MantelMount

MantelMount has acquired the intellectual property of Dynamic Mounting, a North Carolina-based manufacturer of movable TV mounts for flat screen televisions. As a result of the acquisition, MantelMount will hold nine issued patents and six patents pending domestically, with more under development, plus additional patents pending internationally. Collectively, these patents represent an impressive array of solutions and innovations in flat screen television mounts that move out and down.   According to Lee Marc, CEO of MantelMount, the company will work closely with former Dynamic Mounting engineers in the coming months “to combine the best features from both brands and their respective patents into all future products, while aggressively inventing and developing new innovative solutions in the area of full-motion manual and automated mounts.” While Dynamic Mounting products will no longer be sold, the company’s website will remain operational for customer service requests, warranty support, and product information for existing customers. Additionally, it will refer consumers looking for high-on-the-wall, full-motion television mounts to MantelMount.     Related: MantelMount Helps Texas Integrator Add $3K to $10K Per Project   MantelMount expects this transaction to bring it closer to the top of a product category that is experiencing steady and sustained growth. The entire US TV mount market is expected to grow at a very steady CAGR from  2019 to 2027, according to a study by ResearchAndMarkets.com. And with more people binge-watching TV due to social distancing guidelines, the number is likely to increase. “Dynamic Mounting is a company that we’ve always admired and respected,” said Marc. “Combining their impressive IP with ours will allow MantelMount to bring increasingly innovative products to consumers and, in the process, strengthen our market position relative to high-on-the wall TV mounting solutions.” As part of the acquisition, Kurt Massey, Founder of Dynamic Mounting, will join MantelMount as a senior engineer. MantelMount sells a complete line of above-fireplace and pulldown flatscreen TV mounts, both manual and automated. The company’s newest offering, the MM860, is MantelMount’s first entry in the smart home category and is consistently receiving highly favorable reviews from both dealers and consumers. MantelMount sells its products both direct to consumers as well as through authorized dealers.Author: Jason Knott, Chief Content Officer, Emerald's Connected Brands

Newest Offering from the “Drop Down and Swivel TV Wall Mount” Manufacturer Recognized Twice for Impact, Uniqueness and Value to the Residential Integrator   DENVER (September 24, 2019) – When MantelMount unveiled its new MM860 Robotic TV Mount at CEDIA 2019, they were confident that they had a winner on their hands. Apparently, two of the top trade publications in the consumer electronics industry agreed. As a result, the MM860 received both a Residential Systems Best of Show award and a CE Pro BEST (Best Electronics Systems Technologies) Product Award. For the Residential Systems Best of Show award, products were nominated by the manufacturers and a team of judges was employed to walk the floor and rate the products on a number of criteria, including its value, impact, and how unique it was to the market. Residential Systems entries were judged specifically through the lens of the residential integrator. More details on all winners will be provided in upcoming print editions of Residential Systems Magazine. Celebrating the most noteworthy new products and technologies of 2019, all entries for the CE Pro BEST Awards were judged on innovation, functionality, competitive advantages and benefits to the installer by a dozen credible industry leaders, along with the editors of CE Pro. Winners’ products and technologies, as well as all entries, will be featured in the November issue of CE Pro. The MM860 won its award in the Mount/Lift/Media Concealment category. “We would have been extremely excited to win either of these prestigious awards, much less both of them,” said Lee Marc, CEO of MantelMount. “We’re grateful that both panels of judges were able to see the potential of this incredible, fully featured mount, especially in terms of its value to the residential integrators who are so integral to our success. A superior mount three years in the making, the Automated MM860 Robotic Mount has available drivers for all popular home automation control systems - a major plus for the custom integrator - with command sets for hard-coding additional systems. The MM860 also features multiple remote-control options through the included 433 MHZ RF remote and IR-based Logitech Harmony and URC remotes. The patented multi-axis hub, proprietary software and precision electronic actuators allow the Automated MM860 Robotic Mount to lower and swivel the TV in one fluid, barely audible movement, for the ultimate comfort in eye-level viewing. Few mounts can accomplish both vertical and swivel movements automatically – and none at this price point. MantelMount’s Automated MM860 Robotic Mount offers features not available in competitive automated mounts. One of the most impressive is the mount’s powerful, lightweight, and easily accessible module. It has an Ethernet port, is DHCP enabled right out of the box, and is readily identifiable on the network. The built-in web server offers browser-based configuration and one-click software and firmware updates. Another is the power-sensing technology that detects when the TV is turned on and automatically lowers it to a favorite preset position, providing automation even without a control system.  In addition, the Temperature-Sensing Monitor automatically returns the television to its home position if an unsafe temperature is detected. The MM860 will not be sold directly to end users; rather, it is being sold exclusively through MantelMount’s authorized dealer network. What’s more, MantelMount will actively refer all consumer requests for the product to its dealer network. To learn more about the automated MM860 Robotic mount go to MM 860. To learn more about becoming a dealer, go to Mantelmount dealer enquiry. ABOUT MANTELMOUNT MantelMount is the premier wall mount for flatscreen televisions. MantelMount not only offers tilt and swivel but also allows user to easily pull the TV down off the wall and position it in front of the fireplace at eye level. The product’s unique functionality and design has earned it numerous accolades: at CEDIA 2017, MantelMount won CE Pro’s Best Home Theater TV Mount, as well as the Residential Systems Outstanding Product Winner. The mount also won Best in Show for AV Technology at InfoComm 2016, and the Electronic House 2016 Product of the Year. MantelMount was also a finalist for the prestigious CEDIA Expo Product of the Year in 2015. For more information, go to www.mantelmount.com. ###

