Mounting a flat screen TV is relatively simple as long as you know what your options are and purchase the appropriate size and style of mount for your television. There are four basic types of mounts, and each one comes in various sizes to fit most television designs.
Considerations
Most mounts consist of two main parts---the part that is fixed to the wall and the part that connects to the back of the television. Before you buy your TV mount, check the owner's manual of the television for information about appropriate mounts. You can also go by the information on the mount package itself.
In most cases, you install the wall plate first by finding a stud to anchor it to. If you have a very large mount, you may need to use two studs.
Next, you attach the second part to the back of the television. Most flat screen TVs are set up for mount attachment, so this shouldn't be very difficult.
The television should then be ready to hang on the wall plate. Always read and follow the directions that come with the mount, as each model has different steps and variations. Failure to follow the instructions could lead to damage to the television and even injuries.
Types
The four main types of flat screen mounts are flat, tilt, swivel, and ceiling.
In a flat mount, the television is attached to the wall plate and usually extends about one inch from the wall. Once installed, it does not move.
The tilt mount allows the screen to be tilted up and down.
The swivel mount can also be tilted, but the television is attached to an arm that allows for it to be turned right or left as well.
In a ceiling mount, the plate attaches to the ceiling and the television is attached to an arm that hangs down. It may or may not be able to tilt or swivel.
Potential
The main advantage of the flat or standard mount is that the TV sits very flat against the wall, often only extending about an inch. It can be used for any size flat screen television, and is most appropriate for rooms in which the screen can be seen from entire viewing area. The main disadvantage, of course, is that the screen does not move, so anyone sitting on the side or too close to the floor may not be able to see the screen.
The tilt mount allows you to tilt the television. In most, you just push the screen up or down. There are some designs, however, that require a tool (usually supplied) to move the screen, which is much less convenient. The tilt mount can be used for almost any size flat screen television and is appropriate for most room sizes. Like the standard mount, anyone sitting too far to the left or right of the screen may not be able to see the picture.
Swivel mounts, also known as articulating mounts, are excellent for large rooms because they allow the screen to be seen from virtually any angle. The main complaint about this kind of mount is that the television is not flat to the wall---the arm causes it to stick out quite a bit (distances vary). However, if it can be strategically mounted close to a corner and turned in the appropriate direction, this may not be a significant problem. A variation of the swivel mount allows the television to be turned up or down at a ninety degree angle. This people who are lying down close to, or underneath, the television to see the screen.
Ceiling mounts are good for very large or irregularly shaped rooms and are popular in public settings.
Expert Insight
When mounting a television, you have to deal with the various power cords and cables. While you can leave them hanging in the open, most people prefer to conceal them them. One way is to buy a cord cover and paint it to match the walls. There different kinds of covers, some that stick over the cables, and others that are actually nailed to the wall. One of the disadvantages of using a cord cover is that you cannot easily add or remove connections to the television---you have to reinstall and, most likely, repaint the cover.
The most popular option for hiding the cables is to drill two holes in the wall, one behind the TV and one near the floor. You then feed the cords are through the top hole run them down the wall and through the hole by the floor. This way the cables are completely hidden and you can add or remove them with ease. The main disadvantage of this option is that you will have two holes in the wall that will be noticeable if you decide to move the television to another location.
Warning
Purchase the right size mount for your size television. In general, smaller TVs can be safely used with any of the types of mounts. Larger televisions must have sturdy mounts because of their weight. Swivel and ceiling mounts available for larger televisions, but these usually have two arms and are designed to be well-anchored into two wall studs.
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