An audio visual system has a housing with a video display and one or more speakers. The speakers are housed in cavities which limit dispersion of the sound generated, and the video display is preferably a directional LCD display. The housing is preferably mounted to a base by an adjustable arm having passages to accommodate enclosed wiring. One adjustable arm has segments joined by dual-pivot joints, while another has segments joined by single pivot joints. In both types of arms, the frictional resistance of the joints can be adjusted. Preferably, the elements of the arm are strung onto the wiring prior to assembly. The housing can also contain a light source to provide a reading light.