Top 5 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Outdoor Audio and Video Installations
When you’re ready to bring your backyard, patio, or pool area to life with outdoor audio and video, a little preparation goes a long way.
Done right, outdoor AV can completely transform your space — but skipping the prep work can lead to frustration, ugly cables, or performance issues down the road.
Here are the top 5 ways to set yourself up for success:
1. Plan for Power and Network Access
Outdoor TVs, streaming music systems, and smart controls need more than just a speaker and a screen — they need reliable power and often network connections.
Make sure you have outdoor-rated outlets installed where you’ll need them, and consider adding hardwired network connections or upgrading your Wi-Fi coverage for rock-solid performance.
2. Think About the Environment
Outdoor equipment is tougher than indoor gear, but it’s not invincible.
Shade, positioning, and even wind exposure matter. Mount TVs in shaded areas when possible, and use proper enclosures if you’re placing gear in open spaces.
Speakers should be placed out of foot traffic zones but still positioned for even sound coverage.
3. Use Weatherproof Equipment — Not “Indoor Gear Outside”
This is where people often cheap out and regret it later.
Professional-grade outdoor TVs, speakers, and enclosures are built to withstand rain, dust, humidity, and UV exposure.
Regular TVs and speakers — even under a patio — are not designed for this. Invest once in real outdoor-rated equipment and avoid early replacements.
4. Pre-Wire (Even if You’re Not Ready for Everything Yet)
Running conduit or wiring now — even if you’re planning to add TVs or speakers later — saves you a ton of money and hassle in the future.
It’s much cheaper to run cables while you’re doing landscape or patio upgrades than after the concrete is poured or the walls are finished.
5. Involve a Professional Early
A lot of outdoor AV headaches come from poor planning.
A professional can help you map out speaker zones, recommend the right screens for your environment, and ensure everything is protected from the elements.
You’ll get a cleaner look, better performance, and a system that actually lasts.