HDTV Almanac - The Ultimate Living Room PC

[alfredpoor]

Yes, we have a computer in our living room. It’s a big, old-fashioned tower case with a powerful CPU and big hard drive inside, sitting on the floor next to the TV stand. It’s not particularly lovely, but it gets the job done. Still, I think I could do better, at least until I visit [...]

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[lmarks]

C'mon Alfred, there's nothing new here (although the work is gorgeous). Don't you remember the great consoles of the 1950s, with small CRT, AM-FM tuner, and record changer. Those in the industries referred to these monsters (usually crafted from fine hardwoods) as "coffins."

Here are some sample stereo images from the 1950s:
http://images.google.com/images?gbv=2&h ... eo+console

Here are some standalone 1950s TV images:
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&s ... f&oq=&aqi=

Larry

[alfredpoor]

I think there is something new here, though I agree, Larry, that it's definitely reminiscent of the great old console furniture. The "new" is that I don't think you can get anything like this anywhere. (I know that Jeffrey won't sell me this piece; it's for his wife.) If anyone knows of a source of anything that comes even close to this in terms of making an attractive home for a computer in the living room, I'd sure like to hear about it.

Alfred

[christopher]

Alfred, its interesting that you would mention the great old console furniture. I'm new on the scene but have been designing the holy grail of living room PC's for some time. I have taken a different approach. I believe what's needed is a full bodied pc environment that embraces the ever changing sea of standard PC technology. No one "box" will ever solve the problem of the cables, power strips and additional devices that accompany a true pc system. I could go on but would prefer that you take a look at www.byVinzant.com. Best Regards, Christopher Vinzant.

[alfredpoor]

That's a great idea, Christopher. Was the original a converted piano or did you just build from scratch following the form factor? It certainly makes for a familiar piece of furniture for the parlor.

Alfred

[christopher]

Thanks Alfred, what you see has nothing (and yet everything) to do with a piano. As I laid out a "complete" system in the most ergonomic way, it began to take on the form of a vertical piano so I ran with it. Unfortuanately it's been very confusing to folks. The cabinet has a separate base and top section so it is easy to move around. One of the primary criteria has been to solve the WAF (woman acceptance factor) delimma which I believe has been achieved. The second design uses a similar form factor but looks much less like a piano. It is called a "crossover" design because the display is integrated directly into the cabinet. Think of it as a universal office-in-a-box, with style. If you haven't done so, take a look at the Gallery page. I appreciate the comment as I haven't had a lot of feedback so far.

[christopher]

Hello Alfred,

I'm excited to say that I've finished my second "home server" cabinet design and have updated www.byVinzant.com
The best way to think of the cabinet is as an "extended" PC case taking all of the common PC technologies into account.
The reason I'm posting is because I'm hungry for feedback that will help me take the project to the next level.

Best Regards,
Christopher

[alfredpoor]

That's impressive, Christopher. The marriage of woodworking skills with technical knowledge and imagination is stunning. That's a great design.

Alfred