Mirror TV Concept and Build Quality
I had experienced my first "mirror LCD" television at the 2004 CEDIA show when I stopped by the Philips booth for a look at their new Ambilight models. If I had thought the very concept of an LCD television hidden behind front surface-reflecting mirror was fascinating, actually seeing the technology up close was even more impressive. As a product, these LCDs target the progressive consumer who wants to add either the convenience of an LCD TV in the bathroom or bedroom, or those wanting that "wow" factor of having a technology that is years ahead of mass-market adoption.
The Concept
Ad notam's implementation of LCD behind glass is really a two-part composite piece. The first part, the LCD television body, is designed as a compact chassis that can be surface mounted or flush-mounted within a wall. The display is heavy and is specially developed to be installed and fastened behind support panels or a bearing surface such as a mirror, lacquered glass, or metal (other materials, though not specified, may also be used.) This bearing surface makes up the second part of the completed unit. Ad notam sent us a completed unit attached to what they smartly refer to as a Magic Mirror 蒂 . This is a specially-formulated first-surface reflecting mirror that allows the LCD television to be mounted from behind using self adhesive metal strips which magnetically secure the display to the bearing mirror. When correctly attached, the effect is that of a smoked glass mirror without even a hint that a television is hidden just beneath the surface until the device is turned on. In addition, as a front surface mirror is used, there is no visible depth to the LCD television's surface. It appears to be at the very surface level of the mirror as opposed to hiding just below it.
Unpacking and Build
Quality
Ad notam sent me a completed unit, pre-mounted to a 36" magic mirror. It came crated and well-packed and included an RF remote control, VGA cable, 24 VDC power cable with AC adapter, and a small RF antenna. If you purchased this product through an authorized dealer or as a custom installer it would come with a mounting template, self-adhesive metal strips, additional fasters/support brackets, a cableTV cable, and a composite video cable. You could then order any size magic mirror to fit your particular application or you could select another method to utilize or mount the display. The support strength of the included magnet strips is rated at 31.9 pounds. I found that I could easily lift the entire unit via the oversized magic mirror. While this is not recommended, it does communicate the fact that you should have no trouble mounting the unit behind a larger piece of glass as part of a permanent, worry-free installation.
