Building a tabletop TV Case for RPGs and Wargaming

Ойындар

Welcome! We've been using ceiling mounted projectors to get battle maps on the table for a few years now. However, we weren't always satisfied with the light intensity, so just about a month ago we built ourselves a TV case to bring Infinite Realms to the table in an even more impressive way.
Now on Kickstarter: www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
A few years ago we tried a cheap projector and then upgraded to a 1080p model in 2019. The new projector not only had a higher resolution, it was also much brighter and could even be used reasonably well in daylight.
However, with the development of Infinite Realms, our setup presented us with some unexpected problems. In order to present our software, we needed some meaningful pictures and videos.
Unfortunately, we were limited by the projector solution. Either the room had to be darkened to such an extent that the players and the surroundings could no longer be seen, resulting in gloomy images. Or the projection was so poor in color and contrast with too much ambient light that it just didn't look good.
We had, of course, often come across the solution of laying a TV flat on the table and using it for map projection in the past. KZread is full of videos showing people whipping together their frame or gaming table with a TV built in. So we decided to take Jessi's old TV and build a case for it!
Jan and Jessi got some cheap boards for the first try. Most of the screws, corner brackets and felt strips were still in our toolbox and we only had to buy a few small parts. All in all, we had less than 20 € in material costs. If we had had to buy everything, it would have been maybe 30 € - in dollars it is in the same order of magnitude.
Nina first took the exact measurements of the TV and then cut and sanded the boards together with Jan. Then we screwed the frame together. At the ends with pre-drilled screws and on the inside additionally with metal angles for reinforcement.
Then we put the TV with the screen on the table and put the assembled frame over it.
In the next step, we thought about the best way to support the TV on the back. It should lie flush in the frame on the upper side so that we still have the option of mounting a sheet of plexiglass over it later for protection.
Since the TV is pretty bumpy on the back, the support mutated into the most complex part of the case within the next hour. We covered all areas that touch the TV with felt.
Finally, we screwed the support to the frame with corner brackets.
Then a test to see if the construction fits and holds!
On the sides we sawed out recesses for HDMI and power cables and mounted more supports over them.
And a few more tests with Warhammer 40k Minis!
In the last few weeks we have used the TV case a few times, so far without protection for the display. For this we thought of several options. The first thought was the already mentioned plexiglass sheet. In addition, we would still build a holder in which you can slide the panel.
As a quick and cheap solution, however, we first tried something simpler. We ordered a roll of thin, transparent table foil for just under 15 bucks and cut it to size so that it covers the display exactly.
It is easy and inexpensive to replace if it is scratched or has aged unsightly in any other way.
In order to provide the setup with battle maps - classic images, video maps and all new 3d maps with time of day and weather - we have developed a software ourselves, which we are currently funding on Kickstarter - until mid-February 2022. Feel free to check out our Kickstarter trailer here or a video in which I explain what dynamic Digital Enhanced Tabletop is all about here!
All in all, this little project was no problem even for us four not very crafty people! If we can do it, anyone can!
Have you already built a TV case or gaming table with a TV or are you planning to do so? What do you think of our quick and dirty solution? Leave a comment - and maybe a like for the video while you're at it!
You can find more information on Infinite Realms and us on our website infinite-realms.de, on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Reddit!
Have a good time and see you in the next video!

Пікірлер: 81

  • @alexanderjantsch1707
    @alexanderjantsch17072 жыл бұрын

    Vielen Dank für dieses video!! Jetzt muss ich nur noch einen Weg finden, euer Programm zu bekommen, obwohl ich für den Kickstarter zu spät war >.

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hallo Alexander, im Spätsommer gehen wir online und bis dahin gibt es die Möglichkeit einen Early Access zu bekommen. Schreib mir dafür am besten eine Mail an nina@megavoid.de. Ich schicke dir dann ein Angebot zu. 😊

  • @jehowa5691
    @jehowa56912 жыл бұрын

    You should add ventilation and/or temperature monitoring to your wooden case. Do not underestimate the heat buildup of the tv.

