What to replace TV with

[jo552006]

My DW and I have an older smallish (by today's standards) TV.  We have yet to put it in a main living area in our new house.  (It's downstairs for when cousins come over as I like playing Wii games with them)  95% of the time I am very happy without this.  If my wife and I want to watch something, we share the ipad, but even if we didn't have an ipad, we would still be okay with not having a TV distracting from our Fireplace and family room.

My in-laws were over last weekend, and at about 6:30pm we were all sitting around.  Ipads, iphones, and boredom was happening.  I realized that if we have a TV set up in a comfortable location (not the basement), we'd put on a movie and make popcorn and enjoy it, but since we don't everybody is having a less enjoyable time visiting.

What alternatives in this situation have people come up with?

*Note that in-laws do not play games, at all
*Also note that we did enough this day we were not up to starting new projects or the like
*Finally note that our room is NOT set up well for a TV.  If we could easily cover it up with a picture or cabinet, we would, but there is no "good" place for a television that wouldn't be a focal point of an otherwise beautiful room

[Milkshake]

The Frame, by Samsung.

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/55-uhd-frame-240mr-4-hdmi-wifi/prod21271116.ip?pid=_CSE_Google_PLA_980033203&source=ifpla&CAWELAID=730010300001282521&adid=22222222627000125668&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=201256885158&wl4=pla-326775141242&wl5=9018569&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=1247713&wl11=online&wl12=980033203&wl13=&wl15=46061583760&wl17=1o3&veh=sem

Essentially your TV is art until it needs to be a TV. You don't have to get this expensive one, it was just the first google search that came up.

[jo552006]

Mods,

I accidentally made 3 threads.  It wasn't posting so I hit back.  Can you help?

With regards to this frame, I LOVE the idea but we've thought about this but in practice it wouldn't work.  You'd still have wires/cables for accessories and our room only has a single location where a reasonable size TV could fit.  It also costs more than a regular TV, and is still a TV in a location we don't want a TV.  The idea is that at both our parent's houses, the TV never goes off, and having it in a family space allows for the "it's just background I'm not watching it" response we get when we visit them.  I've left before (my parent's house) due to being ignored except during commercial breaks.

[NextTime]

The Frame, by Samsung.

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/55-uhd-frame-240mr-4-hdmi-wifi/prod21271116.ip?pid=_CSE_Google_PLA_980033203&source=ifpla&CAWELAID=730010300001282521&adid=22222222627000125668&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=201256885158&wl4=pla-326775141242&wl5=9018569&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=1247713&wl11=online&wl12=980033203&wl13=&wl15=46061583760&wl17=1o3&veh=sem

Essentially your TV is art until it needs to be a TV. You don't have to get this expensive one, it was just the first google search that came up.

Won't an Apple TV box let you do that with any TV?

[GuitarStv]

The next television I buy will be a 4K TV.  Not because I think the 4K tv standard is particularly awesome, but because at that resolution it can double as an effective computer monitor.  Then you can use it as a monitor for your computer most of the time and drag it to wherever you need a TV when guests come over.  It doesn't need to be a focal point of the room, it can sit on a couple cinder-blocks because it's just temporary.

[MsSindy]

It depends on what you want.  Do you want your in-laws to stay or leave after dinner?  I'm not sure what you're asking.  Are you asking what TV to get, or what can you do instead.

Having my in-laws leave shortly after dinner / dessert sounds like the perfect scenario!  You get some good visiting time in with good conversation.  Having them sit around for another 2 hours watching tv together really doesn't add any value to the relationship.  Live your life the way you want, and if that means that you don't have a tv in the main area, then so be it.  If they don't like that, then they are free to go home early, no hard feelings.  You don't go buy a tv because your in-laws want to watch it when they come over.... that's just ridiculous.

[dcheesi]

So basically, you want a TV handy for when you have guests, but you don't want it sitting in plain sight the rest of the time. Ideas:

* Small projector and retractable screen. Both mounted to the ceiling, so they're out of the way when not in use. Probably overkill for your use case, but it's a possibility.

* Lightweight TV on a cart or temporary stand. Stuff it in a closet most of the time, and pull it out when you have guests. Something like a Roku TV might work if you want streaming access without additional devices to hook up. Or use it as an external monitor for a laptop/tablet.

