Once the weather gets nice, it’s time to spend as much time outdoors as you can, and an outdoor TV is a wonderful addition to the backyard. I have had one on my back deck for years and we love it. We watch TV shows or movies in the early evening while barbecuing dinner, catch sports or the news on a Sunday morning with coffee.
You want the best outdoor TV for your space, and two models worth considering from two of the best brands in the space are the Samsung The Terrace LST7D TV and the Sylvox outdoor TV (OT55A2KHGD). Both are good choices with some overlapping specs, but also a few differing features that might point you to one over the other.
How is an outdoor TV different from an indoor one?
First, what is an outdoor TV and is it worth getting? Outdoor TVs are designed specifically for use outside, built with rugged, weatherproof housings to protect from the elements and extreme temperatures, inside and out. They have brighter, glare-free screens so they’re viewable in direct sunlight without images looking washed out or reflections interfering with the view.
There are three types: Full shade must be in a covered space like a screened porch or gazebo. Partial sun is for patio and decks that get some sunlight. Full sun can be exposed to sunlight all day. Both the Samsung The Terrace LST7D TV and the Sylvox outdoor TV (OT55A2KHGD) are partial sun models.
What to look for in an outdoor TV
There are a few key things to look for in an outdoor TV.
Weather resistance
Check the IP rating to determine how resistant it is to weather conditions like rain, snow, and dust. You want to be confident that it won’t be damaged if you forget to put a cover on one night or you accidentally point the sprinkler in its direction.
Temperature rating
Where I live in Toronto, we can get temperatures as frigid as -40°C in the winter and as hot as 40°C in the summer. You want a TV with a wide temperature range if you live in a similar setting.
Screen brightness
If you want to watch outside during the day when the sun is at its peak, you’ll want higher brightness. This is why full sun outdoor TVs usually have brightness of 2,500 nits or higher. For partial sun, 1,000-2,000 nits brightness should suffice.
Cost
Outdoor TVs usually cost more than indoor counterparts. Balance price against needs, but don’t skimp on features and specs to ensure the longevity of the display.
Mounting
Determine how easy it is to mount and access covered ports for connecting source devices. Position nearby a power source for neat wiring.
Samsung The Terrace LST7D TV vs Sylvox outdoor TV (OT55A2KHGD)
Before diving into the details about these two TVs, let’s break down the general specs.
| Specs | Samsung The Terrace LST7D | Sylvox OT55A2KHGD |
| Sizes | 55″, 65″, 75″ | 55″, 65″ |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 |
| Type | Partial Sun | Partial Sun |
| IP rating | IP56 | IP55 |
| Processor | NQ4 AI Gen 2 | ARM-based |
| Smart OS | Tizen | Google TV |
| Unique features | Dolby Atmos sound, Samsung TV Plus, Gaming Hub, SmartThings, Bixby voice assistant, HDMI eARC | Dolby Atmos sound, built-in Chromecast, Google Assistant, Google apps access |
| Price range | Starts at $3,799 | Starts at $2,549 |
Samsung The Terrace outdoor TV
The Samsung The Terrace LST7D TV was initially introduced in 2020. The model I’m looking at here is the newer 2024 version.
Brightness
You’ll get up to 2,000 nits brightness, which should make it pleasantly viewable outdoors in ambient sunlight. Though as with any partial sun outdoor TV, it isn’t recommended for exposure to direct sunlight. Samsung notes that brightness can decrease at times to protect the panel if it’s especially hot and humid or the sun is shining brightly.
Picture quality
This Neo QLED 4K TV uses mini LED technology and High Dynamic Range (HDR+) to boost picture quality, contrast, colour, and brightness. Even with non-4K sources, it offers upscaled 4K resolution. An anti-reflection coating limits glare and with a wide viewing angle, everyone sitting around the deck will get a good view. The 120Hz refresh rate with Motion Xcelerator makes it suitable for fast-paced action movies, even light gaming.
IP rating
The IP56 rating ensures protection against dust and water. The “5” designates a high rating against dust, indicating that some dust can enter the TV and it will continue to operate without issue. The “6” pertains to water, ensuring the TV is protected not just against water like rain splashes but also powerful water jets. Don’t encourage the kids to fight with water guns in front of it—but if a stream accidentally hits the screen, it should be fine. Operating temperature is from -30°C to 50°C (-22°F to 122°F), so it can handle both the coldest Canadian winters and hottest summers.
Processor
The AI-driven NQ4 Gen 2 processor boasts an NPU that is up to four times faster than the previous generation Terrace TV and you get 2.5 times greater AI neural networks for a sharper, more seamless picture. The AI-powered processor analyzes content, like live sports or a classic movie, and upgrades the picture, scene-by-scene, for the best possible viewing experience.
