Demand for alfresco AV is growing, but the price of outdoor TVs places them beyond the reach of many business and home owners. Kate Jordan looks at an alternative.

The outdoor AV business is booming in Australia. Demand is increasing across bars, sportsgrounds and backyards for outdoor televisions that can withstand the ravages of Australian weather. A properly sealed television, however, can be expensive. While a conventional 42” indoor TV is about $400, an outdoor TV can be up to $10,000.

Australian company Liquifi aims to reduce the price of outdoor entertainment with the development of an outdoor LED/LCD enclosure. SealTV provides an indoor TV set with the environment it needs to perform – namely a steady temperature free from dust and moisture – without the big price tag of an outdoor TV.

As Steven Cuda, Liquifi’s director, proudly states “SealTV makes installing a TV outdoors affordable.”

The SealTV enclosure is designed and engineered with Australian conditions in mind. It works in 0-45°C ambient temperature and is weather-rated to IP56. Double sealed with an internal gutter, the enclosure keeps out the vast majority of liquids and dust particles. If further protection is required, Liquifi can build custom cases to IP65 for a completely sealed enclosure.

The mild steel case and optically-bonded screen can withstand the harsh Australian UV rays. A built-in thermostat and fans keep the temperature consistent and further protect against condensation.

“When the internal thermostat measures a significant temperature variance between inside and outside the enclosure, the fans turn on, drawing air inside the enclosure through the filters at the bottom of the enclosure,” Steven explains.

SealTV’s solid build also protects against theft and vandalism aided by a dual locking system. The shock resistant window comes with the option of safety glass or polycarbonate sheet, a strong barrier against thieves, vandals or even angry sports fans.

Available in four sizes to fit TVs from 42” to 65”, SealTV is compact and slim (the depth is just 151mm). The adjustable internal mount ensures it can be fitted to the width of the TV used.

SealTV’s most obvious benefit is price. While the claim that the units are 50% cheaper than their nearest competitor is difficult to quantify, the use of a conventional indoor TV does significantly reduce the cost of outdoor entertainment.

The long-term benefits are certainly plain to see; with double corrosion protection of a galvanised and powder-coated mild steel body, the enclosure will last for many years and the TV inside can easily be replaced to keep up with the latest technology.

“Many of our customers have bought a new TV for inside (like a 4K model) and installed their old TV in the enclosure outside,” Steven states.

Installation is another advantage.

“When you receive your SealTV enclosure it comes with everything you need to install (right down to a variety of nuts, bolts and washers for any TV), and installation is as easy as wall-mounting a regular TV,” Steven explains.

The SealTV enclosure comes pre-wired; there’s no need for a licensed electrician, simply plug in and go. Also pre-wired is the earthing point for improved electrical safety.

Naturally, there are some draw backs. The enclosure limits the sound that the TV can produce, necessitating external speakers. An amplifier and weatherproof speaker kit is available.

The SealTV enclosure is also limited in where it can be placed, as it’s not recommended for direct sunlight. Unless the fans are constantly switched on, there is the possibility that the enclosure will overheat. The screen cover cannot protect the display’s liquid crystals from becoming isotropic. Additionally, reflection from sun glare may detract from viewing.

Even with a couple of distractions, the SealTV enclosure offers an affordable alternative to outdoor TVs. It can be ordered directly from SealTV and trade accounts are available.