No, it’s not a magic act or a new dance. It’s the answer to the question: What do we do with the TV?

Plasma screens, LCD screens, and DLP TVs are becoming more and more popular in homes and boardrooms, on land and at sea. They are placed on stands, stored in home entertainment centers, or hung on the wall. But what about the situation where space is limited or a wider viewing area is desired?

Consider the options in motorized lifting devices. In the past, even with motorization, you were limited in the same way – a cabinet against a wall where the TV could be concealed and then revealed at the touch of a button. Very cool, yes, but also not versatile. Now there are innovations that provide that versatility.

What are those options in TV lifts that help solve problems in design, space, or both? In addition to “up/down” lifts that you install in cabinets, you have other choices, such as, swivel, ceiling swivel, pivot and pivot swivel lifts. Let’s look at some of those design options that are offered.

A motorized swivel function on a TV lift is perfect for end-of-bed units, room dividers, and any place where an expanded viewing area is desired. What features should you look for in a swivel lift?

Look for reliable, stable travel which is achieved by design and the control system. Does the lift design have structural integrity and operate with a high-quality motor that can handle the lifting requirements? The swivel function should work smoothly and reliably. Look at the control system. Do have a choice of RF, IR, or low voltage/contact closure to operate the lift? The RF or IR transmitters should have discrete commands for up, down, swivel right and swivel left.

Are swivel limits readily adjustable using the control system, or can you only accomplish this through mechanical means? Technology in the controls that allows you to set the swivel limits and also gives you the choice of setting the maximum swivel range or using a memory function is desirable. A swivel memory function allows you to program the controls so at the touch of the up button the lift will raise and then swivel to the last “remembered” position. Another important consideration is a safety feature that prevents the lift from lowering unless the swivel is centered.

In some designs and installations you are more limited by space constraints, so an up/down swivel in a cabinet or at the end of the bed would not be your choice. A ceiling swivel lift may be the answer. Using the same technology the lift raises into a space above the ceiling when it is not in use. If the there isn’t adequate clearance to allow a ceiling lift to raise vertically, consider a pivot or pivot swivel lift. A pivot lift, also known as a “flip down” lift, is perfect for applications where there is limited ceiling space and for between-floor locations.

So maybe it’s not magic, but the latest in motorized lifting devices can make TVs disappear from view, and more, at the touch of a button. And no matter what design you choose in motorized lifts, you want to choose a manufacturer that has expertise in sizing the lift for your project. Are modifications included in the price of the lift? Just as important is service after the sale. Do you get a prompt response and talk to a knowledgeable person when you call? The right product for the job, technical assistance, state-of-the art technology and dependable customer service are all important considerations when shopping for a lift.

LIFT-TECH manufactures all of the products mentioned here and more. LIFT-TECH is located in Valencia, California. For more information contact them at 661-702-9055. Visit the website at www.televisionlifts.com and view the video library to learn more about the company and to see some of the products in operation.