MantelMount Adds Accessories to Expand Installation Options Single Stud Wall Adapter, Horizontal Adapter Bracket Help Create Wider Variety of Installation OptionsResidential Systms StaffFEB 6, 2018 MantelMount has introduced two new accessories, intended to make MantelMount available to consumers with unique installation needs. Because MantelMount, until now, has required two wall studs for mounting, the SSB40 Single Stud Wall Adapter is a welcome addition for consumers with only one available stud in the mounting wall. Used in conjunction with the MM340 Standard Mount, the MM540 Enhanced Mount, or the RB100 Recess Box, the SSB40 Single Stud Wall Adapter serves as a direct replacement for the included wall plate when it is unable to reach the existing stud placement. Customers with a single stud centered in the intended mounted area can attach the SSB40 to their MantelMount lifting arm in the same manner as the wall plate. However, the SSB40 features mounting-hole configurations specifically for these single-stud installations, as well as installations to large posts or beams (common with outdoor patio installations). A small, unobtrusive device weighing just 3.4 pounds, the SSB40 adapter features a Matte Black Power Coated to match the MantelMount units. A second accessory, the AB40 Adapter Bracket, offers a solution to homeowners who want to install their MantelMount unit horizontally instead of the more common vertical method. The AB40, weighing just five pounds, acts as a horizontal adapter for the MM340, MM540, and MM700 Mounts, providing a 90-degree bridge between the wall plate and the TV mount lifting arm. This allows the wall plate to lay flat on a horizontal surface such as a large shelf or inside a recessed alcove. (The AB40 Adapter Bracket must be paired with the SSB40 Single Stud Wall Adapter when mounting an MM340 or MM540 to a horizontal surface. The MM700 mount attaches directly to the AB40 Adapter Bracket and does not require the SSB40.) Used in conjunction with the SSB40, the AB40 can also serve as a pass-through support for thin brick facades or simulated foam “stone” panels that will not support the weight of a MantelMount unit independently. “We knew there were consumers unable to enjoy the benefits of MantelMount because of some minor installation challenges,” said Lee Marc, CEO of MantelMount. “These new accessories address the two most common installation issues and open the door for these consumers to begin enhancing their TV-viewing experience.” MSRP of the SSB40 Single Stud Wall Adapter is $34.99; the AB40 Adapter Bracket is $59.99. MantelMount offers free domestic shipping in the United States. Both products are available at www.mantelmount.com.  See original article at: Residential Systems

NewBay Media’s Residential Systems and TWICE have picked the CEDIA Best of Show winners for CEDIA 2017 in San Diego. These awards honor outstanding products exhibited at the show. Manufacturers submitted products for nomination prior to arriving in San Diego, then a panel of anonymous professional integrator and journalist judges evaluated the entries based on written submissions and visual inspections on CEDIA show floor. A CEDIA exhibiting manufacturer could nominate its product for either Residential Systems or TWICE, or both. Here are the winners:RESIDENTIAL SYSTEMSApollo Enclosures AE7570 75-inch outdoor TV enclosureArlington Industries UL Listed TV Bridge Kit IIIBasalte Auro motion sensorCleerline Technology Group SSF-TKITE-100 fiber optic testing kitCoastal Source 10.0 3-Way Ellipse BollardControl4 Pakedge WR-1Control4 When>>Then AutomationD-Tools System Integrator 2017 (SI 2017)Da-Lite Tensioned Contour Featuring ParallaxDeako Smart Lighting SystemDefinitive Technology Demand Series High-Performance Bookshelf SpeakersDynaudio S4-LCR65eero Home WiFi SystemELAN HR30 RemoteEnGenius Technologies EnMesh Whole-Home Wi-Fi SystemGlobal Outdoor Concepts/MirageVision TV QLED Outdoor TVGoVision CASA TVHauk Technology STS (Signal Transparent Surface)Hisense 4K Laser TVInneos Real4K Optical Adapter and CablesJBL Synthesis SCL-2 In-Wall LoudspeakerJust Add Power 3G+4+ Tiling TransmitterKaleidescape Strato C Movie PlayerKlipsch Audio Professional Series Landscaper Speakers with Tool-Free InstallationKlipsch Audio Designer Series Architectural Speakers with Tool-Free InstallationLegrand Nuvo P400 Tabletop SpeakerLeon Speakers Horizon Interactive FITMantelMount MM850 Home Automated Pull Down & Swivel TV MountMarantz AV7704Meridian Audio 271 Digital Theatre ControllerMeridian Audio 251 Powered Zone ControllerMetra Home Theater Group Velox Active HDMI Cable – 30 MeterMiddle Atlantic Products Proximity Series Sliding Mounting PlateNEAR NEARSCAPES IG44.1DSPObservables IOBOT with AlwaysONOlive & Dove DoorCamPeerless-AV UltraView UHD Outdoor TVPolk Audio MagniFi MAX SRPortal Portal SelectProVideoInstruments VeCASTERRTI XP-8vSamsung QLED TVSamsung The Frame 4K UHD Smart TVSony XBR-77A1E 77-inch BRAVIA OLED 4K HDR TVSony UBP-X1000ES 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc™ PlayerSony VPL-VZ1000ES Ultra-Short Throw 4K HDR Home Theater ProjectorSound United Denon AVR-X6400HSound United Denon HEOS BarStewart Filmscreen Balón™ Borderless with Phantom™ HALR™SureCall Force5 2.0SurgeX Large Format UPSURC Total Control 2.0Vanco International EVO-IP HDMI over IP SystemWall-Smart WS Retrofit for Samsung Tab 10.1-inchZ-Wave Alliance Certified Installer ToolkitTWICEArlington Industries UL Listed TV Bridge Kit IIIDeako Smart Lighting Systemeero Home WiFi SystemGoVision CASA TVHauk Technology STS (Signal Transparent Surface)Hisense 4K Laser TVKaleidescape Strato C Movie PlayerKlipsch Audio Designer Series Architectural Speakers with Tool-Free InstallationMetra Home Theater Group Velox Active HDMI Cable – 30 MeterOlive & Dove DoorCamPeerless-AV UltraView UHD Outdoor TVPolk Audio MagniFi MAX SRSamsung QLED TVSamsung The Frame 4K UHD Smart TVSony XBR-77A1E 77-inch BRAVIA OLED 4K HDR TVSony UBP-X1000ES 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc™ PlayerSony VPL-VZ1000ES Ultra-Short Throw 4K HDR Home TheaterSound United Denon HEOS BarURC Total Control 2.0Wall-Smart WS Retrofit for Samsung Tab 10.1-inchWinning products will be featured in Residential Systems and TWICE print editions, respectively. Every product nominated, whether chosen for an award or not, will be featured in the special Best of Show Program Guide, to be distributed in digital edition form after the convention. CEDIA Best of Show is a paid submission, opt-in competition, so not every company at the show was eligible for evaluation by the competition's judges.See Original Article At: Residential Systems

