Best Outdoor TV Cabinets Compared: The TV Shield Products
Posted by Emilyann Allen (Author of Amazon Best-Selling Books) on 28th Apr 2022
The TV Shield (created by Protective Enclosures Company) and its sister products have been the pioneer and trusted household choices for outdoor TV cabinets and weatherproof digital signage cases for years. The company and brand remain innovative, affordable, and loved by households and businesses. The various Protective Enclosures Company (PEC) TV and digital display enclosures are tailored to meet various needs, so this is a guide to better understand the similarities and differences between the enclosures. Please note this article was last updated in April of 2022 and details may be subject to change.
The TV Shield: Best Outdoor TV Enclosure Comparison
Article Table of Contents
PEC/The TV Shield Product Options
Product Specs: The Specifics of Each Product
What Do These Products Have in Common?
TV Enclosure Comparison Diagrams
How to Select Your Preferred TV Enclosure
PEC/The TV Shield Product Options
Protective Enclosures Company is known for the most robust, affordable, and best outdoor TV cabinets. PEC also carries various additional products including accessories (which can be used for enclosures or other needs) such as fans, heaters, an array of hardware, panted vents, cleaners, and more. The following is a list of the primary indoor and outdoor TV enclosures and variations offered by PEC.
- The TV Shield®
- The Display Shield®
- The TV Shield PRO®
- The TV Shield PRO Portrait®
- The TV Shield PRO Lite®
- The TV Shield PRO Touch™ Enclosures
- The TV Shield PRO Lite Ant-Ligature
Product Specs: The Specifics of Each Product
For anyone trying to decide on the best outdoor TV cabinets for various applications, it is good to understand the specifics of each product. As of April 2022, all PEC enclosures feature high impact resistance, shatterproof front panels, top-of-the-line security systems, theft, burglary, vandalism, and tampering protection, filtered ventilation, and cable pass-throughs. The product breakdowns below outline the differences between PEC enclosures.
What is The TV Shield?
The TV Shield® is an extremely durable residential grade enclosure at a lower price point than industrial-level commercial enclosures. The TV Shield can open and close easily for direct viewing of the TV or display. The Lexan Polycarbonate shield is hinged at the top with prop arms that can be used to keep the shield up. There are two chambered locks for security. Fans and heaters don’t come standard but can be ordered as an option. The HMWPE housing and Polycarbonate shield thickness can be different depending on the size of the enclosures.
Common Usage
The TV Shield is perfect for homes! It is a popular and ideal outdoor entertainment solution for residential outdoor living spaces. The TV Shield may also be found at some bars, restaurants, and other business locations, but many businesses choose The Display Shield sister product which provides added commercial-grade security that isn’t necessary for home applications.
Includes Standard PEC Enclosure Features
Standard PEC enclosure features include high impact resistance, shatterproof front panels, top-of-the-line security systems, theft, burglary, vandalism, and tampering protection, filtered ventilation, and cable pass-throughs.
Price: Starting at $399.99
Free Shipping: Yes (inside the continental U.S.)
* Limited Warranty: 3-Year
Size: 19-65”
Orientation: Landscape (horizontal)
TV/Display Access Style: Hinged front panel with prop arms (front panel cannot be detached)
Prop Arms: Yes - a proprietary "prop arm" system (one in each top corner) can keep the front panel opens for a direct view of the TV if desired
Back Frame/Housing Material: HMWPE Polymer back housing which mounts to the wall
External Mount: Works with any standard VESA mount (sold separately or included with some combo pack options)
Shatterproof Screen: Yes (includes standard shatterproof clear polycarbonate front panel)
Anti-Glare Screen: Available (anti-glare shatterproof polycarbonate option is available)
Touch Screen: No
Cable pass-throughs: Two openings for cords and wiring with self-sealing grommets
Vents: Two louvered vents with a bug screen
Anti-Ligature: No
Durability: Long-Term
Lightweight: Yes
Installation: Easy
Indoor and Outdoor: Yes
Weatherproof: Yes
Water-Resistant (Rain, Pool Splashes, etc.): Yes
Moisture Resistant (Condensation, Dew, Steam, Humidity, Dampness): Yes
Saltwater Air & Corrosion Resistance: Yes
Temperature Regulation: Yes – provides perfect temperature regulation for hot and cold environments (for temperatures below 41° F or above 78° fan or heater options are available)
Thermostatic Fan System: Available (thermostatic fans that click on at 88° and off at 78°)
Thermostatic Heater: Available (thermostatic heaters are available - turns on at 41° F and off at 47°)
Security System: Yes – dual high strength metal chambered key lock system
Pest Resistant: Yes
What is The Display Shield?
