Archive for January, 2010

While parents often go above and beyond when it comes to safety devices on electrical outlets and child-proof locks on cabinets, often times they neglect to remember one of the most dangerous parts of their homes: the TV.

According to a study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 134 children died between 2000 and 2006 as a direct result of furniture and televisions falling on them. Another report by the Center for Injury Research and Policy, part of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, found that 264,200 children were injured between 1990 and 2007 due to furniture and television mishaps. Lara McKenzie, one of the study’s authors, said in a recent interview that injuries increased 40 percent over the study period and about half the injuries involved televisions.

So why is there a rise in activity? Is it because of the parents, or is it the TVs? In many cases, the rise is attributed to families replacing older televisions with lighter, flat-screen models that can easily be tipped. In addition, many families are also keeping their old models, which can weigh up to 100 pounds, on furniture that may not be able to support the added weight. As a result, the furniture becomes unstable and it becomes more likely that the TV will fall should it be bumped or pulled accidentally by a small child.

To prevent these injuries, parents are encouraged strongly bolt all television sets to furniture and to secure the furniture to walls by using straps or brackets in order to prevent them from falling and causing disaster. Remember, by taking the precaution now, you and your family can avoid the danger.

Recently I Googled TV lifts and found many different options. Perhaps the most surprising was the one listed under “Home Automations” offering instruction on how to “build a pop-up TV lift cabinet using an off-the-shelf dresser drawers and an off-the-shelf pop up TV lift kit in about 3 hours, all for only $500.”

Don’t get me wrong; I’m all for the DIY trend and on smaller, less important projects; I might fully endorse such an undertaking.

However, most people who would consider an automated TV lift also enjoy watching their TV; and in order to watch it, it needs to work, right? Imagine, after your 3-hour “sweat equity” investment (not to mention whatever you invested in the dresser and your pricey plasma TV), your home automation project comes crashing down, TV and all, because the online instruction omitted a crucial step?

Why put yourself through the agony?

Today there are many reputable TV lift cabinet/console purveyors who will customize your TV lift cabinet to your specifications. Everything from the number of shelves you want in your cabinet, to the height at which you want your TV to rest when in use, to the color and design of the hardwood cabinetry for your TV lift.

By going through a professional, you also have various options in mechanical operation and design, including motorized lifts, lifts that pivot, and lifts that drop down and retract back into the ceiling. Many manufacturers offer their TV lifts with rack and pinion operating units, while others offer telescopic technology for their TV lift systems. Almost universally, these manufacturers offer warranties on their TV lift units, too, which is why they are designed with structural integrity using high-quality components; not make-shift pieces and parts from the tool shed, or clearance furniture from a big box store (as may be the case in the home-spun version.)

Another benefit of working with a turn-key manufacturer verses the DIY option is that the furniture (cabinet or console) generally arrives fully assembled; no worries about “washer #22” missing, or the wrong size screw for a key part of your home automation project.

Do-It-Yourselfers beware: certain “projects” – including a safe, fully-functional TV lift – are best left to the professionals!

Shopping for furniture is never an easy task, however, at this time of year – it’s the best thing you can be doing. Right now, there are tons of great furniture sales happening as many retailers look to sell off the year’s collections before new pieces start to arrive. With so many deals to take advantage of, it’s no wonder that so many people choose to redecorate during winter!

This season, as you try to stay warm, think about warming up your home with some brand new entertainment furniture from ImportAdvantage.com. Right now, we have some great deals on TV lifts, TV cabinets, and TV stands that are simply perfect for adding that final touch to your favorite space. Plus, with tons of options to choose from, you can always find the right fit for your home. Shop our selection today and take advantage of fantastic savings on beautiful, real wood furniture that’s sure to become an heirloom piece.

Enjoy our furniture for many years to come and add beauty to your home by letting ImportAdvantage.com provide you with the best in home entertainment furniture today.

According to reports from the latest technology magazines and from demos at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), there’s a new type of technology on the horizon when it comes to home entertainment. Many leading technology and electronic makers are unveiling plans for 3D capabilities in super thin, super sleek models of TVs set to hit sometime this year or next.

Samsung is among the companies unveiling a new line of 3D home entertainment products, including five 3D TVs, following its partnerships with DreamWorks Animation and Technicolor. According to a recent release, one of the focus points is the new 9000 series of TVs, which features a super thin LED structure equivalent to the width of a pencil. In addition to Samsung, both LG and Toshiba have released plans of their own 3D TVs and a variety of 3D capable gaming systems and other tech gear have made debuts at CES this month from makers like Microsoft.

When 3D technology comes out, will you be adding it to your home? Tell us what you think about the possibility of watching movies in 3D, right in the comfort of your own living room.

If you’re on Facebook, be sure to check out our fan page for all the latest news, events, and of course, some great deals from ImportAdvantage.com! Connect with others who have used our selection of TV cabinets, TV lifts, and other entertainment accessories, or simply follow us to stay up to date with what’s going on in our store. With tons of information, great deals, and others to connect with, who wouldn’t want to become a fan?

Check out our Facebook page today!

Today, we are all asked to juggle multiple responsibilities – at work and at home – simultaneously. At work, we call it “cross-training”; at home and in our personal lives, we call it “multitasking.” Whatever YOU call it, it means that more is asked – and expected – of you than ever before. So, why shouldn’t we ask our furniture to do the same?

Consider your television. In the past, your television served as an “entertainment vehicle” for children, sports fanatics and do-it-yourself gurus. However, when the TV was idle, it did nothing…simply another “dust catcher” in the living room, bedroom or kitchen, waiting for its next “turn at bat.” Now, your television can “disappear” when not in use, and in its place, an exquisite, hand-crafted armoire, console or buffet can appear!

How is this possible?

Today, multitasking is not limited to humans! Even your furniture can play multiple roles in your daily life, thanks to state-of-the-art TV lifts.

TV lifts allow you to have your television “pop-up” out of a custom-designed piece of furniture because of innovative technology including silent remote control devices and infrared relays. When not in use, your TV is neatly and discreetly tucked away within a beautiful cabinet or console (made uniquely to your specifications), which can then be used as a serving table, desk, or even a book shelf! Talk about multitasking!

Not only are TV lifts ideal for rooms that have limited space (and therefore requiring all areas to serve multiple purposes) but TV lifts also add an element of safety to any room. Because they are securely stored when not in use, there is no chance of your large-screen television “tipping over” if bumped at a large gathering or curious toddlers attempting to “climb” up to the screen. Both your guests AND your television (which is itself an investment) are protected from damage and/or injury!

The idea that your TV can be “disguised” as a beautiful piece of furniture, in any room, is really the key to its ability to multitask!