What Are the Priorities for Planning Your Outdoor Entertainment?

Outdoor entertaining isn’t just for summer anymore. With the right setup, your backyard, patio, or poolside space can become a year-round destination for movie nights and music. But before you start buying outdoor speakers or hanging a weatherproof TV, there are a few smart steps to take to make sure your outdoor sound system works as it should. This guide will go over the top priorities to keep in mind.

Define the Purpose of Your Outdoor Space

Start by determining how you want to use the space. Will this be where you host friends for game day, unwind with music and a glass of wine after work, or screen family movies under the stars? Knowing your goals will help guide the entire setup.

Common outdoor entertainment goals:

• Watching movies or sports on a weatherproof outdoor TV

• Hosting pool parties with great sound and lighting control

• Creating a relaxing atmosphere with ambient music

• Extending your whole-home audio outdoors

We’ll work with you to identify how your outdoor space fits into the bigger picture of your home and lifestyle.

Choose the Right Outdoor TV or Projector

Not all screens are created equal, especially outside. At AV Experience, we install high-end outdoor TVs from brands like SunBriteTV and Séura, designed to withstand Tennessee's humidity, heat, and seasonal storms.

What to look for in an outdoor TV:

• Weatherproof design for year-round durability

• Anti-glare technology for sunny days

• High-brightness display to maintain clarity even in daylight

Want something bigger? We can also recommend outdoor projectors with the right brightness and weatherproofing for open-air movie nights.

💡 Learn more: Outdoor TV Guide: How to Choose the Right One for Your Space

Get Smart with Outdoor Sound Systems

Sound is everything. Whether you’re hosting a party or just want crisp background music while grilling, the quality and placement of your outdoor speakers make a huge difference.

Priorities for outdoor sound:

• Weather-resistant speakers that blend into your landscape

• Custom audio zones for different areas of your yard

• Smart control via app or voice assistant

• Balanced volume levels throughout the space

We install high-performance outdoor speaker systems that sound high-quality. Our team ensures optimal placement so music feels immersive but never overwhelming.

Plan for Power, Cabling, and Connectivity

Outdoor entertainment systems require more than just plugging into a nearby outlet. We plan for power distribution, secure wiring, and network connectivity so everything runs smoothly and safely.

We handle:

• Proper outdoor-rated cabling

• Weather-sealed outlets and junction boxes

• Network connections for streaming services and smart control

• Secure TV and speaker mounting

This kind of behind-the-scenes work is what keeps your system running beautifully through every season.

Add Smart Features for Effortless Control

Want to dim your outdoor lights, change the playlist, and lower the volume all from one remote? We can do that.

Our outdoor systems integrate with smart home platforms so you can:

• Control lighting, music, and video from your phone

• Automate scenes (e.g., "Evening Chill" or "Game Night")

• Sync outdoor and indoor systems for seamless transitions

We can even link motorized shades and security systems for a fully integrated outdoor living experience.

Why Work with AV Experience for Outdoor Entertainment?

Planning a luxury outdoor entertainment system takes more than a few extension cords and Bluetooth speakers. We provide:

• Expert guidance and custom design

• Professional installation with weatherproofing

• Clean, concealed wiring and mounting

• Seamless integration with your smart home system

Whether you're starting from scratch or upgrading your current setup, we make it easy to bring the fun outside.

Ready to Create the Ultimate Outdoor Entertainment Setup?

At AV Experience, we specialize in helping Nashville-area homeowners take outdoor living to the next level. From weatherproof TVs and hidden speakers to full backyard audio zones and smart lighting, we’ll help you design a system that’s as functional as it is stunning.

Ready to start planning? Contact us today for a consultation. We provide expert home automation installation in Brentwood, TN, and neighboring communities, delivering fully customized smart home solutions. 

Don’t forget to explore our custom home theaters! 

Related Readings:

• Upgrading Your Outdoor Audio System in 2025

• 6 Ways Smart Home Automation Simplifies Your Life

• How to Add More Ambience to Your Backyard

FAQ: Questions About Outdoor Entertainment Systems

1. How many watts should a good outdoor speaker have?
It depends on the size of your space, but 60-100 watts per speaker is typically plenty for backyard setups.

2. Can you leave outdoor speakers in the rain?
Yes, we install weatherproof speakers built to withstand rain, humidity, and temperature swings.

3. What is the best layout for an outdoor sound system?
A mix of perimeter and zone-based speaker placement ensures even coverage without overwhelming volume.

4. Do I need permits for outdoor AV setups?
Not usually, but for large-scale builds (like adding structures or electrical work), we can help coordinate any required permits.

5. How much power does an outdoor entertainment system need?
It depends on the components, but our team will evaluate your current setup and add power solutions as needed for safe, reliable performance.