Front TV Upgrade - Update 1

[oemtech]

Well I decided to take the 24" analog Sony out and install an HD LCD. I looked at some cheaper models in 26" & 32" and most really did not have the features I wanted and quality of the picture was not all that great.

The #1 criteria for me was, will the new LCD fit between the 2 cabinets (just a touch under 32") or in the enclosure (28 3/4"x21 1/2") that housed the old TV. I really want to use the empty TV enclosure to house an Home Theater system and the Wii.

I finally settled on a 32" Sharp Aquos model LC-32GP1U. It just fits and has 7 inputs locations (2 on the side and 5 on the back). It covers, coax, A/V, component, S video, DVI, PC usage via DVI and HDMI. It also has 3 outputs, audio, digital and pre sub woofer. It supports 1080P, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, has a built in analog tuner and HD Tuner.

I will update this post as I go. I am working on the inside getting it ready for the Home Theater system.

I am also working on how to secure it while traveling.

BEFORE


AFTER


Removal of Old TV
First you need to remove the bezel around the TV. You have to remove the button covers from both sides of the bottom of the TV.



Next you need to remove 2 screws from the inside of both cabinets.



Now can remove the bezel.

Next you need to remove the retaining screws from the bracket that is attached to the TV. Now you can remove the TV after you unplug it, disconnect the audio out cables and disconnect the antenna cable.





One nice thing about the Newmar TV enclosure is that is made out METAL and probably hold any TV you want.

I initially want to use a drop or swing down mount to lower the viewing angle. But, I ruled that out after looking at the various mounts. I decided to use a swing out wall mount. After measuring a few things I realized I needed a spacer. I used a piece of 2x4 that is mounted through the steel with 3/8" carriage bolts. The bolts are hidden in the upper cabinet and the TV mounting bracket is bolted to the 2x4 with 1/4" carriage bolts. I covered the 2x4 with some vinyl I bought at Wal Mart.





Because I want to use the enclosure to house a Home Theater system I figured I best clean up the inside and cover all that "black", hoses and clean up the cables a bit.

So, I got some craft cardboard from Wal Mart to make some patterns. It makes it a whole easier to trim the cardboard to the correct angle than a piece of 1/4" Luan. Once I had a pattern made I transferred it to the 1/4" Laun and cut it out with my mini Ryobi 3" skill saw. I them covered the panel with the same vinyl that I used on the spacer. Now add a few pieces of Velcro and Wa La your done.







I finished the enclosure shelf. First you need to remove the rear bezel support bracket.


The shelf is probably the hardest piece to create because of the various angles and the fact that the front has to raised abput 2 1/4".



Secure for Travel



I tried 2 bungee cords(inside the enclosure) but they didn't really do the job. So I went to Wal Mart and got a 12' nylon tie down with really good clasp. Works like a charm.

I need to finish part to the ceiling. But, that will happen when I install the Home Theater system.

[oemtech]

Well I decided to take the 24" analog Sony out and install an HD LCD. I looked at some cheaper models in 26" & 32" and most really did not have the features I wanted and quality of the picture was not all that great.

The #1 criteria for me was, will the new LCD fit between the 2 cabinets (just a touch under 32") or in the enclosure (28 3/4"x21 1/2") that housed the old TV. I really want to use the empty TV enclosure to house an Home Theater system and the Wii.

I finally settled on a 32" Sharp Aquos model LC-32GP1U. It just fits and has 7 inputs locations (2 on the side and 5 on the back). It covers, coax, A/V, component, S video, DVI, PC usage via DVI and HDMI. It also has 3 outputs, audio, digital and pre sub woofer. It supports 1080P, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, has a built in analog tuner and HD Tuner.

I will update this post as I go. I am working on the inside getting it ready for the Home Theater system.

I am also working on how to secure it while traveling.

BEFORE


AFTER


Removal of Old TV
First you need to remove the bezel around the TV. You have to remove the button covers from both sides of the bottom of the TV.



Next you need to remove 2 screws from the inside of both cabinets.



Now can remove the bezel.

Next you need to remove the retaining screws from the bracket that is attached to the TV. Now you can remove the TV after you unplug it, disconnect the audio out cables and disconnect the antenna cable.





One nice thing about the Newmar TV enclosure is that is made out METAL and probably hold any TV you want.

I initially want to use a drop or swing down mount to lower the viewing angle. But, I ruled that out after looking at the various mounts. I decided to use a swing out wall mount. After measuring a few things I realized I needed a spacer. I used a piece of 2x4 that is mounted through the steel with 3/8" carriage bolts. The bolts are hidden in the upper cabinet and the TV mounting bracket is bolted to the 2x4 with 1/4" carriage bolts. I covered the 2x4 with some vinyl I bought at Wal Mart.





