FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How large can my plasma TV be?

A: We are able to work with just about any size plasma. Our apparatus is really all about your art and frame. Each unit is custom built to your specifications. Your artwork must only be large enough to cover the plasma and our product.

Q: Can I use my framed art or mirror?

You are welcome to use your existing artwork or mirror. We can instruct your local framer on how to adapt the back to our unit. We need to know the exact weight and measurements of the frame. Photos of front side and back are also helpful to determine what may be necessary for the proper finish on the back side of the picture frame and the additional weight that that might entail.

Q: Is Museum Classic's art all you have available?

We have been in the art and framing business for more than 28 years and have access to most anything on the market. The Museum Classics website shows a sampling of traditional art that is available that we have custom painted on canvas. However our artists can recreate your favorite selection of art, in the appropriate size for your application, quality and satisfaction is guaranteed. Call for more selection of contemporary art.

Q: Do I have to use an oil painting?

We have a state of the art giclee printer, which allows us to print images on canvas, fine art watercolor paper, or photograph paper. We use only the finest archival paper and inks so that your image is guaranteed to never fade. Provide us with an image and our art department will digitize it and do whatever manipulation necessary.

Q: Can I use a mirror?

We have done many applications using mirrors. If your plasma is a larger size and the weight goes over capacity than you have the option of a scratch resistant plexiglass mirror, which appears the same as a real mirror yet is much lighter in weight, or we can apply the dual hardware. TVCoverups is able to lift a framed mirror with outer dimensions of 40 x 50. This size would accommodate any 42"- 44" screen.

Q: What about the remote control?

The motor controller has either RF (radio frequency) or IR (infrared) capabilities. The RF is proprietary and requires its own hand held transmitter however is hidden behind the picture frame and does not have to be in line of sight. The IR can be coded to a universal remote and has a 6 ft eye extension that can be placed in a convenient location. It also has a contact closure which may be required for some custom applications.

Q: What if I need to take the picture down for any reason?

Our new hardware allows you to remove the picture when necessary. If you are having a super bowl party and would like to remove your framed art completely, you can now do so. This quick release also allows you to have seasonal artwork without the hassle.

Q: Can I use articulating hardware with TVCoverups?

Articulating hardware (which allows the plasma to extend and/or tilt) works fine with our product. Insure total measurements, closed and extended are included in the worksheets, so that we can make the necessary allowance. With the automatic unit, it is necessary to have a sensor that disables the coverup when the plasma is out of the wall.

Q: Can it be installed "on" or "in" the wall?

That is really up to you. The average plasma screen TV is 6 inches deep including mounting hardware. All of our hardware is geared toward the 6 inch depth, so depending on your situation and your preference, we will make it work accordingly. Additional depth for articulating hardware is easily accommodated. Aesthetically the ideal situation would be to set the box in the wall so the frame appears almost flush against the wall. If you are unable to do so, we have options to make the unit more camouflaged.

Q: I'm unable to set the box in the wall. What can you do to camouflage my unit?

You have a couple of options. First off, by making your picture larger than the box the space will appear much smaller. Another option is extension molding. The extension molding would match your frame and extend back to the wall 2" to 3". Finally, the outside of the box can be finished with a paint stain grade. This makes the side of the box visually disappear when painted or stained to match the wall.

Q: What if I already have a space cut out for my plasma?

That is not a problem. You still have the option of the automatic or manual unit. Size restraints do apply so it is best to call and discuss your scenario.

Q: What other option do I have?

Currently there are five different approaches on the market to the solution of hiding or masking a flat screen television.

• A roll-up: This approach cannot utilize original art and requires viewing the screen inside a picture frame. It also requires the viewer to be standing for perpendicular viewing.
• A lift: The television fits inside a cabinet and either lifts out or the cabinet slides to the side or above the flat screen. This system requires a separate piece of furniture for the screen to pop out from or requires that the viewer watches the TV with the art above or to the side. These systems can cost from $4,000 to $8,000.
• A two way mirror: Difficulties include compromised daytime viewing, no option to tilt the Flat Screen for perpendicular viewing - and the viewer is watching TV in a picture frame. Occasionally we will install two way mirrors with the TVCoverups product in order to access the benefits listed in #5 below.
• Framing the TV: The viewer is not only watching TV in a picture frame, but when the TV is off, there is a black hole in the focal point of the room.
• Our TVCoverup: Any framed art or mirror can be used to cover the flat screen. The viewer has the freedom of full articulating arm hardware, allowing for perpendicular viewing from anywhere in the room. The system provides a total black theatre viewing enclosure, because the art in the hinged-up position removes ceiling reflection as well as picture lighting. (see attached brochure).

Q: What will it cost and how will it be installed?

Initial considerations for your TV Coverup system include:

• Placement of your installation so that the picture frame is not sitting directly on a mantle above a fireplace
• Insuring sufficient depth of the installation to allow room for the TV mounting hardware (Manual or Motorized)
• Insuring sufficient width and height to allow for natural convection, avoiding the need for additional cooling fans and thermostats.

Each TV Coverup installation box is custom built to your specified measurements (pricing and size information is located in the download section of the website). The average price range for our basic manual unit, ON or IN-WALL box including framed artwork custom sized to your TV is $1300 to $1500. We also offer a second manual unit that utilizes the same convertible hinging mechanism as our automated unit (that accommodates either heavy or very delicate art,) which sells for an additional $450. The fully automated unit sells for approximately $3500, complete with on/in-wall box, hardware, retrofitting and framed art.

The most important factor in selecting which TV Coverup model is best for you is the framed artwork. We can also retrofit framed art you already own. Our product is custom built, so we can build the ON or IN-WALL box specifically for your TV and hardware. Therefore we can build it deep enough for articulating hardware or as shallow as 11/16" deeper than your TV with slim-line wall mounting hardware. Our automated unit is remote controlled by RF, IR, RS232, M-Wave, with contact closure capability.

The framed art may be anything you select, with the only limitation being weight. The TVCoverup unit will lift approx 30 - 35 lbs. In most cases we can lift a framed mirror over a 42" Flat Screen and we have accommodated 72x48" framed oil paintings. When necessary, we provide extension molding that matches the framing, so that when in the down position the frame is flush with the wall.