Flat Screen TV Mounts - How To Choose & Setup Your TV Mount

Knowing how to properly mount a flat screen television to the wall is one of the most important tools for a flat screen television owner to have. However, the flat screen television is still new to some consumers. Although it is growing tremendously in popularity and in uses as the focal point of room designs, most do not know more than to purchase a television stand like they have used on all their other television purchases. The flat screen TV mounts offer a new solution and an easy fix. This article will explain the purposes of a TV mount, its uses, how to mount them, and where to purchase them.

The “How To”

The best option is having a professional install the flat screen TV mounts. It can sometime be part of the initial purchase or as part of a later installation hire.

Despite the charge to do so, this is worth it in the long run. Be prepared to pay $50 or more to have it install. The following are two simple steps to perform before getting the brackets mounted.

Step 1

Choosing the Right One

• The right mounting bracket is the most important device you will ever purchase for your flat screen TV. Mounting your television is the one of the easies ways to integrate it into any room or to get it out of the way for decorative or safety reason. To start, you are going to purchase a mounting bracket, as most televisions do not come with one in their package. Some stores will, however, add the mounting bracket to the sale. For the sake of it, lets assume that you did not receive one with your new purchase.

• Considering the size of your television and the features of your purchased flat screen TV mounts, you need to be ready to spend between $30 and $600. Now, saying that, do not simply purchase any mount that will work with a flat screen TV. You should consult your flat screen TV's owner's manual to make sure you get the right mounting brackets. Depending on the brand and size of the television, it may require its own specific brand of bracket. Others will have a variety of options available.

• The easiest way to begin is to check for something called VESA Compatible. VESA stands for Video Electronics Standards Association, which is an organization that formulates standards for mounting brackets as well as other devices. A number combination will be listed for the type of VESA standard your TV will require. It should look something like “VESA 50/75/100.” The numbers on your TV should match with the brackets you use. Also, pay attention to the size and weight of your television, which is also going to be an option for deciding which one.

Types of Flat Screen TV Mounts:

• Flat

  • These are usually the most popular choice of mounting brackets, as they allow your new flat screen TV to hang flush with your wall. So, it looks like a picture hanging on your wall rather than a larger electronic device protruding from your wall. This is option is used above mantles, between bookcases, and walls in a cathedral ceiling room. Your price range here will be from $15 to several hundred dollars.

• Tilt

  • With the tilt wall mounts it will allow you an extra fifteen to twenty degrees of visibility for your television. This is a great option for televisions being mounted higher upon the wall. Another reason to use these is if there are two sitting areas in the room. The price range here will be from $15 to several hundred dollars.

• Articulating

  • These are the most versatile options available to someone mounting a television on the wall. It allows you to tilt, rotate, and swivel to any direction. There are endless possibilities here because of its mobility. You will need to be careful of these, because some actually stick out more from the wall when flattened into place. Price ranges on these are usually on the higher end of the market, because of their added capabilities.

• Ceiling

  • A ceiling mount is an option that you will often see in smaller rooms and in businesses. Installation will be a bit more difficult and require some extra steps. The price range on these will be about the same, with low end items being around $30 and the higher end being around $500, possibly more.

Step 2

Choose a Location

Once you do make a decision stick to it. Picking the right location is very important, because it can be time consuming and possibly damaging to your walls. Here are a few tips to help you choose the best place for your situation:

• All flat screen TV mountsshould place the television at the best height for viewing it comfortably. Should it be to high or too low you will be craning your need or bending it into an awkward position. No one likes neck strain. The best idea is to have the television positioned so that the center of it is at eye level when you are seated. A larger flat screen television will look better just a little higher than eye level. Remember that action happens all over the screen not just at the very center, unless you are watching a stationary newscaster.

• Pay attention to the light streaming in from the windows or from the lights around the room, to prevent glare on the screen. Some people say that the best time to check to hang your television when the sun is setting and streaming directly into the window. Plus this will give you a chance to see that strongest effect of any lamp lights hitting the television.

• Another option to consider is how you will be running the cables associated with the television and the devices connected to it. Cords are one of the biggest nightmares to deal with in mounting a television. There are option out there for binding the cables or covering them in order to camouflage their decent from the mounted television.

• Lastly, check that every chair that will be used for viewing the television can see the television. For comfort it needs to be an unobstructed view with no glares. You lose use of seating when you do not pay attention to this.

Where to Purchase

Flat screen TV mounts can be purchased from numerous locations, but the first best option is to buy it in the same place you purchased your flat screen television. If this is a new purchase alongside a new television purchase, then bundling it with the purchase may safe you some money on it and installation. Plus you can guarantee that they will have the type of mount you need. Do not worry about them possibly not having the mount, because most dealers and shops will try to upsell for their own bonuses. This is assurance they will have the options you need.

The next option is to consider going to a local electronics store or popular chain like Crutchfield, Most stores will give you 10-15 options in store, but online they will have access to nearly fifty different options. Their options fall between $40 and $600, all of which are beneficial options of flat screen TV mounts. Ordering online, they offer free shipping on orders over $49. These can be directly shipping to your own home or to a local Crutchfield location.

Another direction you can go, is to do a simple online search with Google Shopping, Amazon, or Overstock. You will have direct access to certain price shopping options and discounts like free shipping. Plus you will have an open comparison deal for the best price on flat screen TV mounts.