As television has become a staple in homes worldwide, homeowners have had to get creative in finding ways to integrate them into their home décor. One popular solution is the automatic TV lift, which allows homeowners to hide their television sets in cabinets, behind fireplaces, or in other creative locations. This article will look at seven different types of TV lift mechanisms to help you determine which one is right for your home.

What are TV lift mechanisms?

A TV lift mechanism is an electric hoist normal contained within a frame that lifts a television vertically or horizontally. It can protect the device from harm, optimise space, or maintain a particular setting. TV lift mechanisms have been in use for a long time now, due to popularity they are allot more affordable now. There are many kinds of TV lifts on the market, from simple and cheap do-it-yourself options to more high-tech designer options.

TV lifts were considered luxury items for fancy houses, elegant apartments, and conference rooms. However there are plenty of budget TV lifts which can be easily adapted to fit in existing furniture by keen DIY enthusiasts. This is because these products are becoming increasingly popular, and there are a lot of different kinds of them on the market.

Functionality of a TV lift mechanism

A TV lift mechanism in essence allows flat screen TV’s to be hidden inside furniture, floors, walls and even under beds. To operate you press a button on your remote which engages the motor and you television appears from wherever its concealed. Press the button again and TV retract back into its strowed away position out of sight. Most lifts also come with a manual rocker switch, this is a great backup plan in case you lose your remote. The latest designs also feature roll away lids mechanism and rotation. TV Lift with swivel in either direction provides customers with 360-degree viewing, perfect for dual room usage.

Most TV lift mechanisms are designed to operate at a minimum and maximum load. This is normally because the motor only engages in one direction and its the weight of the load that makes it work in the other direction. Another reason for a minimum load is to reduce the noise on the down stroke. Lifts come in all sizes now catering for screen from 32″ up to 100″. They are not a one size fits all product though so be careful to ensure you order the correct model that is capable of lifting the chosen sized screen before ordering one. It is normally the height of the TV and lifting stroke that are the main factors as a rule ensure the total lift stroke is 10% more than the height of your TV and the thickness of the cabinet lid. Nearly all TV Lifts are fully vesa compatible but it doesn’t hurt to check this also.

Some TV lifts offer additional safety features like anti squeeze features or anti-collision monitoring systems. In short if the lifts meets an obstacle on its travel then it will sense the overload stop and reverse until no overload is detected. It is often referred to as a dead mans switch.

Types of TV Lift Mechanisms

There are numerous types of TV lift mechanisms available on the market. The most common TV lift mechanisms are:

1. Ceiling TV Lifts

Many people don’t have enough ceiling void to install a flat-screen TV. Not finding a place to put your TV can be frustrating, especially when trying to watch your favourite show or movie. Ceiling TV Lifts are the perfect solution for this problem.

Ceiling TV Lifts are a great way to hide your flat screen TV when not in use. The lift is installed inside the ceiling void between the joists, similar to a loft hatch. The TV is folded flat back into the ceiling when not used. This solves a common problem of not having enough ceiling voids.

With the press of a button, the hatch opens, and the lift folds down to 100 degrees. This makes for a more comfortable viewing angle. They are suitable for screens up to 86 inches and can be supplied with an additional telescopic drop if needed. They are also available with 180 degrees of rotation in both directions. This is perfect for when you want to be able to view the screen from multiple places or rooms.

Fold-down TV lifts are cumbersome. We would always advise customers that you seek professional assistance when installing these lifts.

2. Pop Up TV Lifts

This is by far the most often used and well-liked TV lift. When you turn on the electric motor, the screen of a pop-up TV lift is lifted upward in a vertical direction. This is accomplished by a telescopic pipe that extends in length when the engine is turned on. When fully stretched, the telescopic pipes inside the system of many pieces hoist the television.

The pipe is often positioned in the middle of the structure and is outfitted with a standing foot to maintain the overall structure’s degree of steadiness. There is also the option of purchasing pop-up TV lifts with a U-shaped form; however, these lifts are considered obsolete. A tubular motor is used to raise the television, perched atop a platform and concealed within a piece of furniture.

3. Picture Lift

Picture lifts are a great way to hide a Flat screen TV in a traditional or modern décor home. They come in various sizes and styles; some lift the artwork while others lower it. There are also horizontal lifts that slide the artwork to the left or right side. For huge screens, there is the split picture mechanism that allows you to mount a large canvas in two halves and slide each half in opposite directions to reveal the TV behind. This solution is great for living, dining, and bedroom spaces.

Firstly the TV and the lift are both recessed into the wall so they are flush. Picture lifts are basically an electric motor that allows a large metal frame to pass through. The lift framework is secured to the wooden stretcher frame of the canvas. With the press of a button the canvas or mirror lifts or lowers to reveal the recessed TV behind. The TV, picture lift and canvas are arranged so that the lift is never on display.