The Display Shield® is an affordable indoor and outdoor digital display enclosure designed for commercial and professional uses and offers comprehensive protection for digital signage or TVs. The front panel of the outdoor display cabinet is an industry-leading ultra-clear polycarbonate that is perfect for direct viewing of the display and complete defense against impact or vandalism. This enclosure has a semi-permanently affixed front shield that is designed to stay closed but does have the ability to be removed or replaced. The Display Shield uses a custom security screw system that requires a specific tool to remove the front panel. This makes the unit completely tamperproof and provides optimum safety for the TV or display.
Common Usage
The Display Shield is the best affordable outdoor TV or digital display cabinet for businesses. From restaurants, bars, cafes, food trucks, theme parks, airports, nature reserves, retail stores, banks, courthouses, jails, psychiatric facilities, doctors’ offices, manufacturing facilities, or schools, to gyms, stadiums, and more, The Display Shield is a popular choice for businesses.
Includes Standard PEC Enclosure Features
Standard PEC enclosure features include high impact resistance, shatterproof front panels, top-of-the-line security systems, theft, burglary, vandalism, and tamper protection, filtered ventilation, and cable pass-throughs.
Price: Starting at $399.99
Free Shipping: Yes (inside the continental U.S.)
* Limited Warranty: 7-Year
Size: 19-65”
Orientation: Portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal)
TV/Display Access Style: Front panel is completely removable from the back housing (the front panel can be detached)
Prop Arms: No – does not include the ability to prop the front panel up, but the front panel can be removed and placed back on
Back Frame/Housing Material: HMWPE Polymer back housing
External Mount: Works with any standard VESA mount (sold separately or included with some combo pack options)
Shatterproof Screen: Yes (includes shatterproof clear polycarbonate front panel)
Anti-Glare Screen: Available (anti-glare shatterproof polycarbonate)
Touch Screen: No
Cable pass-throughs: Two openings for cords and wiring with self-sealing grommets
Vents: Two filtered vents (60PPI) with upgraded wash-down protection - prevents heat build-up as well as keeps dust, bugs, and water out
* Please note PEC can customize The Display Shield enclosures for certain applications such as boosted dust control in environments with heavy unusually debris, added wash-down resistance, etc.
Anti-Ligature: No
Durability: Long-Term
Lightweight: Yes
Installation: Easy
Indoor and Outdoor: Yes
Weatherproof: Yes
Water-Resistant (Rain, Pool Splashes, etc.): Yes
Moisture Resistant (Condensation, Dew, Steam, Humidity, Dampness): Yes
Saltwater Air & Corrosion Resistance: Yes
Temperature Regulation: Yes – provides excellent temperature regulation for hot and cold environments (for temperatures below 41° F or above 78° fan or heater options are available)
Thermostatic Fan System: Available (thermostatic fans that click on at 88° and off at 78°)
Thermostatic Heater: Available (thermostatic heaters are available – they turn on at 41° F and off at 47°)
Security System: Yes – custom security screws that require a unique tool to remove
Pest Resistant: Yes
What is The TV Shield PRO?
The TV Shield PRO® is a professional-grade enclosure that is built with a combination of lightweight aluminum and steel. The TV Shield PRO's proprietary "Quick Install" system is faster to install and maintain than other metal enclosures and effortlessly opens with gas shocks for easy access to the TV. It comes with an internal full-motion mount, the entire unit is secured with dual high-strength chambered key locks, and it comes with a thermostatically controlled and filtered air circulation system. The TV Shield PRO comes standard with an anti-glare Polycarbonate front shield (ultra-clear is available) and has larger size options up to an industry-first 85 inches.
Common Usage
The TV Shield PRO is easily one of the best outdoor TV cabinets. This ideal sleek and robust outdoor TV or digital display enclosure is perfect for homes or businesses. From residential backyards to restaurants, bars, cafes, theme parks, airports, nature reserves, retail stores, banks, courthouses, jails, psychiatric facilities, doctors’ offices, manufacturing facilities, schools, gyms, stadiums, and more, The TV Shield PRO has all the bells and whistles for most applications.
