TV’s have always been one of those electronic devices that can arguably be used in any, and I mean any room in the house. From the bathroom and garage to bedroom and family room, I’ve seen television monitors in the most likely, and unlikely spots in the many homes that I’ve visited during my lifetime. In fact, the ubiquitous nature of the television has been taken to new heights, or depths depending on your prospective, with TV monitors now found in cars and vans, in handheld devices, and even on bicycle handle bars. One of the better places for a TV, other than its more traditionally sensible locations, is the kitchen and these days the technology available to bring a vivid TV image to America’s cooks while at the same time being able to be neatly stored out of harms way is better than ever. Here are a few of the most popular under-counter TV’s available as well as the places to find them.
Your Under-Counter TV Center
There are few electronics stores that can match B&H for their selection, on-hand inventory, customer service, and streamlined purchasing process. Whether buying a product at their flagship location in Midtown Manhattan or through their online store, these guys are electronics professionals. Here are a few under-counter TV’s they are featuring:
Audiovox VE727 7″ Drop Down LCD TV/DVD Player – available for $164.95 – When you need entertainment in the kitchen, the VE727 7″ Drop Down LCD TV/DVD player from AudioVox is the perfect solution. With its 270 degree swivel screen, 16:9 aspect ratio, stereo speakers and digital tuner, the VE727 will provide high quality entertainment for your kitchen. Tin in yoiur favorite AM/FM stations or use the cooking timer for your favorite recipes. Use the full function remote control to manage the action while you enjoy the fruits of your labor from your table.
Coby 10″ Under The Cabinet DVD/CD Player – available for $169.94 – The Coby is a capable, compact and stylish silver digital TV that plays DVD’s and CD’s and has a built-in AM/FM radio. When you find the perfect spot for it in your kitchen, den or RV don’t worry, the mounting is included. In case all of the many entertainment options aren’t enough there is a video jack and pair of audio input jacks that allow yuou to plug in your game system or plug in a VCR or other device.
One of my favorite old department stores – yes, we used to call them department stores – was Sears and through nothing short of a miracle, Sears has managed to survive in one of the most competitive retail sectors in the world. And more to the point of this blog, Sears also offers more under counter TV’s than anyone online. Here is just a sample of their large inventory.
Ventura 10″ Under-Cabinet LCD/DVD Combination – available for $271.32 – The Venture has a 10″ TFT LCD color display, built-in DVD player, and AM/FM radio with station presets. The monitor is 1,024 x 567 resolution for incredibly vivid images. The flip up screen has easy to clean controls and integrated ATSC/NTSC TV Tuners and cable input and RCA video output jacks.
Memorex MVUC821 TV/DVD Combination – available for $91.49 – This Memorex combo features a front loading DVD/CD player, digital AM/FM tuner with station presets and is digital broadcast ready. It also has a built-in ATSC tuner clock display, trilinqual on-screen display and stereo speakers. It mounts easily under kitchen cabinets to maximize your counter space.
Coby KTFDVD 1560 15.6″ Under-Cabinet DVD/CD Player – available for $464.95 – This Coby model features a 15.6″ swivel screen to maximize your viewing pleasure. It also has dual ATSC/NTSC QAM tuner for digital and standard TV broadcast reception. Audio/Video input jacks for video games, VCR, or any other AV sources. The convenient front panel display is also another great feature of this high-end, high-functioning under cabinet TV and entertainment center.
Less Is More
It’s hard to fathom but the old radios and mini-TV’s that used to add to the clutter on your kitchen counter are now available in one electronic device that you can tuck away neatly under your counter AND also happen to include a DVD player as well as jacks for just about any other device that you want to plug into it. The fact that it is also an attractive kitchen clock/timer is simply gravy on the mashed potatoes. And I have a funny feeling that in the not-so-distant future it may very well mash the potatoes too.
All kidding aside, these under-counter video and audio entertainment devices – to call them anything less would be grossly understating their functionality – are nothing short of amazing. For those people that like to watch TV or listen to the radio while they are preparing their favorite meals these units are well worth the price, and they really aren’t too expensive at all. They are ideal for the kitchen, garage or the RV as well as a few other areas of the home where you’ll find that they are also very useful
My take – These units are truly amazing. I have the Coby 15″ screen in my camper and we love it. From just listening to music on the radio to playing DVD’s for the kids when we are out camping these combo TV/DVD’s are worth every penny. The fact that they are easily stored under a counter make them especially useful in the camper because we are already a little cramped for space and things have a tendency to break when people knock into them in the camper.