considering outdoor tv..............

[64met]

Considering picking up (hopefully) great deal on a 37-42' for outdoor viewing. Couple questions, please:

1) Would a LCD or Plasma be better for outdoor viewing. 85% of the viewing will be sports.

2) This tv will be mounted outdoors, under my outdoor kitchen/gazebo area. The perfect spot appears to be directly above fireplace. The fireplace is concrete and is fully insulated. Thoughts on heat and or smoke causing damage or concern to tv?

3) If I opt to do this project, I was considering some type of box and or cover to protect tv while not viewing. Any ideas? I googled this and good grief- they are $$$$$. Also, I will not pay the $$$$$ for a designated outdoor tv. I just want a basic, no frills display. Budget for tv- mo more than $500.

Does anyone have any experience w/this type of project? Any ideas/thoughts/suggestions are much appreciated.

Thxs!!

 

[Substance-P]

LCD will likely be better as it will be affected less by the sunlight and other light from outside.

My neighbor has two different outdoor TVs: one in a three season room and one in the garage. The one in the three season room is an LG LCD and we spent quite a bit of time watching football on it before it started to get a little cold. It was more than adequate for viewing the game and enjoying the outdoor entertaining area. When we are more concerned about the best picture possible, we move inside to a 60 inch plasma.