Mounting a Flat Panel TV
While most flat panel TVs include a base for table top and counter top locations, this just doesn't have the impact of wall mounting the TV. First, make sure that you are comfortable with putting a couple of holes in your wall. I'm not just talking about screw holes- you may want to run the cable and power behind the wall so that they are not visible. If you don't have an electrical outlet nearby, you can have an electrician install one behind the TV. It is easy to run your cable or satellite signal behind the wall. This works well if you have an equipment rack or cabinet below the TV.
Here's what you need to run the low voltage wire:
2 Single Gang Low Voltage Mounting Brackets <– This model includes a template
If you have newer equipment, run HDMI instead of coax cable
or
or
Double HDMI Wall Plate <– This is what I used; see picture below
Also get
HDMI 2m (6 Feet) cable <– The price on this is unbelievable!
and/or
For the cables, you will need three for each connection- one from the TV to the wall, one behind the wall, and one from the wall to the component.
1. Using the templates provided in the mounting brackets, mark and cut the drywall. You will make two holes, one behind the TV and the other behind the equipment cabinet. You can save the pieces of drywall in case you ever want to patch the holes.
2. Install both mounting brackets.
3. Attach a suitable length of the cable(s) to the back of one wall plate. Drop the other end of the cable(s) into the upper mounting bracket and attach the wall plate to the wall.
4. Fish the cable(s) from behind the wall through the lower mounting bracket (I used a wire hanger).
5. Attach the cable(s) to the other wall plate and attach the plate to the wall.
Selecting the TV mount
For the mount, you've got three primary options:
Flush mounts come in two varieties- fixed or tilting. These are the most sturdy mounts.
Pivot Mount (The linked model is for 15'-32" screens)
Pivot mounts position the TV away from the wall a bit to allow a lateral pivot. The degree of pivot depends on the mount and the size of the TV.
Swing arm mounts offer the greatest range of motion of the mounts, but seem to me to be the least sturdy. I have two swing arm mount in my house. I haven't had any problems yet, but when the arm is extended I can't help to wonder if the screws in the wall are going to hold.
Some notes about hanging the TV mount:
Factor in the weight- Plasma TVs weigh much more than LCDs. Compare the wight guidelines on the mount to your TV
Use a level, then use it again- You really want a level mount. Good mounts have ways to make small adjustments so that your TV can be leveled in case it is slightly off.
Make sure that the mount you purchase can accommodate the VESA screw pattern on the back of your TV.
Pictures of my mounted TVs
This is a 40" LCD TV. The swing arm mount allows me to pivot the TV to watch in two different rooms. Notice the Double HDMI Wall Plate.
This is a 23" LCD TV.
This 19" LCD TV will be mounted under the cabinet with this inexpensive mount.
Jon
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