Question: Why watch TV outdoors?
Answer: To extend the enjoyment of watching sports
and movies, or playing games to your backyard. Never miss the
big play again because you were outside getting a burger and
the TV was inside. Enjoy a romantic comedy under the stars.
Families can now enjoy playing the latest video games in the
fresh air.
Question: Why do I need an "outdoor" TV?
Answer: Just like anything else that you place
outside an outdoor TV is weather protected and specifically
designed for outdoor use. Would you put your sofa from the
family room in your backyard? How about the kitchen stove? You
would most likely purchase an outdoor Grill, and a patio
set…both designed for outdoor use. An indoor TV is not
suitable for use outdoors for many reasons.
- Sunlight/Daylight will cause the picture on your indoor TV
to appear washed out so CINIOS uses higher brightness
screens with anti-reflective, anti glare treatments that
results in better picture quality in daylight conditions
- Indoor TVs have vents at the top to allow damaging heat to
dissipate. These vents allow rain and dirt to enter the
inside of a standard TV set. Water and moisture can damage
the electrical components of a television and cause it to
malfunction. CINIOS TVs have an IP rating of 55…which means
they are well protected against spraying water from all
directions and dust/dirt particles and.
- Corrosion is another enemy of an indoor TV. Protection is
required for the circuitry (inside) and any part of the TV
that is exposed to the elements (outside), like the bezel
and chassis. CINIOS uses a silicone coating on internal
circuitry to provide moisture protection. The metal chassis
and bezel is made of anti corrosive metal.
- Also, the temperature at the surface of the screen on a
sunny day can often reach very high levels which can cause
damage to an indoor if not properly ventilated. CINIOS
employs a fan ventilation system to keep things cool and
working properly
- Click Here for a
Comparison of Indoor TVs vs. CINIOS Backyard TV >>
Question: What is an IP rating?
Answer: An IP (Ingress Protection) rating indicates
the external conditions LCD displays can withstand and describes
the level of protection during use when exposed to moisture and
dust entering the display. The first number lists the ability to
protect against dust. A "5" rating means the unit is well
protected against dust. The second number lists the level of
protection against moisture. A "5" rating indicates that the
display is protected from jets of water from all directions and
still operates.
Question: Will using a standard TV outside void my
warranty?
Answer: YES in most cases it will. Most standard
indoor televisions are specified for operation up to 104° F.
Operating it when temperatures are higher than that can be cause
for terminating the warranty. Also, a typical warranty does not
cover misuse or accidents from "water spillage" or rain. Check
with the manufacturer to be sure.
Question: What is the warranty on CINIOS Backyard TVs?
Answer: CINIOS televisions come with a 1 year limited
parts and labor warranty from the date of original purchase from
an authorized retailer or installer. See warranty policy for
details.
Warranty >>
Question: Do I need a heater in my outdoor TV?
Answer: Not necessarily. A heater may be a good
idea if you plan to use your television often in temperatures
well below 20°F. And remember, those heaters have to
remain plugged in 24hrs a day - that's alot of electricity to
waste to watch TV in very cold temperatures.
Question: What is "sunlight readable"?
Answer: The picture of a standard indoor LCD
television tends to become "washed out" when viewed in full
daylight conditions. This is due to the much higher levels of
ambient light (sunlight) versus inside your home. Good picture
quality requires a higher brightness rating than an indoor TV
to produce a clear crisp picture regardless of light
conditions. All CINIOS TVs incorporate higher brightness
screens that are up to 2 times brighter than an average indoor
TV. Also, CINIOS TVS feature an easy to use DAY/NIGHT
brightness adjustment in the picture menu to allow for proper
settings no matter when you are watching.
Question: Do I need a super high brightness screen for
outdoor viewing?
Answer: It depends on what your requirements are.
Most of the super high brightness screens (800cd/m or higher)
were designed for commercial installations like an airport or
hotel pool deck that are exposed to direct sunlight for long
periods and need to be seen from long distances. These
commercial grade screens typically generate more heat and
consume a significant amount of power. The brighter the
backlight, and therefore the brightness rating, the greater
the thermal issue. For residential use CINIOS has designed its
Backyard TVs to strike a balance between having sufficient
brightness for outdoor viewing while keeping power consumption
(and energy costs) and resulting excess heat to a minimum and
delivering an excellent outdoor viewing experience.
Question: What is the Difference between a standard LCD
TV and one using LED backlight technology?
Answer: The primary difference between a standard
LCD TV and one that uses LED backlighting is that the LED
version consumes up to 40% less energy than standard LCD TVs
which saves energy and money!
Question: How will I know if an "outdoor" TV is really
protected from the elements?