...or combine the two ideas, with a portable projector and screen. That way if you want a "movie night" you can set it up, but it's not just sitting there for your in-laws to turn on out of habit.

[dycker1978]

The Frame, by Samsung.

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/55-uhd-frame-240mr-4-hdmi-wifi/prod21271116.ip?pid=_CSE_Google_PLA_980033203&source=ifpla&CAWELAID=730010300001282521&adid=22222222627000125668&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=201256885158&wl4=pla-326775141242&wl5=9018569&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=1247713&wl11=online&wl12=980033203&wl13=&wl15=46061583760&wl17=1o3&veh=sem

Essentially your TV is art until it needs to be a TV. You don't have to get this expensive one, it was just the first google search that came up.

WOW another example of how this site has gone.  Don't buy a normal TV buy this one.  It starts at 2000(BTW there are two choices, this 55" and a more expensive 65")

OP if I were you I would move the TV upstairs in this instance, seeing as it only happens once an a while.  Flat screen TVs are easy to carry and move. 

[ketchup]

The Frame, by Samsung.

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/55-uhd-frame-240mr-4-hdmi-wifi/prod21271116.ip?pid=_CSE_Google_PLA_980033203&source=ifpla&CAWELAID=730010300001282521&adid=22222222627000125668&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=201256885158&wl4=pla-326775141242&wl5=9018569&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=1247713&wl11=online&wl12=980033203&wl13=&wl15=46061583760&wl17=1o3&veh=sem

Essentially your TV is art until it needs to be a TV. You don't have to get this expensive one, it was just the first google search that came up.

WOW another example of how this site has gone.  Don't buy a normal TV buy this one.  It starts at 2000(BTW there are two choices, this 55" and a more expensive 65")

OP if I were you I would move the TV upstairs in this instance, seeing as it only happens once an a while.  Flat screen TVs are easy to carry and move.

As completely insane as a $2000 TV-as-wall-art is (especially if you're barely going to use the damn thing), it could be a fun (and MUCH cheaper) DIY project.  It's a cool idea.

[tralfamadorian]

$2k TV?!  What is this, 1999?  O_o

I bought this guy for a furnished rental at $130.  Works like a charm and is very light so could easily be stashed away when not wanted. 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MY9HQ6D/

[JoJo]

$2k TV?!  What is this, 1999?  O_o

I bought this guy for a furnished rental at $130.  Works like a charm and is very light so could easily be stashed away when not wanted. 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MY9HQ6D/

Haha!  I had a coworker that had one of these old expensive TVs.  so it was broken and the cost to fix was nearly as high as a brand new better TV but he couldn't get over the fact he already had $2000 "invested" so was willing to fix it.

[Bicycle_B]

The Frame, by Samsung.

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/55-uhd-frame-240mr-4-hdmi-wifi/prod21271116.ip?pid=_CSE_Google_PLA_980033203&source=ifpla&CAWELAID=730010300001282521&adid=22222222627000125668&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=201256885158&wl4=pla-326775141242&wl5=9018569&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=1247713&wl11=online&wl12=980033203&wl13=&wl15=46061583760&wl17=1o3&veh=sem

Essentially your TV is art until it needs to be a TV. You don't have to get this expensive one, it was just the first google search that came up.

WOW another example of how this site has gone.  Don't buy a normal TV buy this one.  It starts at 2000(BTW there are two choices, this 55" and a more expensive 65")

OP if I were you I would move the TV upstairs in this instance, seeing as it only happens once an a while.  Flat screen TVs are easy to carry and move.

+1

Another option:  Buy a used board game for $10 to $20. Get it out and tell the family it's time for screens off, board game on.  Visits are for togetherness.

PS. One of the smartest people I ever knew was an elderly woman.  Her many grandchildren were into their phones, their Playstations, etc.  But when they came to her house, Grandma's rules went as follows:

1. Screens off.
2. You can open the big box of games and pick one.  Then we will play it.

The grandkids didn't just love Grandma.  They came to love the interesting, different, and engaging experience her rules created.  They asked for the box, eagerly.  You can do this, OP...

[lbmustache]

Mods,

I accidentally made 3 threads.  It wasn't posting so I hit back.  Can you help?

