I have an entertainment center which has an inside width of 40.5 inches. I have decided to buy a Toshiba 42inch LCD that is 39.8 inches wide. That leaves about 3/10 of an inch on each side. Does anyone know whether it needs more side clearance for heat reasons or other reasons? It will have six or more inches of clearance above it that is open. I will be able to access the back of the TV from the rear. Thanks. Tom
ugc, that was pretty funny. Thanks for the assurance that the clearance is not a factor. Can't wait to get one.
Tom I took a dremel tool to my entertainment center this weekend. I built a HTPC (looks like a stereo), but it was too long to fit and get proper ventilation, so ... got the dremel and cut to specs. When you get your TV up and running, monitor it after about 30 min to an hour of "ON" time. If you feel around the tv and it feels "too hot", don't hesitate to break out your dremel and cut some vent holes or even install a few small fans. The biggest killer of electronics is heat. The cooler you keep it, the longer it will last.
Sounds like you're in the situation I was... Moved and was planning to take the "big screen" with me (Hitachi 50" HD ready.. great picture off the satellite).. New place had a built in niche in the living room wall for the TV... exactly "40" inches wide (guess back in 2000 would have been considered a big TV). So gone was the idea of taking the old TV (he was thrilled he got to keep), and on went the hunt for a new one.. Settled on the Toshiba 42RV530U Regza model.. full 1080p and exactly 39.8 inches wide... fits in the niche like a dream.. Have on small stand so there is about a foot below (not counting the satellite box and dvd recorder) and about the same above... plenty of room behind (its only 3.7" deep) so no cooling problems of any kind... plus it gives off very little heat. So go for it... don't know if you're getting the same model I've got (they have couple of other 42" models), but guaranteed, you're going to love it!!
