When it comes to the latest and hottest technology in televisions, high definition TVs are in. Needless to say, they offer several advantages over the standard tube televisions.
One of the advantages worth mentioning is the significant improvement in picture quality. They are also sleeker, with more modern designs that fit well with any interior. Another great advantage is that they are also well designed for mounting on the wall due to their flat design as well as their light weight. TV mounting brackets ensure that it is securely attached to the wall.
What’s Behind the Wall?
Once you consider the possibility of mounting your flat screen TV, one of the first things that you need to know is the type of material of the wall that you plan to cut in to. You don’t want to drill or cut into anything in the process of mounting.
Ready for Mounting Business
Once you have determined that it’s safe to mount in your chosen location, then it is time to look at the equipment you need to get this job done. Most of the flat panels come with the mounting hardware necessary so you there’s really no need to purchase it separate from the television. However, sometimes the provided materials are not appropriate for the type wall you have so you will still have to visit the local hardware store. Find the appropriate TV mounting brackets. Check the manual to determine a suitable bracket for your television.
The majority of flat panel TV models are compatible with several brackets that follow the standards set by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). The models will have the word VESA on them, and then followed by a number that indicates a millimeter distance between mounting holes on the brackets or the TV. An good example of this would be VESA 75, meaning that the four holes on the bracket are separated from each other by 75 mm. Some brackets are rectangular in shape and will have VESA number like 100/200, indicating that on two sides the holes are separated by 100mm and on the other two by 200mm.
Will It Hold the Weight?
Next on the list is to ensure that the TV mounting brackets you select is compatible with the screen size of your flat panel. You also need to double check that the weight capability indicated can hold the weight of your TV. Remember that it is also important to think about what you would like the bracket to do, maybe you’d want it to swivel to avoid glare or maybe to get a better view from a different seat in the room. You may need to adjust the angle of the television after mounting in order to guarantee that your view is exactly as you would like.
Reflection Factors
The ideal mounting is one where the TV screen is positioned at about eye level to your usual seating arrangement. Take note of the glare from light reflection from overhead or from outside sources since they can reduce the quality of your view.
Cleaning Up the Cables
Another aspect of the mounting is the placement of power and A/V cabling. You can run your wires inside of the wall but this will be technique can be most labor intensive and time consuming. Other options for wiring include the use of paintable cable raceways that can be attached to the wall, or you can consider running the cables underneath the baseboard or molding if there is some distance to cover. Any of these options will eliminate the disarray associated with the tangled mess of cables and cords that are often visible between your television and your entertainment cabinet; a common problem during installation using TV mounting brackets.
How Much Wire Do You Need?
After determining the route and method of cabling, you will need to figure out how much of the wiring you will need. As in any situation, it is better to have too much than too little. Once you have determined how much you need, you are basically finished with your wall mount installation.
Almost there…
From this point, all you have to do is fit the two pieces of the wall mount together; the one on the wall and the other one on the back of the TV and your flat panel TV is successfully wall-mounted. Again, remember to secure them using the right TV mounting brackets.
HDTV Buying Guide