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If you're fortunate enough to live in a warmer climate, a full outdoor home theater — complete with 5.1 or 7.1 channel surround sound — isn't out of the question. The faux rock speakers available at many electronics retailers are a good choice for outdoor sound. You can put them in the garden, next to decks, or along walkways.
 | The best sound sources are at or near ear level, so rock speakers work best in areas such as sloped rock gardens. Other low-mount locations provide suboptimal sound quality, but you may decide that suboptimal stereo is better than none at all. |
Exposed speakers must tolerate water or be protected from rain, snow, sleet, and hail by a weatherproof enclosure. Fortunately, many manufacturers supply outdoor-rated speakers such as the Niles Audio OS5.3 or OS5.5. As you compare brands and models, remember to include the following things:
- Frequency response of the speakers in your comparison
- Other durability features, such as mounting brackets that tolerate strong wind loads or finishes that are resistant to sunlight.
If you don't get outdoor-rated speakers, you can still protect them in other ways, such as recessing them or mounting them under roofs.
 | Speaker wire used outdoors should be rated for outdoor use. Wires not rated for direct burial will short out, possibly causing damage to your amplifier when constantly exposed to wet or damp conditions. As always, use boxes, wire, and cable rated for its intended use. |
Controlling outdoor theaters or sound systems
Creating an outdoor theater or sound system doesn't mean you have to buy another whole set of equipment. Leverage the indoor electronic devices you already own by incorporating them into a multi-source, multi-zone sound system that extends to your patio or deck.
To control your multi-zone entertainment system from your outdoor theater or sound system, install the control and faceplate supplied by the multi-zone system's manufacturer in a two-gang box in your outdoor area, and run Cat 6 cable between the box and the central control unit. Once connected, you can play CDs, radio, or another audio source and control the selection and volume from the remote control panel. To protect the panel in an exposed area, install a hinged see-though plastic cover that you can lift when you want to press the buttons. Alternatively, install the panel in a recess in an exterior wall which is then covered by a small 12 inch by 12 inch cabinet door. Use spar (marine) varnish to protect the door.
Planning the theater space
Bringing audio to an outdoor space is relatively easy because of the wide availability of weatherproof speakers. Outdoor video is a little trickier, especially if you don't want to place an expensive, weather-sensitive TV outside.
If your patio is next to a family room, one possible solution is to install a picture window in the shared wall between the family room and the patio. The picture window would allow people on the patio to see the TV inside the family room. With outdoor speakers and controls, this could make for a complete patio theater.
 | Feel free to be creative with your outdoor theater plan. Just be sure to follow the wiring basics, keep safety in mind, and adhere to your community's electrical or building codes. |
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