Outdoor Touch Screen TV: Everything You Need to Know

Can You Put a Touch Screen TV Outside?

This article answers common questions regarding putting a touchscreen TV outside. Technology is exciting but so is nature! Many of us love our tech devices and we love the beautiful outdoors. What about technology that is touchscreen capable? That’s even better. So, go ahead and do a happy dance and jump up and down because the great news is outdoor touch screen TVs not only exist, but they can be affordable, helpful, and a blast. Be it an indoor or outdoor touch screen TV for business or for home, this guide covers important key points.

Table of Contents

Is there Such Thing as a Touch Screen TV?

Can You Make Any TV a Touch Screen?

Can an External Monitor be Touchscreen?

Can Smart TV be Touch Screen?

How Does an IR Touch Frame Work?

How Can I Convert My LED TV to Touch Screen?

What is the Price of a Touch Screen TV?

Can I Put My Touch Screen TV Outside?

Outdoor Touchscreen TV Options: TV or TV and Enclosure

Best Outdoor Touchscreen TVs

Indoor and Outdoor Touch Screen TV for Home

Indoor and Outdoor Touch Screen TV for Business

Is There Such Thing as a Touch Screen TV?

Do touchscreen TVs exist? Is there such thing as a touch screen TV? There are a few options on the market that function as touchscreen TVs. The best solution will be a TV paired with a touch frame. Theoretically, touch screen digital displays which are very similar to a TV (essentially these digital displays are commercial-grade TVs), some smartboards, a touchscreen computer monitor, a TV with a touch screen overlay (though often these are designed to work with mini pcs, not entertainment devices like Apple TV or Roku), or a touch screen magic mirror TV are some other potential options. However, the most popular option is a TV paired with a TV frame which is how anyone can turn a TV into a touch screen.

Benefits of a Touch Screen Frame TV Solution

• A TV paired with a touch screen frame is generally more affordable than alternatives
• A TV with the right TV frame allows for use with mini-PC, Roku, and other devices
• It allows you to choose whatever TV you want rather than being limited on brand, smart capabilities, sound quality, etc.
• Commercial digital displays can be more complex and pricier, so they are better for business applications than at home

Can You Make Any TV a Touch Screen?

Any flat screen TV can be turned into a touch screen TV using a touch frame ( call Protective Enclosures Company to find out more ). “How to make any TV touch screen,” was once a mystery. However, due to technology advancements, now any off-the-shelf flat screen TV can even be put outside and turned into an outdoor touch screen TV. This can be done by pairing an outdoor TV enclosure like The TV Shield PRO with an outdoor touchscreen frame .

Can an External Monitor be Touchscreen?

An external monitor can be turned into a touch screen by utilizing an overlay or frame. A fast and affordable solution is to put a touch screen frame on the monitor. This touch frame can turn almost any computer imaged surface such as flat panel displays, all-in-one PCs, projection screens, video walls, whiteboards or white walls into touch screens. Or with a more involved process an overlay can be integrated with the monitor according to  these instructions from Gadget Review.

Can Smart TV be Touch Screen?

A smart TV can be a touch screen. A touch frame can be added to a TV to make it touch screen capable. Indoor and outdoor IR touch frame from Protective Enclosures Company is marketed with The TV Shield PRO enclosure, but the frame can be purchased by phone on its own from Protective Enclosures Company to pair directly with a TV. The touch frame converts nearly all computer imaged surfaces into touch interactive devices. LCD, LED, plasma, all-in-one PCs, projection screens, video walls, whiteboards, or white walls - up to 200" diagonally are all compatible.

How Does an IR Touch Frame Work?

An IR touch frame enables non-touch surfaces to become touch capable because embedded IR sensors inside the touch frame emit and receive invisible infrared light beams in front of the computer imaged surface. Whenever a user breaks through this light grid with an object such as a pointer, tool, or their finger, the frame technology understands that as a touch point which is same as a left mouse click. This touch functionality can also perform all the standard tablet gestures and multi touch functions.

How Can I Convert My LED TV to Touch Screen?

