Televisions in the winter

n7bsn wrote:
The first thing you need to realize, is that not all LCDs are equal. It's more expensive to make wide temperature range LCDs, since TVs don't need to operate at -40, they aren't designed to.
I just checked:
Samsung's specs operating is 50 to 104 (F), storage is -4 to 113.
Phillips operating is 41 to 104, storage is -15 to 122.

My take from the manufacturers specs, if you get real sub-zero, store inside.

Then there is the entire theft thing, LCD TVs are easy to sell, so they are often stolen out of rigs (or why so many dealers don't keep the TVs in rigs)

Forget the winter. It looks like summertime is the killer for TV's. At least around here I can't imagine many of them are less than 122°F when parked for any time at all (or maybe even on the road between stops.)

Now if you have a TV with vacuum tubes in it, remove it from your rig immediately no matter the weather. Then sell it at an Antiques Fair. An LCD TV is a different matter. If the temperature drops below zero, all the pixels freeze and fall in a pile at the bottom of the screen. :)

Each of the major manufactures of HOME ELECTRONICS has both operating and storage temperature limits… I assume there is a reason why they would bother to test and publish them…

I can’t say if mobile electronics and circuitry is any different or not or if it has encapsulated parts or maybe warming circuitry to prevent damage from repeated temperature and humidity changes or from sweating…

the fact that someone claims to have not had a problem or had a problem yet isn’t a measure that I would use… who knows if the TV that was replaced 2 years ago wouldn’t still be working if it had been handled correctly as intended…

Like so many other things do what you please and pay with your money and I am good with your choice… that doesn’t mean I will agree with it…

Here is what the mfg.’s said about it several years ago…

-The storage temperature for these units is -20 to 60 degrees Celsius. Regards LG Canada

- Please be advised that the recommended storage temperature should be between -20 Celsius and +60 Celsius. However,thetelevision cannot be plugged in until the television's internal temperature is 0-40 degrees Celsius. Please ensure that you unplug the television prior to storing it, and that the television is well warmed-up before plugging it in after the storage period. Regards, Panasonic Canada Inc. - Customer Care Centre

- Thank you for submitting your inquiry to Samsung.For all 3 different technologies, LCD, DLP or PLASMA, the manufacturer recommends a storage temperature (TV off mode) between -4oF to 113oF (-20oC to 45oC). Same storage temperatures for all. We also recommend that regardless of what type you buy, that you unplug the TV from the wall socket when not in use for a very long period and to let TV warm up by just plugging it for 12 hours before operating the next time. - Samsung Limitless Support

- I'm glad to provide you the information regarding the operating temperature and storage temperature of the Sony TV. The television can be placed in storage with environmental temperatures between -4 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (F) and 20-90% Relative Humidity (RH). The recommended temperature for proper operation is between 41°F to 96°F. Proper operation outside of this temperature range cannot be guaranteed. Thank you for your time. Sony of Canada, Ltd. C6EL

Mine stays in and if I want to use it in the Winter, I bring up the cabin temp. I figure there's more chance of it getting damaged by carrying it around than leaving it in place.

Mine survives OK, but I would recommend that you bring up the temperature in the rig before turning them on at first. Probably would be OK, but sounds like a good idea.

My Sharp has done just fine at -42F. Same with Sony DAV-X1 stereo/dvd home theater. I only use TT in summer.

Jack_Diane_Freedom wrote:
Have always left them in the trailers all winter for years with no problems.

x2

I've seen them sitting on the loading dock at Best Buy in dead of winter in the frozen North. Must not hurt them too much. The other solution is to move to Orlando and use the trailer year-round!

Leave them in, Most of the Main 48 states US do not get cold enough to damage them if they are without power.

I mean, think of the way they are shipped to the local Best Buy in January.

That said.... Long as you do not do an "Oops" (IE: Slip and fall) can not hurt to take 'em in for the winter.

Mine stay in the TT all winter. The one in my ice fishing shack stays in all year round. I do wait til the shack heats up before turning it on. Been doing this with various tv's for years.