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Retrofit your old entertainment center to accommodate a new flat panel HDTV |
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While we can't offer you one of Miracle Maxs' magic pills we can help you breathe life into your existing entertainment center. We are able to modify old furniture systems designed for analog TVs to proudly accommodate the latest flat panel sets. Take a look at our before and after photographs then scroll down to learn how we can modify your furniture.
Before and After Photographs of Furniture Modifications
How to modify your old entertainment center
There were two primary types of analog TVs sold; tabletop style and floor standing projection style. Let's look at how we can modify furniture that was designed for either type of television. How to modify an old entertainment center that was designed for a tabletop TV
Deep TVs meant deep furniture. A temptation when upgrading these types of furniture systems is to simply set a new flat panel TV inside. On the surface this may seem like a good idea but flat TVs tend to get lost in the depth of large entertainment centers. Further, the screen of the flat panel ends up being recessed several inches from the front of the furniture, significantly reducing the viewing angle (see graphic at right). The right way to upgrade is to modify your entertainment center to take full advantage of the flat panel TV. This involves installing a back wall and pull-out articulating bracket. First, we construct a false back wall to be installed in the TV section of your furniture. This back wall will reduce the depth of the TV section making it appropriate for your flat panel. Second, we mount a pull-out articulating arm to the back wall. Finally, we will remove the flat panel TV from its stand and mount it to the pull-out arm. These modifications provide a beautiful built-in look as your flat panel effortlessly floats in your entertainment center. Further, you will have a significantly better viewing angle as the front of the TV will be about flush with the front of your furniture. In addition, the pull-out bracket makes it very easy to angle the TV towards different seating areas in the room or provides access for cabling and upgrades. How to modify an old entertainment center that was designed for a floor standing projection TV
Because projection TVs were much taller than their tabletop counterparts the retrofit is adjusted accordingly. In addition to a false back wall and bracket, these modifications include a new TV credenza. The credenza is slipped into place between the two existing towers to provide the foundation for the new flat panel (or DLP*) TV. In most cases we can very closely match the color and style of your existing furniture so the credenza looks like it was original to the system. With the new stand in place the modification is completed by installing the false back wall and pull-out articulating arm.
* If you are upgrading to a Mitsubishi DLP TV it will simply rest on the new credenza. Your retrofit would not require the false back wall and pull-out arm. How to modify an old entertainment center for a bigger flat panel TV
Both types of modifications mentioned above assume we are choosing a flat panel TV that was similar in size to the original TV. Some (my Princess Bride fans) may find that an "inconceivable" suggestion and prefer to get a larger television. Well, you are in luck. Many older furniture systems can be modified to accommodate not only the latest flat panel technology but larger TVs as well, see graphic below.
What if you'd like a larger TV but you can not change the width of your existing furniture? Most current flat panel TVs are ultra slim (as little as 1-2" thick). By utilizing our back wall and articulating arm it is often possible to have the TV sit just on top of the front edge of the furniture (see example).
How to get started and pricing - Call 800-616-5354
To find out what it would cost to modify your furniture please call us toll-free at 800-616-5354. We will ask you to put together some basic information that will help us recommend the most efficient retrofit. Specifically, what we would like to have: • A digital photograph of the existing furniture You can e-mail the information to steve@diamondcase.com. Please remember we are a full service electronics retailer. We can provide a complete modification including the furniture, bracket, and television. Yes, our electronic prices are competitive. So when you call and ask us to upgrade your system, don't be surprised when we say "As you wish." |