Includes Standard PEC Enclosure Features
Standard PEC enclosure features include high impact resistance, shatterproof front panels, top-of-the-line security systems, theft, burglary, vandalism, and tampering protection, filtered ventilation, and cable pass-throughs.
Price: Starting at $1598.99
Free Shipping: Yes (inside the continental U.S.)
* Limited Warranty: 5-Year
Size: 40-85"
Orientation: Landscape (horizontal)
TV/Display Access Style: Hinged front frame with gas shock system (front panel cannot be detached)
Prop Arms: Yes - proprietary "prop arm" system (one in each top corner) easily props and lifts the front panel with hydraulic gas shocks for direct viewing and easy maintenance access
Back Frame/Housing Material: Robust powder-coated aluminum and steel back housing which mounts to the wall
External Mount: Requires external mount, works with any standard VESA mount (sold separately) or can be bolted to the wall (also sold separately)
Shatterproof Screen: Yes (includes standard shatterproof anti-glare polycarbonate front panel)
Anti-Glare Screen: Included
Touch Screen: Available
Cable pass-throughs: Two openings for cords and wiring with self-sealing grommets
Vents: Filtered ventilation system with dual thermostatically controlled fans
Anti-Ligature: No
Durability: Long-Term
Lightweight: Yes
Installation: Easy
Indoor and Outdoor: Yes
Weatherproof: Yes
Water-Resistant (Rain, Pool Splashes, etc.): Yes
Moisture Resistant (Condensation, Dew, Steam, Humidity, Dampness): Yes
Saltwater Air & Corrosion Resistance: Yes
Temperature Regulation: Yes – provides perfect temperatures regulation for hot and cold environments and includes a thermostatic fan system (for extreme cold such as below 41° F heater options are available)
Thermostatic Fan System: Included (thermostatic fans that click on at 88° and off at 78°)
Thermostatic Heater: Available (thermostatic heaters are available - turns on at 41° F and off at 47°)
Security System: Yes – dual-chambered key lock system for optimum protection
Pest Resistant (bugs, birds, etc.): Yes
What is The TV Shield PRO Portrait?
The TV Shield PRO Portrait® is a weatherproof, secure, and robust outdoor digital display cabinet that is built in the USA and constructed completely from triple-coated steel for ultimate strength and durability. Designed for use with any standard indoor TV or digital display, it is ideal for commercial and professional markets where a monitor is needed in a vertical orientation.
Common Usage
The TV Shield PRO Portrait is perfect for menu boards, scoreboards, school use, theater signage, and much more. It is the ideal sleek and robust vertical orientation outdoor TV or outdoor digital signage solution for businesses. From restaurants, bars, cafes, theme parks, airports, nature reserves, retail stores, banks, courthouses, jails, psychiatric facilities, doctors’ offices, manufacturing facilities, schools, gyms, stadiums, and more, The TV Shield PRO Portrait has all the bells and whistles for most applications.
Includes Standard PEC Enclosure Features
Standard PEC enclosure features include high impact resistance, shatterproof front panels, top-of-the-line security systems, theft, burglary, vandalism, and tampering protection, filtered ventilation, and cable pass-throughs.
Price: Starting at $1698.99
Free Shipping: Yes (inside the continental U.S.)
