
tion out of St Louis, Mo., says it’s also a smart move to use shielded cable
outdoors, to combat the interference from cell phones, radio-frequency
products, and other obstacles.
Having the proper tools to put all of those things into the install is
just as important, too. Jonathan Beitz, president of JAVI A/V LLC out of
San Antonio, Texas, says that 100 percent of his business is commercial-
based. So he’s very familiar with how to safely install AV in this type of
setting. Proper tools, good working ladders, and the right amount of staff
are all part of his equation.
Beitz says that there can be safety in numbers, saying that the weight
and height of the TV will dictate how many employees are needed for the
job. And a ladder is definitely a must when installing a TV in an outdoor
commercial setting, since you want those devices up high and out of the
way. A lift should even be considered, depending on the configuration.
“Putting it out of reach is important, if you’re in a bar or restaurant,”
adds Burnley. “You’ve got to put them high enough so the kids aren’t
going to hang on the thing.”
15. Avoid mounting mishaps. Back in 2013, a display board at an
Alabama airport fell to the ground, injuring several people and even killing
a young boy. The survivors sued the project contractors, saying that the
display was not properly installed. This is why proper mounts, backing and
other options are extremely important.
“You don’t want to use inexpensive, cheap mounts,” says Beitz. “There are a
lot of mounts that are not well made and you want to stay away from those.”
Mounts also need to be UL-rated. Besides being able to survive snow,
rain, wind and other weather conditions, UL mounts have to meet certain
load and weight requirements, as well as structural integrity testing. The
display install location may dictate that type of mount that’s used. For
instance, Burnley says you should avoid putting an articulating mount in
an area that’s prone to high winds.
“[The wind] could grab that TV and turn it,” he says. “It would be like a
big sail.”
Wind isn’t the only thing to worry about, which is why added support
is always a good idea in an outdoor installation. Beitz always asks for
backing, which basically means additional plywood or studs in the wall to
make the installation more secure.
Creating a safe
installation also
includes protecting
equipment, which
goes beyond actual
damage. Expensive
AV devices in
a commercial
setting are often
susceptible to theft.
17 Definitive Dos and Don’ts of Installing Outdoor AV
7. Commercial Integrator • 17 Definitive Dos and Don’ts of Installing Outdoor AV 7
“If you have a mount that’s a 24-inch plate; the
studs are typically at 16 inches on center,” he says.
“Well sometimes, they may not be 16 inches on cen-
ter. It may be a little further down, so you’re really
only able to get two mounting points in—and that’s
inadequate. You should really have at least four more
mounting points for a TV that’s 65 inches or less.”
Burley agrees, saying that you shouldn’t install an
articulating mounted display into a metal stud without
that extra backing or support. And he also says that
most commercial jobs are using metal studs these days.
“If you’ve got a corner and you don’t have extra
bracketing in that wall, you can do a ceiling mounted
TV,” he says. “That way, you’re actually attaching to
the ceiling structure. If you’ve got to do a corner and
you don’t have the support in the wall, hang it from
the ceiling. That way, you can attach to an I-beam
and not to a stud in the wall, for a little extra support.”
16. Marry safety and security. Creating a safe installation also
includes protecting equipment, which goes beyond actual damage.
Expensive AV devices in a commercial setting are often susceptible to
theft. Burnley says that something like a rock speaker is very easy to walk
away with, making in-ground and mounting speakers a smarter choice. Of
course, even something as big as a TV isn’t immune from sticky fingers.
“If you are the security dealer on a project or can consult with the
security provider on the project, there are different types of sensors that
you can put inside the TV to essentially secure it,” he says. “One would
be putting an extra piece of Cat5 cable or two connector-types of cable
inside the TV. When they cut that wire, it would trigger the alarm system.
You can also put an asset sensor, kind of a flip-type sensor. If someone
grabs a TV and tilts it, that can trigger the alarm system.”
Burnley says that even a padlock in the mount would be a good solu-
tion. “That will at least deter them a little bit, slow them down,” he says.
17. Watch the weather. Of course, there are also obstacles that we
can’t always predict—mainly, the weather. If you’re planning to tough it
out, be cautious of slippery ladders, wind and sun glare, which can create
a hazardous work environment.
Frosbite dangers and lightning may even put a project on hold, but
adding in that time could save you money and expense in the long run.
Planning ahead for safety issues and other obstacles will help you to
avoid wasting time, energy, money, and even your reputation. It’s impor-
tant to know what you’re doing.
“I’m sure there are integrators out there or probably more subcon-
tractors that aren’t properly trained on how to mount a TV,” says Beitz.
“We’ve seen really, really bad installs on displays and had to go in there
and redo it for clients.” n
Commercial displays are rated for longer
duty cycles & continuous operation. They
can fight off wind, water, bugs and with-
stand hot and cold.
