As you know, you quickly get used to comfort. If our older generation was content with bulky 22-inch CRT TVs, the current generation wants at least a 50-inch model with good sound and perfect picture. It is also advisable to have a small TV in the kitchen, bedroom and even bathroom! Yes, yes, you can also install a TV in the bathroom - of course, not just any TV, but only a special one. We have selected several such options, but be prepared for the fact that they will cost 2-3 times more than usual.
TV in the bathroom
It must be said right away that there are some bathrooms for which installing a TV is not suitable. For example, in a small room it is simply inconvenient to watch even interesting TV shows, and when bathing in a shower, there will not be time for this. But in this article we will talk about bathrooms in which a TV is a necessary attribute and people who do not want to interrupt watching an interesting program or the next episode of their favorite series even while taking water treatments.
TV in the bathroom
Pros and cons of installing a TV in the bathroom
To clarify, let’s say right away that manufacturers produce a special type of television equipment intended for installation in rooms with high humidity. Such waterproof TVs can withstand high air humidity, and they are not afraid of water in direct contact. Let's see what are the advantages of installing such equipment in the bathroom. The positive points include the following:
- As already mentioned, these television systems are produced specifically for operation in wet rooms, in which short-term direct contact with water is possible. Therefore, there is no reason to worry about the serviceability of an expensive device. It, of course, can be damaged if it is accidentally dropped into a bathing container. But as a rule, owners prefer to hang it on the wall away from plumbing fixtures.
- Having a television system in such a room allows you to make it as comfortable and cozy as possible. What does comfort look like? The fact is that to achieve the effect of relaxation at the end of a long, busy day, you can take water treatments and at the same time enjoy watching your favorite TV programs and evening series. Moreover, the capabilities of modern devices allow you to watch exactly what you would like to see and what interests you.
- It is believed that a TV on the bathroom wall perfectly complements its design. This may explain the recommendation of designers to consider the television system as a necessary element of the interior when thinking through the furnishings of the bathroom.
These are the advantages that are created by manufacturers. They can be counterbalanced by only one drawback - the high price of such television receivers. Their high cost is due to the use of unique production technologies that allow for cooling of parts located in a hermetically sealed case, as well as the use of special materials and other innovative solutions that are quite expensive for manufacturers.
TV in the bathroom
What to look for when choosing a TV?
There are many models of TVs for the bathroom. In order to choose “your” device among this variety, you should pay attention to several important criteria.
Criterion #1 – dimensions
Some people believe that the larger the diagonal of the TV receiver, the better. In reality this is absolutely not the case. The size of the screen should be related to the distance from the device to the place from which the person is watching the program. The minimum distance is considered to be three diagonals. If you place the TV closer, the eye simply will not be able to see the entire “picture” and some information will be missed.
In addition, you should take into account the size of the room. In a tiny room, a large screen will be completely inappropriate, while a small monitor will get lost on a spacious wall. Experts advise choosing screens from 17 to 32 inches in size for the bathroom.
For shower cabins, devices with diagonals from 10 to 17 inches are suitable. Don’t forget about the weight of the device, which is important for mounted models. The larger the diagonal, the higher the weight. Be sure to check the reliability and strength of the selected equipment mounts.
In addition to the diagonal dimensions, it is important to choose the right TV receiver format. This, in turn, depends on the resolution. This is the name of the characteristic of the device, which shows how many dots or pixels make up the picture of the image.
The higher this number, the clearer the image will be. For example, a 640x480 picture will be blurry, but 1600x900 or 1920x1080 will be of high quality. Resolution determines the format of the TV receiver, that is, how its sides relate to each other. For standard TVs the most common ratio is 4:3, for widescreen TVs it is 16:9.
Criterion #2 – acoustics
The sound quality directly depends on the speakers that the TV is equipped with. If standard stereo sound from two speakers is not enough, you should make sure that the selected model supports sound schemes such as Dolby Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby Prologic and the like.
Connecting such speaker systems allows you to enjoy surround sound, almost the same as in a movie theater. It is important to remember that for connection you need to choose special waterproof speakers, otherwise they will fail very quickly.
Special speakers protected from moisture can be built into the ceiling. This is what the acoustics look like installed in the ceiling surface
Another nuance is related to the power of the acoustics. It is believed that the higher this indicator, the better the sound quality will be. Moreover, even at a low nominal volume level, the significant power of the speakers produces less distortion of the sound stream.
For a small room, the optimal speaker power is considered to be 10-15 W. In some inexpensive devices, the manufacturer installs only one mono speaker, which significantly spoils the sound quality. Pay attention to the number of built-in speakers. There must be at least two of them.