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    2 жыл бұрын

    This is a good point! Actually we have checked the temperature at various points during the last 6 hour session and we measured a maximum of 41°C at a hotspot near the end of the session, still far from an alarming level. We have to see how that changes come summer.

  • @John-vf6jr
    @John-vf6jr26 күн бұрын

    I'm thinking of a square hole in the table and the monitor mounted under on a regular monitor arm so it can be raised up flush to the table surface, locked and played on. When not played on, lower the monitor a bit and put a sheet of wood over the hole.

  • @stanbartsch1984
    @stanbartsch19842 жыл бұрын

    Having worked with monitors for years, my BIGGEST concern when people mount them like this is COOLING. Normally air-flow is from bottom to top of the monitor, and passive cooling is fine. However, when you put them in a case like this, and mount them face-up, you are not providing any "air flow." This will shorten the life of the components in the monitor, depending on how long your gaming sessions are. I always recommend at LEAST a low-wattage "computer case" cooling fan, with an intake on one side and an exhaust port on the other side of your case, to keep the air moving. It doesn't have to move much air, but any air movement as opposed to just cooking your monitor in its own heat is preferable.

  • @fufu1405

    @fufu1405

    2 жыл бұрын

    Sure but how do you power the fans?

  • @JesterOC

    @JesterOC

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@fufu1405 Most TVs have USB ports. Get some USB powered fans.

  • @rosascreativeworks5403

    @rosascreativeworks5403

    2 жыл бұрын

    Interesting thought. When I built mine, I was very generous with air holes to allow for natural air circulation. I didn't have room for a fan, but maybe my next build....

  • @41luc

    @41luc

    2 жыл бұрын

    I have been using mine for over 10 years now, I used a usb powered computer fan pushing air into one of the TV's vents, plugged into one of the TV's usb port for power, it is set to minimum speed so it's quiet and provides adequate air flow, the tv screen never becomes warm.

  • @kylkim93
    @kylkim9310 ай бұрын

    I would recommend taking advantage of the VESA holes during planning and final assembly, as they usually are on the same plane to each other and already have threads in them that can hold the weight of the TV - not necessarily on its back, but for lifting the TV out of the box, if the top is later covered by the acrylic. For the VESA holes, it's better to use threaded rod with a nut however, so as not to accidentally screw in a bolt too deep into the TV and break something - the maximum depth can usually be found in the TV's manual or parsed from the length of the VESA bolts provided. My current plan is to make a very short single leg stand that affixes to the VESA mount, so as to still have access to all that tablespace underneath the TV. Not sure how wobbly this might get, but I'm still prototyping.

  • @Evanshion
    @Evanshion3 ай бұрын

    Thanks a lot guys! I'm going to build one on next week!

  • @4rii224
    @4rii224 Жыл бұрын

    awesome tabletop & family project. congrats

  • @lucamariotti2598
    @lucamariotti2598 Жыл бұрын

    Just laid a tv on the table.... Turned out fine

  • @keithmiller6713
    @keithmiller67133 ай бұрын

    This is a great idea, love the Swarmlord showing up!

  • @hashupasshole
    @hashupasshole Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the inspiring video. Been wanting to do the same for years, but was always afraid it would be a waste of time, effort, and funds.

  • @adamferencz460
    @adamferencz4604 ай бұрын

    Amazing idea. I still recommend using plexi for the additional protetction and covering it with the foil to avoid.

  • @okidokidraws
    @okidokidraws Жыл бұрын

    Ive been looking to build one for ages this looks simple

  • @biovoro
    @biovoro2 жыл бұрын

    Amazing idea

  • @breezyfresh550
    @breezyfresh550 Жыл бұрын

    This is a great video! Me and my uncle are going to build the same one on Friday 😎 thank you guys for this video!

  • @rosascreativeworks5403
    @rosascreativeworks54032 жыл бұрын

    Nice. I have built my own set top box, and I was careful to include ventilation holes, etc. I wish I'd filmed it, but this was back in 2018. Oh well. It was a gift for a friend. I also made mine with a sturdy handle for carrying and a slide in lid to protect the monitor while being transported. I also used special 90deg angle plugs to minimize the distance to the table, and allow for both standard and HDMI connections. Fun fun. I've got to check out your battle maps sometime. They look AWESOME!

