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Jun 13
2025

Give Your Backyard a Summer Makeover

Turn Your Outdoor Space into the Neighborhood's Go-To Entertainment Destination

Summer's around the corner, and your backyard is calling. It's afternoon pool parties with crystal-clear music that follows you from deck to garden and watching baseball games al fresco with a TV that actually works in outdoor light. Host evening gatherings where perfectly placed lighting creates ambiance without guests stumbling around in the dark. Your outdoor space has serious entertainment potential—but only with the right AV and lighting setup. Here's how professional installation makes all the difference between a backyard that looks good and one that actually works for entertaining.

Poolside Audio 

That portable Bluetooth speaker won't cut it for serious outdoor entertaining. Professional weatherproof speakers need genuine IP65 ratings to handle New England humidity and sudden summer storms—not just splash resistance from pool activities.

Sound travels differently outside than it does indoors. Professional installation accounts for this by strategically placing speakers to create even coverage across your entire outdoor area. Think landscape speakers hidden among your plants or architectural speakers that blend with your home's design.

Zone control lets you play what you want in each area. Pool area music doesn't have to blast over your quiet garden dining space. With smart home integration, you control multiple outdoor audio zones from your phone or a simple touchscreen. One touch sets the perfect volume for each area of your yard. A quality outdoor audio system is built for the elements and designed to last for many seasons, ready for when you want to entertain.

Outdoor Displays That Handle Bright Summer Days

Your indoor TV will fail miserably outside. Outdoor displays need serious brightness—we're talking 1,000+ nits compared to your living room TV's 400 nits. Without that extra brightness, afternoon viewing becomes impossible as the screen washes out in direct sunlight.

Weather protection goes beyond waterproofing. New England's temperature swings, humidity levels, rain, and UV exposure demand displays built specifically for outdoor use. Professional installation includes proper ventilation, weatherproof connections, and electrical work that meets outdoor codes.

Viewing angles matter when you have multiple seating areas around pools and patios. Professional placement ensures everyone gets a clear view, whether they're lounging poolside or sitting at your outdoor dining table.

Landscape Lighting for Safety and Atmosphere

Good outdoor lighting does double duty: it keeps people safe and creates the right mood. Pool area lighting follows specific safety codes, but professional design goes further by illuminating pathways and steps without creating harsh glare.

Layered lighting makes the difference. Ambient lighting sets the overall tone. Task lighting handles specific areas like outdoor kitchens or dining spaces. Accent lighting highlights your landscaping and architectural features. Get all three working together, and your outdoor space works just as well for intimate dinners as it does for larger parties.

LED technology makes always-on outdoor lighting affordable. Professional installation ensures your lighting system integrates with your home automation, providing both energy efficiency and the convenience of preset scenes for any occasion.

Professional Installation and Integration

When everything works together, your outdoor space becomes an almost magical entertainment oasis. Professional installation means your outdoor AV and lighting integrate with your existing home automation system through platforms like Crestron. Walk outside, and your preset "Pool Party" scene automatically adjusts audio zones, turns on the landscape lighting, starts the spa heater, and powers up your outdoor display. No juggling apps or hunting for remotes—just smooth operation that makes entertaining effortless.


Ready to upgrade your outdoor space? Contact Riordan Brothers for a free consultation. We'll show you exactly how professional AV and lighting can make your backyard the place everyone wants to spend their summer evenings.

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