Automating the TV is not a problem, it's the fact that he wants to wave his hand like a magician. I'm going to look into the radar sensor another poster mentioned.

I don't think that price is a consideration with this customer(I hope).The install is in his new home and all the equipment will be moderate to high end.
The home will also have an 8 seats with "butt kickers" in the media room with a Sim2 Domino 30 projection system, Recessed screen by Screen Innovations, Triad speakers, Denon AV gear, 400 disc Sony DVD changer.
Control4 handling the lights and distributed audio with TruAudio ceiling speakers.
Living room surround will be TruAudio with Denon AV, and a 50" plasma (probably LG).

What you are looking for is a proximity sensor. These are used in the industrial world on machinery, etc. to detect items travelling in front of them (i.e. a counter on a conveyor line, jam sensor, etc.). There are different models for different ranges and even for default normally open or normally closed states. Do a google search or look on Ebay (I just saw a bunch of them there just now - even the car alarm type previously mentioned).

Thanks for the info. I'll start looking tomorrow.

Huh??? Most of dentist offices I've seen as of late are big on LCD panels...?

Homesystemguy,
Maybe your client saw this [Link: abc.net.au]
and just saw what he wanted to see.
There have been some great inovative ideas suggested on this thread and it may be doable but I hear that terrible sucking sound of a lifetime of service calls.

Same here! Reminds me of when we had to design a wall mounted frame, with the actual artwork (painting on canvas), that when the TV was turned on, had to slide on custom runners up inside the wall - exposing the TV receessed in the wall... with the frame still in place using an electric blind shade motor, some Niles auto switching stuff--- All very involved for just a little "Wow" factor... Quite a few years ago)... Can't tell you how many hours of research design and hair pulling went into it... It worked, cost a fortune-- but we still lost $$$ on it!
I'm wondering if maybe you could stash a voice opped remote behind the mirror that would respond to "TV on or TV off"? Run a constant power supply to the remote, so you wouldn't need to replace batteries?
Just a goofy thought... o.k. I'll get back to work...

Hey! That's it!

The Clapper!!!!!!

Finally a real use for one!

;]