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much! We will also build a second case with fan, handle to carry and a bit prettier. But that still has time... Maybe you film when you build the next, then we can also still be inspired.

  • @AukeSlotegraaf
    @AukeSlotegraaf2 жыл бұрын

    Great video! We use a TV, too, recessed into the table, with a sheet of glass for protection. TV is open at the bottom, so there is ample airflow, as it is kept in place by two metal straps (this is how many monitors are mounted in arcade-style video game cabinets).

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! We are a looking into ways to improve air flow a bit - it does not get that hot, just in case. Your solution sounds near perfect!

  • @Lakers724371617
    @Lakers724371617 Жыл бұрын

    Amazing!

  • @Kanashii64
    @Kanashii643 ай бұрын

    Ich hatte die ersten paar Sekunden und dachte mir nur „DAS verstehe ich gut, dass ist der mir vertraute deutsche Akzent“ 😂😂 Aber super Video, genau das hatte ich gesucht, vielen dank!!

  • @MrRogue1974
    @MrRogue1974 Жыл бұрын

    Brilliant

  • @jrzombeast6477
    @jrzombeast6477 Жыл бұрын

    I'm new to your channel but I started my first touch screen 55" TV table today.. this video was so inspiring

  • @rogerkinney9239

    @rogerkinney9239

    Жыл бұрын

    mind if i ask how it turned out? Im looking at using the same size but, i have a 40 inch available right now and i dont want to be building the box and i feel like its too small

  • @jrzombeast6477

    @jrzombeast6477

    Жыл бұрын

    @@rogerkinney9239 turned out pretty good.. I had to do custom cuts because the back of my tv was oddly haha..but my kids use it all the time

  • @olebrogger
    @olebrogger2 жыл бұрын

    I think you did a pretty good job, and show how fast it is to build a simple and useful solution :-)

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    2 жыл бұрын

    But nothing compared to your TV case! I guess it took more than 4 hours to build, though... ;)

  • @carcassonne1519
    @carcassonne15192 жыл бұрын

    Das ist echt ein cooles Projekt. Vielen Dank für das schöne Video.

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    2 жыл бұрын

    Vielen Dank!

  • @50plymouths
    @50plymouths2 жыл бұрын

    Great video…

  • @floriangerdes
    @floriangerdes2 жыл бұрын

    Ist doch super geworden! Die Folie ist eine gute Lösung!

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    2 жыл бұрын

    Das stimmt! Wir waren echt überrascht wie schnell und einfach das ging - und wenn der Fernseher an ist sieht man von der Schutzfolie nichts mehr!

  • @maggesn3867

    @maggesn3867

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@infiniterealms8479 Wir haben "Folien" genommen, die eigentlich für Werbeaufsteller sind, die gibt es in klar und matt, die matten führen dazu, dass weniger Reflexionen das Spielgeschehen stören.

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@maggesn3867 Guter Hinweis, danke! Wir hatten noch keine Session mit der neuen Folie, daher kann ich noch nicht sagen ob eine matte Folie bei unseren Bedingungen notwendig wäre. Beim Testen war jedenfalls bei eingeschaltetem TV von störenden Reflexionen keine Spur - wir haben aber auch zu 99% indirekte Beleuchtung im Haus. Das spielt sicherlich eine große Rolle.

  • @christopherwilson6724
    @christopherwilson67242 жыл бұрын

    I am in process of milling wood for our gaming table. My plan is to use a wall mount for tv (kind without an arm) so I can adjust the X and Y axis. This will leave room for cooling and have back up plan for additional fans if needed. I am uncertain if I am going to attempt to remove the bezel from the front of the TV so I can make it fit so grid lines would extend to the physical table without the bezel gap.

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    2 жыл бұрын

    We are thinking about using a vanilla wall mount as a base for version 2.0 as well. It would be great to see your design in action!

