Installing an outdoor TV can be a great way to enhance your patio, pool deck, or outdoor living space. However, one challenge with outdoor TVs is dealing with glare from sunlight, which can make it very difficult to see what’s on the screen. Fortunately, there are several effective techniques to reduce glare and improve viewability on your outdoor TV.
Choose the Right TV for the Space
When selecting an outdoor TV, opt for a model with a matte screen instead of a glossy one. Matte screens have an anti-glare coating that diffuses reflections much better than glossy screens. An outdoor TV also needs to be bright enough to overcome ambient light – look for a high lumens rating. Getting a TV designed specifically for outdoor use is ideal, as they are engineered to minimize glare.
Adjust the TV Placement and Angle
Ideally, place the TV out of direct sunlight and facing away from the sun’s arc across the sky. Position it under an overhang, patio cover, or gazebo roof to block overhead light. Tilting the screen down at a 15-30 degree angle can direct distracting reflections away from the viewing area. Don’t place the TV up against reflective surfaces like glass or pools which can also create glare.
Use Landscaping and Shades
Strategically place trees, shrubs, trellises with climbing plants, and outdoor umbrellas to block sunlight without obstructing airflow or the TV’s wireless signal. Awnings, overhangs, and side screens can provide shade as well. Solar screens that attach to balconies or pergolas filter sunlight while allowing visibility. Manage sunlight throughout the day by adjusting adjustable screens/shutters.
Attach a Sun Hood or Visor
Mounting a sun hood above the TV shields the screen from overhead sunshine. Sun hoods are designed specifically for outdoor TVs, extending a few feet above/beyond the screen in all directions to block light while still allowing airflow. Visors or brims that attach to the top of the TV frame provide similar glare protection.
Use Polarized Filters
Polarizing screens attach directly to the TV over the display area, helping neutralize reflections. These filters block horizontally polarized light waves, improving visibility by reducing surface glare without losing image quality. Rotating the filter lets you achieve the optimal polarization angle for your setup.
Try Anti-Reflective Sprays
Apply specialty anti-glare/anti-reflective sprays formulated for TV screens and electronics as an easy solution. These transparent coatings reduce light reflections and fingerprint smudges through optical nanotechnology. Reapply them every few months for continued effectiveness against sun glare.
Dim the Ambient Lighting
For nighttime TV viewing, minimize bright lighting around the outdoor space that could cause screen glare – rely more on accent lighting. Place lamps and string lights off to the side rather than directly facing the TV. Dimming overhead pool lights also cuts down on reflections after dark.
Use Light-Colored Walls Behind the TV
Having light-colored walls/surfaces around and behind the TV prevents them from becoming sources of glare themselves. White or light gray backgrounds allow for better reflection diffusion compared to darker walls that can mirror/amplify sunlight onto the screen.
Add Interior Window Tinting
If the outdoor TV will be viewable through glass doors/windows, consider adding interior window tinting to reduce glare. Non-adhesive films that stick on with static electricity work well for rentals. Opt for high-tech tints that cut down on heat/glare without making the glass too dark.
Invest in Anti-Glare Filters
High-quality anti-glare/privacy computer monitor filters can also be used on flatscreen TVs to diffuse ambient lighting. These peel-and-stick shades block UV and soften harsh reflections. Some specifically cover just the screen rather than the entire TV frame.
Properly setting up and equipping an outdoor TV takes some forethought to combat annoying glare. Following these tips will allow viewers to enjoy the outdoor ambience while still seeing the screen clearly at any time of day. Experiment with different combinations of glare reduction techniques to determine the optimal solution for your unique outdoor space. With the right setup, an outdoor TV can provide many hours of vivid entertainment without sun interference.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reducing Glare on Outdoor TVs
What is the main cause of glare on outdoor TVs?
The primary source of glare on outdoor TVs is sunlight – either direct or reflected off surrounding surfaces like glass or water. The angle and intensity of sunlight striking the screen determines how problematic the glare will be.
Should I get a matte or glossy TV for outdoors?
Matte screens with anti-glare technology are strongly recommended for outdoor TVs. The matte coating diffuses reflections much better than glossy screens. Glossy screens cause too much mirror-like glare outdoors.
How helpful are sun hoods at reducing TV glare?
Sun hoods that extend above and to the sides of the TV screen are very effective at blocking overhead sunlight, which is a major contributor to glare. They shade the display from ambient light at wide angles.
Can window tinting help block glare on outdoor TVs?
If the TV can be viewed through glass doors or windows, adding interior window tinting can make a big difference in cutting down glare and heat transmission. Opt for high-tech, non-adhesive tints to avoid permanent modifications.
What angle should I tilt an outdoor TV at?
Tilting the TV screen down at a 15 to 30 degree angle helps prevent sunlight from directly striking the screen’s surface. Angling it facing away from the sun’s movement across the sky is ideal. Avoid tilting it up which amplifies glare.
How often should anti-glare sprays be reapplied to an outdoor TV?
Anti-glare and anti-reflective sprays protect outdoor TVs from sun interference. Reapplying these optical nanotechnology coatings every 2-3 months will keep them working effectively against glare and smudges.
Can I use anti-glare computer screen filters on my outdoor TV?
Yes, high-quality anti-glare computer filters will also diffuse glare on an outdoor flatscreen TV when cut to size. Some peel-and-stick shades are designed to cover just the TV screen rather than the whole frame.
Should I dim lights around an outdoor TV at night?
To reduce screen glare at nighttime, avoid having bright lights shining directly at the outdoor TV – instead place accent lighting off to the sides. Dimming overhead pool and patio lights can also minimize reflections after sunset.
How often should I adjust adjustable sun screens around my outdoor TV?
Manually adjustable screens, shutters, shades, and umbrellas need seasonal and daily position tweaks around outdoor TVs as the sun’s path shifts. Adjust them to optimally block sunlight and glare throughout the day.
Conclusion
Glare from the sun can make outdoor TVs frustrating to watch during the day. Thankfully, there are many effective solutions to visibly cut down on annoying reflections and improve viewability. Strategically positioned shades, light-colored backgrounds, matte screens, and anti-glare filters can all help diffuse sunlight striking the display. With the right combination of glare-reduction techniques, your outdoor TV viewing will become much clearer and more pleasurable. Careful setup and some periodic maintenance will ensure your outdoor TV provides seasons of entertainment without sun interference.