I replaced bot my analog TV's wit flat screens. I selected TV's that were thin on the sides so they could mount within the existing cabinet without significant modification.
The front box measures 29" between the 2 sides. There is a frame inset within the box. I took a router and trimmed mos of this off leaving ~1". I purchased a Hitachi TV from Sam's which measures 28 7/8" wide so it fits snugly within the box and rests against the inner frame. I wanted to take advantage of the large space behind the TV so I used a standard swing out type mount and mounted on a vertical post that I fastened in the box in the correct location. Also, I did not want the TV bouncing so I use screen fasteners (twist type) that holds the TV tight withing the cabinet. I simply turn the fasteners and the TV will swing out, I can go either direction, I can actually swing it out and turn it toward the front door and sit outside to watch if I want. I added a shelf in the cabinet and am able to use it to store DVD's & CD's and then on the bottom we keep other stuff, camera, binoculars etc.
The rear TV I did not modify the box band found a TV that fit between the sides of the cabinet. I left the front decorative frame in place and I made a long arm mount with swivel head to mount the TV on. I have a Sharp TV that measures ~21" and sticks out sightly from the front frame but not a nuisance. I can swing the TV to be able to use the space for storage, keeping toilet paper and paper towels. I mounted the TV high in the cabinet and left enough room to put a DVD player. I keep the TV snug to the frame by using a bungee cord, when the TV is pulled in against the cabinet it also rests on top of the DVD player so the mount has minimal weight bouncing on it and helps prevent the back of the TV from taking too much weight.
Newer TV's are extremely light, however, the rear mount is not designed to take constant bouncing. The first TV I mounted in the front was a Sanyo. Over time the back mount actually started to fail, cracking letting the TV start to sit lower. I happen to notice this, removed and reinforced. That is why my current mounts both allow the TV's to rest on something and are held in place to prevent bouncing.
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Jim J
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