CE Pro Names 2017 BEST Award Winners at CEDIA Recognizing the most noteworthy new products and technologies of 2017, the CE Pro BEST Award winners are honored this week at CEDIA 2017.CE Pro Editors · September 9, 2017 Recognizing the most noteworthy new products and technologies of 2017, CE Pro is pleased to announce the winners of this year's CE Pro BEST (Best Electronics Systems Technologies) Awards. "The BEST Awards offer an incredible glimpse into the future for the entire residential integration industry," says Jason Knott, editor-in-chief, CE Pro. "Some of the products and technologies that integrators now consider mainstays to their businesses made their first appearance in the market via the BEST Awards. These entries truly represent the cutting edge of technology." All 179 entries were judged on innovation, functionality, competitive advantages and benefits to the installer by a dozen credible industry leaders, along with the editors of CE Pro. CE Pro is honoring the BEST Award winners tonight at a special reception in the CE Pro booth (2420) at CEDIA 2017 at the San Diego Convention Center. All are welcome. The ceremony begins at 5:00 PST. Winners’ products and technologies, as well as all entries, will be featured in the November issue of CE Pro magazine. You can take a closer look at the winners and entrants in the following galleries.   And the winners are... Control and Automation Door LockYale Locks & HardwareYale Assure Lock SL ShadesSomfy Systems, Inc.Sonesse 30 WireFree (Li-ion) RTS User InterfaceSAVANTSavant TrueImage SurveillanceSnapAVVisualint 2MP IP Dome Outdoor Camera with Starlight and Motorized Lens + Virtual Technician LightingLutron ElectronicsFiniré Prime Whole-Home Automation System (TIE!)CrestronCrestron Studio URCTotal Control 2.0 ClimateHiberSenseHiberSense Connected Climate Control Energy ManagementWhisker LabsDIY Home Energy Monitoring Sensor Interface/ControllerELANELAN HR30 Remote Voice-Controlled ComponentOrigin AcousticsVALET Amplifier Home Theater/Multi-Room Audio/Video MountMantelMountMM850 Automated Pull Down & Swivel TV Mount Surround Sound ProcessorNAD ElectronicsNAD 17.2 Surround Sound AV Preamplifier Video Distribution/SwitcherJust Add Power3G+4+ Tiling Transmitter Video Distribution/ExtenderVanco InternationalEVEXHDB2 Evolution HDBaseT 4K@60Hz, 4:4:4 Chroma, HDR Extender Audio AmplifierAudioControlThe Director Model M4840 TelevisionSamsung Electronics America, Inc.Samsung Q9F QLED 4K TV Furniture/SeatingLuraco Technologies, Inc.Luraco iRobotics Theater Chair Projection ScreenStewart FilmscreenBalón Borderless with Phantom HALR Power ConditionerCrestron ElectronicsPC-300 Energy Monitoring Power Conditioner & Controller 300 Multiroom Audio AmplifierMeridian251 Powered Zone Controller A/V Source ComponentSony Electronics, Inc.Sony UBP-X1000ES 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Player RackAegis AV CabinetsAthena Professional Series AV-A Tower ProjectorBarco ResidentialMedea Video Distribution/SwitcherZektorPalladia 4K Wireless Audio ComponentDenonDenon HEOS Super Link Household Enhancements/Installation Accessories DoorbellClare ControlsClare Video Doorbell Outdoor AudioNEARNEARSCAPES IG44.1DSP Cell Signal BoosterSureCallForce5 2.0 HDMI CableMetra Home Theater GroupVelox Active HDMI 30 Meter Cable Outdoor VideoGoVisionCASA Series Outdoor TV Loudspeakers Soundbar (TIE!)BluesoundBluesound PULSE Soundbar Leon SpeakersHorizon FIT Soundbar Wireless AudioRIVA AudioRIVA WAND Series Subwoofer (TIE!)SVSSVS SB16-Ultra Subwoofer Stealth AcousticsStealth Image III Sub - Customizable On-wall Art Subwoofer In-Wall/In-Ceiling (TIE!)TriadTriad Designer Series Speakers DynaudioDynaudio Studio Series S4-LCR65 FreestandingTruAudioS63i Most Promising DISH NetworkAirTV Player Object-Based Surround Components Sony Electronics Inc.Sony STR-ZA3100ES 7.2 Channel 4K AV Receiver Peripherals and Enhancements Apollo EnclosuresPRO Line Model DS5550 All-Weather Outdoor Enclosure iPortxPress Business Operations SoftwareD-Tools, IncSystem Integrator 2017 (SI 2017) MarketingRelidy MarketingRelidy WebMatch Marketing Packages Tools, Testing and Calibration TesterMedia SolutionsMS-TestPro ToolEpson LABELWORKS PXEpson LABELWORKS PX LW-PX400 Remote Systems ManagementDomotzDomotz Pro See Original Article At: CEPro

Julie Jacobson, CEPro Founder & Editor at Large August 6, 2017 That big new TV might look great above the fireplace, but you’d have to strain your poor neck to watch it. MantelMount comes to the rescue with its first motorized mount that drops down and pulls away from the wall with the press of a button.Debuting at CEDIA 2017, the new MM850 ($1,699 retail) works much like MantelMount’s other models, but this one has a motor that moves up/down, in/out, and left/right with the press of a button, voice command or trigger from a home-automation system.The mount's communication module integrates with third-party controllers via IP over a hardwired Ethernet or Wi-Fi connection. MantelMount says the product will work with "most major home automation systems right out of the box," including Crestron, Control4, RTI and Amazon Alexa. Additionally, "a full command set is available to all programmers for hard coding of any of the non-standard control systems."Or users can simply use the included RF remote from MantelMount.“Some integrators, accustomed to working with high-end home automation projects, felt their clients wouldn’t want to pull the TV down themselves when everything else in the house was already automated,” says MantelMount CEO KC Bean. (So true.)VIEW MORE MM850 IMAGESUsers can save up to six favorite TV positions. In addition, the system can be configured to move automatically to a preset location when it senses the TV powering on ... and then return to its upright and locked position when the TV turns off.Dual electronic actuators move the mount horizontally and vertically, and a multi-axis hub “allows the dual actuators to perform the complex drop and swivel motion smoothly and quietly," according to the company.In addition to its motorization and automation features, the MM850 is bigger and sturdier than MantelMount’s legacy manual models, accommodating TVs up to 100 inches and 130 pounds.The motorized version is potentially safer than the manual models, too, with a separate sensor that tells the mount to retract when temperatures around the fireplace get too hot. (The manual mounts feature heat-sensitive handles that change color when heated, turning bright red at 110 degrees.)Also New at CEDIA: MM750 Upgraded Manual Mount In addition to the MM850, MantelMount is introducing at CEDIA the new MM750 Pro, which shares most of the same characteristics as the new motorized mount … except it has no motor.Improving upon the company’s existing MM700, the new MM750 becomes MantelMount's top-of-the-line manual mount with pull-down and swivel capabilities -- while keeping the same $699 retail price.Both the MM750 and MM850 feature higher-grade steel than previous versions, which explains how they can support TVs as heavy as 130 pounds. In addition, both new models provide vertical travel distance up to 32 inches, plus horizontal swivel up to 30 degrees in either direction. The off-the-wall distance of 19-22 inches ensures that both units will clear practically any mantel size.Each product comes with a flush-mount recess box that fits between studs (image). The center arm of the mount folds neatly into the box when the TV is in the raised position, leaving a mere 1.6-inch gap between the TV and the wall.Additional features and accessories include a built-in soundbar adapter, cable wire management, and hard travel-limit stops (the MM850 also has “soft” programmable stops). See original article at: CEPro.com

