TV stands, audio racks, and entertainment centers have evolved with the changes in television technology. The days when televisions were considered a stand alone piece of furniture are long gone. Compared to the TV sets built just a few years ago, modern television sets are very different. The physical enclosure has changed, just as technological advances in television design have enhanced picture quality

Televisions became commercially available in the nineteen forties and the basic technology has revolved around the picture tube. The picture tube is a large cathode ray tube with a series of electron guns in rear of the tube. The electron guns shoot electrons at the front of the tube, which is coated with a fluorescent material. The fluorescent material causes the electrons to diffuse, the fluorescent material glows and through a series of signal modulations, a visible image can be seen.

TV sets today are much larger than older cathode ray tube sets. The difference is that the new high definition TV sets are no where near as deep. An older CRT television that measures twenty six inches diagonally may be as deep as twenty four inches. Compare that to a new high definition television, which might only seven or eight inches deep.

Early televisions were built into their own furniture cabinets mainly due to the number and size of the components that were needed. The sixties ushered in the age of the portable TV in part because of the introduction of the TV stand. Even though it was portable, the TV was still fairly heavy, requiring a platform of sort kind. A whole, new industry sprang up offering a variety of TV carts and stands.

In the past, American households with televisions usually had one set and being able to move the TV from living room to bedroom was a big deal. These early TV stands and carts were pretty basic, combining both a viewing platform and portability. The sets were not tied to a cable and many of us remember being able to wheel the television from room to room with ease.

As televisions shed the furniture look and became more of a stand alone video component, screen sizes grew and the TV became less portable. Another interesting development reduced the need for portability. Many American households had two or more TV sets. The living room or family room once again became a place to gather and watch TV. The age of the modern entertainment center had begun.

The television became an integral part of home entertainment systems as home audio moved to incorporate television into a single integrated entertainment system. Stereo receivers have ability to accept and process television audio signals from cable, satellite, and analog sources. Instead of having to rely on the speakers in the TV, we could channel the audio to our stereo speakers. It was not long before the introduction of surround sound technology would again change the way we listen to television.

The entertainment center and the TV stand have become the central focus for the modern electronics that have enhanced the television viewing experience. The need for cable and satellite control boxes meant that more space was needed. DVD players, surround sound processors, speakers and other components are now an integral part of TV viewing. These components need to be relatively near to the television monitor since a myriad of cables connections are still required to watch your favorite TV show.

The depth of the new high definition television sets is less than the old CRT televisions. Even a large fifty inch diameter set may be no more than six inches deep and can be hung on the wall in the same way one would hang a painting. Still, some sort of stand is needed for other components. That is where a good quality TV stand or entertainment center makes all the difference. The cathode ray tube technology will soon be a memory. Even if cords and cables are replaced by wireless technology, there will still be a need to neatly store and organize your video and audio components.

Regardless of the room decor, a TV stand or entertainment center will fit right in. The ultra modern look of some new televisions can be muted by a TV stand that is made in a more traditional style. Whether you chose a TV stand made of walnut, cherry, or other rich hardwood, you can maintain a traditional look while having ample space for all your components. From art deco to modern, there is a variety other styles that are sure to compliment any decor.