Cocktail Cabinet Monitor Size

[albrigsr]

All,
I have built several cabinets in the past (both uprights) and now am thinking that I want a cocktail.  My question is around monitor size and prebuilt kits.  I don't have the time to build another cabinet myself due to kid's sports and work so I am looking to purchase a kit.  I don't mind assembling it, installing the sticks, buttons, pc, etc.  just not all the wood cutting and the like.  Anyway, my question is does anyone make a kit that would support a monitor larger than 19 inches?  If so, who?  Finally, if not, is it because it is too difficult to find a 4:3 monitor larger than 19 inches?  Would someone not want that?

Thanks for the feedback.  I appreciate it.

Scott

[JDFan]

Think you got it right when you said that 4:3 monitors pretty much top off at 19 or 20" (Dell has the 2001FP which is a 20" 4:3 IPS panel so has good viewing angles for a cocktail cab) - Once you get bigger they pretty much all go to 16:9 widescreen format (not that you couldn't use that in a cocktail cab) So most of the kits I've seen are designed for around 19 or 20 inch monitors since those are easy enough to find plus when sitting at a table they are pretty much a good size for that purpose.

If looking for a Kit check the Retail vendors sub forum and there are a few vendors offering CNC'd kits that can do cocktail table kits (depending on where you live) at reasonable prices.

[albrigsr]

Thanks for the information JDFan.  Do you or others have any suggestions for a 19 inch monitor instead of a 20 inch?

Also, I am still interested in au other viewpoints.

[eds1275]

I built a cocktail machine that has been sitting at 95% for a few months. I had it all done with a 17" monitor (it is a small cabinet) but then it turns out that I didn't test out the monitor to see which way the viewing angle works best. I need to recut the top and put the screen in at 90 degrees. Make sure you look at it from all angles!

[JDFan]

I built a cocktail machine that has been sitting at 95% for a few months. I had it all done with a 17" monitor (it is a small cabinet) but then it turns out that I didn't test out the monitor to see which way the viewing angle works best. I need to recut the top and put the screen in at 90 degrees. Make sure you look at it from all angles!

This is why I suggest something like the 2001FP or similar as they have IPS panels rather than TN so the viewing angle is much better. SO definitely look for an IPS panel rather than TN when researching.

Here's a quick video that shows the problem with most TN panels in a cocktail cab vs. an IPS panel --

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Kqw_BeFa-hk

 

[IAmDotorg]

I have a 1600x1200 IPS Dell 2007FP in mine. Its a similar 20.1" as the 2001FP.

I'd prefer something slightly bigger but there's VERY few 4:3 LCD options that have suitable viewing angles. I doubt a "standard" cab would fit anything much bigger, anyway. Mine is slightly upsized and I could go up more than maybe an inch or two anyway.

If you go that route, be aware these monitors are not all IPS. If you're buying it online, verify the serial numbers. There's webpages that document the ranges that are IPS.

[DeLuSioNal29]

But does anyone make a kit for the bigger 20" monitor?

[JDFan]

But does anyone make a kit for the bigger 20" monitor?

Not sure but the Dell 2001FP dimensions are 17.75" x 14" Outer dimension and 16.25" x 12.25 inner screen dimensions (.75 inch bezel on 3 sides and 1" on the bottom (left side if in portrait) with the buttons) if anyone knows what size the cocktail cab kit tops are !

Figure the 20.1" screens aren't that much larger than the 19" ones ( my Dell 1908FP (5:4) is 16.375" x 13.5" outer dimensions) so 1.375 inches x .5 inches smaller than the 20.1 inch 2001FP outer dimension so the 20.1 inch screen would only need an extra 5/8 inch on each length and 1/4 inch on each width to fit.  (seems a bit larger difference than that though since the 2001FP is actually 4:3 where the 1908FP is 5:4 so no wasted black space on the sides when in 3:4 vertical mode on the 2001 )

EDIT : Here's a pic of one of Rick's kits from bobA's thread-- looks to be plenty of space to cut out a bit larger opening for the screen so I'd think it could be made to fit the 20" monitor.