In the world of audio/video components, TV mounts are about as exciting as interconnect cables or wall plates. Sure, they’re integral to the install, but there’s not much to get excited about and client discussions generally boil down to, “Do you want the TV to sit flat and tight to the wall, do you want a little bit of tilt, or do you need to be able to pull it out and swivel it from side to side?”Within those typical mount categories of flat, tilt, and full motion, your company likely has specific models that your installers prefer. These are mounts that feature metal construction to hold heavy TVs without warping, mounts that include a variety of bolts and screws to support multiple TV brands, and mounts with enough VESA sizing flexibility to accommodate a variety of sizes.Because mounts are one of those “set-it-and-forget-it” items, I don’t really give the category much thought. That was until I saw MantelMount in action at a CEDIA Media Preview event. Here was a relatively ingenious design that addressed an absolute installation need in our market: customers wanting to mount TVs above a fireplace mantle, which puts them too high for comfortable regular viewing. And despite the fact that you caution them against this, the room layout–or client insistence–often requires mounting TVs significantly higher than we know will be comfortable for regular viewing.While other mounts with vertical adjustment exist (think OmniMount’s PLAY and LIFT series) MantelMount products offer such a variety of unique design features and extreme range of adjustments that they are a compelling addition to your product offerings and worthy of closer inspection.Shortly after CEDIA, I arranged for a review sample, with the intention of using it on an actual install job at my company when the right client presented. As it turned out, it took a while before I was able to install the mount; so long, in fact, that they discontinued the mount they had sent me. This turned out to be a good thing, however, as MantelMount revamped its entire lineup, and created a much improved model in the form of the MM540. The company was terrific about expediting a new unit, which I installed the next day at my own home.Regardless of how many sets you’ve wall mounted so far, the MantelMount will likely be slightly intimidating at first, with multiple measurements and calculations required to make sure you set the TV high enough that it clears the mantle when lowered, yet not so high that it is unviewably high–or hits the ceiling–when retracted. Fortunately, the well-written, 16-page installation manual does a great job of guiding you through each step. Even so, allot a bit of extra time for your first go ’round, with subsequent installations likely not taking much longer than a traditional arm mount.The first step is measuring mantle depth to determine both the overall vertical space required and how low you can mount the TV. As the mount lowers in an arc–pulling out before coming down and reaching its maximum extension–deeper mantles require installing the bottom of the set higher to clear the mantle. Fortunately, the manual details the measurements needed to ensure that you nail the location correctly the first time.Once measurements are dialed in, installation is similar to a traditional arm mount. First you attach the vertical braces to the back of the TV, and MantelMount includes a large variety of different screws and spacers to support virtually any TV from VESA 200x100 up to 700x500. (An adapter kit is available to support certain non-VESA LG curved OLED sets.)Lowering the TV up to 29 inches into the optimal viewing position is easy with the MantelMount MM540, and the powerful gas springs hold the TV in place at any point along its range of travel. Next up is installing the extender bars and the horizontal brace. This combination is pretty inspired in that it not only allows you to mount a center channel or soundbar directly below the TV, but also includes a handle that makes lowering the set easier and safer. Adjusting most arm or motion mounts requires grasping the TV, which can put stress on most ultra-thin modern sets, but the MantelMount handle solves this. Oh, and the handle changes color from black to red if it reaches 110 degrees F, alerting users that the set is getting too hot above the fireplace. Brilliant! Taking a measurement from the bottom of the vertical brace to the bottom of the TV (or soundbar) determines the mounting height of the wall plate.Due to the weight and forces exerted on the wall when lowering the set, you definitely want to get four lags (included) into studs. The wall bracket is 21.7-inches wide and allows you to shift as needed to hit two 16-inch on-center studs and the lifting mechanism can shift up to 8 inches off-center on the bracket, ensuring the TV remains properly centered over the mantle.After mounting the TV onto the bracket, adjustments can be made to all ranges of motion, including the lifting force required for different TV weights (20-90 pounds supported), the bottom stop position to ensure that the arm doesn’t hit the mantle when fully lowered, the amount of side swivel allowed (35 degrees both left and right, or up to 60 degrees in one direction with the included side swivel kit), and downward tilt up to 8 degrees. MantelMount even includes a paintable wall cover to hide the wall bracket and make a more finished look, and has built-in wire tie clips to help manage and conceal wiring.Lowering the TV up to 29 inches into the optimal viewing position is easy, and the powerful gas springs hold the TV in place at any point along its range of travel. Also, the mount is UL listed, having undergone 6,000 cycles of full-range motion, or down and up every day for over 16 years! Also cool is that the mount automatically straightens from a swivel position to flat when raising the TV, so nothing is damaged. What’s not to love, right? Well, when fully retracted, the mount stands 5.7 inches off the wall, meaning the screen sits around 7 inches into the room, which might be too much for some homeowners. MantelMount does offer the step up MM700, which works with the company’s RB100 recessed box, resulting in only 1.75 inches of extension when retracted. The highest praise I can give a product post review is that I start specifying it into jobs at my own custom installation firm, and the MantelMount definitely passes this test. And with availability at national distributors like 21st Century and Skywalker AV Supply, it’s simple to give MantelMount a try for yourself! 800.897.9755mantelmount.com Kudos:Well-written manual thoroughly explains install; easily pulls down and adjusts to accommodate virtually any viewing requirementConcerns:Holds TV off wall when retractedProduct Specs► Supports TVs from 20-90 pounds; VESA mounting up to 200-700mm x 100-500mm► 0-8 degrees downward tilt in all positions; 35 degrees left and right swivel (up to 60 degrees with included optional side swivel kit)► Heat sensing handle turns red when temperature exceeds 110 degrees F► Lowers TV up to 29-inches with 18.75-inches of extension from the wall; 5.7-inches from wall in retracted state► Includes soundbar mounting adapter and paintable wall covers to conceal mounting hardware► Dimensions: 34 x 25 x 8.5-inches (H x W x D), 29 pounds See original article at: Residential Systems

