We are in the process of automating our home and would love to have a concealed TV hidden inside a built-in cabinet which would rise up and appear at the touch of our iPad controller. But first I need to actually build the TV lift (this is a DIY project) and would be grateful if anyone could tell me which company makes the best and/or most affordable lift mechanism? I see manufacturers such as Nexus 21, Firgelli, Inca and Hafele – is there really any difference between them (other than cost)? Any tips, suggestions, lessons learned and “If I were doing this again…” words of wisdom are also greatly appreciated.
T.V. lift mechanisms
- Thread starter harcol
- Start date
I do not recommend Firgelli. Mine broke after only a year and a half of use. No response to phone calls or email requests, no diagrams of the electronics or controls available etc. Ended up discarding the cabinet and lift. This was for a 32" TV we had at the end of the bed.
The key on these is warranty. You custom build a cabinet for a certain lift design and you are 100% stuck with it. SO look for warranty and customer service. The extra $ is worth it. Nexus 21 was not around when I did mine but looking at those options it seems the best bet. Built in America and they have options for sizes and design types.
Just my 0.02!
The key on these is warranty. You custom build a cabinet for a certain lift design and you are 100% stuck with it. SO look for warranty and customer service. The extra $ is worth it. Nexus 21 was not around when I did mine but looking at those options it seems the best bet. Built in America and they have options for sizes and design types.
Just my 0.02!
mdesmarais
Active Member
Haven't used any lifts, but Auton is the one that pops into my head...
chedemefedeme
Member
How cool would one of these be if it flew in from the ceiling instead of a chest on the floor? 
Like this?How cool would one of these be if it flew in from the ceiling instead of a chest on the floor?
chedemefedeme
Member
Holy cow. I'm pretty sure I want to find a reason and location to put one of these in my home right now.
It is a little frightening you must ask them for the price.
It is a little frightening you must ask them for the price.
mdesmarais
Active Member
I think the concern in transporation is cracking the glass if there is a bump or jolt.... there is no operational reason that it shouldn't be flat. You even see LCDs mounted in the ceiling sometimes. I think as long as the mount was correctly designed you would be ok.
That's correct. Any flat screen with a glass screen should not be transported flat because of the stress of bumps and jolts. Same way you see glass installers transporting plate glass upright on the side of the truck. I have a new Samsung plasma, and the instructions stated to lay the screen flat on a table when installing the stand. Any lift mechanism should be safe.
Kevin
We have touchstone lift in the foot of bed cabinet, it worked fine so far (16 months).
http://www.touchstonehomeproducts.com/whisper-lift.html
It comes with dry contacts and RS232 controls, which makes it easy to automate it. We found ours on sale from a 3d party, so don't be discouraged by the msrp.
http://www.touchstonehomeproducts.com/whisper-lift.html
It comes with dry contacts and RS232 controls, which makes it easy to automate it. We found ours on sale from a 3d party, so don't be discouraged by the msrp.
