How can I hide a projector in a normal wall?

Question

I'll try my best to provide the details...I appreciate any and all responses.

I am using a high-traffic room in the house as a home theatre room.

I want to do something to hide the projector as well. I can't use the ceiling area for a couple of reasons, so that only leaves the wall directly opposite the screen. The wall is a standard 3 1/2 cavity and my projector is 2.9" tall, so it will fit standing "on end". My basic plan is to cut out a 12"x16" chunk of drywall and replace with a piece of hardwood or steel. (not decided yet). The projector will mount to this piece and this piece will hinge to the wall itself (actually the new framing that I will put in the wall). The otherside will have a picture attached to hide everything. I have two issues...a hinge that extends approximately 1.5 inches before rotating and a type of linear actuator or motor that will lower the "mount" to the correct position and of course - retract it.

Answer 1

It should be possible to do what you want, although I would worry a bit about jarring the lamp when the projector is moved (particulalry if warm). I haven't tried to define an electric actuator since details would vary witht he hinge arrangement. Personally I'd keep it simple (and cost down) and go with a manual arrangement.

The table leaf hinge at the first link would allow a manual shelf. The Swing Clear hinge could, if mounted in hardwood, allow a swing down shelf and provide support too. Motorizing it should be possible.

A third option (manual lift) would be the lift up hinge (3rd link). It would require upside down mounting of the projector (not a problem) and, to get a 12-16 lb weight rating, the use of 4 hinges.

Interesting problem.

Answer 2

Hi. If your projector has a lens shift feature i would make a platform for the projector to sit on and a bracket to bolt the platform to the wall This platform can be high up the wall as close to the ceiling as possible . With the projector perpendicular to the screen ,the lens shift lets you adjust the projection height by one full screen image up or down so you can have an image that is not tilted.

This will save you of going to the trouble of cutting out a piece of wall and installing a motor to move the projector up and down .Once the image on the screen is focused and the the lens shift has corrected the image to fit the frame ,there is nothing else to adjust .

Of course if you want to do it your way for aesthetic reasons i am not sure how it should be done .
Cheers.

Answer 3

Actually your big problems are going to be:
1. Heat from the projector. I would not encourage you to put your projector inside an enclosure unless the enclosure is fan-cooled, or you may have a fire or destroy the projector.
2. If this is a multipurpose room, make sure you have a way to darken the entire room for movies or your TV will look very washed out. Projecotrs are very tough to use in multi-purpose rooms fo rthat reason.

Maybe you could put it inside a fan-cooled box used as an end table.

Good Luck.