4. Out of The Floor TV Lifts

An Out of floor TV lift can be an elegant solution to hiding your flat-screen TV in your home. The lift enables you to conceal your TV under the floor and raise it vertically from a cavity to watch it. The mechanism incorporates a unique drop roll lid system that can be walked on when the TV is stowed away. With a press on the remote, the lid folds away inside the floor, and the TV rises on a chrome pole. The floor plate fills the hole left in the floor. This solution is perfect if you have a glass wall, as it allows you to hide the TV not to spoil the view when not in use. It’s also excellent in older Victorian houses with extensive cellars.

5. Under The Bed TV Lifts

The Under Bed TV Lift is a unique and impressive mechanism that stores a flat-screen television under a bed, negating the need for cabinetry at the foot. Compact and sleek design, the Under Bed TV Lift offers an alternative to traditional flat screen TV lifts and, with its pop-up design, helps create a different dimension to the interior design of a room. The Underbed Lift is available in the UBL-EBF form with a motorised flap that opens before the screen is revealed and closes after it is concealed.

6. Monitor Lift Systems

These systems are meant to be used with monitors that have screens between 15 and 42 inches. Monitor lifts with a display already affixed in their place are products produced by manufacturers and sold mostly for use with personal computers and in conference rooms.

The way the lift goes up is similar to the pop-up lift. The location of the motor, as well as all of the electric components, is what makes the difference. In monitor lift systems, the monitors are enclosed in a compartment made of metal sheeting, and the lift itself is fastened to the underside of the desk using screws. A brushed steel plate slides over the monitor once it has been lowered into a slot carved out of the desk. After the control button has been pressed, the cover plate will fold into the lift, allowing the monitor to rise into the desired position. The final part of the display can be changed electronically to fit the needs and preferences of each user.

7. Wall Panel Lift Systems

This one can be changed to fit any wall panel that changes automatically, and it has what are likely the most design options. Some models use belts and grooves, while others use guide rails and cable hoists. Regardless of any differences that may exist in their structure, the motion that each one produces is the same.

When the desired position is reached, a flush wall panel fixed in front of the actual wall glides inside and is raised or lowered. The panel has been replaced with the television set, which continues to glide forward until it is flush with the actual wall. The television may be able to be twisted or swivelled in the direction required for continuous use if the optional design elements allow it to do so.

How To Choose The Right TV Lift

It’s not hard to choose the right TV lift, but there are a few important things to consider before making the final choice. First, you need to buy a TV before you buy a lift. Most lift systems have mounting brackets that work with VESA, so you should ensure your TV does too. Since this is the standard that most big-screen brands use, it shouldn’t be a problem.

The center positions on the back of the TV are another tricky thing about VESA standards. They are not as consistent as the other parameters, but they will still determine the height of the cabinet in the end. This, in turn, will help figure out the right stroke to ensure the TV comes out of its hiding place completely. You can limit the stroke to fit your needs, but it should always be longer than the height of your TV. Lastly, the weight of your TV is a key factor that will affect which TV lift you choose. Most lifting systems have their weight limits written to serve as a guide.

These TV set specs should be the starting point for making a decision. The second important thing to consider is what kind of lift you want. When doing this, you should think about the following things.

Location

You will need to determine what type of automatic TV lift you need based on where you intend to put it. All wall, ceiling, and bed lifting systems have their requirements and capabilities, varying greatly. Each condition was discussed in detail when examining the different types of lifts.

Storage

The size of your TV lift cabinet will vary depending on whether you will store additional items in the cabinet along with the TV.

Fail-Safe Option

A fail-safe mechanism is an important safety feature that should be included in any automatic TV lift you purchase. This will make sure the television does not come crashing down if there is a power outage or other technical malfunction.

Hidden Wires

You should also make sure that any TV lift you purchase comes with a way to keep all of the cords and wires hidden. This will give your TV lift a much cleaner look.

Style

There are many different styles of TV lifts available on the market. You should be able to find one that fits in with the rest of your furniture and décor easily.

Compactness

When you have no more space, you realise how important it is. Even so, the most important thing about a design is its size. A cluttered space not only makes people feel bad but also gives people the wrong idea.

If you have flat-screen TVs and use retractable TV cabinets, the space would be measured by its height, width, and depth. If you’re using a lift that folds up into the ceiling, you can free up more space by leaving 3 or 4 inches of space above it. This will let you use the space more efficiently.

Quality

Lifts should be made from high-quality materials that give them the tools they need to do the job. In an ideal world, TV lifts would be made of aluminium and stainless steel so that they could handle the TV’s weight and the pressure of moving. Different lifts are made from different quality materials depending on how they will be used and where they will be put.

Cost

The cost of the mechanism is last but not least. Even though some models are very expensive, buying something too cheap could cause problems in the future. For this reason, a good TV lift should be priced in the middle and meet most people’s needs.

Conclusion

There are many factors to consider when choosing a tv lift mechanism for your home. This guide should help you understand the different types of tv lifts available and what to look for when purchasing. Be sure to consider the size and weight of your tv, where you will be placing the lift, and what additional features you may need. With a little bit of research, you should be able to find the perfect tv lift for your home.

For more detailed information why not head over to our TV lift Mechanism page on the shop or get in contact with us here.