MantelMount, creator of mounting options for flat screen televisions, has formed an agreement with Volutone, a full-service distribution company. Volutone will carry two of the newest MantelMount models: the MM540 and MM700 (pro series), as well as the RB100, an add-on recess box specifically designed for the MM700 that provides the flushest TV-to-wall storage on the market.    Headquartered in Simi Valley, CA, Volutone features seven facilities located throughout Southern California and Nevada. The family-owned and operated company distributes products in multiple categories, including home theater, commercial AV, networking, security, automation, and lighting control.    “We’re very pleased to have a company with a stellar reputation like Volutone represent our products,” said KC Bean, CEO of MantelMount. “Distribution is not just about getting your product into dealers’ hands, it’s spreading the word throughout the industry. Volutone has the resources to help us gain the kind of name-brand recognition we’re striving to achieve.”“TV mounts can be a crowded category for many distributors,” said Aaron Cleary, Volutone purchasing manager. “Frankly, we’re used to turning down products in this category. But in talking with the MantelMount folks, we saw that they had a great deal of passion for the product. There’s nothing else out in the market like it.”   While most flat screen TV mounts tilt and swivel, MantelMount also allows user the unique ability to easily pull the TV down off the wall and position it in front of the fireplace at eye level. This solves an extremely common problem: consumers love to mount their TV above their fireplaces, but the height of the mount creates a less-than-ideal viewing angle, one that not only detracts from the viewing experience but can actually lead to back and neck problems.    Cleary noted that a large percentage of the several thousand dealers in the Volutone network are potential customers for the MantelMount units. And the company has a variety of methods for getting out the word about this unique device.   “It’s important that dealers get ‘face time’ with the product,” Cleary said. “Our facilities are not like traditional distribution centers—dealers can walk in, grab carts, and pull things off the shelves. So they’ll be able to see the MantelMount units up close and personal.   “Plus, many of our salespeople are former integrators, so they can explain the revenue opportunity that MantelMount represents.”  See Original Article By Residential Systems

CE Pro Editors · May 25, 2017 CE Pro consumer-focused sister publication Electronic House has announced the winners of its 2017 Products of the Year Awards recognizing the best technologies, products and services for the smart home. "Our annual Products of the Year contest exemplifies the amazing diversity of smart home technology, and this year's submissions and winners are some of the most innovative products and systems available to consumers looking for ways to smarten up their homes," says Lisa Montgomery, editor, Electronic House. "Selecting the best entry for several smart home categories wasn't easy based on the high quality level of all the products entered, but in the end the judging panel was able to come to a decision and is please with the chosen winners." All 71 entries were judged on creativity, innovation, functionality, aesthetics and lifestyle benefits to the homeowner, by an unbiased panel made up of several industry leaders, along with the editors of CE Pro and Electronic House. See a gallery of the Products of the Year Award winners and all entrants here. This year's winners are... Audio Components, Amplifiers, Receivers, Tuners, Processors, and Audio Streaming Devices Meridian AudioMeridian 258 Loudspeakers and Soundbars Polk AudioPolk Audio MagniFi Mini Multiroom Audio Systems BluesoundBluesound Gen 2 Subwoofers GoldenEar TechnologyGoldenEar SuperSub X Subwoofer Home Networking Components FIREFXNetwork Guardian IoT Cyber-Security Router and Intrusion Prevention System Energy Monitoring Devices and Services Whisker LabsWhisker Labs Home Energy Monitoring Sensor Power Management, Conditioning and Backup Schneider ElectricAPC by Schneider Electric Back-UPS BE850M2 Professionally Installed Whole-House Controls/Automation Systems LutronLutron Connect Bridge and App Remote Home Monitoring/Management SnapAVOvrCPro Thermostats Venstar Inc.Venstar Wireless Temperature Sensor Universal Remotes & User Interfaces RTIKX10 In-Wall Touchpanel A/V Racks & Rack Accessories Middle Atlantic ProductsProximity Series In Wall Box Home Theater Accessories MantelMountMantelMount MM700 Pro Series Pull-DownMount with Recess Box Home Theater Furniture Aegis AV CabinetsAthena Professional Series AV-A Tower Home Theater Surround-Sound Systems Definitive TechnologyDefinitive Technology BP9080X tower speakers Video Projectors Barco ResidentialBarco Residential Loki CinemaScope Light Fixtures, LED, Fiber Optic Impact Lighting Inc.Lumi Mini Downlight Lighting Controllers and Accessories Vantage ControlsInFusion Universal Dimming Module (UDM) Motorized Window Treatments and Windows MechoShare Home SystemsMechoNet Wireless Daylight Sensor and Controller Access Control: Door Locks, Gates, etc. KwiksetKwikset Convert Lock Security Systems ELK Products, Inc.C1M1 Dual-Path Alarm Communicator with Remote Services Surveillance Cameras RingRing Video Doorbell Pro Flat-Panel Displays LG ElectronicsLG Signature 77-inch OLED 4K TV Lifts & Mounts Nexus 21 Concealment SystemsTranscend Pull-Down Wall Mount Projection Screens Stewart FilmscreenPhantom HALR Video Components & Processors OPPO Digital, Inc.OPPO UDP-203 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Player   See Original Article By: CEPro