Criterion #3 – viewing angle
The picture quality of LED, LCD and projection TVs varies depending on the viewing angle. A clear picture on equipment with a small viewing angle can only be seen by positioning yourself exactly opposite the screen. Such devices are not suitable for the bathroom, since the image will not be visible everywhere.
On average, the viewing angle should be about 176°, so a blurry picture will only be visible if you are positioned to the side of the screen. The optimal viewing angle is 180°, at which, regardless of the selected viewing point, the image remains of the same quality. This angle is typical for all models of plasma panels.
Criterion #4 – level of moisture protection
In accordance with international standards, there is a special classification of the degree of protection of the equipment casing from the penetration of water, dust and solid objects. It's called Ingress Protection Rating. Based on this classification, the degree of protection of a bathroom TV should be at least IP65. This ensures that the device is protected from water jets, continuous splashing, vertical drops and water in the form of rain.
If this does not seem sufficient, you should choose a device with IP68 protection. Such devices can withstand immersion in water, so they can even be installed in a swimming pool.
Criterion #5 – availability of additional features
TVs designed for installation in the bathroom can be equipped with a SmartTV function. This attempt to hybridize a computer and a television receiver turns the device into a type of PC or something like a smartphone with the ability to download various applications.
A modern “smart” TV for the bathroom can be integrated with a personal computer, which allows you not only to watch TV programs, but also to surf the Internet
A smart TV can be synchronized with a tablet or smartphone, connect the device to the Internet and use your favorite browser, interactive applications, online cinema and any other services. The performance of SmartTV will depend on the specific TV model, so all its capabilities should be checked with the seller.
Ways to install a TV in the bathroom
Built-in waterproof TVs
Installing a built-in TV will not be difficult for you. When purchasing a TV, it must be accompanied by detailed installation instructions, and it itself is sold in a kit consisting of a mounting box and the TV panel itself.
During repair work, the box is installed in the wall, and the TV itself is mounted later, with a slight movement of the hand.
Wireless Waterproof TVs
All that is needed to install a wireless TV is to charge the battery and install it anywhere you want.
The image and sound appear on the screen thanks to a special adapter into which the antenna unit is inserted.
Universal TVs
Universal TVs are installed in three options:
- built into the wall (like all other built-in appliances);
- hung on the wall (hanging method);
- mounted on a bracket (special moving structure).
What TV brands are ideal for the bathroom?
If the bathtub is located close to the wall or, for example, it is not possible to install a large television panel due to the fact that the opposite wall does not allow it, you need to choose small televisions with a diagonal of ten to seventeen inches from AquaVision, WestVision or TileVision.
If you choose a wireless TV, you can recommend Taka with a seventeen-inch screen diagonal or WTW with a fifteen-inch diagonal.
If the dimensions of the bathroom are quite decent, then feel free to choose brands with a screen diagonal of nineteen, twenty-two, twenty-three inches. An expensive nineteen-inch TV model from the UK EnviroVision will, of course, become a chic element of the bathroom interior.
If you want to watch a picture in a larger format, then, as practice shows, it is better to choose TVs with a diagonal of twenty-six to forty inches.
For those who want to get real pleasure from watching TV and want to impress guests, a diagonal of fifty-two inches is just the most suitable option.
Weather-resistant Sanyo brand TVs produced in Japan, with widescreen diagonals from thirty-two to fifty-two inches, also have good reviews. They are moisture resistant, not afraid of very high and low temperatures, and can work at - 20 ºC and + 45ºC.
TV mirror
This interesting innovation is becoming increasingly popular among those who are seriously interested in creating a bathroom interior that is both attractive and extremely functional. A TV with a mirrored monitor surface meets these requirements to the greatest extent. A TV that replaces a mirror can become an extremely attractive part of the interior of any room. Indeed, it is always amazing how an ordinary mirror instantly turns into a television screen.
Such television equipment will look great both in the pool and in the SPA salon. Waterproof TVs with a mirror surface are often equipped with a heated screen to prevent condensation from forming on its surface in the presence of excess moisture in the surrounding air.
Conditionally considered television moisture-resistant equipment, depending on the installation method, can be divided into groups, which include models:
- mounted;
- built-in;
- on stands;
- universal (combining the three mounting technologies listed above);
- exotic.
Do you need such a TV?
