A/V Furniture Options Grow

By John Laposky On Sep 21 2009 - 6:00am

A number of A/V furniture specialists recently introduced new flat-panel display options.

Omnimount went to CEDIA Expo to introduce its Elements series, a two–piece line that displays medium to large flat-panel TVs in three different configurations and in multiple color accent options.

According to the company, Elements was designed for the A/V enthusiast who is looking for extreme décor flexibility.

The series’ two products, the 403FP and the 503FP, can each be configured as a table (without the post and mount), as a furniture piece independent of a wall-mounted panel, or as a flat-panel floor stand when a wall installation is not preferred or possible. The high-gloss black pieces come with four interchangeable color panel insert options — black, walnut, cherry and brushed steel — that can be changed as homeowners change their décor.

The angled shape of the two units accommodate placement in corners or flat against a wall. Open area shelves accommodate most components, while a pivoting support post pans left and right up to 30 degrees.

Both have a built-in cable-management system.

“We very proud to bring the Elements series to our installers,” said Zach Eyman, Omnimount’s design chief. “Traditional A/V furniture tends to leave much to the imagination, making it a hard sell to customers who put aesthetic design first. With this new line, we are providing a solution that will complement every customer’s home, whether it be traditional or contemporary, as well as a functional solution for all A/V needs.”

The Elements 403FP accommodates most 32-inch to 47-inch flat panels up to 110 pounds, while the 503FP supports most 42-inch to 55-inch flat panels up to 125 pounds. Both products are Universal and VESA compliant, and two tempered glass shelves support up to 50 pounds for component storage. The 403FP has a suggested retail of $329, and the 503FP is $379. Both products are currently shipping.

Also displaying at CEDIA Expo was Touchstone Systems, showing motorized TV lift cabinets that start at less than $2,000.

The company offers five different cabinet design options for large panels up to 55 inches, two styles for smaller panels up to 42 inches, six different bedroom TV cabinet and lift options, as well as specialty lifts that custom installers can incorporate into their projects.

“Consumers can now have the quality of an expensive, custom built-in but with the flexibility and mobility of a stand-alone cabinet at a price that suits today’s conscientious consumer,” said a company spokesperson. “Our cabinets range in price from $1,800 to $3,000 depending on the size and accessory cabinets consumers wish to add.”

Available styles and various custom options can be seen at www.touchstonehomeproducts.com.

Bell’O International last week introduced its new AVSC-2122, a 36-inch-high, four-shelf black powder-coated steel A/V stand inlaid with real cherry wood accents.

The AVSC-2122’s finish is scratch-resistant and the shelves are made of black tempered safety glass. It accommodates flat panels 42 inches and smaller, plus up to six components. It also accomodates a center-channel speaker. It has an included cable-management system, and the open architecture provides flow-through ventilation, Bell’O said.

The three 15-inch by 26-inch lower shelves can hold up to 50 pounds. The top shelf can hold 100 pounds. The unit overall measures 42 inches wide by 36 inches high by 20 inches deep. It is available now with a suggested retail of $349.