CARLSBAD, CA (February 20, 2017) – MantelMount, the premier brand in fireplace and patio television mounts systems, announces the appointment of KC Bean as its Chief Executive Officer and Bill Boyer as its Director of Sales. Bean comes to MantelMount with nearly 20 years of experience, holding senior executive positions with consumer-product companies like Directed Electronics and LifeCORE Fitness.  He has deep experience in strategy, business development, and operations counseling with many companies involved in consumer electronics, as well as significant experience with early growth companies. Bill Boyer is Bean’s first hire at MantelMount and comes to the company as a highly seasoned sales professional.  In his career, Boyer has held senior store level, district and regional management positions for retailers like K-Mart, Circuit City, and Tweeter.  Most recently, Boyer served as Senior Vice President of Sales for Audio Quest, where he was directly responsible for developing sales strategies and programs as well as building key relationships with retail partners. “We are very excited to have KC and Bill on board,” said Dan Hughes, a principal owner at MantelMount.  “They both bring deep talent and leadership to the organization as we evolve into our next phase of growth.” Lee Marc, another principal owner stated, “We have been working with KC and Bill for some time now in their capacity as strategic advisors.  In that time they have provided specific and detailed ideas on how we put together our strategies, as well as the execution roadmap to make them a reality.  We have a great team and are excited about what the future holds.” See Original Article By: rAVePubs

MantelMount has introduced two new versions of its pulldown TV mount. Both products solve a common TV-mounting problem: People love to put their TV above their fireplaces, but the high position detracts from the overall viewing experience. MantelMount allows users to mount their TVs above their fireplace but bring them down to eye level for the perfect viewing angle. The MM340 is MantelMount’s new entry-level product. Like the company’s previous starter mount, the TM1A, the MM340 gives users the ability to easily pull the TV down off the wall and position it in front of a fireplace at eye level. The MM340, however, offers 29 inches vertical travel versus 24 inches for the TM1A. In addition, the MM340 allows for greater horizontal both left and right (30 degrees versus 20) and also features cable wire management. The MM540 offers all of the features of the MM340, plus a range of additional benefits. Like the MM340, the MM540 has a vertical travel distance of 29 inches, but also offers an optional vertical tilt of up to 8 degrees. The MM540 has exclusive heat-sensing handles that turn red if the temperature above your fireplace exceeds a safe 110° F; that way, you’ll know when to move the TV back to its original position. In addition, the MM540 has a built-in sound bar attachment below the TV and above the heat-sending handles. The MM540 also comes with paintable wall covers to hide the mounting hardware. An extremely useful feature of the MM540 is the included swivel extender kit that allows horizontal swivel up to 60 degrees in one direction. This helps increase the range of seating options in the TV viewing room. Both new versions feature MantelMount’s patented construction combines high-quality automotive pistons with lightweight alloys and state-of-the-art counterbalance technology. They feature a 4-inch wide center arm that eliminates all wobble while in motion. In addition, both mounts will hold TVs from 20-90 pounds, with a minimum screen size of 44 inches. The MM340 is $299 and the MM540 is $399. Here’s more information. See original article at: rAVePubs

CE Pro Editors · September 16, 2016 CE Pro is pleased to announced the winners of this year's BEST Awards. The BEST (Best Electronic Systems Technologies) Awards recognize the most noteworthy new products and technologies in the industry. “The BEST Awards have quickly become recognized by manufacturers and integrators to represent products that really make a difference in the market,” says Jason Knott, editor-in-chief, CE Pro. “I am always amazed at some of the unique innovation and problem-solving solutions for integrators that come out of the awards. It’s exciting to see many of these new products go on to achieve great success.” This year's 173 entries were judged on innovation, functionality, competitive advantages and benefits to the installer by a dozen credible industry leaders, along with the editors of CE Pro. Click here to see a gallery of all 2016 entries. Winners’ products and technologies will be featured in the November Issue of CE Pro magazine and recognized this week during CEDIA 2016. Click here to see a gallery of the winners. Presenting the 2016 BEST Award winners in the following categories: Home Theater & Multi-Room Audio/Video DISH Network LLC, Hopper 3 Barco Residential, Thor 6P Laser Projector Epson America, Pro Cinema 6040UB NEAR (a division of Bogen Communications, Inc.), 7XL TiVo Inc., BOLT+ Denon, AVR-X6300H MantelMount, Pro-Pack Pull Down TV Mount Nexus 21 Concealment Systems, CL-65 TV Flip-Down Sony Electronics, VPL-VW5000ES 4K SXRD Home Cinema Projector EPV Screens, DarkStar eFinit LG Electronics, LG Signature OLED NAD Electronics, CI 580 Four Zone BluOS Network Music Player Pulse-Eight, Neo Matrix 4x4 Ultra HD Panamax, VT-4315 Pro Apollo Enclosures, Model AE8580 Salamander Designs, Low Profile Wall Cabinets Control & Automation IC Real Tech, ALLie Home 360-Degree x 360-Degree Lifestyle Camera ELK Products, Inc., C1M1 Dual-Path Alarm Communicator with Remote Services iRoom GmbH, iTop Logitech, Logitech Harmony Pro QMotion, Qadvanced Intelligent System (QIS) Shades with ZigBee HA 1.2 Control Option Crestron, RGBW LED Controller (CLC-1LEDPWM-RGBW-EX) Basalte, Deseo Loudspeakers Definitive Technology, BP9080X LiveWall, Ar11 Dynaudio, Xeo 2 GoldenEar Technology, SuperSub X SpeakerCraft, Dolby Atmos Series Terra Speakers, AC [All Climate] FIVE Household Enhancements/Installation Accessories eero, inc., eero Home WiFi System SureCall, Fusion7 Metra Home Theater Group, Velox HDMI Fiber System Luxul, Roam Assist Empowered Wireless Router (XWR-3100) Midlite Corp., SONOS Speaker Mount and In-Wall Power Solution Electrolux Home Care Products, Ltd., Semi Integrated Condo Vac SunBriteTV, 65-inch Signature Series 4K Outdoor TV Tools, Testing and Calibration Krika, WHEOSE (aka the Help Me Button) Peripherals and Enhancements NuTone, Haven Backyard Lighting & Mosquito Repellent System Tripp Lite, SRCOOL7KRM Rack-Mounted AC Unit Object-Based Surround Components Yamaha Corp. of America, YSP-5600 MusicCast Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos & DTS:X Arris and Comcast, Xfinity Rack Mount DVR Business Operations D-Tools, Inc., System Integrator 2016 (SI 2016) One Firefly, Lead Concierge iPoint LLC, iPoint Control OneVision Resources, Integrator Service Desk SnapAV, OvrC Pro   See original article at: CEPro

