For all the fellow bed and tech enthusiasts out there, we recently had the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with the Media Glow Ottoman TV Bed Frame With Sound Activated Lighting from Bensons for Beds. This model attempts to bring together the comfort of a good night's sleep and the convenience of integrated technology. But does this high-end hybrid product actually stand up to scrutiny, or is it merely a gadget-loaded gimmick?
Design and Features
At first glance, the Media Glow TV bed frame strikes a balance between indulgent luxury and contemporary minimalism. The clean, sleek lines of the curved headboard give it an inviting appeal while maintaining the edge of modernity. Upholstered in either Anthracite Grey or Deep Blue premium plush velvet fabric, it has a sense of class However, we must point out that the limited colour options can be constraining for those with a distinctive interior design in mind. Sadly, if you're hoping for more variety, two colours will leave you underwhelmed.
Construction
The Media Glow Ottoman TV Bed appears robustly built, incorporating a range of tech-savvy features without compromising on comfort or aesthetics. The bed's unique selling point is its integrated technology. It's sold as a frame only or with an optional 32'' or 43'' TV (both 4K UHD; the 43'' adds Dolby sound and vision), which is tucked away neatly in the foot end. This bed features a 2.1 speaker system, integrating a 30W subwoofer speaker and two 15W foot end speakers. There's also the sound-activated lighting, offering either a static, ambient colour setting or a multi-colour set-up that dances in tune with sounds.
For those concerned about connectivity, the headboard features USB and USB-C charging points on both sides. As for storage, this model has a side-lifting ottoman - an excellent solution for stashing away bedding or other items. While all these features are indeed appealing, we couldn't help hedging against the bed's reliance on technology, which tends to become outdated fairly quickly. Today's luxurious 4K TV might be tomorrow's redundant tech.
Suitability
A major selling point for the Media Glow Ottoman TV Bed is its sprung slatted mattress base. This supposedly increases the overall comfort, adding a bit of bounce whilst keeping your mattress well ventilated. However, users should note that the feel of the bed will largely depend on the accompanying mattress, which is sold separately. So, even though the bed frame might be superiorly built, the comfort can be compromised if paired with an unsuitable mattress.
What Customer Reviews Thought
Owners mostly rate this bed highly. One called it "sleek and simple with a tint of elegance", another said "it's very comfortable", and the side-lift ottoman got a mention for having "loads of storage under the bed". Owners who mention price think it was good value. We still think it's steep, given our own reservations about the limited fabric options and the proprietary nature of the electronics.
Assembly sounds painless. One owner found the wires and lights "were already installed and neatly tucked away" and said it "Took two people two hours to build". The same owner liked the lighting ("The lights have so many colour and display options") and was pleased that the "Speakers can be connected to phone wirelessly".
Not every owner had it easy. One wrote that "The remote to make the TV go up and down doesn't work right out the box", and said that neither the retailer's nor the manufacturer's customer service had sorted it out. As we previously pointed out, this frame's extensive reliance on tech features introduces a touch of unpredictability. The in-built TV, while initially impressive, may not necessarily stand the test of time, particularly given the rapid advancements in technology.
The Verdict
As much as we commend Bensons for Beds for venturing into the tech-bed sphere with the Media Glow Ottoman TV Bed Frame, we're not entirely convinced that it delivers as much as it purports to. At its core, a bed's fundamental function is to promote the best possible sleeping experience, and although the Media Glow Ottoman TV Bed is laden with features and gadgetry, we can't help but question if it's actually worth the significant investment.
This bed only hits the mark if you want a multi-functional, tech-savvy piece of furniture - and are willing to overlook the high cost and the shortcomings in terms of outdated technology or limited upholstery options. However, if you're seeking an uncomplicated, functional bed that prioritises a sound sleep rather than in-room entertainment, there may be better options for you out there. And as always, remember to consider the total cost of ownership including the right mattresses, additional accessories and the potential maintenance costs of the installed technology.
