As a custom installer dealing with beautiful homes and landscapes, I often receive inquiries concerning placing a flat panel HDTV outside.  In my early days I would shy away from such requests.  No standard TV is equipped to deal with elements like rain, snow, insects, sand, extreme temperatures, etc.  And of course a TV that will look bright in the comfort of a dimly lit bedroom or home theater will wash out into nothingness when placed in the light of the sun.  What on the surface seems like a simple request involves utilizing a TV designed for outdoor use, a product market that has been woefully unaddressed by the major TV manufacturers.

Outdoor HDTV promises to bring HDTV to our backyards

Why hasn’t there been more outdoor television products available on the market?  Well, designing a TV for outdoor use not only requires expensive materials, but poses a series of engineering issues that many companies have been at a loss to address elegantly.

Outdoor HDTV, a 2s2 Inc. Company based out of Vista, California, has taken on the challenge of creating a cost effective, complete solution for both commercial and residential applications, developing 2 lines of HDTVs that finally offer complete protection from the elements and the performance to be viewable in daylight.  In addition to the two product lines, each set is built-to-order with a plethora of options for adapting to all the variables an outdoor TV has to deal with.

Upon receiving and installing my first OutdoorHDTV flat-panel for a commercial installation my interest spiked.  At first the numerous models and options offered by OutdoorHDTV can be quite daunting.  To be sure, these televisions carry a premium price tag and are built to last, so selecting the ideal configuration is an important long term decision. With the OutdoorHDTV headquarters located so close to JD Designs here in San Diego, I decided to pay a visit to the company and take a closer look behind the scenes.  As a Custom Installer, I need to have a fundamental understanding of the “why” and “how” of every aspect of OutdoorHDTV’s products to always deliver the best choice for my clients.  Read on for an in-depth look at what I discovered.

Two Product Lines

The LE Series is Wall Mountable

OutdoorHDTV’s televisions are divided into two categories, the LE series, which are wall, pole, or table mountable, and the FSP series, which stands for Free Standing Pedestal.  The LE series is available in 22″, 32″, 42″, 46″, 52″, and 65″.  All televisions are VESA compliant and will work with any VESA compliant bracket.  The FPS series utilizes the same LCD panels in the enclosures, but sizes offered begin at 42″ and top off at 65″ as well  They are presently available in a single beige color, which is quite versatile and works pretty well with different surroundings. No, OutdoorHDTV does not yet offer a rock shaped TV, though an Easter Island style monolith would be a cool addition to their product line (kidding).

All of the Televisions utilize LCD panels from LG.  The larger televisions have a resolution of 1920 x 1080 and therefore are native 1080p except for the 46″ model, which is 720p with a resolution of 1366 x 768. Don’t dismiss the 46″ TV though, it might be the most appealing model available from OutdoorHDTV (more on why later).  The inputs available are consistent on both the FSP and LE product lines; VGA, HDMI(2), Component(2), and an S-Video.  The TVs also have a built-in ATSC/NTSC tuner and some goodies for custom installers that add versatility including an RS-232 port, remote control command set with discrete On/Off, and a built-in 2 channel amplifier for audio.  The built-in audio amplifier really helps to drive home just how versatile these televisions are.

While the LE line is excellent for use as a typical flat-panel television, the FSP line comes on a pedestal that offers convenient weatherproof housing for a variety of other sources you wish to display.  The roomy pedestal comes with a lock for security and a rack-like interior allowing for numerous sources to either be fixed to the sides vertically or stacked.  As a Custom Installer I look at the convenient weatherproof rack that accompanies the FSP and see dozens of solutions for practical problems I’ve encountered when trying to bring outdoor landscapes into the 21st century.  There is no question the TVs offered by OutdoorHDTV were designed with the Custom Installer in mind.

Outdoor HDTV's LE model comes with a built-in 2-channel amplifier for a variety of speaker options

Making an LCD Display Ready for the Great Outdoors

The first thing that strikes you when looking at a TV from OutdoorHDTV is how solid and formidable the casing is.  The entire television is encased in 1/4″ aluminum and bonded with silicone to create a watertight structure.  The LCD panel is visible through 2 1/4″ thick panes of glass.  The outside glass panel is made from a type of glass that “changes the matrix of light refracted”, or, in plain english, doesn’t produce a direct reflection of the televisions surroundings.  Another panel on the inside of the casing accomplishes a similar feat, insuring there will be only minor reflections due to the protective glass.  This glass protection only comes on the standard models, OutdoorHDTV offers a far superior solution for $595 more: an optically bonded polimer surface that does away with the glass housing in front of the LCD altogether.  This serves to create a brigher image, as no light is lost passing through the glass, and not even a slight reflection from the surroundings obscure the image in any way.  Consider this option virtually essential for getting exceptional performance outside .

