Vanish: Big News About Westport Big Screen Business

Everyone loves watching a giant home theater screen.

But no one loves the space it takes on a wall, during the many hours no one is watching.

Three years ago, Mark Motyl looked at that wall. He saw a beautiful opportunity.

The longtime Westporter — whose 2 previous careers were trading bonds and building spec houses — embarked on a third.

His company, Vivid-Tek, creates customized furniture: credenzas, benches, dressers. They hide a large screen.

It emerges — when needed — with the push of a 6-button remote. When not in use, it retracts back into invisibility.

Three hidden big screens — and one that’s risen up, for viewing.

Vivid-Tek — later named Vanish Media System — grew quietly but substantially. Its systems can be seen (or not seen) in homes in Greenwich, Westchester, the Hamptons and Manhattan. They’re in 10 states, and Canada.

And of course, Westport. There’s one, for example, at the Beachside Avenue property that just set a town-wide sales record.

In 2021 Motyl opened a showroom in the plaza near Fortuna’s. Customers saw the system in action.

They could also book the space for private viewings. Julia Marino’s family and friends watched the snowboarder win a silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Watching Julia Marino’s silver medal snowboard performance, at the Vanish showroom.

A few months later, I enjoyed World Cup soccer matches there. With Dolby Atmos Surround Sound and a 4k projector, it was just like being in the stadiums. Except I was much closer to the action.

(Like the host country of Qatar, Motyl did not sell beer. But he provided snacks, and was plenty of fun to watch games with.)

A few months later Vanish moved closer downtown, across the street from Design Within Reach.

Vanish showroom, downtown. 

Soon, Vanish’s showroom will vanish.

But the company is not going anywhere. In fact, it’s flourishing.

The website (VanishDesigns.com) does an effective job of explaining how the video systems work, and why many people are moving away from large, wall-mounted TVs.

Between the site and word of mouth, a showroom is no longer necessary.

Vanish sells a couple of systems each week. For every one, they average 2 more sales to friends of the client, after they experience it firsthand.

Motyl also sees a broader shift away from traditional basement home theaters. Many homeowners realize they can have an immersive experience in the parts of the home they love spending time in: living rooms, family rooms, great rooms with views.

A credenza conceals a powerful sound system and 110-inch 4K screen in this Manhattan apartment, under an original Calder tapestry.

“Large TVs are increasingly at odds with good interior design,” Motyl says.

“Beyond dominating wall space, they offer a viewing experience that is less immersive that what today’s ultra-short-throw projection technology can deliver — especially when that technology is hidden inside elegant, low-profile furniture.”

Motyl has also begun selling directly to AV integrators at trade pricing. That further reduces the need for a retail presence.

Vanish will continue to be based in Westport. “We are deeply grateful to the town and its residents for making our experience here so rewarding,” Motyl says.

Congratulations, Mark Motyl, on Vanish’s next move.

But I was looking forward to watching World Cup matches this summer in the Vanish showroom. The price would have been a lot lower, for sure. A seat for the final at MetLife Stadium will go for up to $8,680.

Or I can just buy a system myself.

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