CE Pro March 2023 - 58

OUTDOOR TECHNOLOGY
like Sonos, JBL, OSD, Lithe Audio, Bluesound, Yamaha,
Denon and others.
Buried in-ground (41%), staked (36%), and undereave-mounted
(27%) speakers, along with above-ground
subwoofers (33%), are the most common exterior speakers
installed. Also, 70V speakers are installed in 29% of outdoor
jobs. Other types of outdoor speakers used include rock
speakers (16% of outdoor projects), planter speakers (10%)
and in-pool/underwater (4%). In 13% of outdoor projects,
amplifiers are used. Outdoor soundbars are also becoming
somewhat prevalent, with 12% of projects including an outdoor
theater with a soundbar.
Outdoor Video, Lighting Options
Outdoor video returned to a state of normalcy in 2022. In
2021, there was a huge spike in the deployment of outdoor
projectors. That spike has waned and once again dealers are
predominantly specifying and installing outdoor TVs at a
rate of six times more than they installed outdoor projection
technology. Indeed, 42% of all outdoor installations included
TVs/displays, while just 7% were projectors. Bigger was
certainly better also, with dealers reporting 14% of their projects
including TV displays larger than 80 inches diagonally.
Mounts (for both projectors and for TVs) remain the most
commonly installed outdoor video product, with 48% of all
video projects including a mount. Other outdoor technologies
deployed include TV enclosures (9%), satellite dishes (11%),
OTT antennae (8%) and screens (8%). Something to keep an
eye on is the deployment of massive outdoor displays, either
Top 10 Outdoor Installation Challenges
1. Explaining cost difference for outdoor vs. indoor gear
2. Burying/hiding cable
3. Weather/temperature
4. Working with landscape contractors
5. Sound placement
6. Maintaining sound/video quality
7. Competing against other trades
8. Equipment problems
9. Training technicians
10. Equipment theft
By far, CE pros report that explaining the reasons for the
higher cost of outdoor equipment to customers is the
biggest obstacle they face.
in the form of video walls or outdoor LEDs like C-SEED.
Landscape lighting has become an illuminating category
for many integrators. Lighting for pathways (21% of outdoor
installations) is the most popular, followed closely by landscape/plant/tree
lighting (20%), security lighting (19%), wall
wash lighting (18) and staircase lighting (13%).
In terms of other outdoor technologies dealers are deploying,
exterior motorized shades/awnings, outdoor heaters,
protective heat screens/bug screens, weather stations, pool
and spa controls, cell phone signal boosters, and irrigation
control systems are all represented in integrators' portfolios.
Draper: Outdoor Shading Tech Works at Any Angle to Deliver Comfort
Automated shades are a great way to help create comfortable outdoor living
spaces. The Draper FlexShade ZIP keeps glares, bugs and even the rain away
thanks to a gapless side channel system.
This works well in already covered spaces, but what about patios where the strucFlexShade
Tensioned ZIP &
FlexShade ZIP Exterior Shades
with Phifer SheerWeave 2400 3%
charcoal/chestnut at a private
residence in Austin, Texas. Dealer
& Installer: Shading Texas.
ture above is open? That's where the FlexShade Tension ZIP comes in. This system
puts ZIP technology to work at any angle to create the perfect outdoor living space.
The same ZIP feature captures the fabric's edge for secure light control. It can
be installed at any angle because the fabric panel is kept under tension by cords
in the side channels. You can use it to control sun glare on existing pergolas and
patio rooftops to make your outdoor space your favorite place to be. It can also
be installed outside of angled windows as an alternative to interior or skylight
shades for solar control inside.
The FlexShade Tension ZIP is available up to 16 feet wide and 20 feet long, depending
on the width and the fabric. Six hardware colors are available, in addition to
optional custom colors. Draper can even print custom fabric colors and patterns.
The Tension ZIP is powered by a Somfy RTS motor for a variety of smart control
options and is UL Listed as a complete unit.
58 | CE Pro March 2023
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CE Pro March 2023

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