Television Console (retired)

[sarahgregarious]

This item was introduced in 2015 and retired in 2019.

A large TV console was truly the entertainment center in the 1950s. This one features a built-in pretend record player and encyclopedia books, a bonsai tree figurine, three pretend records and record sleeves, and a paper-card "screen" to view on the TV. Plus, your girl can create and watch her own videos on the console with her iPad* W: 11 3/4" (29.8cm) x H: 13 1/2" (34.3cm) x D: 4 1/4" (10.8cm).
*Use your iPad (not included) to download the free Maryellen TV Console app from the App Store. The American Girl app works with iPad 2, iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad Air, and iPad Air 2. Does not work with other devices. Screen protectors may interfere with TV functions.


I love this piece! It is HEAVY but so cool! Hubby helped me figure out where to touch the iPad when it is NOT in the TV to get it to change the volume, video, and make static so in fact, you could make your own console! I'll try to take a video of us playing with that and add it to the review later on. For now, I have a ton of pictures.

You use a coin to close the case around the iPad and there is an option to change between the iPad and the iPad Air so there is a very secure fit around it. The instructions provided weren't complete in my opinion but I was able to figure it out. The side panel of the tv is pretty difficult for me to open and I was very upset to see that the tv is scratched INSIDE the screen (there's a photo of me pointing at it in one of the photos). I'm hoping to be able to squeeze my hand inside to clean the inside of the tv screen but don't know if that will help. There are four smudges on the inside too (fingerprints?) which will have to be cleaned, too, but they are difficult to photograph.

IMG_6498 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr. This is how it comes in the box.

IMG_6499 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
The records and sleeve are taped to the bottom of it and I could see them getting damaged as you remove them if you're not really careful.

IMG_6501 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr

IMG_6500 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
The accessories laid out.

IMG_6506 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
Instructions Pg 1

IMG_6503 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
Instructions Pg 2

IMG_6505 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
Last page of instruction booklet

IMG_6507 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
The side panel doesn't just pop open on mine. It's difficult to make it open.

IMG_6508 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
Once the panel is open, you can see where the iPad case fits in. The part (side strap) you grab is rubber and flexible.

IMG_6509 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
Two sided board is VERY thick and sturdy which I appreciated! I keep the "stay tuned" side showing when not in use.

IMG_6510 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
Showing the coin lock function. There's one at each corner.

IMG_6512 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
The toggle between iPad and iPad Air. there are two toggles.

IMG_6514 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
The other side of the included board.

IMG_6517 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr

IMG_6519 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
My screen has a big scratch INSIDE it.

IMG_6522 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
My real life "Scooter"!

IMG_6524 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
If you turn the antenna, the screen becomes staticky!

IMG_6528 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr
The music screen.

Long story short, I think this piece is really amazing and really gives you a lot of chances to show your creativity! The fact that you can control everything on the outside with buttons is very cool and realistic! And since hubby showed me where you need to touch the iPad screen (or iPhone!) to make the static appear, change the channels, or play music in "toy" mode, you can actually make your own console and download the app for free if you don't have an iPad! Very cool!

Actually, I'm sorry guys -- the iPad had been in the case (but not inside the TV) when he was showing me this. Once we removed the case, it wouldn't operate the way we wanted. He figured out that the four pieces in the corners of the case are providing pressure which he thinks is telling the app that the iPad is in the tv. So, longer story short -- it looks like you CAN'T use the functions without the case.
IMG_6545 by EmmaGaga, on Flickr

I'm leaving out more info as I think it is covered in most of the video reviews you can find on Youtube.

My grade:
Playability: A+ (if you have an iPad)
Durability: A
Value for the Money: if you have an ipad - A+! If not, well, it would just sit there so I really couldn't say.

[beckykay76]

I was all set to buy this at the KC store this weekend, but then I saw the new modern TV. And, then I started thinking, "I don't have an iPad. I don't plan to get an iPad, and what happens when that technology is obsolete?"

I ended up buying neither TV.


So, tell me, can the tv be fun without the iPad?

[aacklam]

Oooh! I like that you were able to figure out where to touch the screen to make the functions work. We have an iPad mini, and we did download the app, but I don't think it will fully work inside the console. I can see trying to build one of my own that fits the mini.

Do the records play (spin and make noise) without an iPad?

I could also see the possibility of making a variety of black and white pics of 'TV show' snippets to glue onto a piece of foam core so they can be seen through the TV.

[stellabella]

What is the quality of the iPad case? Would this be something you could use all the time for the iPad? Is it durable? Thank you for the great review!

[sarahgregarious]

Sept 7, 2015 21:41:21 GMT -5 aacklam said:

Oooh! I like that you were able to figure out where to touch the screen to make the functions work. We have an iPad mini, and we did download the app, but I don't think it will fully work inside the console. I can see trying to build one of my own that fits the mini.

Do the records play (spin and make noise) without an iPad?

.

You can totally build your own console, it would be really cool if someone would!! And I'll make a video showing you where to press (sometimes you need two fingers!) to change functions.
ETA : Nope, sorry, please see the end of the original review for an update. You canNOT make your own and have it function the same without the case (unless you can figure out a very sensitive "pressure" system).

The records never spin or make noise, you don't need to put them on the tv, it's all the iPad that makes the noise. The speakers are fake, you just hear your own iPad's sound out of the left one.

[sarahgregarious]

Sept 7, 2015 21:53:47 GMT -5 stellabella said:

What is the quality of the iPad case? Would this be something you could use all the time for the iPad? Is it durable? Thank you for the great review!

I think it would Be! It's VERY thick and sturdy feeling and the coins make sure it locks in nice and tight! I think they had this in mind when designing it personally, that you would keep it in the case a lot. Then again, Ypu can't use the camera when the case is on, so I guess not lol!

[MaryCarly]

I downloaded the free app to my ipad and I was able to watch the included Maryellen movies just fine without the television console. I even recorded my own video and played it back.

My husband was such a good sport about starring in my show. We both had a good laugh and then I used my phone to videotape the video so I could send it to my daughter. What a fun app!

[sarahgregarious]

Sept 8, 2015 10:18:18 GMT -5 MaryCarly said:

I downloaded the free app to my ipad and I was able to watch the included Maryellen movies just fine without the television console. I even recorded my own video and played it back.

My husband was such a good sport about starring in my show. We both had a good laugh and then I used my phone to videotape the video so I could send it to my daughter. What a fun app!

The debate is over if you can build your own console and use the "toy mode" to press the buttons which it appears you can't without the case it comes in. Of course not in toy mode you can make videos and watch them. Sorry if that's wasn't clear.

[anne]

saragregarious, how do I find the app to put on my ipad?

[American Girl Rescue]

Sept 10, 2015 15:25:32 GMT -5 anne said:

how do I find the app to put on my ipad?

It's in the Apple App Store. Maryellen's Television Console. It's Free! I put it on my iPad too and found it great fun!

[keeperofthepast]

A friend of mine has this and I think it is quite nice. It looks very much like the Tv console we had back in the 1970s. The tiny records are absolutely darling.