Video projectors are stolen from unsecure mounts every day. The best defense is the AV Cage anti-theft projector mount from Hard Steal. The AV Cage (patent pending) is a fully adjustable projector mount with advanced security features integrated directly into the design. Jump directly to the Frequent Asked Questions section.
The AV Cage completely replaces a standard unsecure mount and is designed to fit a wide range of projectors. Optional Height, Length & Width extension kits offer an even greater range of configuration. The "universal" adjustability of the AV Cage means that you will be able to lifecycle manage your projector assets without fear of having to also replace your mounting hardware.
AV Cage rev. 2 new features:
NEW in rev. 2 - Lens offset correction! The interlocking top plates are now fully perforated, allowing up to 180 possible mounting positions for the ball & collar, while also enhancing airflow around the projector. NEW in rev. 2 - Moveable lock tab! The lock tab now has a 2.5" range of adjustment. NEW in rev. 2 - Moveable arms! There are now 5 possible mounting positions EACH for the left & right arms. NEW in rev. 2 - Full wrap wings are now included with every mount! NEW in rev. 2 - "One Size Fits All" - height - width - length extension kits replace the Mini/Standard/Large sizes of the original AV Cage. Resellers & direct clients can now stock one model that will accommodate most mid-range projectors, and order extension kits if needed.
STOP PROJECTOR THEFT!
Is manufactured in North America of heavy duty 12 gauge cold-rolled steel, and finished in an attractive and durable industrial powder coat.
Ball & Collar The collar wall is a massive .5" (12.7mm) thick, machined from solid aluminum. Standard Disk Lock w/ dimple keys
The collar wall is a massive .5" (12.7mm) thick, machined from solid aluminum.
Specifications:
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Height/Width/Length extension kits: will accomodate a wide range of projector sizes & shapes.
Lock Shield: protects the lock shackle & lock tab from cutting tools.
Cable Guard: blocks access to cables and ports. Ideal for low ceiling installations where tampering or cable theft is a potential issue.
Lock Upgrades: The German engineered ABUS Diskus 26/70 disk-style lock provides premium protection. Features include a hardened steel Drill Guard and chromoly shackle, with a 5-pin cylinder and anti lock-pick mushroom counter pins. Can be keyed alike or differently. A major advantage of this lock is that the keys are numbered, allowing you to reorder the same key pattern at a future date.
AV Cage - rev 2 product sheet
AVC Rev 2 Assembly Instructions
AV Cage rev 2 FAQ
Some answers – in no particular order - to questions we frequently get asked by integrators and end-users.
Q: What are some of the typical environments that the AV Cage gets installed in?
A: We don’t always know where the AV Cage is being used, but some of the more common environments include:
classrooms
theaters
rental & staging environments
training facilities
houses of worship
restaurants, bars & night clubs
museums
hospitals
digital signage installations
Q: How easy is it to service a projector mounted in the AV Cage?
A: Very easy. In fact, no tools are required to remove the projector from the cage – just the key to the disk lock. A projector can be removed from the AV Cage for service in under 60 seconds.
Q: How easy is it to adjust yaw & pitch on the AV Cage?
A: Very easy. Yaw & pitch are adjusted via two set-screws on the collar. Adjustment should take about 30 seconds.
Q: Does the AV Cage work with my existing 1.5” pipe, or do I need special pipe?
A: The AV Cage is fully compatible with standard 1.5” NTP pipe. No special piping is required.
Q: Does the AV Cage fit over a regular mount? Do I need any other mounting hardware to hang it?
A: The AV Cage IS your mount, and completely replaces a typical unsecure mount. It comes with all the hardware you need for assembly and attachment to the end of your 1.5” pipe.
Q: Do I need any special tools to assemble and hang the AV Cage?
A: You will need an Allen key for the set-screws in the ball and collar, plus a special driver for the Tri-Groove security fasteners. Both are included with the mount. You will also need your 3/8” ratchet, driver handle, or similar to use with the driver.
Q: How commonly available are the drivers for the Tri-Groove security fasteners?
A: Unlike the tools or drivers for “security” Allen screws and similar fasteners used by competitors, the drivers for the Tri-Groove security fasteners cannot be obtained through your local hardware or electronics store. They are quite difficult to obtain, so be sure to hang on to the one that ships with your AV Cage.
Q: If I have the Tri-Groove security driver, can I use it to remove a projector from the AV Cage?
A: No. In fact, having the necessary driver won’t help you at all as there are NO EXPOSED FASTENERS on the AV Cage once it is assembled and has a projector within it. The only way to remove the projector is with the key to the disk lock.
Q: Is a lock included? Can I use my own lock?
A: Yes, a standard disk-style lock is included. This is a very secure type of padlock. As an upgrade we also offer the German engineered ABUS Diskus 26/70 disk-style lock, which provides premium protection. Features include a hardened steel Drill Guard and chromoly shackle, with a 5-pin cylinder and anti lock-pick mushroom counter pins. These can be keyed alike or differently. A major advantage of this lock is that the keys are numbered, allowing you to reorder the same key pattern at a future date.
You can also use your own lock, although keep in mind that any security solution is only as good as its weakest link. If you use your own lock, we strongly recommend that it be at least as good as our standard lock. Consult with your local locksmith if unsure.
Q: How much does the AV Cage weigh? Can I use it with a ceiling tile adapter?
A: The AV Cage rev 2 weighs approximately 18lbs (8.16kg). Yes, it can be used with a properly installed ceiling tile adapter, provided the combined weight of the mount, projector and pipe are within the ceiling tile adapter manufacturer’s guidelines. We don’t recommend this type of installation, as the cables used to secure a ceiling tile adapter are too easily cut, thereby substantially reducing the security of the whole installation. Mounting the pipe directly to a solid superstructure is always preferable.
Q: How long does it take to assemble an AV Cage? How does the assembly time compare to that of a typical unsecure mount?
A: For a one-off, allow 10 minutes for assembly of the AV Cage using a power driver. You can knock 3 – 5 minutes off per cage when doing multiple assemblies to fit the same model projector.
A typical unsecure “universal”-style mount will be a few minutes faster to assemble, but this would be an apples/oranges comparison. To add security measures to such a mount – say, a security cable and an audible alarm – would require at least an extra 10 minutes. Even then, the resulting combination wouldn’t be nearly as secure as the AV Cage, and would also add significantly to the time required to service or replace the projector.
Q: We’ve never had a projector stolen – do we really need the AV Cage?
A: Yes, you really need the AV Cage. Should you leave the keys in your ignition and the doors unlocked just because your car has never been stolen? Do you have locks on the doors to either the room or building in which your projector is installed? Why would your projector warrant any less protection? It would be like arguing that you don’t need life insurance just because you’ve never died before. If you’re installing a projector, you have to use a mount anyway. At least make it an anti-theft mount – it’s good sense and good insurance.
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