A helpful guide to Wallmounting flatscreen TVs
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1. Introduction
2. What level of DIY is involved?
3. What is the best position for wallmounting a flatscreen TV
5. Selecting the right mounting brackets
6. Walltypes and mounting considerations
Introduction
High defintion screens are not the only advantage of flatpanels. They are by defintion pretty flat (10-20cm thick). With no big fat rear end we have a new freedom. No more "The TV has to go in the corner, so the sofa has to go there". A wall mounted TV has the significance of a picture frame, which of course it is, albeit a moving one. Even the space under it can be used more flexibly than ever. A well positioned wallmounted TV will stand out when you want it to, or disappear into the scenery when you dont
For many, the advantages of flat panels will actually drive their switch-over to HD. But before drilling holes into the wall, answer the following questions
- Do I have the DIY skills
- Where do I mount it (and what else will move as a result)
- What is the impact on cabling
- What type of walls do I have and what type of bracket do I need
What level of DIY is involved
To simply mount a flatpanel screen is not disimilar to mounting a shelf or kitchen cabinet. You need to be able to follow instructions, operate a drill and screwdriver, measure accurately, and use a balance to level off. Parts of it are a two-person job (to check positions from the viewing position and to lift the TV in place safely). And it will take anything between 30 minutes and 2 hours.
One important bit of advice, is to keep your patience. Familiarise yourself with the wall and prepare yourself with the right fixing plugs. Use the template provided with the wallmount, and if you can a picture frame of similar size to the TV as well for reference. Mark off all points and levels on the wall in pencil, double check everything, and do plenty of 'standing back' to check your work in reletion to the bigger picture. You dont anything out of line after you start drilling.
Whats the best position for wallmounting a flatscreen TV
Many people think of the TV as a large picture frame so it may help to use a picture frame to predict the end result. You are pretty much free to put it in the position that you like best but you should consdier the following;
Heat
The TV generates heat (and in some Plasmas, a lot of heat), so they can tolerate a little heat from other sources, but they would probably have a longer life with cool clean air. To demonstrate how flexible they are, they can be placed above fireplaces. Feel the wall with your hands with the fire having been on for a long period. If its warm/hot, you shouldnt mount it there without a lengthy investigation using manufacturers specifications. Also, the direct rise of warm air from radiators and fires must be deflected out away byond the front face of TV by a shelf or mantelpiece.
Light
It is wise to consider room lighting, and light flooding in from windows. Glare cuases eye strain, and reduces picture quality. Plasma image quality is more effected by streaming or overbright light. Screens generally perform best with subtle rear lighting, and this can be created with variable up/down lighting a suitable distance from the screen, without direct light from the buld to the viewers eyes.
Cables
You are likely to have to plan in your budget for some new cables. RF cables for Aerials and Satellite dishes can run long lengths. Use proper PAL or F-type connectors for any joins, and replace lengths of cable instead of adding joins if you can. You can normally assume you are safe at under 5m for cables such as Scart and HDMi connections to DVD players and receivers. But remember, you have probably used 2 metres that just going from the TV to the floor and back up to the reciever/players.
Another important aspect is how to hide or tidy cables. The best impact, especially if you have a home cinema will come from burying all the cables and letting the TV (and speakers) "float" on the wall. Professionals and enthusiasts will cut into walls to create a boxed run inside a wall cavity. Either way, remember that you will change your decoration, your cables, or your TV (and therefore the position of the sockets) when planning your cable tidying system so gouging channels and using polyfilla is probably not a good long term solution. A simple TV on the wall with a few cables may just require a discrete moulded cable tidy or cable duct solution, preferably that can be painted the same colour as the walls. It will normally need to be about 2 inches wide and kept in a straight line so that you can chase cables through later.
Height
Many people imagine the TV quite high on the wall (maybe this is caused by shop demo areas or 'designer' living rooms in magazines and films). The ideal position is actually centred on the viewers eye line (while sitting). The picture loss a small amount of sharpness when not viewed from the right angles. Worse case you are introducing eye and neck strain. One compromise between looking good and being practical is to have the bottom in line with sitting eyes, and the top inline with standing eyes. The main point is its up to you but you should be aware of the viewers eye line when establishing the position. If you are forced to have the TV up high (eg by a fireplace), consider using a tilt-mount.
Power supply.
LCD TVs are power efficient (compared to CRT and Plasmas), and Plasma TVs are 200-300% more power hungry, and this should be taken into account when allocating sockets on wall outlets and extensions.
Selecting the Right Mounting Brackets
All flat panel televisions and mounting brackets should be VESA compliant. Many manufacturers supply there own (at extra cost). Mounting brackets from independants (eg Omnimount) will fit 99% of TVs and come presupplied with a pack of nuts and bolts and adapters of various sizes to fot your particular model. In general, you should ensure that the wall mount is rated for your size and weight of TV, and in general you may want to make sure that it would allow for any future expansion (your next TV might be bigger).
Some wall mounts swivel and/or tilt, which is particularly useful in bedrooms. A cantilever or swivelling mount is particularly helpful if you need to get to the back of the TV to recable regularly (to connect a games box). They also allow you to mount the TV on 'side' wall, or above a space you use during the day and tuck it away when not in use.
All the instructions and templates will be included with the wallmount. Read them carefully.
Walltypes and mounting considerations
There are mainly two types of walls, panel walls (stud) and solid walls (brick or breeze block). Make sure you know which, and use the best plugs you can get for the job. Solid walls are easy to secure the mount (usually with 4 fixing points). Stud walls should have at least 2 fixings secured directly into the studs (downward beams the wall panels are secured onto). If only two fixings are applied into the same stud, then for extra security use two secure fixings into the panel (as you might for a picture frame or low load shelf).
Take care to avoid plumbing and electrical paths in the walls. There are DIY devices that can help you locate studs, electriity cables and metal pipes without damaging walls.
Also worth reminding you that LCDs are considerably lighter in weight than Plasmas.
We hope this guide has been helpful
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