* Limited Warranty: 5-Year
Size: 40-65"
Orientation: Portrait (Vertical)
TV/Display Access Style: Front frame opens easily tabbed lift-off system and is completely removable from the backplate (the front panel can be detached)
Prop Arms: No – does not include the ability to prop the front panel up, but the front frame with the panel can be removed and placed back on
Back Frame/Housing Material: Robust powder-coated steel back housing that mounts to the wall
External Mount: Requires external mount, works with any standard VESA mount (sold separately), or can be bolted to the wall (also sold separately)
Shatterproof Screen: Yes (includes standard shatterproof anti-glare polycarbonate front panel)
Anti-Glare Screen: Included
Touch Screen: Available
Cable pass-throughs: Two openings for cords and wiring with self-sealing grommets
Vents: 60ppi filtered ventilation system with dual or quad thermostatically controlled 120mm fans
Anti-Ligature: No
Durability: Long-Term
Lightweight: Yes
Installation: Easy
Indoor and Outdoor: Yes
Weatherproof: Yes
Water-Resistant (Rain, Pool Splashes, etc.): Yes
Moisture Resistant (Condensation, Dew, Steam, Humidity, Dampness): Yes
Saltwater Air & Corrosion Resistance: Yes
Temperature Regulation: Yes – provides perfect temperatures regulation for hot and cold environments and includes dual or quad thermostatic fan system (for extreme cold such as below 41° F heater options are available)
Thermostatic Fan System: Included (thermostatic fans that click on at 88° and off at 78°)
Thermostatic Heater: Available (thermostatic heaters are available - turns on at 41° F and off at 47°)
Security System: Yes – High strength security screw system that locks the entire unit and requires the provided tool to access the interior of the enclosure
Pest Resistant (bugs, birds, etc.): Yes
What is The TV Shield PRO Lite?
The TV Shield PRO Lite® is an affordable protective TV enclosure built using lightweight aluminum for ultimate strength and durability. Perfect for indoor TV protection, or outdoor applications that need strong screen defense rather than full weatherproofing, this TV cover is ideal in high-traffic buildings, institutional environments, schools, hospitals, and more. The TV cabinet's base frame bolts to the wall, while the enclosure attaches to the base frame using PEC’s proprietary "Maximum Security™" screw assembly system for the ultimate defense against removal from the wall (this is an open back design).
Common Usage
The TV Shield PRO Lite is popular in commercial environments. Psychiatric facilities, hospitals, schools, banks, theme parks, restaurants, and many other businesses utilize these enclosures. They can house TVs or digital displays for entertainment purposes, wayfinding, advertising, and a variety of additional purposes.
Includes Standard PEC Enclosure Features
Standard PEC enclosure features include high impact resistance, shatterproof front panels, top-of-the-line security systems, theft, burglary, vandalism, and tampering protection, filtered ventilation, and cable pass-throughs.
Price: Starting at $1149.98
Free Shipping: Yes (inside the continental U.S.)
* Limited Warranty: 5-Year
Size: 40-85"
Orientation: Portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal)
TV/Display Access Style: Powder-coated aluminum back frame (rather than housing) which mounts to the wall and completely removable front frame (front panel can be detached)
Prop Arms: No – Rather than propping open with prop arms the front frame can be completely removed
Back Frame/Housing Material: Powder-coated aluminum back frame (not full housing) which mounts to the wall
Mount: The TV mount (sold separately) will depend on the TV model that is paired with the TV and the enclosure back frame can be bolted to the wall (bolts are included)
Shatterproof Screen: Yes (includes standard shatterproof clear polycarbonate front panel)
Anti-Glare Screen: Available (anti-glare shatterproof polycarbonate option is available)
Touch Screen: Available
Cable pass-throughs: Multiple secure easy access cable pass-through points (eliminates the need to relocate power supply)
Anti-Ligature: Available (sold separately by Protective Enclosures Company)
Durability: Long-Term
Lightweight: Yes
Installation: Easy
Indoor and Outdoor: Yes (outdoor should be mild weather conditions)
Weatherproof: No
Water-Resistant (Rain, Pool Splashes, etc.): No
Moisture Resistant (Condensation, Dew, Steam, Humidity, Dampness): No
Saltwater Air & Corrosion Resistance: Yes
Temperature Regulation: Yes – Ultra-quiet air circulation (120-volt 35 CFM ultra-quiet fan) and heat exhaustion system
Thermostatic Fan System: Included (120-volt 35 CFM ultra-quiet fan)
Thermostatic Heater: Available (thermostatic heaters are available - turns on at 41° F and off at 47°)
Security System: Yes – High strength security screw system for the ultimate defense
Pest Resistant (bugs, birds, etc.): No
The TV Shield PRO Touch Screen Enclosures
The TV Shield PRO series enclosures offer touch screen options. Below is a breakdown of The TV Shield PRO™ Touch solutions.
- The TV Shield PRO Touch (Landscape)Manufactured in the U.S., The TV Shield PRO Touch™ is a weatherproof, secure, and robust outdoor touch screen digital display and weatherproof TV cabinet. PEC has combined The TV Shield PRO enclosure and their IP-65 rated IR touch frame to offer the best solution for placing touch screens in harsh environments.