If the bathroom has a compact shower, then there will simply be no time to watch TV. But if you devote a lot of time to bathing procedures carried out in the bathtub, then you have definitely thought about providing additional entertainment. In this case, a TV will be quite appropriate. And yet it will be possible to install it only if there is space. If the room is small, and all the walls are occupied by shelves and cabinets, then there will simply be nowhere to mount the device.
Features of bathroom equipment
Bathroom TV is different from ordinary ones. Its main characteristics ensuring safety and uninterrupted operation:
- such a device has waterproof speakers, which prevents water from entering;
- The remote control is waterproof, allowing you to use it without fear;
- there are inputs for connecting different video signal sources, ensuring that images are displayed on the screen;
Possibility to choose a convenient accommodation option.
In the bathroom, you cannot simply place the TV on the cabinet, otherwise it may be damaged. And therefore, manufacturers have provided the possibility of several methods of mounting on the wall or on the ceiling. How to choose a TV for the bathroom? There are several criteria, and each is worth dwelling on in more detail.
Mounting method
Depending on the installation method, there are several types of TVs:
- wall mounted TVs. The device is attached to the wall using a special device - a bracket. The display extends beyond the surface, which is not always convenient. But if desired, the device can always be removed or moved;
- Built-in TVs are mounted directly into the surface, that is, into the wall or ceiling. The kit includes a special box in which the device will be placed. This is convenient, because the TV will not take up much space. But you definitely won’t be able to move it at any time. Some built-in TVs have mirrored surfaces and can replace conventional mirrors and still remain invisible when turned off. In addition, certain models may have decorative frames;
- universal models offer two mounting options: on the surface or using brackets. This option can be called optimal;
- exotic models can be attached not only to walls, but also to plumbing items, for example, bathtubs or sinks (sometimes they are included in the kit).
Dimensions
The dimensions will depend on the amount of free space used to install the device. For a small bathroom, a TV with a diagonal of up to 15 inches is suitable. For a medium-sized room, a diagonal of 15-19 inches would be optimal. If the room area is large, then you can choose a model with a diagonal from 19 to 23 inches. There are also TVs that are more impressive in size, but they are considered exclusive, are rare and cost a lot.
Acoustics
Speakers can be remote or built-in. The last option is optimal, since you will not need to look for a special place for installation. But external speakers can improve the sound and create a three-dimensional sound effect. But you need to find a suitable space for them, which is sometimes problematic.
Power supply
The power source can be an antenna (cable or satellite) or storage media (memory card, disk or DVD player). Some models assume the presence of several connectors, which will allow you to change the source.
Additional functions
A bathroom TV can be equipped with the following additional functions:
- Digital Watch. They may have a timer and even an alarm clock;
- the ability to connect to the general system of the house (“Smart Home”);
- built-in radio.
There are a few more important points:
Installation
The wall-mounted TV will need to be placed on a bracket (attach it to the wall using regular nails or self-tapping screws). For a built-in model, first prepare a niche. Place the box in it, and then attach the display. It is better to hide the existing wires in the wall.
Be sure to follow the instructions. And if installation causes difficulties, then it is better to seek help from specialists. Let the TV in the bathroom become not only a useful device, but also an original interior detail.
Criteria for selecting waterproof television systems
In terms of its capabilities and functions, the moisture-resistant TV is similar to other analogues.
Speaking about their existing varieties, it is worth noting that their diversity is determined by the size, method of signal transmission and installation method: hanging on the wall or being built into it. In general, when choosing a moisture-resistant TV for the bathroom, you should pay attention to the characteristics that differ:
- Dimensions of the product , in this case they are called the screen diagonal size. When choosing it, you should take into account the size of the room. In a cramped bathroom, a large screen is simply not needed, however, in a spacious room, a small screen will be lost in the interior, and it will become uncomfortable to watch.
- Acoustics of the model . Choosing a built-in speaker system is preferable, since then you will not need to look for a place to put separate speakers. In addition, not all acoustic speakers can be installed in wet rooms. Very often, the speaker membrane is made of paper, so exposure to humid air is detrimental to it.
- Possible installation method . It is better to choose a wall-mounted model that is mounted on a bracket rather than a built-in one. The latter should be purchased at the beginning of the renovation in order to know its dimensions in advance.
- Viewing angle . The action taking place on the screen should be equally visible anywhere.
- Protection class. Its rating must be at least IP65.
- The remote control should be no less protected . This remote control does not get wet, and if accidentally dropped into water, it remains on the surface.
Related article: Do-it-yourself homemade mudguards
Given the large selection of such equipment offered by stores selling electronics, you will have to think carefully. And don’t be tempted by the cheap model; here it’s quite appropriate to remind you of the miser who always pays twice.
