Outdoor Technology Delivers

A sound system is key to creating the outdoor living environment. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue for the entire neighborhood or a quiet afternoon in the hammock, music sets the mood for the outdoor experience. Fortunately, speaker systems are now able to blend with a home’s architecture or act as a landscape accent. And the garden atmosphere can be further enhanced with some interesting and dramatic lighting options.

“Consumers want sound everywhere they intend to entertain or relax, which more and more includes the outdoor environment,” says Al Baron, product line manager, Polk Audio. “As a result, outdoor speaker sales have grown steadily over the last seven years according to the Consumer Electronics Association market research, reaching over $56 million at wholesale in 2007. This probably tracks the remodeling growth that includes decks, sunrooms and three-season rooms. Also, multiroom [audio] systems are more affordable, so outdoor zones are included in the mix.”

Polk Audio’s Atrium 65SDI has a dual-input/single-input switch that, combined with its dual tweeter array, allows the product to be used either as a single, dual-input speaker for stereo applications, or a traditional single-input speaker for left or right use. The Atrium 65SDI also has special military spec waterproofing features, including a patented waterproof PowerPort bass vent. The product features stainless steel and brass hardware for years of rustproof reliability. The speaker meets or exceeds ASTM D5894-UV salt fog, mil standard 810 immersion and mil standard 883 method 1009.8 for salt and corrosion tests.

“When offered, consumers overwhelmingly agree to an outdoor sound installation,” Baron adds. “The problem is they don’t know it’s available unless someone tells them. During softer economic times, selling the sizzle of quality outdoor sound is just smart business that always results in a customer that is likely to provide great referrals.”

To satisfy nearly any customer need, Paradigm offers the Stylus Series v.3 outdoor speakers in six different models, including two new stereo/mono models. The Stylus 470-SM and Stylus 370-SM provide a dual-directional soundfield for more flexibility in outdoor placement. One SM speaker provides two-channel sound in smaller areas, or where use of a single speaker is preferred. Multiple SM speakers eliminate the sound imbalances that occur outside as people are positioned closer to one stereo speaker than the other. Designed with injection-molded co-polymer bass/midrange cones, the Stylus Series delivers an exceptionally detailed and authentic midrange performance.

Russound’s new Ratio Outdoor is the latest addition to the company’s Ratio line of high-efficiency architectural speakers promising rich, detailed sonics in low-power installations. The Ratio Outdoor is the first model in the series that is intended for outdoor installation. Ratio Outdoor compensates for anomalies that are typically associated with outdoor listening, such as background noise and a lack of acoustic boundaries, with increased sensitivity rated at 94db. Designed for on-wall placement, Russound’s Ratio Outdoor measures 23.6 in. wide by 7.9 in. high by 8.0 in. deep, weighs 11.3 lbs. and is available in black or white.

SpeakerCraft’s Outdoors Elements Series includes eight different speaker models for exterior application. Depending on individual need, these speakers offer 5-in., 6-in. or even 8-in. woofers. Midrange and high frequencies are produced using advanced cone and dome drivers.