Additional unique features
This TV’s AI processor drives the smart TV hub and advanced audio features like Dolby Atmos. Using the Tizen smart TV interface, you can access paid and free streaming apps and Samsung TV Plus. Also access Samsung apps like Health (say you want to do some outdoor yoga) and a web browser for reading news headlines. Use Gaming Hub to stream games without needing a console. Additionally, access SmartThings to control connected smart devices so you can see who is at the door from a compatible connected camera, for example, or check the lights inside to ensure the kids have gone to bed.
Why should you get Samsung The Terrace?
Samsung’s The Terrace is one of the best outdoor TVs you can buy with specs that rival its indoor TVs, combined with a rugged and weatherproof chassis for viewing outside any time of day. It’s the higher end model of the two, offering seamless integration with other Samsung products and services. This includes a companion Terrace sound bar which you can connect via the HDMI eARC port for enhanced sound.
Available in sizes as big as 75 inches, this exterior TV is ideal for families with young kids. It gives you easy access to activities like gaming, and has both a wide viewing angle and anti-glare for big group viewing.
Sylvox outdoor TV (OT55A2KHGD)
Also introduced in 2024, this Sylvox outdoor TV offers a good balance of affordability and performance.
Brightness
You get brightness at up to 1,000, which means it might not be as clear with direct sunlight hitting it in the early morning or daytime hours unless you have it in a fully shaded area.
Picture quality
Boasting 4K UHD picture quality with HDR support, its 16.7 million colour range provides a bright and sharp picture. An edge-lit LED TV, it comes with Dolby Vision to improve colour, contrast, and brightness. The wide 178° viewing angle and glare-free display makes it easy to see no matter where you’re sitting. You could theoretically play games by connecting a console or accessing them through apps. But the experience likely won’t be as smooth with more intense games since you only get a 60Hz refresh rate. This TV is better for passive viewing.
IP rating
With an IP55 rating, it can withstand the same level of dust but it’s a slight step down when it comes to water. It can handle low-pressure water jets, but just be extra careful if the kids are playing nearby with water guns. Temperature-wise, it can operate in as cold as -30°C up to as hot as 50°C (-22°F to 122°F), the same range as the Samsung The Terrace TV.
Processor
An unspecified ARM-based processor runs this Deck Pro 2.0 series TV, which is optimized for Google TV.
Additional unique features
Through the built-in Google TV platform, you get access to hundreds of thousands of movies and TV shows from the top streaming services, with an applicable subscription if required, along with other Google apps for news, games, and more. With Chromecast, wirelessly cast content from your phone, tablet, or laptop, like a home movie or photo slideshow during a family gathering or a YouTube video. Leverage built-in Google Assistant for voice control to call up content, ask questions, and more.
Why should you get Sylvox outdoor TV
The Sylvox outdoor TV has impressive specs. Google TV is one of the best smart TV operating systems, so having this built in is an advantage. It meets a solid IP rating, too. There are three HDMI ports, but it doesn’t appear as though any are HDMI eARC. If you are only planning to listen through the TV’s built-in dual speakers, this won’t matter. You get a very good outdoor TV for less with this model.
Samsung The Terrace vs Sylvox outdoor TV: Which outdoor TV is right for you?
Choosing between the Samsung The Terrace LST7D TVÂ vs Sylvox outdoor TV comes down to priorities. If you’re looking for the biggest size for large groups, the Samsung The Terrace comes in a larger size option. It also gets tops marks for maximum durability and ability to withstand even powerful close-range water jets. When paired with the companion sound bar, you’ll enjoy a more immersive audio experience with the Samsung The Terrace, though the Sylvox model has powerful dual speakers built in that will suffice for most.
You can’t go wrong with the price of the Sylvox model, and Google TV is arguably the better and more feature-rich operating system. However, if you have other Samsung devices, you might prefer The Terrace to call up apps like Samsung Health or access SmartThings. Weigh the pros and cons, but either of these outdoor TVs would be a welcome addition to your backyard.
Check out both the Samsung The Terrace vs Sylvox outdoor TV and other outdoor TVs at Best Buy Online.
FAQs
What makes an outdoor TV different?
An outdoor TV is specially designed with a rugged housing and covered ports to protect against the elements like rain, snow, dust, and humidity, as well as extreme temperatures. It’s also brighter and produces less or no glare when viewing in direct or partial sunlight.
What is a partial sun outdoor TV?
These are suitable for covered areas that get some direct sunlight. They have higher brightness than full shade outdoor TVs to prevent the image from looking washed out but less brightness than full sun models.
Do I need Wi-Fi for an outdoor TV?
To access the smart TV interface, yes, your Wi-Fi signal would have to extend to the outdoor area. Otherwise, you can cast content from a compatible mobile device or plug in a source like a streaming stick.
Can I leave an outdoor TV uncovered all year?
While you could leave an outdoor TV uncovered all year, it’s recommended to buy a fitted cover. Keep it covered when you’re not using it to prevent damage and unnecessary exposure to the elements.
Should I use a regular TV outside?
No. A regular TV is not weatherproof so moisture could corrode internal components and damage the screen. It also may not have the same brightness nor anti-glare properties.