The video below describes the types of television systems for the bathroom that exist today and their parameters.
TV in the bathroom
Which manufacturers to pay attention to
Which well-known companies offer a waterproof TV for the bathroom? Which device will be safe and will last a long time?
Those who want to watch movies and swim should pay attention to the following brands:
- AquaVision (UK). The company presented its first waterproof TV in 1997. This is one of the most popular manufacturers of equipment for extreme operating conditions. The company offers a bathroom TV with a mirror, glass TVs and models that you can build into a heated towel rail with your own hands.
- Ad Notam (Germany). This is one of the most famous brands of electronic products. The company is considered a leader in the production of LCD TVs for rooms with high humidity. It offers products not only for everyday use, but also for use in saunas and other commercial establishments of a similar type.
- TechVision (UK). It is one of the three largest enterprises in Foggy Albion that produce moisture-protected image and video transmission devices. Televisions from this company are in demand not only among domestic consumers. You can also find modern household appliances for the bathroom with the company logo in domestic stores.
These are the largest companies that occupy the main market share.
The following brands are also in demand:
- WestVision (UK).
- EnviroVision (UK).
- TileVision (UK).
- MarineTV (China).
- Videotree (UK).
You may notice that this list contains the most companies operating in England. And this is not just like that.
The use of such models began not in everyday life, but in spa salons, where bathing procedures were accompanied by watching films. Then the devices spread to hotels, after which they began to be installed in the bathrooms of residential buildings and apartments.
TVs for rooms with high humidity: basic parameters
TVs for the bathroom have a lot of variations. Moreover, each model has certain pros and cons and has its own characteristics.
So, regardless of the installation method, bathroom items are characterized by the presence of:
- waterproof control devices (remote control);
- high-security playback devices (can be built-in or remote);
- various interfaces for connecting additional accessories (headsets, DVD, cable TV).
In addition, almost all modern versions of bathroom TVs have additional functionality, which includes:
- built-in clock;
- radio;
- interface for connecting with your own hands to the smart home system.
All this makes the product not only suitable for use in conditions of high humidity, but also a convenient device that increases comfort in the home.
Built-in TVs
During installation, they are placed in a box, which is always included in the kit and installed in a special niche made for it in the wall, which must be prepared during the repair. Of course, a screen that merges with the surface of the wall looks very aesthetically pleasing, but this installation method will not allow you to change the angle of rotation or tilt of the screen plane when using the TV. This means that watching TV shows will not always be convenient in different areas of the bathroom. But when choosing a built-in TV, it can be hidden by furniture with an opening door or a large retractable mirror.
A built-in TV set always includes two components:
- box installed in the wall;
- a panel that is installed later and ensures the aesthetics of the entire structure.
TV in the bathroom advantages and disadvantages
Installing a TV in a bathroom, bathhouse, or swimming pool complex is increasingly becoming a common occurrence, and not an unfulfilled desire.
Waterproof TVs are specially designed for rooms with high humidity, for installation in places where there is a high probability of water or evaporation coming into contact with the equipment.
by Elad Gonen & Zeev Beech
Their production began not so long ago, and therefore they are not yet very popular and in demand among the population.
When you buy a waterproof TV, you will immediately be able to appreciate its best features.
Mainly, these are interesting and practical electrical equipment, thanks to which you can, while taking relaxing water treatments in the bathroom, watch the development of the plot of your favorite TV series or watch the next episode of a popular TV program.
The main disadvantage is the rather high cost of these TVs. Why are their prices so high? Bathroom TVs have a completely sealed housing, so warm air generated by heating parts does not escape from it.
To prevent overheating of the TV parts in a completely closed case, unique developments are used during its manufacture: a special composition of materials is used for the TV parts, they are coated with an anti-corrosion solution and are located inside the TV in such a way that they cannot overheat.
As a result, all this results in a high cost of the TV at the end.
Flaws
Despite the advantages, moisture-resistant TV units also have disadvantages.
The main disadvantage of the device is its high price. The cost is explained by the complexity of assembly and the use of moisture-proof materials.
There are also difficulties with heat dissipation. The problem is difficult to fix since the case is completely sealed. The device uses special materials that repel corrosion. To prevent internal components from overheating, manufacturers carefully consider their location inside the case. If the TV unit fails, then under no circumstances should you try to repair it yourself. There is a risk of breaking the seal. Repairs should only be carried out by a professional. If you ignore the cost, a waterproof TV will be a good addition to your bathroom.