TV or Not TV?: The Story of Vanish Media
If you've designed a family living space you've probably been faced with the million dollar question: what’s more important, a view of the TV, or a view of the actual view/artwork? Throughout modern history, many a marriage has been strained over this delicate dilemma. But now you can have your TV, and your view too, thanks to Mark Motyl, the creative brain behind Vanish Media Systems. Push a button and out comes a home-theater-quality 110-inch screen and 4k projector whenever you want it, but not when you don’t. Because all of the units can be customized and they can match any paint color and sheen or wood species and stain, VMS has done particularly well with interior designers, architects and luxury developers in The Hamptons, Manhattan and Greenwich. We sat down with Motyl for a quick Q&A: 
DP: How did Vanish Media come to be?
MM: Most of my career was spent as a convertible bond salesman with a big investment bank (Jefferies). I left in 2011 and started building luxury homes in Westport, the first of which was our home at 30 Woody Lane. I also built 166 Cross Highway and 66 Beachside Ave (I conceived of the home, hired the architect, and then hired and supervised all the subs).
In building luxury homes, it became apparent TVs often dictated how the furniture was arranged, and not always for the better. For instance, a home with great views would ideally have the furniture arranged to appreciate the view - not the TV. I learned that A/V professionals often didn't care too much about interior design, or finding creative ways to conceal big unsightly TVs. They often recommended the most advanced, complicated, and expensive TVs and control systems that they could, while disregarding aesthetics and ease-of use. And, of course, in many homes they'd recommended a home theater - often the most expensive and underused room in a home.
Our systems allow families to enjoy that same home-theater-quality entertainment on a 110-inch screen whenever they want, and in the most accessible and desirable parts of a home. And yet, there is no hint this capability exists when it is not being used and the screen is retracted. Our systems are freestanding and wireless (other than power) which means there is no need to rip up walls for speakers or pull wires, and homeowners can move the system if they wish.
DP: Aside from preserving the view, why is this better than just getting a really good TV and audio system?
MM: Vanish Media Systems provide an enthralling you-are-there-detail that you just can't see on a 75-Inch TV, and yet unlike a TV, they disappear into high-end furniture when you are done watching. Although we are still a young company, we have been discovered by a top builder of Manhattan luxury apartments who will be using our systems to stage their apartments. While showing beautiful park-view apartments, the developer's sales team was fed up having to answer the question "where would we put the TV?"
DP: We have to ask, what does the guy who already has his own Vanish Media System want for Father’s Day?
MM: For Father's Day, I'd like to have a good morning tennis game, followed by some pool time and a BBQ with my wife, children, and our dog Lucy.
Vanish Media Systems has a showroom in Westport at 1252 Post Road East.