A touch frame can give an LED TV touch screen capability. Due to the accuracy, simplicity, and affordability, this is the most popular way to turn a TV into a touch screen. In addition, a LED TV can be converted to an interactive outdoor TV by using an enclosure like The TV Shield PRO with an outdoor touchscreen frame .

What is the Price of a Touch Screen TV?

The most reliable touch screen TV option that will not compromise viewing quality is to pair your TV with a touch screen frame. Touch frames generally start at around 42 inches and go up from there. The price for a frame may be around $1200. On the other hand, a commercial touch screen digital display or smart board starts at minimum around $3000.

Can I Put My Touch Screen TV Outside?

TVs generally don’t do well outside. However, you can put a touch screen TV outside by putting a TV in an outdoor TV enclosure. The TV Shield PRO paired with an outdoor touchscreen frame is an ideal solution.

The video below provides a great demonstration of The TV Shield PRO touch screen solution for outdoors.

Outdoor Touchscreen TV Options: TV or TV and Enclosure

Is an outdoor TV cabinet or outdoor TV better? An outdoor TV cabinet is ideal for most environments. Manufacturers are trying to produce and sell TVs that truly withstand the harsh conditions of outdoor elements. But TVs are still electronics which don’t handle weather well, the two don’t mix. Building a TV with the right design and materials to stand up to harsh outdoor threats is challenging.

Outdoor TVs are intended for mild outdoor applications in very electronic friendly climates or areas like a screened patio with a fan or heater running nearby. On the other hand, weatherproof TV enclosures are truly impact resistant, durable, and offer temperature control. An added perk is that enclosures protect additional devices as well such as a Roku stick or Apple TV.

Best Outdoor Touchscreen TVs

Be it for a home or business, the best outdoor TV solution depends on the need, but an outdoor TV enclosure paired with an outdoor touchscreen frame is generally the affordable and most durable way to go. In some situations where there is very limited outdoor exposure, such as in a ventilated area under an overhang, an outdoor TV or display may work. However, generally outdoor TVs handle light water exposure such as mild rain or splashes. They are not designed to handle high amounts of rain such as stormy weather. They are not made to withstand “pressure washers, high-pressure water jets, or hurricane-type weather,” ( SnapAV). By contrast, outdoor TV cabinets are built to withstand heavy water exposure such as wash-downs and storms.

Indoor and Outdoor Touch Screen TV for Home

Why Get an Outdoor Touch Screen TV?

There are many reasons homeowners enjoy putting a touch screen TV outside. The touch screen component enables users to accomplish quickly and easily what they’re trying to do and in group settings it enables everyone to touch the screen as needed for desired functionalities. A weatherproof touch screen TV in the backyard opens a whole world of fun outdoor entertainment and enjoyment.

Popular Uses of Outdoor Touch Screen TVs:

• A touch screen can be helpful for an alternate method of control (aside from a remote)
• Easily pull up and navigate PC content
• Outdoor video games and electronic games
• Outdoor board game table
• Outdoor ambiance and décor
• Outdoor “jukebox” alternative
• Smart home management
• Use a program to make collaborative art on touch screen TV outside

Indoor and Outdoor Touch Screen TV for Business

Why are Outdoor TVs and Digital Displays Popular for Businesses?

There are a variety of needs for indoor and outdoor touch screen TVs for business and outdoor digital signage in most industries. From providing outdoor entertainment by pools and in outdoor common areas to serving as digital advertising or information boards, outdoor TVs and displays are extremely advantageous. In fact, one  Intel brief reports digital signage captures over 400 percent more views than a static sign.

Popular Uses of Outdoor Touch Screen TVs and Digital Signage for Businesses:

• Business signs
• Wayfinding boards
• Information center sign
• Outdoor whiteboard alternative for schools (which offers additional capabilities)
• Digital scoreboards
• Digital menu board
• Outdoor advertising
• Outdoor touch screen TVs for entertainment
• Interactive entertainment (touch screens with games and more)
• Safety signs
• Factory communication displays

To recap on the topic of a touch screen TV, the answer to “is there such thing as a touch screen TV?” is yes and no. Touch screen TVs are not being manufactured and marketed by mainstream TV makers as a touch screen TV. However, pairing a TV frame with the TV of your choice is a great way to make your own touch screen TV solution for your home or business.