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Time to watch TV? Turn on the mirror

Custom two-way mirror uses state-of-the-art technology to hide flat panels

Mike Yamamoto Staff Writer, CNET News.com
Mike Yamamoto is an executive editor for CNET News.com.
Mike Yamamoto

Consider this an update to the old Hollywood cliche of the wall safe hidden behind a painting. The difference is that, instead of family heirlooms and Krugerrands, the treasure is your television set.

Two-way TV mirror
Media Decor

Media Decor, which brought us the "HideandChic" art-over-TV disguise, has released a two-way "Media-Mirror" that conceals your flat-screen TV. If we understand the way it works (always a dangerous proposition), the framed mirror doesn't slide away to reveal the television; instead, its reflection essentially disappears when the TV behind it is turned on by remote control. It's able to do this because it's no ordinary mirror--it is a "beam splitter" with dielectric coating instead of the usual metallic film, which allows the image to be transmitted through the custom-made glass.

Not only is it a great way to impress your guests, but a mirror also seems a lot more convincing disguise than a digital reproduction of Starry Night in the HideandChic model. One thing to note: Pricing on the Mirage-Mirror starts at $4,200. But hey, that's a small investment to protect your $130,000 Yalos Diamond LCD.