  • @rosascreativeworks5403

    @rosascreativeworks5403

    2 жыл бұрын

    That's an idea I had not considered. Using a wall mount kit... hmmm.

  • @nexus1g
    @nexus1g2 жыл бұрын

    I wish I learned about your KS a few days earlier.

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    2 жыл бұрын

    The final version will launch sometime in late summer. We are currently discussing doing another round of early access before the launch. You can subscribe to our newsletter on infinite-realms.de to get all info about this as soon as we have it!

  • @Archentides
    @Archentides Жыл бұрын

    Very nice! I'm curious if the thin vinyl on top is affected at all by the heat from the screen? Since this build, have you swapped this out for a more permanent solution like plexiglass?

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    Жыл бұрын

    After multiple uses the vinyl has proven to be the perfect solution. The screen in our setup just gets warm to the touch but not hot, even in the summer.

  • @Novaree
    @Novaree2 жыл бұрын

    Excellent and straight forward video walkthrough. Kudos! May I ask what size and type of TV screen you are using? Looks like 43 inches? Is it LCD or LED? What about heat, is there a risk of heat damaging the screen component from below? Any experiences in this regard?

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks! It is an old 40” LCD. It does not get particularly warm so we scrapped the idea of adding some fans for active cooling. All in all it may get a bit warmer than standing upright, but not much. And due to it being used every other week or so for 4-8 hours compared to a normal TV being used daily… we guess it has no negative effect on the lifetime of the TV. This may be different with a different TV though!

  • @Novaree

    @Novaree

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@infiniterealms8479 excellent! I tried a 32” Philips LED (it was cheap and insanely lightweight). Unfortunately the screen size was too small so I’m aiming at a 43” when finances are in place :) Thanks a lot for your response, I’ll keep you posted on my progress :) //Casper (Aus Dänemark :))

  • @owl6789
    @owl6789 Жыл бұрын

    I'm currently working on a flat screen tabletop table for my D&D Game. So far I've flat screen and the frame And the program, And all that's working fine. But now I'm considering building a wooden table around the flat screen t.v. wooden frame. And after the wooden table was built, actually I was considering a way to make it look like it's made of stone, but on a much bigger scale. So Jeremy, any Idea's? This episode really helped, it gave me a few Ideas. But what do u say?

  • @mcshannon02
    @mcshannon02 Жыл бұрын

    Hey I am thinking about adding TV box or projector setup. Any reason why you mad your box so deep? My table is tall so I would like to minimize added height.

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi Eric, We used the boards as we bought them, you can certainly take narrower ones. Just make sure that there is enough space (or a fan) that the warm air does not accumulate!

  • @patrickb2
    @patrickb2 Жыл бұрын

    Very nice! Have you thought of using a thin frame in the front so that the TV doesnt fall out the front while transporting? Or is it held some way I didnt see

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    Жыл бұрын

    Just gravity, it is not so big as to be problematic to carry upright! Also we just put the TV in the frame for a gaming session and reattach its stand when not using it for a while.

  • @patrickb2

    @patrickb2

    Жыл бұрын

    @@infiniterealms8479 ahhh, very cool. I hadnt thought about a dual use TV yet but its quite interesting. Thanks for the quick response! grüße aus Freiburg!

  • @trob592
    @trob592 Жыл бұрын

    has anyone tried using a clear window tint to cover the TV screen?

  • @yager6627
    @yager6627 Жыл бұрын

    Dude I wanna play at your table

  • @djki2565
    @djki2565Ай бұрын

    Where did you find the animated maps ? Great job...❤

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    Ай бұрын

    All animated 3d maps are part of our own tabletop software. Check it out at infinite-realms.app/ It can also play video maps, image files and universal vtt maps.