- The TV Shield PRO Portrait Touch (Portrait)The TV Shield PRO Portrait Touch™ is a weatherproof, secure, and robust outdoor vertical orientation touch screen display and weatherproof TV enclosure that is made in the USA. PEC combined The TV Shield PRO Portrait cabinet and an IP-65 rated IR touch frame to offer the best solution for outdoor touch screen needs or placing touch screens in harsh locations.
- The TV Shield PRO Lite Touch (Landscape or Portrait) The TV Shield PRO Lite Touch™ is a secure and durable touch screen display and TV enclosure. PEC combined The TV Shield PRO Lite enclosure (manufactured in the USA) and their IR touch frame to offer the best solution for touch screen needs. Perfect for indoor TV defense, or outdoor locations that require screen tampering or impact protection rather than additional complete weatherproofing, this affordable, innovative indoor and outdoor interactive digital display solution eliminates the risk of having to replace an expensive touch screen TV or interactive digital signage display if the screen breaks.
The TV Shield PRO Lite Ant-Ligature
The TV Shield PRO Lite™ with PEC’s anti-ligature hood is a low-cost protective TV enclosure built using lightweight aluminum for ultimate strength and durability. This unit is perfect for indoor TV protection and facilities that require ligature-resistant products and need strong screen defense rather than full weatherproofing. This cover is ideal in institutional environments, schools, hospitals, jails, and more.
The unit’s base frame bolts to the wall, while the enclosure attaches to the base frame using PEC’s proprietary “Maximum Security™” screw system for the ultimate defense against removal from the wall (this is an open back design). The TV Shield PRO Lite™ features thick ultra-clear shatterproof polycarbonate for the front shield and a thick powder-coated aluminum frame that can mount over an existing TV. This anti-ligature TV and digital display enclosure will hold up in the roughest and toughest environments including federal correctional institutions.
The Best Outdoor TV Cabinets: What Do These Products Have in Common?
All The TV Shield and The Display Shield TV cases are manufactured by Protective Enclosures Company which has been the trusted source for indoor and outdoor TV enclosures for many years. PEC is A+ rated with the BBB and protects TVs and displays at homes and businesses across the globe. From restaurants, banks, hotels, and theme parks to sports arenas and manufacturing facilities, PEC enclosures can be found at locations such as Wendy’s, TGI Fridays, Subway, Whole Foods, Six Flags, Marriott, UCF, Georgia Tech's Stadium, Nestle Purina, Southwest Airlines, and many more.
As of April 2022, all PEC enclosures protect TVs and displays from high impact and include shatterproof front panels, top-of-the-line security systems, robust materials, theft, burglary, vandalism, and tampering protection, filtered ventilation, and cable pass-throughs.
Ready to Grab an Enclosure?
PEC TV Enclosure Differences
Key differentiating factors between Protective Enclosures Company’s models are details such as housing material, security systems, screen attachment styles, vertical or horizontal orientations, mild to robust weatherproofing, and warranty lengths. The comparison chart in the next portion of this article offers a great comparison of PEC’s TV enclosures.
TV Enclosure Comparison Chart
TV Enclosure Comparison Diagrams
How to Select Your Preferred TV Enclosure
Having read through this article you may already have an idea of exactly what product you want. If that is the case, below is a list of links to PEC’s TV enclosure options. Otherwise, if you are looking for more guidance, the PEC Enclosures Q&A Page or Protective Enclosures Company’s Product Selector are great tools, or the company is known for excellent customer service. The PEC Customer Service Team can respond fastest during business hours at 800-331-2628 and via LiveChat on The TV Shield website or The Display Shield website. Customer Service can also be reached at customerservice@protectiveenclosures.com.
PEC Enclosure Products Shopping Links & Resources:
- The TV Shield
- The Display Shield
- The TV Shield PRO
- The TV Shield PRO Lite
- The TV Shield PRO Portrait
- The TV Shield PRO Touch Screen Enclosures
- The TV Shield PRO Lite Ant-Ligature
- Protective Enclosures Company’s Product Selector
- PEC Enclosures Q&A Page
Ready to Grab an Enclosure?