How best to move a Projection HDTV without harming it?

September 11, 2007 10:23 AM

What do I need to know when moving a rear-projection HDTV?

I am getting a fairly new projection widescreen HDTV (Toshiba brand, not DLP, but not old technology ... rear projection) from my dad as a first-house present, it's his old one. But, I have to find the best way to move it 100 miles up to the new house to get it!

The TV is a 46-inch model and is slightly too tall to fit into a large SUV (Expedition), so I think I'm going to need to move it in a U-Haul of some sort with a couple of other things. BUT, I'm worried sick that the bumps in the road are going to wreck the projection of the TV.

What do I need to know about moving this, how can I best project it in the moving process, and does anyone have any experience moving this kind of equipment on their own?

posted by sav2880 to travel & transportation (3 comments total)

Find somebody like these guys to crate it up for you. The box in the picture is similar in construction to what you should be asking for. Make sure it's secured with ratchet straps to the side of the van when you put it aboard.
posted by Orb2069 at 11:03 AM on September 11, 2007

Bumps in the road won't ruin the projection, just throw it off. There's nothing you (or any movers) can do to avoid this, so if it's a big deal, plan to spend some time adjusting the convergence when you get it home, or budget for a service call from the manufacturer's local repair shop. If the bumps are small, you can probably readjust it yourself pretty easily by referring to the manual.

From personal experience moving a 55" 4:3 CRT projection set, hiring someone to move it cost about $120, and I consider it money very well spent. It wouldn't have been worth it to me if a buddy had been hurt moving it (it's huge and weighs about 275 lbs) or it had been broken. They didn't crate it - just covered it in blankets to protect from scratches and moved it straight from my friend's basement to mine.
posted by pocams at 12:01 PM on September 11, 2007

"BUT, I'm worried sick that the bumps in the road are going to wreck the projection of the TV. "

Dude, how do you think these things are delivered to stores? They aren't lovingly carried by hand. They're shipped hundreds, if not thousands, of miles in the back of an 18-wheeler, and the trailers on those things aren't built for comfort.

It'll do fine in the back of a U-haul cargo van. Just, whatever you do, make sure you keep it upright. Moving them on their sides, front, or back can cause real damage.
posted by CrayDrygu at 4:05 PM on September 11, 2007 [1 favorite]