A bespoke TV is often seen as a luxurious finishing touch. This may be in the form of a waterproof bathroom TV, a splashback kitchen TV or a framed mirror TV. But with limitless options for both TV screens and complementary glass, the choices can be daunting.
As with any TV, things to consider are:
- Resolution. If it’s not 1080p then don’t buy it. Sources are often viewed in HD nowadays. If the resolution isn’t 1080p then it cannot display HD quality.
- Brightness. A PC monitor has a brightness of 250nits. Sunlight readable screens are quoted as being 1000nits. If you’re placing a “dark mirror” in front of the TV screen, then it needs to be around 400-500nits. The TV screen needs the extra brightness to be seen through the dark mirror.
- Viewing angle. Some bespoke TVs use a small LCD screen, often as a bathroom TV or where space is limited. Smaller LCD screens suffer from having a poor viewing angle when looking at them from below. Manufacturers tend to fudge the figures for viewing angles. Trust your own eyes.
- Specification. Check for things like “Freeview HD”, Built in Sky Eye, RS232 control and number of HD ports. It has become increasingly common to ADD a “dongle” such as Google’s chromecast or Amazon’s firestick. To allow these dongles to power from the TV, it is essential to have a USB port.
- Sound. Unlike standard TVs, bespoke TVs often use separate speakers to give good quality sound. Beware of built in speakers. If the TV screen has been covered with glass, then sound quality will have been compromised.
- Size. In many cases the size of screen will depend on the space available. Only where space is limited, is it necessary to opt for a smaller screen; such as the end of a bath or under kitchen units. When a smaller screen is necessary, the options tend to be a 17 inch, 19 inch, 21 inch or 24 inch. It is paramount that you check the brightness and viewing angle, as smaller screens can have poor specifications. Generally the larger screen you can accommodate, the better the picture will be.
In order to seamlessly integrate the TV, without compromising the design of the room, it is often desirable to make the TV screen disappear. There are several ways to achieve this effect and in the main, the space dictates the method used.
Option 1; Frame your existing TV with dark mirror glass.
Pros:
- You choose the TV you want to fit both the space and your budget.
Cons:
- A mirror glass will affect the overall brightness of the picture, typically losing 20% brightness.
- Because it’s a mirror, natural light sources can be reflected in the glass.
- Framed Mirror TVs are often situated above the fireplace. Mounting a TV so high up on the wall does not result in a relaxed viewing position.
Option 2; Frame your existing TV with a picture.
Pros:
- You choose the TV you want to fit both the space and your budget.
- There’s no loss of brightness and no reflection caused by the mirror glass
Cons:
- Framed pictures are often situated above the fireplace. Mounting a TV so high up on the wall does not result in a relaxed viewing position.
- The choice and quality of pictures available is limited. Quite often, this isn’t a picture you’d choose to mount in the room, unless it was to hide a TV screen.
Option 3; Choose a bespoke piece of glass with an integrated TV
Pros:
- The size of the glass can be specified to fit your space and overall room design.
- As the TV screen is built into the glass, solutions are often waterproof, so suitable for bathrooms and kitchens.
- The screen position can be specified and does not result in awkward viewing angles.
- The overall design can be stunning
Cons:
- You cannot choose your own TV.
- Large pieces of glass can be difficult to install.
- Should the TV develop a fault, repairs involve the removal of the full piece of glass. Make sure you have a lengthy warranty