ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, September 10, 1996 TAG: 9609100016
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 3 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: At Home With Technology
SOURCE: DAVID BUTLER
When it's not in use, high-tech audio and video gear can be hidden behing remotely controlled cabinet doors.
Q: I'm planning a home theater with a large projection screen, but my spouse promised to veto anything that disrupts the decor. I'd like to use automation to conceal the audio/video gear when not in use. Except for retractable screens, I haven't a clue as to what's possible. Any suggestions?
A: When it comes to motorization, just about anything is possible. Whether or not something is practical is another matter. It all depends on your budget. The best way to keep costs down is to avoid one-of-a-kind solutions. In other words, stick with proven products whenever you can.
Fortunately, you're not the only person trying to combine high tech with high touch. A surprising number of motorized products have been developed specifically for keeping audio/video gear out of sight. Anything to reduce the divorce rate!
Here's a quick rundown of some of the products you may want to consider:
Motorized draperies: If you have the luxury of dedicating a large wall space to a surface-mount video screen, you can easily conceal it with drapes. Naturally, you'll want to automate the drape action - just like in the theater! Wall-mounted cord-drive motors are available, as are direct-drive traverse rods.
You may also want to consider motorizing the window coverings in your home theater to enhance the dramatic effect. Special hardware is available to open and shut blinds, shades and curtains. Drapes and other fabrics also help room acoustics by dampening unwanted sound reflections.
Motorized projection screens: If a surface-mount screen isn't an option, you can opt for a motorized screen in front of a window, bookcase, mantle or painting. Depending on which way the joists run, you may be able to install the screen housing above the ceiling. Otherwise, you can conceal it with a soffit or cornice.
Projector lifts: Floor-standing projectors can be disguised as a coffee table. However, screen height or furniture layout may dictate a ceiling mount projector. The projector sits on a small platform that drops from the ceiling on cue. This requires that the ceiling has enough dead space to accommodate the lift mechanism.
Remote-controlled cabinet doors: The rest of your A/V gear can hide behind closed doors. One company produces motorized door hardware for cabinet and furniture manufacturers. The doors part in the middle, exposing up to 60 inches of gear. With the four-door system, the center doors move twice as fast as the outside doors, creating the effect of stage curtains being drawn.
TV lifts: Automation can also make your television disappear! Ideal for an office or bedroom, a lift can be retrofitted into an existing piece of furniture (such as a credenza or table), or ordered turnkey through a furniture manufacturer. An end-of-bed unit solves the problem of where to put a TV in an oversized bedroom. With one push of a button, the TV rises; another push and it's gone!
The same technology can be used to conceal speakers until they're needed. This is sometimes the only practical way to achieve correct speaker placement while maintaining some semblance of a room's primary function.
Beyond concealment, automation definitely adds a certain magic to the home theater experience. With a push of a button, the lights dim, the drapes close, the screen and projector lower from the ceiling - all that remains is the popcorn!
To receive a copy of my Concealment Resource List, please send $2 and a self-addressed envelope to David Butler F-621, Department TWN, P.O. Box 36352, Cincinnati, Ohio 45236-0352. The list includes manufacturers of automatic projector and television lifts, remote-controlled cabinet doors and swivel platforms, motorized projection screens and drapes, and automatic door openers.
Q: I recently finished construction of a new home designed to accommodate my wheelchair. Is it possible to motorize some of the doors?
A: Although no company specializes in automatic doors for residences, several commercial products can be adapted for home use. Motorized swing doors are most often installed on a selected exterior door. One company's actuator can be used to automate an interior pocket door (sources included on list F-621).
Send questions or comments to David Butler at 14713 Pleasant Hill Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28278.
LENGTH: Medium: 83 lines ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC: When it's not in use, high-tech audio and video gearby CNBcan be hidden behind remotely controlled cabinet doors.