Answer: The only true and accurate method for
determining if your outdoor TV is really designed to withstand
being outside is by knowing the IP (Ingress Protection) rating
given to the set. An IP rating tells you what level of water
and dust/dirt protection your TV has. CINIOS TVs have an IP
rating of 55…which means they are well protected against dirt
particles entering the set and spraying water from all
directions.
Click here for our
Comparison Chart >>
Corrosion protection is also required for the circuitry
(inside) and any part of the TV that is exposed to the
elements (outside), like the bezel and chassis. CINIOS uses a
silicone coating on internal circuitry to provide moisture
protection. The housing of the TV is made with corrosive
resistant metal.
Also, a ventilation or fan system is necessary in order to
keep the TV cool when temps get hot as well as to guard
against condensation build up. CINIOS uses a fan ventilation
system to keep the unit cool and condensation free.
Question: How do I program a remote control other than
the one that came with my Backyard TV?
Answer: We strongly recommend that you use the
supplied waterproof remote control as it is designed to be
protected from damage from water and other nasty outdoor
stuff…. and keeps your "indoor" remote safe where it
belongs…inside! However, if you decide to use another
programmable remote control you should refer to the owners
manual for that remote or it's manufacturer's web site. Or use
the codes provided in the
Support section.
Question: My TV is on but there is no picture. What
should I do?
Answer: Insure that all cables and connectors are
securely connected to the appropriate inputs. Make sure that
you have selected the proper source/input. On the TV's menu
screen, select "source" and choose from the options listed
that matches the actual connection of your television source.
Refer to the owner's manual for additional information.
See
our quick start guide >>
Question: What is the best location for my Backyard TV?
Answer: For best viewing results any residential
outdoor TV should be placed in a somewhat covered area and not
be exposed to direct sunlight which will diminish the picture
quality due to the "washed out" effect created by very bright
sunlight competing, and winning, with the backlight of the
television. Additionally, all LCD TVs can endure up to a
maximum temperature of 170° F at the panel itself. Direct
sunlight on a hot day can cause temperatures to approach that
level…think about how hot the inside of your can get on a hot
day with the windows rolled up and you will quickly see how
direct sunlight can heat up your TV's LCD panel. CINIOS TVs
are designed to operate properly in all types of weather and
light conditions. However, we recommend that the TV be placed
in an area that is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Question: Do I really need a cover for my outdoor TV?
Answer: CINIOS Backyard TVs are designed to be
installed outside year-round. However, if you want to keep your
CINIOS TV looking great longer, it is best to cover it when it's
not in use. Just like a car should be garaged or covered to keep
it better looking, so should an outdoor TV.
Question: Do I need to have my outdoor TV professionally
installed?
Answer: Not necessarily, but it is recommended to
ensure that local codes are met, to ensure a sturdy mounting
solution is used, that proper and professional cable connections
are implemented and to aid in minimizing direct sunlight for
maximum picture quality.
If you decide that you want to use a professional you can find
one at www.cedia.org
Question: Can I use an antenna with my CINIOS TV?
Answer: Yes. For local stations an antenna is often
a good choice. But make sure that you choose one that is made
for outdoor use. It is also a good idea to check to see if you
will get good reception in your area using an antenna. Contact
your local TV stations.
Question: What do I do if I see blacked out splotches on
the screen?
Answer: This is likely due to very high internal
temperature inside the TV. You should power off the TV and
remove it from direct sunlight. Such high temperatures for long
periods can permanently damage the TV. After it cools, you can
power on to check for permanent damage. Relocate the TV mounting
so that it avoids direct sunlight on the front panel, and rear
if possible also. If not possible, it is suggested not to
operate the TV while it is in direct sunlight and the air
temperature is high.
Question: Why is there condensation or water droplets
inside the panel screen?
Answer: Outdoor weather can be very extreme even when
it seems a normal day to us. Rapid changes in humidity and
temperature can create short term effects that cannot be avoided
without very costly systems. Condensation can occur,
however the CINIOS TV WeatherProtect System provides not only
provides moisture protection for the electronics, but the fan
ventilation system will clear internal condensation when powered
on. It is temporary and not harmful long term.
Question: Why do I need a waterproof remote control?
Answer: Indoor remotes are not protected from water
damage from rain, condensation, or backyard sprinklers. CINIOS
remote controls are designed to be waterproof, and they float
too! If you are enjoying a movie while relaxing in your pool or
spa and accidently drop the remote in the water, you will be
happy and relieved that you have a CINIOS waterproof remote
control instead of an expensive, unprotected home theater
remote.
Click Here for More
Technical Information >>