Mechanism takes television to new heights

Several years ago, I wrote a column extolling the advances made in slim TVs that have engendered a whole new range of display as well as concealment possibilities. Say adios to the once-obligatory armoire for hiding that nasty black screen and hello to “Mr. Slim,” now proudly displayed for all to see on the wall or over the fireplace, or hidden in a very narrow cabinet to underscore his very sexy, svelte figure.

I predicted that no matter how we might choose to display or conceal TVs going forward, that newer and ever more ingenious methods to see images on a screen were surely on the way. And no doubt they are. But, what has caught my eye and stoked my enthusiasm once more for the up/down unit is an entirely new and improved mechanism for doing the heavy lifting that has taken the process to a whole new level of comfort for not only designers and manufacturers like myself, but for our clients as well.

Having been one of the original proponents of the up/down cabinet for TV concealment, and always trying to stay one step ahead of the curve, I introduced the concept of hiding the TV inside a cabinet that might look like an oval pedestal, bar or even a chest of drawers when in the closed position. That was back in the ’80s and really and truly there haven’t been too many advances in the original mechanisms. We went from the early and very tricky scissor lift to the far more reliable (and somewhat quieter) rack and pinion models. That is, until now.

Until recently, cabinet builders for up/down units had to construct an inner box for the housing and platform, which the actual mechanism would be attached to. The TV would be placed on top of that platform, which would enable it go up and down. Great care had to be taken to balance the mechanism properly so that the TV wouldn’t wobble as it moved, and, of course, the sound of the mechanism itself was always an issue and simply accepted as a necessary evil so long as the darn thing did its job.

Well, lately I have come to realize that all those concerns of the past are now out the window and will no longer vex those of us still attracted to the concept of pressing a button to have man’s second best friend, the television, appear and disappear. The clever engineers at Activated Designs (to the trade only) have come up with a brilliant and yet extremely simplified new version of the lift mechanism that’s really a cause for celebration.

It was in the initial stages of a project for local designer Barbara Kalb, who commissioned me to conceal a 50-inch plasma TV along with the requisite number of speakers and audio components all within a sleek, contemporary cabinet, when I realized that the necessity of constructing an inner box and, along with it, the great need to make sure it was properly balanced was gone. Gone as well was the bothersome noise factor. I discovered it’s now virtually a piece of cake for the builder and a joy for the client, who no longer needs to hold his breath as well as his ears as the TV travels up and down on its path.

Now the TV can be attached to a track that is mounted directly to the back cabinet wall. It raises and lowers the TV smoothly and efficiently, never wobbling or causing any kind of disturbing noise.

Mechanisms for lowering and raising are available for so many more applications than just TV cabinets. These include units for ceilings, floors, walls and unique applications such as adapting an antique cabinet for TV display with a remote controlled moveable panel. Or, there is even a mechanism that slides out from under the bed and raises the TV with the simple touch of a button. Great stuff, no?

In other words, there is currently a state-of-the-art mechanism available for every possible need and an application that is either premanufactured (standard) or customized with near-silent operation that guarantees a high degree of reliability as well as long-term satisfaction. Coupled with ease of installation and operational safety, the engineers at Activated Designs have truly created an industry benchmark with this new and greatly improved lift mechanism, while giving new life to a design concept that is not likely to disappear any time soon.

Stephen Leon is a licensed interior designer and president of Soleil Design International; he has been designing and manufacturing custom furniture and cabinetry for more than 25 years. He has served on the board of directors of the Central California/Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. Questions can be sent to stephen@soleil designinternational.com.

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