| Author |
Thread: BDI Vista 9960 Plasma/LCD TV Stand Review |
    
VIP Member Username: Ecoustics
Fairfax,
VA
USA
Post Number: 174
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 - 02:44 am: |
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BDI Vista 9960 Stand for Flat Panel TVs
You want a cool stand to showoff to your new plasma or flat panel LCD TV? Look no further than the contemporary designed BDI Vista 9960. The stylish metal stand can support any 37-inch to 55-inch flat panel TV. 
Cool design
This is a stand you will either love or hate. I for one, loved it. It gives your Plasma or LCD TV a floating look, does a good job hiding unsightly cables, and still provides shelves for a few components.
Snap and bolt
Installation was straightforward, and the instructions made sense. My friend and I had the stand put together in just over an hour. The trickiest and most critical part of the process is actually mounting your Plasma or LCD TV to the stand. The Vista provides two metal posts spaced 16-inches apart (just like studs in the wall) which become hidden once the TV is mounted.
See Review Update (11/30): Mounting brackets extra
Since each flat panel TV has unique mounting requirements, you will have to buy a third-party or manufacturer supplied wall mount. Your stand will not function without it. The cost of a wall mount can add another $150 to $300 to your investment. The wall mount gets bolted into the Vista’s metal posts (which act like wall studs). Then your Plasma or LCD TV connects securely into your proprietary wall mount, which insures a tight fit.
Adjustability is key
The height of your display is fixed once it is set during construction, but can be varied to different levels to meet your needs. I had to eyeball the height settings by assuming my 42-inch plasma would extend a few inches above each metal post. Since the stand has numerous elevation settings, it can be tempting to mount it too high. I recommend installing the TV at eye-level when you are seated on your couch.
 With or without shelves
Two glass shelves are included and can be adjusted to provide ample spacing for components. BDI also makes the Vista 9950, which is the exact same stand, without the shelves for $250 less.
Looks great
Either Vista stand makes a Plasma or LCD TV the centerpiece of your room. If you like the contemporary look of silver and glass, I can whole-heartedly recommend showing off your flat panel TV on a BDI Vista stand.
Vista 9960 - MSRP: $950 (with glass shelves)
Vista 9950 - MSRP: $725 (without glass shelves)
| Pros | | Cons | | Solid construction | | Third-party mount extra | | Easy to assemble | | Doesn’t swivel | | Looks cool | | |
http://www.bdiusa.com
Helpful links:
More stand information
Plasma TV reviews
LCD TV reviews
Remember I am just one man with one opinion. If you own any of these products, or have a comment or question feel free to add your thoughts below.
Brian Mitchell
Founder & CEO
eCoustics.com
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Relevant Product Info
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VIP Member Username: Ecoustics
Fairfax,
VA
USA
Post Number: 187
Registered: Dec-03
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| Posted on Tuesday, November 30, 2004 - 02:44 am: |
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Review Update
BDI has updated its Vista stand since my review. The Vista now includes a universal mounting bracket, which resolves my only installation issue.
The MSRP of the Vista has not changed, making the stand an even better value. The new bracket also saves the consumer the hassle and cost of purchasing a third party mount which could be as much as $300. Furthermore, installation is more straightforward.
It is also nice to know that BDI cares about the consumer with its successful and timely fix. |
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