The enclosures are sealed with silicon binding and engineered to be completely airtight except for the carefully planned ventilation system.  All of OutdoorHDTV’s have fans built-in to help push air around and keep the electronics cool even in outdoor temperatures up to 122 F.  This is possible due to a carefully laid out ventilation path that cycles air from the only two intake holes in the casing near the back, into the case, through a small gap between the two panels of glass in the front, up through the top, and out two vents above the intakes in the back.  This path serves a second purpose, as the air pushing through the case serves to clear any condensation that may collect between the glass panels, further ensuring an unobstructed view of the image.

Though the standard configuration ensures operability in a wide variety of scenarios, OutdoorHDTV offers a second option, referred to as “T2″, which is a completely air-tight cooling system.  More ideal for areas near the corrosive air of the ocean and especially for low temperatures, an air-tight “T2″ enclosure allows for operation in temperatures as low as -4 F.

Choosing Your Configuration

After choosing a size and deciding whether the FSP or LE line is better suited for the scenario described by a customer, some accessorizing is in order.  Beyond electing for an optically bonded surface or a traditional glass housing, there are many modifications available to maximize the performance of the unit.  The “T2″ enclosure, mentioned beforehand, should be utilized in areas near the ocean, or for unfortunate citizens outside San Diego who have to endure this strange phenomenon known as Winter.  Also, should the unit be placed in direct sunlgiht, and not under an awning or shaded near a home or garage, a canopy unit can readily be attached to the television, providing some direct shade if the television is placed oustide alone and away from any shading, like in the middle of a yard for example.

Selecting the proper configuration will make a world of difference, this Custom Installer can attest to that.  But in the end satisfaction does come down to the underlying performance of the television itself.  How well did OutdoorHDTV address the challenge of creating a complete solution for bringing your video experience outside?  Stay tuned for our follow up review of their LE 42″ TV, available shortly.

Among the vast empire of companies under the umbrella of Harmon International Industries is Infinity, a speaker company that has produced quality speakers since 1968.  Today the bulk of Infinity’s business is supplying car stereos for the Kia-Hyundai Group, but they still offer a wide variety of speakers for the home and car.

Supermodel Thin

Now, this reviewer must admit he’s developed a few…prejudices…about speakers over the years.  Specifically, when a speaker utilizes a wildly different look, has different drivers, or looks excessively “cool”, I tend to think the sound will be sub par.  To be sure, my doubts are reinforced by the reality of speaker mechanics; physics dictates that a speaker must have certain attributes to produce quality sound.

This reality has created the prototypical quality speaker: a big wooden “box”.

When the aesthetics of Infinity’s Cascade line enticed a client to request them for their slick look, I was a bit anxious.  However, I always liked Infinity speakers, rarely have I heard an Infinity that didn’t sound good for its price.  So when the shipment arrived I requested permission to take home the set and compare them to my wonderful JBL Studio L home theater.

But before we get into detailed impressions let’s take a look at what speakers make up the Cascade line-up:

Cascade Model Nine (left / right): Two (7.75″ x 3.375″) flat panel midrange drivers, One 1″ tweeter, 87db Sensitivity, 8 ohms Impedance, 1,500 Hz crossover frequency, 80 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. $999 Retail.

Cascade Model Seven (surround): One (7.75″ x 3.375″) flat panel midrange drivers, One 1″ tweeter, 87db Sensitivity, 8 ohms Impedance, 1,800 Hz crossover frequency, 100 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. $799 Retail.

Cascade Model Three C (center): Two (7.75″ x 3.375″) flat panel midrange drivers, One 1″ tweeter, 87db Sensitivity, 8 ohms Impedance, 1,500 Hz crossover frequency, 80 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response. $799 Retail.

Cascade Model Fifteen (powered subwoofer): 4 x 6″ woofers, adjustable crossover 50 Hz to 150 Hz, 32 Hz to 150 Hz frequency response. $1,499 Retail.