  • @jackmason9550
    @jackmason9550 Жыл бұрын

    Ive watched several videos of people who have built their own TV gaming table and it seems like once people have a frame built they run into the issue of getting the screen to be level inside of the frame and dealing with the fact that the back of the TV isnt flat and they always end up having to very carefuly make support pieces of various geometries to hold the TV level and support it at different places on the back of the TV. Wouldn't it be a million times easier to just run some thick, high quality velcro straps across the frame to cradle the TV in the box? The straps would be precisely adjustable and wouldn't care about the geometry of the back of the TV. It would be far easier to adjust each strap as needed than to cut all of the specific pieces of wood to support the TV at the correct height annd angle for each spot where a support is needed, wouldn't it? You could just place the frame upside-down, lay the TV into the frame screen-side down, then tighten the straps down around the back of the TV and then flip the whole thing over. The screen should be flush with the frame at that point I would think. Even if the TV settles a little bit, if you build it right and do the straps in asmart way, you should be able to adjust the straps as needed with the whole thing face up to raise or lower the screen as needed. In the direction the straps run, the TV should be level no matter what.

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    Жыл бұрын

    Seems like a legit alternative! When placing the straps you would just have to take care to not block any ports and ventilation slots. On the other hand building the central support piece was no real issue. Even for total amateurs like us.

  • @extensiblelibrarian

    @extensiblelibrarian

    10 ай бұрын

    I ended up using the foam packing blocks (slightly altered) on the top and bottom to fit snugly into the frame and allow the tv to be level. I also fastened it to the back with the vesa mounting screws.

  • @bossbullyboy195
    @bossbullyboy1952 жыл бұрын

    I want to build one as a coffee table

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    2 жыл бұрын

    In that case you should definitely think of some screen protection!

  • @sredstar888
    @sredstar888 Жыл бұрын

    But wat exact maps and software are you using? Very interested in that part.

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    Жыл бұрын

    We use our own software "Infinite Realms" and our own dynamic 3D maps or maps from other creators. You can find our software at: www.infinite-realms.app

  • @evolvingguide
    @evolvingguide5 ай бұрын

    Where do you find pictures of Playground? Or are they also selfmade?

  • @zackjensen6583
    @zackjensen6583 Жыл бұрын

    Where do you get the battlemaps from I have the tv for it but can't seem to find legit battlemaps

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    Жыл бұрын

    Check out Manny Sykes here on KZread. There is a download link for all his video maps in the channel description. Reddit is also a great place to find talented creators and (free) maps: www.reddit.com/r/battlemaps/

  • @KS-bq4rs
    @KS-bq4rs Жыл бұрын

    what software is used for the maps please?

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    Жыл бұрын

    It’s our own Software, Infinite Realms, you can download it here: infinite-realms.app/

  • @KS-bq4rs

    @KS-bq4rs

    Жыл бұрын

    @@infiniterealms8479 oh thanks

  • @nyetloki
    @nyetloki Жыл бұрын

    Remove the rear plastic. And add a fan just in case.

  • @SanDiegoBass
    @SanDiegoBass11 ай бұрын

    What size of TV did you use?

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    11 ай бұрын

    This one is 40“, we also use a projector sometimes that equals 49“ on the table.

  • @garagelodgecrafting2704
    @garagelodgecrafting2704 Жыл бұрын

    Really liked your gaming table! We just posted our D&D gaming table build. Take a look if you get change. It's pretty bizarre. Going to peruse your channel now :) !

  • @giacomobiagini9263
    @giacomobiagini9263 Жыл бұрын

    If I give you the dimension of my tv screen, pictures attached, can you build me a tv woodcase as you made for your tv?

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    Жыл бұрын

    Sorry, but we can’t do this. But maybe this TikTok video helps you. This is a super easy build for a tv case. vm.tiktok.com/ZMFSAVXUk/

  • @giacomobiagini9263

    @giacomobiagini9263

    Жыл бұрын

    @@infiniterealms8479 Thanks. And what kind of tv is yours? I'm looking for a suitable model

  • @infiniterealms8479

    @infiniterealms8479

    Жыл бұрын

    It is some rather old non brand 40". Take measurements of your table and decide on the size based on that. We have some 15cm for our players to put stuff between TV and table edge, that works pretty well!

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