Outdoor LCD TV Installation and Protection and Directv?

Question

Need help with outdoor lcd tv installation in regards to protection security, weather proof along with directv setup for a screened in porch

Answer 1

You are dealing with a situation that the manufacturers are not set up for, which makes things more difficult.

First off, putting equipment like this in an outdoor environment will probably void your warranty.  Most electronics is made for indoor,sheltered use.

Security is another question.  You will never make something steal-proof, but you can make theft much more difficult.  what you want is some way to discourage the potential thief, so that he will go on to another target rather than waste time on you.

My first line of defense would be alarm system stickers/signs.  Frankly, an infrared or ultrasonic alarm system in this kind of application is probably more bother than it's worth, as you will get a lot of false alarms - but the thief may not know that, and pass you by.  You could consider some sort of motion-sensitive detector on the TV itself, so that if someone tries to move the TV, an alarm goes off.

The TV mount needs to be FIRMLY fixed to your wall.  Try to find "tamper-proof" screws that need a special screwdriver.  Similarly, the TV needs to be FIRMLY fixed to the mount with similar tamper-proof hardware.

Waterproofing the electronics is tricky.  You can use the old standby plastic vapor barrier sheeting, but make sure you don't obstruct any vents.  Electronics generate heat, and blocking that heat escape can be fatal to your equipment.  

You can help waterproof connections by coating them with petroleum jelly AFTER the connection has been made - the cable guys do this with my outside cable connections.

For myself, I probably wouldn't do it - just too many risks.  But if you're willing to take the chance that you might come home to an empty screen porch, then good luck!