Because I want to use the enclosure to house a Home Theater system I figured I best clean up the inside and cover all that "black", hoses and clean up the cables a bit.

So, I got some craft cardboard from Wal Mart to make some patterns. It makes it a whole easier to trim the cardboard to the correct angle than a piece of 1/4" Luan. Once I had a pattern made I transferred it to the 1/4" Laun and cut it out with my mini Ryobi 3" skill saw. I them covered the panel with the same vinyl that I used on the spacer. Now add a few pieces of Velcro and Wa La your done.







I finished the enclosure shelf. First you need to remove the rear bezel support bracket.


The shelf is probably the hardest piece to create because of the various angles and the fact that the front has to raised abput 2 1/4".



Secure for Travel



I tried 2 bungee cords(inside the enclosure) but they didn't really do the job. So I went to Wal Mart and got a 12' nylon tie down with really good clasp. Works like a charm.

I need to finish part to the ceiling. But, that will happen when I install the Home Theater system.

[Dav5942]

Can't wait to see your write up. We did the 24" to 26" but now want to go to the 32". Found one that is 30 1/2"W by 20 1/2" H.

Looks good, but we found the swing out allowed the TV to move unless secured. What is your plan for that?

[Latitude]

Dale
Looking forward to Pics!!! I am hoping to put a 26" LCD, Flat screen in my KS.

Did you get the Parts you needed from Newmar???

I will be there Mon Aug 25 and can get what you need.

Rick

[oemtech]

Rick,

I ordered them thru my dealer.. But, thanks for the offer.

[oemtech]

I updated the first post with the TV removal photos.

I have been checking out the various styles of input from the Directv box.. The best I can say about coax is it is viewable. But, not as good as the Sony I took out. But, there is vast improvement with a good set if A/V cables. I installed an S video cable and that improved the picture even more. But, you still need a good set of audio cables. That is about as far as you can go with the standard Directv satellite until you move to HD. Then I suspect you either use component video cables or an HDMI cable. Me, I am going to wait for awhile as I think there are some changes coming, especially with Direct and Dish. Also, KVH, King Dome and Wineguard got some work to do.

[OpaRon]

OEMTECH, Thanks so much for the photos! Your set up looks exactly like mine (05 Dutch Star) and I really, really want to do what you've done. I think with your photos and help from my grown sons, we can "get'r done!"

Like you, I plan on waiting a while before going HD to see what changes are made.

Thanks again!

[GaryKD]

Dale,
Outstanding photos and description. Thanks for posting.

[Max Hubrich]

Dale,

Very nice job--

What dimension do you have between your two upper cabinet doors? I only have 29 3/8". I looked up the dimensions on the Sharp 32D40U and the specs say 32". I cant'fit any 32" into my existing space. I sure looked at it last fall. My entire upper cabinet would have to be reworked . That's why I had to go with a 26" model.

My High Definition, especially with the Olympics going on is outstanding. The 26" in the bedroom is fabulous-- I'm tickled to death with my 5 LNB Winegard Traveler HD antenna-- It was a great upgrade. I still have the old KVH Dome antenna system-- anybody need it? Send me a private message,

[oemtech]

Dav5842,

I am working on how to securing the LCD. The bottom of my LCD fits in the TV enclosure so I have some support there. I have until next Fri to Get-R-Done as we are going to a rally for Labor Day. Maybe so good "bungie cords" to start with.

Max,

I updated the first post with the dimensions between the cabinets and the size of the enclosure. I sent you am email about the King Dome.

[Latitude]

Dale
Very Very NICE
I was thinking of 26" But now maybe 32" I have to remove the Trim/Bezel and remeasure!!!!

Rick

[bdaball]

Max, I'm uder 30" as well. Sure would like to make the change to a 32" but can't seem to find a set that will fit. I'm planning on spending some time between snow storms this winter at either Best Buy or the likes. If any one has a brand or model numebr it would be appreciated.
(Thanks again for the Lobster rolls!)

[KayLarGo]

Thanks Dale for the great information. I Too want to upgrade and I think our coaches are very similar. BTW my screen door never worked better after stealing your idea of the opening rod. Also used the door pin and now sport the adjustable screen door handle. It works great. Your the man.

Larry

[oemtech]

Larry,

It's "stealing" only if I didn't want you to have it. Enjoy. If you made a mod to mine version send me some photo's and a write up so I can put on my web site. Of course you get credit for it.