27th January, 2026
Australia Day BBQs: Set Up the Perfect Outdoor TV Area
Nothing beats an Australia Day BBQ. You have the snacks on the grill, a cold drink in hand, and cricket or tennis on the TV. But dragging an indoor television onto the deck with a tangle of power boards is a recipe for trouble.
If you want your backyard to be the place everyone gathers this January, you need a setup that is built for outdoor conditions. These outdoor TV setup tips will help you create a space that looks good and works properly.
1. Beat the Aussie Sun
The biggest challenge for outdoor TVs is glare. A screen that reflects sunlight is almost impossible to watch.
Find the shade: Install the TV under a pergola, patio roof, or covered alfresco area.
Get the angle right: Position the screen facing north or south so the morning and afternoon sun does not hit it directly.
Use a swivel mount: A mount that tilts and swivels lets you adjust the screen as the sun moves throughout the day.
2. Weatherproof or Bust
Australian summers can change quickly. A sudden storm or strong wind is common.
Using professional weatherproof TV mounting is essential. Outdoor-rated mounts are treated to resist rust, moisture, and salt air, helping your setup last longer without constant maintenance.
3. Fixing Outdoor TV Reception Issues
Signal problems are common when TVs are installed outside. Walls, insulation, and brickwork can weaken reception before the signal even reaches the screen.
Do not rely on Wi-Fi: Streaming live sports over outdoor Wi-Fi is unreliable. A dedicated TV outlet connected to your antenna provides the most stable picture.
Keep cabling tidy: Loose cables are a trip hazard and can easily be damaged during gatherings.
Pro tip: Hosting a big crowd? It is not just the TV that matters. From cleaning outdoor areas to making sure your home is guest-ready, The Mr Group connects homeowners with trusted local professionals who understand how Australian summer conditions affect your property.
Because our network handles everything from roof maintenance to pest control, our technicians understand how heat, weather, and exposure impact antennas and outdoor installations. We look at your entire setup, not just the TV.
4. Sound Check
Outdoor areas are noisy. Between the BBQ, conversation, and kids playing, standard TV speakers often struggle.
A weatherproof soundbar mounted under the TV improves clarity without needing excessive volume. This keeps commentary clear without disturbing neighbours.
How to Create an Outdoor TV Area That Lasts
Think beyond Australia Day. A good setup should work all year round.
Ventilation: Do not enclose the TV too tightly. Airflow prevents overheating during extreme heat.
Safety: Outdoor power points should be weather-rated and installed correctly to meet safety standards.
At Mr Antenna, we regularly fix DIY installations that have gone wrong. Professional setup ensures your screen is secure, your signal is strong, and your outdoor TV area works exactly as intended.