Articles and whitepapers

Plasma Lift Technology (3/7/2006)

By Ollie French, Future Automation

It might be stating the obvious, but the flat screen television market is growing! The huge demand for LCD and plasma televisions has not only greatly added to the traditional AV market, it has created a new dilemma for consumers - where do they put it? While the primary options have been the widely available floor- and wall-mounting solutions with which we are all familiar, there is an increasing demand for more sophisticated automated concealment options.

As the size of the plasma and LCD screen increases, many consumers do not want to feel that their living space is solely dominated by it. This has led to a growth in the range of concealment options available to service the new breed of consumer who desires that added 'wow factor' from their home entertainment experience.

Flat screen lift options

Flat screen lifts are a hugely impressive and effective way to conceal a screen when not in use, and offer many benefits to both installer and consumer. Lifts are available as standalone mechanisms where a custom or existing cabinet can be made or modified to incorporate a flat screen, or as fully-automated pieces of AV furniture that conceal the screen when not in use. There are many drive and motor systems on the market, including rack and pinion, lead screw and strap systems.

Flat screen rising out of a bespoke cabinet

Each of these methods works effectively at generating a quiet, smooth, and effective action to raise the screen out of the cabinet and into view. Each has its pros and cons, and often, it is the size of screen or location of the lift that will ultimately decide which method is the most appropriate. There are certain instances where one system would be preferred over another, such as marine applications where a rack system would be more suited. As a general rule however, all of these systems are exceptionally effective in efficiently raising a screen into view.

Encasement options

There are also many options available when it comes to the external features of a flat screen lift. Traditionally, CRT television lifts have always encased the screen fully in a wooden casement, the top of which will fill the opening in the top of the cabinet in the down position. This is still a widely-available option with flat screen lifts, although increasingly, manufactures have looked at more minimalist options to offer the best aesthetic look to the cabinet.

An example of an electric lift up lid is the Mayflower Designs Chicago Bed. This encases the screen in the foot end of the bed, and offers a neat and effective way of allowing the screen to rise up, while not taking away from the minimalist look and style of the screen.

Chicago Bed from Mayflower Designs using electric pop up lid

Simpler push-up lid systems are also effective at achieving this look. The screen simply pushes the flap up out of the way as it rises, leaving only the lid visible. Retractable twin-motor mechanisms are also on the market which offer complete concealment of the lid in both the up and down position. Here the flap drops and rolls into the cabinet to allow the screen to rise to the preferred viewing position, with the base of the mechanism filling the void to complete the seamless transition.

Retractable mechanised flap opening

Positioning

If the customer wants to view the screen from more than one position, the modern day flat screen lift is more than capable of offering the functionality required for the most complex of installation requirements. For cabinets located in tight corners, lifts are available that can hinge from the corner of the cabinet to allow viewing from the centre of the room.

Future Automation automated plasma lift and hinge, situated in a corner

Alternatively, there are many swivel lifts available that ensure that viewing the screen from more than one position is by no means a problem. Common requests include end-of-bed cabinet lifts where the client wishes to view the screen in bed or from another position in the room, to central cabinets in open plan spaces where there are multiple seating areas.

Plasma lift and hinge

Plasma lift and swivel

Working with the manufacturer

For maintenance purposes, access to the mechanism is essential and needs to be considered before any cabinet is manufactured. Often, the key to a successful project is working closely with the manufacturer to ensure that the cabinet being built is going to offer not only the necessary access positions, but also sufficient space to house the mechanism. An obvious point perhaps, but one that can occasionally be overlooked with not the most pleasant of repercussions!

Conclusion

The flat screen lift is the perfect way to personalise and incorporate an LCD or plasma screen into any living space, and its installation need not be a daunting prospect. By simply following the manufacturer's sizing guidelines, and ensuring that you are in tune with the customer's requirements, creating a beautifully-concealed piece of AV furniture can be as easy as fitting an in ceiling speaker. Well, as near as!

Ollie French is the Business Development Manager for Future Automation, specialist in the manufacture of plasma lifts, projector drops, moving panel mechanisms and wall mounts for flat screen televisions.

www.futureautomation.co.uk