Tv in gaming table and general gaming table advice

[Ryujin]

One of my player's got a projector from work the company was throwing out. We looked into this and I watched a video on how to set it up. It was quite a while ago so I couldn't find the YouTube video if I tried. The person who made the video said that if you just project something directly from above it distorts the image. There was a certain type of mirror that wasnt your typical mirror just sprayed on the back, the whole mirror was reflective. Anyhow they said hang the mirror at a 45-degree angle, then to project the image on the mirror which projected it on the table. The whole premise seemed pretty strange and the bulbs for that model were pretty expensive. We never bothered trying it, seemed more trouble than it's worth. I can't vouch for the validity of this though.

I'm betting that he was talking about a "first surface mirror." That's a mirror that has the reflective surface on the front of the mirror, rather than behind a layer of transparent glass or plastic. I found it to be an unnecessary expense and just used inexpensive plexiglass mirror. It worked well enough. The only adjustment I had to make was keystoning, because the angles weren't 100%.

 

[R_J_K75]

I'm betting that he was talking about a "first surface mirror." That's a mirror that has the reflective surface on the front of the mirror, rather than behind a layer of transparent glass or plastic. I found it to be an unnecessary expense and just used inexpensive plexiglass mirror. It worked well enough. The only adjustment I had to make was keystoning, because the angles weren't 100%.

First Surface Mirror sounds right, which I found at Home Depot for under $20. I was looking for plexiglass sometime in the last 5 years or so and was quite taken aback at how expensive it had gotten. I wanted to make a hinged DM Screen and for 8 panels it was almost $75 to $100. I was skeptical if I needed a special mirror or not but in the long run it was the cheaper option. Doesn't really matter in the long as I never did either.

 

[CM]

I built my 60" table tv frame out of 20x20mm t-slot aluminum tubing, anodized black, lifting the tv about 4" above the tabletop. This lets people slide books and tablets under the edge, increasing the amount of usable table space. LED strip lighting around the bottom outside edge gives people some extra light to see their dice and books.

The frame supports the back of the TV in about 10 places with rubber feet and mounts to the built-in threaded holes on the back of the tv. The ten-ish feet supporting the frame are screw height adjustable. Our groups have tvs in two different houses that have been going strong about 3 years and 2 years now. One does run a little warm so we put two small usb-powered fans under it.

 

[GreyLord]

Microsoft Surface is sort of like a TV.

I think a large part of it dealt with the TVs of the past where it used other technology than the ones we use today.

LED's and OLEDs are probably easier to have their sides than the older types of TVs where it had a lot of weight and such on the back and relied on it being upright to be operated correctly.

That doesn't mean all TV's today won't have problems, but I think in general they are more easily put into various positions than TVs of old.

Then you have those things which are made specifically to be operated as a surface (such as the aforementioned Microsoft surface which are used as tables or designed into them.

 

[Zaukrie]

Microsoft Surface is sort of like a TV.

I think a large part of it dealt with the TVs of the past where it used other technology than the ones we use today.

LED's and OLEDs are probably easier to have their sides than the older types of TVs where it had a lot of weight and such on the back and relied on it being upright to be operated correctly.

That doesn't mean all TV's today won't have problems, but I think in general they are more easily put into various positions than TVs of old.

Then you have those things which are made specifically to be operated as a surface (such as the aforementioned Microsoft surface which are used as tables or designed into them.

If I could afford a surface that big, I'd likely just buy one of those fancy tables. (No idea how I'd get it in my basement at this point, however....hmmm...guess I need to build my new top downstairs! - good luck to me or the new owners when it needs to be moved)

 

[Bunch]

For those who might want to add multitouch to monitors inlayed into tables there's this:

https://a.co/d/0XMcnZq

adds infrared sensors so the tv becomes a touchscreen. I haven't done it yet myself but it's tempting

 

[Zaukrie]

As for the TV lying on its side, it's true that many manufacturers recommend keeping a TV upright, as it's designed to be used in that position. Placing it on its side for long periods could potentially affect the screen’s performance or longevity, especially if it has a LCD or LED screen. However, if you're set on doing this, it’s worth checking with the TV’s manufacturer to see if they have specific recommendations for horizontal placement. You might also want to ensure it has proper ventilation and isn’t exposed to excessive heat or dust.

I'm currently leaning against a TV.

 

[Koloth]

A group I game with used one of my older TVs as a flat map surface for about 3 years. TV did fine. Currently in storage as that host had to take a break from hosting and no one currently has a suitable table. Newer TVs should do fine as they tend to run even cooler. I made a stand using the VESA mount on the back of the TV so the thing sat on top of the table. We also had a second TV on the wall for viewing useful things that weren't map related. Given that lower cost TVs are getting into the same price range as a Core rulebook, probably can consider the TV an expendable supply item.

 

[Ryujin]

A group I game with used one of my older TVs as a flat map surface for about 3 years. TV did fine. Currently in storage as that host had to take a break from hosting and no one currently has a suitable table. Newer TVs should do fine as they tend to run even cooler. I made a stand using the VESA mount on the back of the TV so the thing sat on top of the table. We also had a second TV on the wall for viewing useful things that weren't map related. Given that lower cost TVs are getting into the same price range as a Core rulebook, probably can consider the TV an expendable supply item.

I don't know if that says more about the falling costs of tech, or the cost of rulebooks.

 

[Zaukrie]

I've thought about putting a small screen in place of my DM screen. I could cast things to it, even use it for sound.