NewBay Media’s industry-leading brand for AV and IT managers and users, AV Technology, has announced the new products deemed Best of Show at InfoComm 2016 which convenes today in Las Vegas, NV. InfoComm is one of the largest pro-AV and systems integration trade event in the world. InfoComm International officials report that this show is on track to break records over last year’s event in which 39,000 people attended and more than 950 companies exhibited. AV Technology's Best of Show Awards were designed to recognize new and outstanding products exhibited at InfoComm 2016 that solve meaningful problems for tech managers. Products are nominated by the manufacturers, and the brand editor assembled a team of five AV experts, most with CTS/CTS-I certifications, to judge the entries anonymously on site, in real time. “The 2016 Best of Show Winners were recognized because they truly solve problems rather than create them," stated Margot Douaihy, editorial director of AV Technology. "There are literally thousands of new products on display at InfoComm, by more than 900 manufacturers, but the Best of Show winners stand apart. They address critical issues faced by our readers on a daily basis, such as image and sound quality, control, usability, access, networking, design flexibility, and AV management. Our five expert judges evaluated each product on the show floor based on the proposed value proposition/ROI, richness and relevance of the feature set, perceived ease of installation, ease of management, and user friendliness. Ultimately, what separated these products from other solid solutions is that they have a special appeal for AV technology managers and IT directors in increasingly collaborative AV/IT environments. Our community wants to collaborate more efficiently and expediently, and these products help them do that. Congratulations to all the winners.” All finalists and winners will be featured in a special post-show eBook produced by NewBay Media. AV Technology 2016 InfoComm Best of Show Winners: 1 Beyond AutoTracker 2 IP Adder AdderLink XDIP AJA Video Systems HELO Albiral Display Solutions DynamicX2Share Arria Live Media Barco ClickShare CSE-200 BenQ America LU9715 Laser Projector Biamp Systems Devio Blackmagic Design Blackmagic Duplicator 4K Canon REALiS 4K500ST Pro AV LCOS Projector Chief SYSAUBP2 Crestron Fusion Cloud Crestron .AV Framework Da-Lite Parallax Dataton WATCHPAX 4 Datavideo Corporation KMU-100 Digital Projection International E-Vision 8500 LASER FSR Inc. Revolution Table Solutions Harman JBL Professional Control Contractor Series 28-1 Surface Mount Speaker IDK America MSD-402 IHSE USA Draco tera compact UNI InFocus Canvas 5/Catalyst 4K iRoom iTop Kramer Electronics Kramer Control Leyard TWA Series Planar, a Leyard Company, LookThru Transparent OLED Display Lumens Integration VC-A70H MantelMount's Pull Down TV Wall Mount Matrox Graphics Mura IPX 4K Capture and IP Encoder & Decoder Cards Mersive Solstice Pod NewTek NDI - Network Device Interface Pakedge by Control4 NK-1-CP Premier Mounts Heavy Duty Universal Projector Mount (PBM-UNI) Prysm Visual Workplace QSC Q-SYS AV-to-USB Bridging Solution (Q-SYS PTZ-IP Conference Cameras + Q-SYS I/O-USB Bridge) Screen Innovations Zero-G Seneca an Arrow Company VWC-PLUS  Séura 84-inch Outdoor Displays Sony Electronics Canvas Display System Stewart Filmscreen Torrent ElectriScreen SunBriteTV SB-8418UHD Teq AVIT WiPS710-NET Vaddio PCC Premier VDO360 Navigator ViewSonic ViewSonic LS830 Laser Projector X2O Media, a Barco company, Connected Desktop See original article at: AVNetwork

Novel swing down design saves your neck When we got out 65-inch Vizio 4K TV we were proud, and delighted. It took two tries to get it mounted, resulting in having to rip out the wall and put in 2x4 studs, re-plaster and paint the wall. And then we watched House of Cards the only 4K show available at the time. We bought a few 4K-ready Blu Ray DVDs and tried to see if we could tell the difference between the Sony or the Vizio upscaler, but couldn’t, which I thought said something very positive about Vizio’s scalers. Life was good, for a while. The problem was the screen was high on the wall. The HD TV in the family room is at eye height, and I found I watched it more than the beautiful 4K, it was just more comfortable. Also, the 4K was flat up against the wall. Then I got a press release from MantelMount, about a swing out and down bracket. We have a swing out and back and forth bracket for the bedroom TV, but out and down? This sounded like a dream come true, a clever, albeit difficult to engineer, concept. I contacted the company and arranged to get a unit. When it came I was a little intimidated, it was big, and heavy, formidable. But then it has to be. The Vizio weighs 61 pounds. When you cantilever 65-pounds of expensive glass out in space, you better be formidable.  First step was to take down TV, and remove the wall mount and the brackets on the back of the TV. Not a big job, but also not a job for someone who doesn’t do installations and lift heavy things, so I recommend having a TV installation crew do it for you. Me, I do installations, and I have strong friends, so down came the TV, out came the DeWalt 20vMAx drill, and zip zip, the TV and wall was naked. Next step was to mount the MantelMount, and I wish I had taken pictures of it in its kit form. It came with a lot of parts, a big baggie of screws, and a nicely illustrated how to install manual.  I’m almost embarrassed to confess I got a little over confident, and was in too much of a hurry and ended up drilling four holes and mounting the unit upside down. Argg. It would have worked like that, it’s that well designed, but who wants a TV to go up? The DeWalt got a workout that day, drilling holes driving in, and then out screws. This left four new holes in the wall, in addition to the four old ones, so some patching and painting is in the agenda. Once the unit is on the wall, it’s really simple to finish the job. You mount the hanging bracket on the back of the TV, pull down the bracket and put a pin in it to keep it down (necessary because there’s no weight on it), get your strong friend to help you lift the TV, and you hang on the brace. Re-connect the cables, cinch them up so it looks tidy and try it. What I didn’t know, and felt was a bonus, was I didn’t have to be quite so meticulous with my handy dandy laser alignment tool (a lovely xmas gift from a wife who knows her husband), although I do love using it. The bracket has forward-backward tilt, left-right turn (up to 110-degrees), plus up to 40-degrees rotation, and of course the up and down movement. In the above picture, that’s not perspective distortion, that’s the TV turned.  The heart of the bracket is a set of powerful gas-filled pistons, which can be adjusted for tension weight. I didn’t have to make any adjustment; it was set perfectly for my needs; the bracket can accommodate up to a 115-pound TV. There are two panels that can be put over the wall mount, which ironically are close in color to our wall. I’ll put them on after I patch and paint.  I was originally worried about the Samsung sound bar. It is mounted on the wall under the TV. I thought I would have rig up some mounting for it so it came out with the TV. But it’s just fine where it is. The sound bar, with its companion sub-woofer do the job they were designed to, and the IR receiver in it is good enough that it can see the remote’s blast for volume adjustment even though it’s behind the TV.  The whole installation (not counting the mistake) took about an hour. The biggest pain was getting the hand smudges off the screen. I’m probably not covering all the features of the MantelMounbt, you can learn more here: MantleMount, and you can get one for $399, which include shipping within the US. Highly recommended if you have a big screen TV too high up on the wall. See original article at: Jon Peddie Research

