TV in the bathroom no longer a fantasy
It sounds like a fantastical scenario: after a long day at work, you slide into a luxurious, hot bath andturn on the TV? You could catch up on some sports, watch the news, or simply enjoy an episode (or two) of The Simpsons. Believe it or not, this scenario no longer exists in the realm of impossibility (though it may still fall in that of eccentricity).Perhaps it’s not so surprising that Americans have moved new technology into their bathrooms, though. As Natalie Rodriguez of This Old House magazine points out, Americans spend more money on home electronics than any other luxury item, and “they redo bathrooms at a higher rate than any room in the house except kitchens.” Rodriguez also mentions some of the things to consider for anybody who wants to bring cable programming into their washroom. You can read the full article here, but I’ve summarized some of the more interesting bits.First, you’ll need to protect the television from its new, frequently steamy surroundings. An easy solution is to make a niche in the wall, insert the television in it, and cover it with a protective glass frame. Make sure it’s fog-proof, thoughyou don’t want to be rubbing at the glass to see who’s winning America’s Next Top Model. If you have the dough for a waterproof remote, you’ll be able to browse channels at your heart’s content.Using a two-way mirror as the protective surface is a clever solution for those who don’t want the device visible when it’s not on. Maybe you don’t want guests wasting time in there when they’re washing their hands, or maybe you would just prefer not to advertise your awesomeness. Either way, when the TV’s off, all you’ll be able to see is your own smiling face.You’ll also have to consider the sound system for your TV. Some manufacturers are actively embracing this niche market, and Kohler has developed SoundTile speakers that mimic shower tiles. A more expensive option is the MTI Whirlpools Stereo H2O bathtub, which actually uses acoustic transducers to generate sound waves within the tub. It certainly sounds like an experience you won’t forget.