What was once a patio or deck, furnished with a plastic table, chairs and a barbecue, is now an outdoor room complete with a comfy couch, fireplace, lamps, carpet and a sound system that rivals those found indoors.
Products that can stand up to the elements and satisfy a desire for more comfortable, even luxurious outdoor living spaces are feeding this relatively new market. East Hamilton Radio’s showroom currently has about 20 pairs of outdoor speakers on display compared to three years ago when only a few samples were featured.
As the form and function of outdoor spaces has evolved, homeowners want quality audio that can contribute to the al fresco atmosphere. Robb Ryan, custom audio/video manager at E. H. R. admits that creating a satisfying sound outdoors has its challenges, especially in the bass range. There are no walls or ceilings to reflect the sound so it’s important to really boost the bass.
This doesn’t mean that the neighbours will have to be invited to parties so they won’t complain about the noise. The bigger the subwoofer and the accompanying speakers, the less volume that is required to pump out the bottom beats.
When it comes to outdoor speaker, the term rock speaker does not pertain to the type of music that best suits them. The speakers and subwoofers actually look like rocks and can be used as landscape features tucked away in the garden. Outdoor patio speakers are water resistant and can be left outside in the winter. Not only does this feature eliminate a seasonal chore, it makes these systems ideal for all-season hot tub users.
When wiring a backyard for sound, flush-mount speakers take advantage of soffits for discrete placement. Ryan explains that porch ceilings are an excellent location for tucking away speakers as are ceilings in sheds and cabanas. Whether flush mount, rock or regular outdoor speakers, all must be hard wired, meaning there will likely be some digging involved.
There is a single wireless solution that offers wireless control, great portability and an i-pod dock. “Convenience comes with a price,” says Ryan, with a quality system costing about $1,200. Since the system is portable, it could save a cottage owner for example, from having to purchase two outdoor systems.
In the world of outdoor remotes, the expression “environmentally friendly” takes on a whole new dimension. Cautious pool owners no longer have to seal their remote in a plastic bag and home the manufacturer’s claims that the seal is watertight holds true. The latest remote can take a dip along with everyone else – it’s waterproof and actually floats in the pool. When a torrential downpour has everyone running indoors, it doesn’t matter that the remote was abandoned on the lounge.
New home buyers should discuss outdoor wiring with the builder early in the process. Pre-wiring to the foundation and laying conduit pipe in the backyard to accommodate speaker wire in the future will make installation much simpler. Ryan recommends not drilling through the foundation at this point and leaving wires exposed outdoors. E.H.R. installers prefer to take this step when the client is ready for the complete installation.
Ryan has felt what he describes as a “huge push to moving the living room outside” both from customers and from sound system manufacturers. He’s considering adding another line to the store’s already elaborate display and is wishing he had an outdoor entertainment area to expand into.
To check out the many products and services available, go to the East Hamilton Radio website at www.easthamiltonradio.on.ca. For tips and advice from EHR experts go to www.dailywebtv.com.