Note: We did not utilize the Cascade Model Fifteen for the bass, instead complimenting our complete setup in this test with a Velodyne SPL-1200R.

Beauty and the Best: A complete Cascade home theater speaker set will cost around $5800 plus tax. Â This puts it in the same price category as my more conventional JBL Studio L home theater. Â All my audio reviews will consist of comparisons to the JBL Studio L Series, an excellent measuring stick for any speaker set, and a great system to juxtapose with the Cascade line, considering the completely conventional design and fantastic sound.

Components:

Yamaha RXV-3800 w/ YDS11 ipod Dock- Sony Playstation 3 - Scientific Atlantic 8300 -Panamax M5100-EX Line Conditioner - Optical Connection from PS3 and Cable Box to Receiver as well as AudioQuest DiamondBack RCA Interconnects for analog - 12 Gauge Speaker Wire to all speakers and AudioQuest Sub-3 Subwoofer cable.

Reference Speakers:

2 x JBL Studio L Model 9 (fronts) - 2 x JBL Studio L810 (rears) - JBL LC2 (Center) - Velodyne SPL-1200R (Subwoofer)

I began my analysis of the Cascade theater with Miramax’s The Aviator, specifically Howard Hughes testing his new aerodynamic plane with a series of flybys.  The Cascades faithfully recreated the rumble of the engine as Di Caprio centered himself on the runway.  I must admit I was surprised with the detail I was hearing, and the imaging was spot on as the plane shot past his friend on the ground, the whining screech of the plane tearing through the air.  The engine certainly sounded like I was in the cockpit as Di Caprio came around for another pass, though the level of kick as the engine fired was a bit weak.  This was confirmed as I swapped out the Cascade’s for the Studio L’s.  Indeed, not only were the L’s more full and lush, but simply louder.  The Cascade’s decreased sensitivity was also clearly noticeable, with not only a lack of actual volume but a lack of “volume” in terms of richness of the sound.  It was clear the flat “ceramic metal matrix” drivers could not compete with the power twin 6″ drivers of the conventional Studio L’s.  Nonetheless, the Cascades performed admirably, especially considering their much smaller size and unconventional mid-range drivers.

Next I decided to turned to Warner Bros’ Troy, I wanted to hear how well the Cascades fared while the sword fight between Brad Pitt and Eric Bana was onscreen.  As Achilles sword crashed against his opponents shield, the clang and other sounds we have come to associate so much with Hollywood sword fights came through bright and convincingly.  It seems that when the lower frequencies, below 150 hz, are not really in play, the Cascades performed more in-line with their price tag.  But for good measure I switched back to the Studio L’s.  Of course there was an instant and dramatic increase in volume, and the high frequencies of a quivering blade did seem quite a bit more detailed.  It seems that the Cascades also lack a good amount detail in highest frequencies, as the Studio L’s produced quality sound that added a level of drama the Cascades only hinted at.

The Cascade is an unconventional take on conventional magnetic driver technology

Finally, I switched to Stereo and plugged my ipod into the dock, playing Trentemoller’s remix of Djuma Soundsystem’s Les Djinns, a song with lush bass, quality acoustic guitar samples, and ethereal highs.  The Cascades clearly had problems with bass, as expected, resulting in the Velodyne sub doing nearly all the work below 150 Hz.  Also, the highs didn’t seem to separate and twinkle like they do with the Studio L’s, which out-shined the Cascades across the board.  Did the Cascade’s do the guitar justice?  Yes, they conveyed the sound well, with excellent detail and quality imaging which brought the guitar into my listening room and floated over the powerful bass of the subwoofer.

Overall, I enjoyed the Cascade’s, they delivered quality sound with only lower frequencies lacking in quality.  To be fair, I did not review them with their specially designed subwoofer, a product no doubt designed to compliment and fill out where the Cascades are lacking.  Utilizing the SPL-1200R, I could certainly hear the void of sound in the 100-150 Hz range, contributing to a lack of fullness.  Also, the high frequencies were not recreated with the level of detail one would hope to find at this price point.  Nonetheless, given the unconventional style and beautiful look to the speakers, if you are willing to take a step down in sound for a step up in style, there is no shame in complimenting your decor with a nice set of Cascade’s.  They sound good, but can’t compete with the latest conventional speakers in this price point.

JD Designs Gives Infinity’s Cascade Home Theater Line - 3.0 / 5.0

Great look and good sound, but certainly on the lower end of quality sound at this price point.