With regards to this frame, I LOVE the idea but we've thought about this but in practice it wouldn't work.  You'd still have wires/cables for accessories and our room only has a single location where a reasonable size TV could fit.  It also costs more than a regular TV, and is still a TV in a location we don't want a TV.  The idea is that at both our parent's houses, the TV never goes off, and having it in a family space allows for the "it's just background I'm not watching it" response we get when we visit them.  I've left before (my parent's house) due to being ignored except during commercial breaks.

There are plenty of ways to hide TV wires. See:

Easy: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/ec/8b/40/ec8b4099b2750dbd12527d51b74ea0b3.jpg

Not-so-easy: https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/aa/14/6f/aa146fd229a8086e6cbd10ce28a19900.jpg

Have you looked into a TV cabinet type thing (don't know what they're called). Something like this: http://photos-albums.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/white-rectangle-simple-wood-tv-cabinet-with-doors-ideas-books.jpg, but whatever actually matches your decor/layout?

[ketchup]

The idea is that at both our parent's houses, the TV never goes off, and having it in a family space allows for the "it's just background I'm not watching it" response we get when we visit them.  I've left before (my parent's house) due to being ignored except during commercial breaks.

Yeesh.  That would drive me fucking insane.  I would not cater to that in my own home.  It's one thing to actually watch something (together, even) on TV, it's another entirely to have it be "background noise" or be distracted from those around you (that aren't watching it).

[Cranky]

Maybe you could make the basement more comfortable so
You could go downstairs and watch tv there?

[rdaneel0]

You could just get a cheap monitor, buy an HDMI cord, and hook up your laptop to stream netflix or something. I also think making a purchase just for guest hangout time is a little silly. If you just sit in silence, odds are they'll leave earlier. It sounds like the socializing is over and you're just looking for ways to fill up time, but watching tv together isn't exactly social. I'd go for nothing, but if you need something the monitor and laptop combo is probably the cheapest option.

[StarBright]

The Frame, by Samsung.

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/55-uhd-frame-240mr-4-hdmi-wifi/prod21271116.ip?pid=_CSE_Google_PLA_980033203&source=ifpla&CAWELAID=730010300001282521&adid=22222222627000125668&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=201256885158&wl4=pla-326775141242&wl5=9018569&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=1247713&wl11=online&wl12=980033203&wl13=&wl15=46061583760&wl17=1o3&veh=sem

Essentially your TV is art until it needs to be a TV. You don't have to get this expensive one, it was just the first google search that came up.

WOW another example of how this site has gone.  Don't buy a normal TV buy this one.  It starts at 2000(BTW there are two choices, this 55" and a more expensive 65")

OP if I were you I would move the TV upstairs in this instance, seeing as it only happens once an a while.  Flat screen TVs are easy to carry and move.

As completely insane as a $2000 TV-as-wall-art is (especially if you're barely going to use the damn thing), it could be a fun (and MUCH cheaper) DIY project.  It's a cool idea.

I can't wait until those things come WAY WAY WAY down in price. One of the frame TVs would solve all of my piano/TV/Fireplace/too many doors in my living room layout (but can't stand a black screen hung on a wall) problems.

OP- are you handy?

There are all sort of sorts TV cover solutions, including basic shutters. Could you make your own?

Some Ideas:
https://www.potterybarn.com/products/riddling-rack-wall-mount-media-solution/?cm_src=AutoCSLPIP

https://www.hayneedle.com/product/belham-living-nantucket-shutter-front-tv-wall-cabinet.cfm?source=pla&kwid=EntertainmentFurniture%20iprefer&tid=CHIS104-1&adtype=pla&kw=&lsft=adtype:pla&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_-TMqcv91QIVjLbACh2q6gyiEAYYBiABEgLD6PD_BwE

I also have parents (a father) that is a TV watcher. They have to travel to see us and we want to encourage them to visit their grandkids as much as possible so we got a TV. It makes my dad much more comfortable to be able to have some TV in the background after a day of playing with crazy children (or during the evening bedtime routine for the kids) so I'm happy to do it.

[Milkshake]

The Frame, by Samsung.