Honestly, in Bangkok there aren’t many fireplaces, but the Mantel Mount is much more versatile than you might think. In my edit suite, I have times when I am editing that I need my 60″ 4K UHD monitor down low at eye level. Then when I have clients come in for a viewing it really needs to be up high. The Mantel Mount with its 24″ of vertical travel is the perfect solution to prevent my sore neck syndrome from staring up all the time. The assembly is straight forward and I had little trouble putting the Mantel Mount together. Mounting it to the wall was no harder than the standard mount that I had been using. Which, by the way, had begun to sag from the weight, even though it was rated for heavier weight. I don’t see that as an issue for the Mantel Mount. The unit is firm and well constructed. It does take up a little more space from the wall but in my use, that isn’t an issue. Also, the swivel gives me the ability to position for how many people are in the room. there are panels that cover the hardware that can be painted to match the wall. Your wife will love that part. If you do have a fireplace, this is the ideal solution. They have heat sensing handles to make absolutely sure that you or your TV don’t have a meltdown. Tech specs are impressive. The Mantel Mount can hold TV’s from 48″ to 80″ and weights of 30 to 115 pounds. I absolutely love mine and I am certain that you will love yours. Here is the link for the website to order yours.See original article at: 3DGuy TV

Not everyone needs, or has, a fireplace. Modern houses, small apartments lack them and folks in Hawaii or Florida probably don’t miss them. But for everyone with a fireplace of any size, either in a log cabin or a classic New York City townhouse, you probably don’t have it running every season. And when you aren’t gathered around it for warmth, you might very well be enjoying the television in its place. After all the hearth is the heart of the living room, but the modern main attraction is often the entertainment center. Sure, there are mounts for every size of TV, but most of them leave open the empty space above the fireplace and they can’t fit nicely above it either, which is typically rather too high for easy viewing. Enter the MantelMount- a flat screen LED or LCD mounting solution that solves both problems at once. Originally a Kickstarter project that raised over $120,000, it’s now available widely and to every consumer who could use one. The boast is that it offers excellent adjustability, with full control over tilt and swivel, ensuring the perfect viewing angle. And the reality is that you won’t need to crane your neck, and can help put your movies where they belong- right in front of you, at eye level. The first and most obvious question: what sort of TVs can it accommodate? The answer is good news: just about any large one, as it is designed for TVs between 48 inches and up to 80 inches diagonal, between 30 and 115 pounds. In the box is everything you’ll need for use with a wooden wall. And whether you have a stone or brick mantel, you can set it up fairly quickly and easily, using anchors to secure everything tightly- they aren’t included though are easy to pickup at any hardware store. We’d suggest professional installation if you’re not comfortable with a drill, but it’s not so bad- some careful measurement, leveling, and standard tools with the possible exception of the need for a socket wrench. Hiding cables is pretty simple too, if you are OK drilling into your walls. Otherwise, a nice added bonus is the inclusion of cable routing boxes. After it’s all setup, you’ll be able to raise or lower your flat panel TV with the touch of a lever, up to two feet with minimal effort. Seriously, it’s easy enough for your mom to do it. We weren’t able to test it out, but the MantelMount can even work with curved TVs. Made from automotive pistons- no joke- and lightweight alloys, it’s an impressive piece of gear, solid and stable and well-constructed. Paintable panels hide the hardware, and heat-sensing handles turn red if they are too hot (if your fireplace has been keeping your warm). All in all, it’s a must-have addition, if you have or have considered getting a TV for above your mantel. The MantelMount isn’t cheap, but is fairly-priced compared to other competitors, and it offers features that no one else comes close to. Available now, online and in stores, expect to spend around $399.See original article at: Truly Indoors

VISTA, CA (March 14, 2016) – MantelMount, the premier mounting option for flatscreen televisions, has received two major awards recognizing the product’s unique functionality and design.At the recently concluded HPBExpo in New Orleans, MantelMount was named a winner of The Vesta Award for Best Outdoor Room Equipment. The Vesta Awards were created by Hearth & Home magazine to recognize and honor companies for their innovation in product design and/or technology.MantelMount also received a 2016 Electronic House Product of the Year Award. MantelMount won the award in the category of “Video, Lifts and Mounts, a category that includes mounts and motorized lifts designed for televisions, projectors and/or other technology gear.Electronic House Magazine’s Products of the Year Awards recognize the best technologies, products and services for today’s Electronic House. Entries were judged on: Creativity, Innovation, Functionality, Aesthetics, and Lifestyle Benefits.MantelMount’s patented construction combines high-quality automotive pistons with lightweight alloys and state-of-the-art counterbalance technology, allowing virtually anyone to easily pull a large flat-screen TV down off the wall, suspend it at eye-level in front of the fireplace, and swivel it left or right. Plus, a uniquely integrated sensor alerts the user if the mount and the attached TV, when positioned near a fireplace, are getting too hot.“It’s an honor to receive these recent awards from Hearth and Home and Electronic House,” said MantelMount President Chuck Geiling. “We’re confident that we offer the most versatile, functional and aesthetically pleasing TV mount on the market. To be recognized with these prestigious awards really validates that confidence and tells us that we’ve created a product that people will truly embrace.”