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Hiding the TV in the Bedroom (1/6/2005)

By Helen Wrede, More Than Plasma TV

The bulkiness of the traditional CRT TV has often meant that the bedroom was a 'no go' area for television. While the small portable CRT could conveniently sit on a chest of drawers or fit in a corner, it is no longer acceptable for the modern lifestyle. People know that their TV viewing pleasure will be maximised with a fuller-size screen, and flat screen technology looks like an ideal solution. But with space and aesthetics as key issues in the bedroom, the problem is where to put the TV.

Wall units and brackets

Contemporary bracket solutions allow the LCD or plasma TV to be hung from the ceiling or mounted flat on the wall. The more sophisticated designs allow the TV to be pulled out and swivelled up to 60 degrees either side for the optimal viewing angle. Such solutions however, mean that the TV is visible when not in use, and require thought and work to be put into the cable management for a neat finish.

Manual systems to hide the TV

A new breed of AV furniture is emerging that meets the needs of the bedroom by specifically incorporating the TV as part of the design. The new Gwinner International Partout range for example, is suitable for the larger-sized bedroom. The units comprise three parts, namely the frame, the back panel and the middle section which can be shelves, cabinets or sideboard units. Doors are equipped with a 'push' function instead of knobs for opening, and the furniture comes in a choice of colour combinations. Frames can be matt lacquered white, mocha or almost black, and middle sections can have orange and red detail. The units can be customised by combining different elements starting from 120cm wide and reaching a height of over 2m, with a depth of 43cm to allow plenty of room for the electronics and cabling.

A Partout bedroom unit with shelves and cabinet.

Automated systems to hide the TV

With larger screens becoming increasingly affordable, it is not unusual to see a 26" LCD TV at the foot end of the bed, or a big and bold 42" plasma on the wall opposite. While turned on, the TV looks good, but when off, it looks like a big blank picture within a silver frame. Indeed there may be a number of reasons for wanting to hide the TV, be they aesthetic, or from a security point of view.

The simplest way to hide a wall-mounted LCD or plasma TV is to use a picture lift. A light canvas frame of full-framed picture hangs over the plasma until the remote is pressed. The picture then moves up or down, out of the way to reveal the TV, while the mechanism itself remains covered in either position.

For off-the-wall solutions, wafer-thin 98mm deep cases that hold a plasma lift are available, with a standard model being able to hold almost any 42" plasma TV. They can be finished in a special design or incorporated into a bespoke piece of furniture. 'Plug and go' solutions can be made to the customer's specific requirements, and additional shelving can be made to measure for storage of a DVD player and/or Sky box for example. These TV lift mechanisms come with infra red remote controls for up, down and stop functions. A 180 degree swivel adds functionality to the unit, but also almost doubles the price of the mechanism.

Plasma lift unit opposite bed

Mirror TV

Mirror TV is another luxurious way of hiding the TV when turned off, and also serves a useful double function. There are two solutions on the market, one from Philips and the other from Mirror Media, both of which turn a flat screen TV into a mirror when not in use. The Mirror Media Mirror TV is available in LCD and plasma models, and in sizes from 20" up to 46".

The most popular model is the 42" plasma that has a 1024x1024 pixel screen, DVI input and HDCP for high-definition viewing. It can be installed flush into the wall by recessing it by 10cm, and surrounded by a beautiful wooden frame according to the customer's choice. As the 42" Mirror TV comes as a panel only, the ideal solution is to include it as part of a home entertainment system with surround sound and electronics in a separate unit.

When installing a mirror TV, special attention should be paid to the room's lighting so that glare on the TV is avoided. The screen should not be exposed to direct light because the mirror is slightly more sensitive to this than a conventional LCD or plasma screen.

Mirror Media Mirror TV on and off.

Hiding the back of the TV

Depending on where in the room the TV is to be placed, thought should be put into details such as cable management and other aesthetics. The back of a TV set is not always a pretty sight, and if it cannot be placed against a wall, then a cover that matches other furniture in the room should be considered. Such covers can be made out of wood or metal, and should have adequate ventilation and easy access to connections.

For the bedroom - for every room!

More and more people enjoy watching TV in the bedroom, and it is quite possible to install a set with a good-sized screen without it having to spoil the look of the room. While this article has explored solutions for flat screen TVs in the bedroom, it goes without saying that the same principles hold true for other rooms in the house. With the right professional help, the possibilities to match overall design and purpose are unlimited.

Helen Wrede is the Managing Director of More Than Plasma TV Ltd, specialist in custom-made AV furniture for flat screens, from 10" LCD TVs to 60" plasma panels.

www.morethanplasma.tv