Use a TV as a mirror!

ChilliBob

Hey guys,
I'm kitting out a summerhouse, one part of which is gym orientated. It would be quite useful to have a mirror in there so I could check my form when using weights... However, we don't really have space for a permanent mirror... So I was thinking I could somehow use a TV, which I don't currently have in there, but intend to add. 

Initial thoughts were webcam, but that would need a laptop. Then I thought of Eufy/Tapo cams, but not sure how to get those on the TV instead of a mobile app.

Any thoughts much appreciated! 

david29dpo

Sounds a lot more hassle than its worth.
Most cams now are only viewable on phones etc  You can still get analog ones with a scart lead that will plug into a old tv.

RumRat

Depends on how serious you are and what your budget is.....You can buy Mirror TV's of various sizes and some built for the gym, You'll need some decent cash though.. Gym / Full Length Archives - TV IN disguise
You can get them from varying sources and in different sizes, just google Mirror TV's.
My sister has one in her bathroom which works well, I'm not sure where she got it or how much.

ChilliBob

Blimey, there's something to do everything now eh? I think that's probably a bit outside my price range! Was thinking more like a few hundred for a TV, of to be honest, probably taking an older TV from the house first.

Looked at those smart mirrors, interesting, but also v expensive too! 

DullGreyGuy

There are various types of glass you can put infront of a TV to make it appear like a mirror whilst the TV is off but the TV will shine through it.  Some of the options are pricy and some will seriously darken the picture so you need a bright screen for it to be workable. The below discusses various options though is in the US so you'd need to find a different supplier if one of the options worked for you. 

https://www.twowaymirrors.com/smart-mirror-tv/

Personally wouldnt call a TV connected to a webcam "a mirror" but if you want it only whilst exercising it could work. You'd probably need a webcam connected to a micro computer connected to the TV. You could probably use a raspberry Pi for circa £100

ChilliBob

Yeah, it doesn't need to be perfect, I mean at the moment I either have nothing or a reflection in a window or door. If I had something in front of the TV (each time I needed to use) I'd also have to find storage for it - which is why I've not just gone for a normal mirror.

You're right, I think taking a laptop with me down the garden each time I exercise probably won't happen - so I'd need something dedicated. 

matelodave

Raspberry Pi and a webcam (or PiCam) feeding into one of the HDMI ports on the TV

try this - https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=raspberry+pi+home+camera+system&mid=6B2FCF2533B3E568C25B6B2FCF2533B3E568C25B&FORM=VIRE

ChilliBob

matelodave said:

Raspberry Pi and a webcam (or PiCam) feeding into one of the HDMI ports on the TV

try this - https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=raspberry+pi+home+camera+system&mid=6B2FCF2533B3E568C25B6B2FCF2533B3E568C25B&FORM=VIRE

That's an interesting option. A few years back I'd have jumped at it, these days I'd probably not have the time with the small people draining my time and brain power. Rough cost for that stuff? Around 100-120 or so?.

Cheers!

Wonder if I could do anything with my Honor tablet or Lenovo tablet (both fairly new, both budget!) somehow connected to the tv, hmm. Almost too many possibilities! 

matelodave

Try it with a Raspberry Pi Zero w (around £15) plus a web cam.  - https://www.bing.com/videos/riverview/relatedvideo?q=motion+eye+camera&mid=384EEF0BAF1FE8E24AEB384EEF0BAF1FE8E24AEB&FORM=VIRE

ChilliBob

I'd like to do that - I can see it as a project in a few years perhaps. Made me watch to the end to see the bird!