Outdoor TV's & Cinco de Mayo

Author

Ron Henderson
May 03, 2024

Outdoor TV’s & Cinco de Mayo


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I didn't encounter Cinco de Mayo until my late twenties. Back then, before the internet dominated our lives, I hailed from a quaint farming community nestled in northern Alberta, Canada.

It was the early '90s when I found myself in Phoenix, Arizona, pursuing my college education. Through some newfound friendships, I snagged an invite to a garage party. The concept struck me as odd; back home, garages were reserved for parking or tinkering with cars.

Yet, this garage was transformed into a lively fiesta. Adorned with festive decorations, it boasted an abundance of Mexican cuisine, Tequila, and, of course, Coronas. When I inquired about the occasion, I received my first lesson on Cinco de Mayo. As a Canadian, I had never encountered this Mexican celebration, but my gracious host enlightened me—it was an annual festivity on the 5th of May.

What intrigued me further was the garage's setup—it seemed tailored for constant entertainment, featuring couches, a TV, stereo, and a compact bar. Upon asking, I learned that the garage doubled as a permanent social space. Although no one referred to it as a man cave or garage bar, that's precisely what it was.

In a single day, I experienced my inaugural Cinco de Mayo celebration and witnessed my first garage bar. It left me with fond memories—a testament to the joys of cultural exchange and unexpected discoveries.

Man Cave Essentials:

Can you use an Indoor TV in a outdoor space?

The short answer is yes, but there are some important things to consider.

Using a TV meant for indoors outside can lead to significant issues. Here's why:

Not Built for the Weather: Indoor TVs aren't designed to handle outdoor conditions like rain, snow, or extreme temperatures. They can easily get damaged if exposed to these elements.

Hard to See in Sunlight: Outdoor spaces are usually sunny, making it difficult to see the screen of an indoor TV due to glare from the sun.

Risk of Overheating: Indoor TVs may overheat if placed outside, especially if there's poor airflow around them.

Potential for Theft or Damage: Leaving an indoor TV outside might make it an easy target for theft or damage.

However, there's one more crucial factor to consider: Price!

Outdoor-rated TVs are much more expensive, often 3 to 4 times the price of a regular indoor TV of the same size, and they rarely go on sale.

So, here's the dilemma: Do you invest in the more expensive outdoor TV for longer durability, or do you opt for a cheaper indoor TV, knowing you may have to replace it more often?

My suggestion is to go with the cheaper indoor TV. Even if you have to replace it, you'll likely end up with a larger, better-quality TV for the same price. Overall, this approach may save you money and provide a better TV experience through upgrades over time.

From my personal experience, I've used indoor TVs in my unheated garage for over a decade without any issues, even during extreme winter cold. I've also used TVs outdoors in a gazebo without problems. Just ensure that if the TV is in an unprotected area, you'll need a cover for it to protect it from the elements.

Man Cave Entertainment Picks:

  • Movie Picks:
    El Mariachi
    Desperado
    2 Guns

  • Hockey: 

    Sunday May 5th Times TBD
    Predators vs. Canucks, Game 7, Canucks lead 3-2

    Golden Knight’s vs. Stars, Game 7, Stars lead 3-2

Have a great Cinco de Mayo Everyone!

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