If you don't have glass then you need a special remote--can't recall the name, though. Many consoles today are sold with an option to have either doors or glass. As for what you are missing, does this have space for media storage or locating a center channel speaker? Does it go with the other furniture in the room (i.e. coffee table, end table, bookcase, etc.) or would you prefer something as part of a collection?

There are many attractive media consoles on the market today. It seems to be the new trend and I notice lots of the gynormous ones glutting our local CL.

We ordered one that is semi-custom and goes with our kitchen cabinets since we have an open floorplan. It has drawer storage for all our DVDs, CD, etc. at just the right depth plus a glass door for the components with an inside outlet and sufficient rear venting for not too much more than this one lists for. We went to a furniture store that specializes in entertainment consoles.

Check the following website for other ideas.

Here is a link that might be useful: Stands and Mounts

The problem with doors and even glass is that the components get hot and can overheat, which can cause one or more components to shut down. We had this problem with our last media center with glass doors. This time around, we have our components in the open, w/o doors to avoid the overheating problem. See the pic below. The components are visible, but our large boom speaker is contained behind one of the doors, at least (the wood center of the doors can be replaced with speaker mesh to accommodate speakers)...you can barely tell in the pic...it's the one on the left as you are facing it.

But, anyway, if you want solid doors in front, make sure there is adequate venting out of the back. The one you chose seems to have holes for cords to pass through, but it doesn't mention venting. As for quality, I don't know, but the price for this one seems awfully steep for veneer over engineered wood. I would keep looking. There's a lot out there to choose from.

{{!gwi}}

Love the C&B stand!

We're still mulling over our tv stand options. Here's our placeholder - a cheapo Lack stand from Ikea:

XOXO,

I saw the Crate and Barrel console you posted and did not think the quality was worth the $$. It's was made me do a mad search.

If you are willing to dish out the money, these are some from a company called Brownstone Furniture and they are made in the US. Prices range from $975-$1075. I learned about this company on decorating show. I posted these on an earlier thread. Delivery is free, no tax, and they are in stock if you purchase them at Thebedroomspace.comn You can get specifications on their site.

I work with a designer who has given me many pointers even though I do not get all my furniture from him. He told me to make sure there are drawers for storage for CD's, remotes, etc. not just shelves. Glass is not a requirement if there are open shelves like these have in the center. The spec sheets on all will give you a better idea about their storage amenities. The model lines are Metro, Soho, and Mercer. I hope this helps.

{{!gwi}}

a href='http://s225.photobucket.com/albums/dd239/jerseygirl_1/?action=view¤t=soho-plasma-200.jpg' target='_blank'>{{!gwi}}

Here is a link that might be useful: The Bedroom Space

Amsunshine, I love yours. Can you share the make & model? Thanks! : )

Susan

Yes, I like amsunshine's too. Looks like a very nice weight to it.

Please share the details.

It's from Thomasville. They have a pretty big selection of different media options. We really like this one for our needs --- it feels very substantial and well-made (even though their case goods are made in China now, from what I hear). The salesman said this is made from solid cherry. On sale, it was reasonably priced, too! (They seem to always have sales, though, I've since noticed).

Here is a link that might be useful: Media Console

jerseygirl-do you have any Brownstone furniture? I am tired of looking for bedroom furniture-everything I see wobbles or the veneer is already cracking. I love their Met. line but have never seen any of their furniture in person. Opinions?

No, you do not need a special remote with a closed-front cabinet. You need a small gadget called an "infrared repeater" or "infrared extender". It picks up the infrared beam from the remote and transmits it to the dvd player or whatever. The pickup is as small as a pen cap so it can be tucked underneath the cabinet, through a hole drilled in the corner of a door, mounted on top of the TV, you name it. They are not necessarily costly - Smarthome has a good selection - nor necessarily difficult to install. If you want to shop in person, an A/V specialty store (if you have one around, Tweeter is a great store for customer service) will probably yield much better results than somewhere like Best Buy that may only have one or two items at most, but you'll get better prices shopping online.

It's also quite simple to drill some holes in the back of a cabinet to provide additional ventilation. Drill a series of 1" holes a few inches apart at the top and bottom of the rear panel. (Most of the time it's just masonite or very thin plywood anyway.) If your components run particularly hot, you can add a cooling fan. Some home theater components have a plug in the back just for things like this, so when the hot-running component is turned on the fan comes on automagically. :-)

Thank you jerseygirl that is exactly what I am looking for.