Chris Ranch

I'm putting a flat screen over a fireplace, are there any automated covering systems?

I'm building a new home, last one destroyed by fire. I've built a 3.5" recess for a 46" flat screen. We don't want to see a big black rectangle when we're not viewing it. What are my options? Are there motorized screen like coverings I can build in? A framed photo or painting that can be raised and lowered on cables from the ceiling?

Thanks,

Chris

drobbins

Re: I'm putting a flat screen over a fireplace, are there any automated covering syst

I saw one at a local HT store that was a one way mirror. I didn't know there was a TV there until the salesman turned it on. When the TV is off it looks like a mirror. When the TV is on, you see the picture. I didn't spend much time doing a total evaluation of the picture quality, but I remember it looked good.

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Paul_Dunlop

Re: I'm putting a flat screen over a fireplace, are there any automated covering systems?

If the recess is not already built, you may want to change that to a 50"

Even if that's not what you buy, there are a lot of people on these boards that regret building a custom recess - without any room for change

Even if you always have a 46", sometimes the speakers are on the side, sometimes on the bottom, some are deeper than others etc

Should be able to put a Large picture on a hinge - folds to the side

Chris Ranch

Re: I'm putting a flat screen over a fireplace, are there any automated covering systems?

The one way mirror is an interesting idea. Was it dark in the showroom? I'm wondering if I'll get a good picture when it's full daytime...

Regarding the recess size, I'm limited by the outside edges of the firebox framing. No real choice if I want to recess, and I do.

Picture on a piano hinge, that sounds like a reasonable inexpensive option. No additional framing required.

Thanks, guys.

Now, what about a built-in motorized cover system, with fabric or something?

Chris

drobbins

Re: I'm putting a flat screen over a fireplace, are there any automated covering syst

It was very bright. It was located in the front showroom right next to the store front glass. When I first went into the store, I thought it was just a fireplace with a mirror above it. The salesman hit the remote, and the mirror turned in to a TV. They also had some Stealth Speakers. I didn't even know they was a HT there until it was turned on. Looked good.

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