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Picture Frame Lift to Hide TV Over Fireplace? (1 Viewer)

RevTruthVWicked

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Robert Jenkins
We're looking to install a flat panel TV in a recess above our fireplace and wanted to conceal it behind a picture when not in use.


We already have a large framed picture that would be perfect but can't find a reasonably priced slide system.



Motorized with a remote would be ideal but motorized with a wall switch would be nearly as good and even manual slides would work.



All the kits I've seen cost well more than the TV itself. Its not that complex.



Does anyone know of a reasonably priced solution?
 

CB750

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Bill
Welcome Robert

Before you mount you TV above your fireplace I would suggest that you read the numerous threads that exist on this forum on that subject. While fireplace mounts may be popular on HGTV it's not something we recommend if you are serious about your viewing.

With the average fireplace mantle being 4 feet off the floor putting the bottom of a large LCD or Plasma at that height is far to high for normal viewing when seated and you will soon get a stiff neck. The ideal height TV height is your eye level when seated should be at about the middle of your screen.
 

RevTruthVWicked

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Robert Jenkins
Thanks for the advice.

Actually the TV will primarily be viewed from a standing position as it will be adjacent to the kitchen. Its going against the dining room/living room wall and we want to hide it when not in use.

For normal viewing we have a system in our family room. It is mounted a little high but is on a tilted mount and works well for us.

My parent's flat panel is mounted above the fireplace and its comforatble to view from a seated position.

I really don't get why people are so adamant about a "proper" viewing position. Eye level may be ideal, but a slight angle works just fine.


Are there any home automation types here who know where I can buy a reasonably priced picture lift?
 

Robert_J

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If you are a DIY kind of guy, a linear actuator system can do it. I should have bookmarked them but there are sites that sell actuators of different sizes and lengths as well as the associated equipment to make them move.

If that doesn't work, how about a mirror to cover it. One of those that is a mirror when the TV is off but you can see through it when the TV is on.
 

RevTruthVWicked

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Robert Jenkins
The mirrors are pretty cool but we have a piece of art that we want to use.

I've looked at linear actuators but would need some instructions to make a working system. I can build just about anything from a plan but can't really envision what I would need and how to best make it work.
 

MichelleHawkins

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Michelle Hawkins
There's a new mount out now that solves the problem of TV viewing height when placed over a fireplace! My husband and I did a ton of research when we finally stumbled across the perfect mount for out 52" TV.
I just installed the "Down and Out Mount" from Dynamic Mounting, and it is awesome. When the TV is in the UP position it is angled down so that it's still watchable. But when you really want to watch TV or a movie you simple pull the TV down to a comfortable viewing height in front of the fireplace.
Obviously, you wouldn't burn a fire while watching the TV in the down position, but you can burn a fire in the up position because most of the heat goes up the chimney. This is why it's OK to hang artwork above a fireplace too. But this mount works great, and really solved this problem for us. We had to use the fireplace wall, because we had no other useable wall in the living room. You can see it in the down position in the photo.
a6fb0b9a_photo-2.jpeg

The mount is worth every penny.
http://www.DynamicMounting.com.
 

ellymiller

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elly
hey, i just came across this thread after doing a google search.

i have the EXACT same issue and im having so much stress trying to figure it out. like you i can build just about anything but i need directions / plans to do itwhat did you guys end up doing?
 

therealmcclain55

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Stephanie
We're looking to install a flat panel TV in a recess above our fireplace and wanted to conceal it behind a picture when not in use.


We already have a large framed picture that would be perfect but can't find a reasonably priced slide system.



Motorized with a remote would be ideal but motorized with a wall switch would be nearly as good and even manual slides would work.



All the kits I've seen cost well more than the TV itself. Its not that complex.



Does anyone know of a reasonably priced solution?
Yes, the Auton invis-o-trak seems to be perfect for what you're looking for. Hides your TV behind panels or artwork. Either way, should work perfectly.
Link: http://auton.com/index.php/traks/invis-o-trak
Youtube:
 

Sam Posten

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Just a reminder: we will remove all promotional posts from buyers trying to get rebates from these companies for good reviews and ESPECIALLY from vendors themselves promoting their products.
 

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