What could be finer than watching TV under the stars on a warm summer night? There are plenty of options for setting up a screen and getting a projector, but the problem is that the sound is usually far from ideal unless you sit right by the projector, and even the slightest breeze can play havoc with the screen. Wouldn't just taking the TV outside be easier? Sure, unless a sudden summer downpour (the kind that is all too common in parts of the country) puts a dampener on your plans. That would not only ruin a good TV, it could be dangerous.

One solution would be Pantel's new line of weatherproof LCD HDTV sets. The Pantel PAN420 42-inch LCD set uses an RF wireless package that broadcasts HD audio and video from up to 150 feet. This way, the cable box, DVD/Blu-ray player or other devices can stay inside and protected while the weatherproof panel alone is exposed to the elements.

For times when it isn't raining, these sets feature anti-reflective glass so you can even watch TV outside during the day. The screen is extremely bright, and all but the brightest sunlight at noon aren't able to wash out the picture.

Performance-wise, the picture looks good. The contrast ratio is a bit lacking, so we didn't see the deepest blacks, and this set doesn't have the most vibrant colors. In other words, the Pantel PAN420 isn't the set for the living room. It is a novelty device, and at the price, the ability to watch TV outside comes at a premium. Fortunately, this is a model that can be enjoyed whenever you happen to be outside. Dual-flow ventilation keeps the TVs cool when the weather is hot, while a built-in heating system can create additional heat for those times when the weather outside is frightful.

As a 720p set with a native resolution of 1,366x768, this model is a bit of a step down from the current crop of 1080p sets. The set can easily handle 720p HDTV content, while it downscales 1080i source material accordingly. Standard definition programming left us a little cold, and for tailgating during football season this could be an issue unless you bring along an HD antenna and receiver.

We were pleased with some of the advanced features, however, including multiple backlight preset modes, multiple color adjustment and picture adjustment presets. This set makes getting a decent picture a snap, while still offering a few options for those who want to tweak the picture a bit more.

Connectivity options are a mixed bag with the Pantel PAN420. While there are a total of five component video sources, which is good for HDTV from cable, there is but a mere single HDMI input. If you're only bringing out the set for occasional viewing then this shouldn't be a problem, but if you were using this by a pool or as part of a patio you're probably going to want more HDMI inputs.

On the audio end of things, the Pantel PAN420 features twin 10-watt speakers. These are generally below what we'd like to see in a dedicated home theater room, but surprisingly, these speakers can provide reasonable volume outside. Ideally, if you're planning on the cinematic experience in the backyard we'd recommend a true surround sound system (with waterproof speakers), but if you're just watching some TV under the stars, these built-in speakers will more than do an acceptable job.

The Pantel PAN420 is not by any means the best value set, but if doing your viewing outside is your thing this is the way to go.

Pros: Weatherproof, bright picture
Cons: 720p resolution only, single HDMI input, expensive

Warranty
1 year, limited