Does your old, pressboard IKEA TV stand from grad school look out of place with your new plasma screen? If so, check out the following suggestions to help you organize and jazz up your home entertainment theatre quicker than you can find something decent to watch on TV.
AudiaV
AudiaVAudiaV’s German engineering creates audio-visual shelving units that are built to be the last you will ever purchase. Customizable shelving platforms are adjustable and made of a lead composite, which reduces unwanted vibrations, airborne induction and harmful interference, each with the capacity to handle 700 pounds. Open side panels allow for equipment ventilation and ease of hookup. Their Diamond, Crystal and Zirconia lines enable you thoroughly to customize your system to fit your needs, boasting upgradable “futureproof” design that is also child-, pet- and earthquake-resistant. AudioV’s customizable systems work together to fit any household and equipment configuration. All that comes complete with a bubble level, measuring tape and slide lock key included. Price varies depending on system configuration and ranges from $1000-$6000, http://www.audiav.com
Sanus
The versatile, rock solid and completely mod Java Furniture Lowboy A/V Stand is a cool and sophisticated piece that is capable of holding equipment up to 350 lbs. The 75″ wide, 18″ tall espresso-finished oak piece contains contemporary fluted glass door panels on the front of the unit that glide with ease over the removable, 6″ tall, 22″ deep shelves. Additional details include removable rear cable access panels and a built in convection cooling system that allows cool air to flow in from the bottom, and hot out through hidden vents in the top. $949.99, model JFV75e, http://www.sanus.com
StudioTech
Keep your components, DVDs and the like tucked in and enclosed with sophistication and style in the Ultra U-22T. The rectangular cabinet sits low to the ground, and is 67″ wide enabling it to accommodate monitors up to 70″. The wood veneer finish is available in Black Ash, Rosewood or Natural Cherry, and is complemented by black metal screens for ventilation as well as the flawless operation of infrared remote controls. The removable rear panel snaps on and off to enable easy channeling of your myriad cables, and the inner shelves can be adjusted for a custom fit. Each bay has two shelves with 18.5″ of internal vertical space. The Ultra Collection also has additional coordinating pieces for a sleek, well-disguised home entertainment solution. $999, model U-22T, http://www.studiotech.com
Bell’O
Contemporary Italian style meets sturdy functionality with the Bell’O 48″ Wide Plasma TV Audio Video System. The system with unique, sloping wood and real wood veneer side panels, is a stylish retreat from typical TV stands. The 14″ top shelf can hold 50″ plasma TVs up to 140 lbs., while the lower two shelves can handle as many as four components and a center channel speaker. The frame is constructed of powder-coated, scratch-resistant steel with exceptionally sturdy, tempered safety glass shelves. An integrated CMS Cable Management System connects, hides and stores cables, keeping them neatly under control. Available in Cherry finished wood with clear glass or Wenge finished wood with green frosted glass. $549, model PVSC-4240MC/PVSC-4240MW, www.bello.com
Z-Line Designs
Black glass and chrome defines the handsome, masculine simplicity of the Z-Line Designs 55″ TV Stand, part of the Maxim Magazine Collection. The dark, modern design has three sturdy 24″-deep, tempered glass shelves that have more than enough capacity to handle DLP televisions up to 58″, as well as a DVD player, VCR and game console. The open back allows for easy cabling between components. $349.99 model Z22-1S, http://www.circuitcity.com Image courtesy of Circuit City
Salamander Designs
Salamander Designs offers easily assembled modular pieces that enable you to create the home entertainment solution of your dreams. Their website offers an incredible Custom Configurator flash application that puts you in the driver’s seat, allowing you to choose pieces to create a design for you within the dimensions of your living room. With the handy tool, accessible by selecting “Build” from the top right corner of the site, you have the ability to click and drag preferences, including cabinets with or without doors (glass or screened), the finish you prefer (cherry, walnut, maple, black), as well as your choice of feet for your creation (wheels, aluminum claw and black or aluminum stiletto). If a cabinet with doors has been selected, you can view the drawers inside by clicking and holding on the product. As if all of that weren’t enough, the program will also give you a running subtotal. Or, if you’re looking for a pre-configured yet hip unit that is a far cry from the typical behemoth eyesores, try the Synergy Wall System. The wall unit has plenty of room for your plasma monitor, in addition to ample storage in three drawers, six cabinets with black, screened doors and shelving below the TV. The closed, screened doors allow for equipment ventilation, infrared remote control usage and non-muffled speakers. Pieces range in price according to size, materials and configurations. www.salamanderdesigns.com
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