Outdoor Tech

As you read through our blog post on how to bring premier audio and video technology, you’ll learn:

• • What the latest trends are in outdoor audio and video technology
  • How to maximize your audio performance with a finely tuned setup
  • What outdoor tech you need to bring your home theater and sound system outside

Spending time outside never goes out of style, and moving your audio and video set up has never been easier. With an abundance of AV technology that’s weatherproof, integrated into your smart home, and intuitive to use, you’ll find yourself spending more time outside even as you end up watching more TV or listening to more music than ever before.

An outdoor AV setup can also turn any party into an outdoor affair. Throw on the big game or the latest album drop while enjoying California’s warm sunshine and cool breeze. Not sure how to turn your outdoor setup into your home’s next piece de resistance? Make sure to keep reading!

Outdoor Tech Trends

Outdoor speakers have been around for a while, and you likely already know someone with a TV on their porch or deck. However, as outdoor technology changes and trends in different directions, today’s setups offer superior design integration and more intuitive use than ever before. Check out some of today’s latest trends to make sure you’re riding the latest wave of outdoor technology.

Alfresco Designs

It’s not enough to just take your TV outside, set it up on stable deck furniture, and call it a day. That looks is as hokey as it is unsafe. Instead, you can design an alfresco audio-video experience with some simple yet evocative design touches.

For instance, you probably have a television mounted on a wall inside your home. Why not take that look outside by mounting a television into a stone fireplace. The use of stone helps tie the outdoors together while giving your TV a premium residence. With some built-in deck furniture or a nearby outdoor kitchen, you’re bringing all the convenience of inside to your beautiful outdoor space.

An outdoor structure also adds more space to hang integrated speakers. You’ll be able to experience a gorgeous screen, impeccable surround sound, and the beautiful outdoors all at the same time.

Outdoor Movie Projectors and Screens

Outdoor movie nights have grown in popularity over the past couple of years as families have tried to find a way to spend more time out of their house without having to congregate inside somewhere. However, there’s a vast world of difference between the simple screen and projector setup of our parent’s generation and what modern outdoor technology can do.

With today’s technology, you’ll be able to install a weatherproof screen that hides in a well-integrated enclosure. Friends and family won’t even know a screen is there until you pop it out to start the show.

Modern projectors, too, offer a high-definition picture that rivals the best LED and OLED screens. They’re lighter than ever, making it easy to transport inside should the rain drive you from the outdoors.

Integrated Speakers

It shouldn’t surprise anyone to hear that speakers have come a long way over the last decade. Some of the marvels will have your guests where exactly the sound is coming from:

• • Decorative speakers that perfectly meld into a stone wall or rock face
  • Integrated speakers that match the design of your outdoor enclosure, patio design elements, or even exterior walls
  • Satellite speakers are hidden in garden beds, planters, and other outdoor flora
  • Speakers that look exactly like common rocks or boulders.

Of course, the design elements are not the only ways speakers have evolved. Speakers today offer superior audio fidelity. Should you play a live album from your favorite band, you’ll have your neighbors wondering where the concert is in their neighborhood.

Poolside Control

There’s nothing quite like soaking up the sun as you laze about in your inground pool. The only downside is that, to change the channel or adjust the volume, you have to pull yourself out of the calm waters or risk a smartphone or remote control falling to its water death.

Luckily, the emergence of poolside technology can help put those inconveniences to bed. Not only are there all-in-one remotes that handle your TV, your sound system, and your exterior lighting, some of these remotes now float. That’s right, as you relax in your favorite flotation device, your remote control will be right by your side for easy access.

Outdoor AV Setup

Let’s say, though, that you’re not quite ready to go all out with your outdoor tech to create a truly immersive audio-visual experience in your backyard. That’s perfectly okay, and there are plenty of ways to impress friends, family, and neighbors without dipping into your child’s tuition.

For a more lightweight yet still superior experience, you really only need three key components:

• • High-quality exterior speakers. Whether you need them integrated into your home’s exterior design or not, you’ll need outdoor speakers to listen to music or pipe in the play-by-play of that night’s sports event.
  • Landscape lighting. To keep the party going even as the sun sets, you’ll need outdoor lighting that keeps the outside well lit. Outdoor lights can also help illuminate walkways, highlight design elements, and improve your home security.
  • All-in-one control system. There’s nothing worse than trying to show off your cool new technology and fumbling through a series of confusing controls and live troubleshooting attempts while guests wonder what the big deal is. An intuitive interface, whether through a smart home system, an all-in-one remote, or a central control system, will ensure the technology works when you need it to.

Outdoor Sound System and Video Technology Brands

Some people prefer to create their outdoor audio-video feast in one fell sweep. Others prefer a piecemeal approach that allows them to add the right touches and adjust their setup as they go. Either way, you’ll need to rely on superior outdoor technology to create a reliable experience. At Performance Audio, we’re proud to offer products from cutting edge outdoor tech brands from around the world:

• • Crestron offers whole-home integration solutions with intuitive touchscreen remotes. Control your audio, video, lighting, and home security all from one device.
  • Kaleidescape gives you the ability to create a personalized home server filled with movies, TV shows, and music. Any smart device on your home network can access it, making it easy to watch your favorite movies in every room and even outside.
  • Sonos is perhaps the leader in audio integration and wireless audio management technology. Their wireless speakers are high-quality and easy to control.

We offer several other brands, as well, to make sure that your home theater and audio experience is second to none.

Outdoor Technology from Audio Performance

Performance Audio is here to help design and install the ultimate outdoor audio-video experience for your San Francisco and Bay Area home. Our expert technicians will work with you to understand your needs and goals then put together a collection of reliable, intuitive outdoor technologies to transform your yard into the ultimate movie and music space.

Call us today to see how we can help at 415-441-6220.

Featured Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock