Despite Chicagoland weather, outdoor living has always been popular. The temperature sneaks above 50 degrees and we’re all outside in our shorts. Recent technological developments in audio and video equipment now let us enjoy movies and music outside, too: filling a patio or backyard with music for summertime entertaining, watching sports on a high-definition flat panel television while lounging by the pool, or inviting the neighbors over for outdoor movie night on a 10-foot outdoor home theater screen. These home entertainment systems, especially music systems, extend beyond the months of summer, providing music while gardening in the spring, raking leaves in autumn, or roasting marshmallows over a fire pit on a winter evening.
Three of the most remarkable developments are weatherized TVs, inflatable home theaters and frogs. At least two companies are producing high-definition televisions that stand up to rain, dust, insects and extreme temperature variations. Each unit contains its own climate control system, but otherwise works like any other high-definition, flat panel television. Other companies are producing outdoor home theaters, complete with screen, projector and sound system–easy to set up and easy to to take down. Some of these systems include an inflatable screen–think Michelin Man holding a signboard. And most spectacular of all, several speaker makers have grown increasingly creative in fashioning outdoor speakers as functional planters, faux rocks and lighting fixtures, statues, and other items from benches to birdhouses to . . .yes . . .frogs. What’s not to like?