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/55-uhd-frame-240mr-4-hdmi-wifi/prod21271116.ip?pid=_CSE_Google_PLA_980033203&source=ifpla&CAWELAID=730010300001282521&adid=22222222627000125668&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=201256885158&wl4=pla-326775141242&wl5=9018569&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=1247713&wl11=online&wl12=980033203&wl13=&wl15=46061583760&wl17=1o3&veh=sem

Essentially your TV is art until it needs to be a TV. You don't have to get this expensive one, it was just the first google search that came up.

WOW another example of how this site has gone.  Don't buy a normal TV buy this one.  It starts at 2000(BTW there are two choices, this 55" and a more expensive 65")

OP if I were you I would move the TV upstairs in this instance, seeing as it only happens once an a while.  Flat screen TVs are easy to carry and move. 

FFS I literally said in the post not to get this expensive one. Obviously you shouldn't spend $2000 on a TV. The point was that you can just make a frame around any TV and put a static image on it, problem solved.

[jo552006]

I've thought about hiding the wires, and actually did that at my last house.  I will note that I don't think code allows for running power wires in a wall, I'd have to put in an outlet, but can run all low voltage wires to their receivers below.  This is no big deal, just something to note.  Doing something like that may happen some day, but I'm definitely not rushing towards it since it still puts a TV in a central family space where it can be on "in the background"

[nnls]

The Frame, by Samsung.

https://www.samsclub.com/sams/55-uhd-frame-240mr-4-hdmi-wifi/prod21271116.ip?pid=_CSE_Google_PLA_980033203&source=ifpla&CAWELAID=730010300001282521&adid=22222222627000125668&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=201256885158&wl4=pla-326775141242&wl5=9018569&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=1247713&wl11=online&wl12=980033203&wl13=&wl15=46061583760&wl17=1o3&veh=sem

Essentially your TV is art until it needs to be a TV. You don't have to get this expensive one, it was just the first google search that came up.

WOW another example of how this site has gone.  Don't buy a normal TV buy this one.  It starts at 2000(BTW there are two choices, this 55" and a more expensive 65")

OP if I were you I would move the TV upstairs in this instance, seeing as it only happens once an a while.  Flat screen TVs are easy to carry and move. 

FFS I literally said in the post not to get this expensive one. Obviously you shouldn't spend $2000 on a TV. The point was that you can just make a frame around any TV and put a static image on it, problem solved.

My friend has one that looks like a mirror TV mirror but this isnt a very mustachian solution. Hers doesnt have any visable cables so if installed properly you shouldnt either

Other options, you said everyone had ipads out and boredom set in etc, why not just talk? Or play board games or ones with more involvement like charades or something?

Were people bored? or was that just your perception?

[jo552006]

Well, I know FIL was bored, but even if a TV had been there, he's always bored when he's not working on his list of chores.  Everybody may have been content, I just like togetherness, and this wasn't it.  I assumed boredom because everybody was finding some way to entertain themselves.  Maybe (though I don't *think* so) I was projecting the less enjoyable bit, as I really hate when technology sends groups of people into their own worlds to ignore each other and personally was not having as good a time in that environment.

Honestly, I was the one who thought it'd be nice to watch a movie right then.  At that point, we had talked/hung out/played/worked that day, and while I rarely feel like TV is a good entertainment choice, watching a movie would have been a nice way to end our evening, and relax as a group.

I was just wondering what people who don't have TVs in their main living area have come up with for either:

1. Ways to watch movies as a group without a permanent TV/TV stand/TV wall mount/wires & cables, etc (Smart TV moved in when wanted seems to be the best idea for this given our situation)

or

2. Ways to entertain guests who don't play games

Honestly, I'm REALLY leaning towards a smart TV that sits on a shelf in another room, as two people can carry it to the living room, plug it in and start watching a movie, then remove from that area when we aren't actively using it.

And I REALLY TRULY mean people who don't play games.  I tried, nobody was interested.  Ended up drunk with FIL and talking.

[nnls]

well a projector is an option, my aunt has one, she just projects it on to her off white wall. and then has that hooked up to a dvd player or to her lap top.

something similar to this http://www.harveynorman.com.au/tv-blu-ray-home-theatre/tvs/projectors-screens/epson-eb-x31-projector.html