TV - Size Matters

[gluckmanm]

I have an old Toshiba 48" rear projection set which is on it's last legs. Problem is it sits perfectly in a built in wall unit. The opening - which was customized once for the set - is about 42" wide by 56 1/4" tall. I can fit a 42" projection in but all the stands I've looked at are too low. I'd really like someting in the same form factor at the Toshiba to avoid further modifications to the wall unit. Barring that, a stand to bring the TV height to 28" would be a good 2nd choice. Anyone have any ideas?

 

[stratman]

Hey Gluckman,

Welcome aboard, my suggestion is have a cabinet maker construct a "stand" to fit old tv cut out, veneer it in the same wood or finish, in the long run it'll look better, fit better, and most likely taking the last two considerations: be cheaper. Supply footprint measurements or better yet, when you buy the tv have him come by and take physical measurements.

 

[gluckmanm]

Thanks. I don't know about cheaper based on past experiences but it would certainly look great and give me more options as far as drawers vs. open glass shelves. Great advice!

 

[BMXTRIX]

I agree that it seems likely that you will need to get back in touch with some sort of cabinet maker.

This brings up a bigger point though, which is almost ALWAYS overlooked by installers and homeowners. NEVER build to a single solution because every TV you own will (not maybe: WILL) break and then you must replace it. One of the best solutions I have seen is to actually build a false front for the TV with several inches on all sides (top/left/right). When the TV is replaced, a new false front can be made relatively inexpensively, and the new TV will maintain that 'perfect' custom look that the old one had.

I have seen such catastrophies as a model of TV being specified 3 months before it is installed, and by the time the woodwork is done, that model is discontinued, and the replacement no longer fits.

A false 'front' for the cabinetry means that you could stick any TV on any type of base you want in the space. Or you can build a false 'wall' in the built-in and hang a plasma on it and nobody would know any better. In fact, building a false wall inside the cabinetry jumped out as the first thing that I would think about since you could then use about any plasma/LCD in the world that fits within the space.

 

[gluckmanm]

Thanks as well. I won't have more that 1.5 inches on each side with the 42" SONY WEGA (KDF42E2000) that looks like the likely replacement but the shelf or platform that the TV will rest on could be height adjustable to accommodate a future replacement and not lock me in too much. If I was starting from scratch I'd definitely do the false front.