WallMount 101

The popularity of LCD and Plasma HDTV's are on the rise. Aside from traditionally setting the Plasma TV on the TV stand, many opt to exhibit its slick look and save space by mounting it up. Wall mounts are starting a new trend of their own and here at eForCity^®, we will provide you with the information you need to shop for a TV Wall Mount and instructions to install it.

Types of Wall Mounts

Low Profile TV Wall Mounts

Among several types of wall mounts, the Low Profile TV Wall Mount is great for hiding unsightly cables. With just about a 1" distance between the wall and the TV, it does the job of keeping your HDTV close to the wall. Flat panel Wall Mounts simply stay in place and are unable to tilt or swivel.

Tilt TV Wall Mounts

The Tilt TV Wall Mount is the perfect selection for those who prefer to watch TV at a slightly higher level. Tilt TV Wall Mounts are specifically designed to be mounted above the eye level and set at an angle that tilts downward. Tilt TV Wall Mounts sets the distance between the TV and the wall at approximately 4" apart with up to a 15 degree angle up or down.

Swivel TV Wall Mounts

Swivel TV Wall Mounts are perfect for all types of households and work flawlessly in any room in the house. With a flexible design, Swivel TV Wall Mounts allows HDTV's to be tilted, extended, and turned to face different parts of the room.

Wall Mount Shopping Check List

1) Hardware:

Check if mounting hardware is included in the wall mount package. Sometimes, hardware is not included and must be purchased separately.

2) Bracket specifications:

Check if your TV requires specific brackets. Most TVs follow VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) standards, which specify how far apart the holes are on the bracket / TV (in millimeters). Example: VESA 100/200 refers six holes positioned in a rectangle with two sides measuring 100mm and the other two measuring 200mm.

Mounting brackets in the market are typically compatible with more than one VESA standard. Consumers will need to simply find the VESA standard in the mounting guidelines or measure the diameter of the mounting holes manually.

3) Screen size specification:

Always stay within the appropriate weight ranges specified to ensure support of your TV.

4) Types of brackets:

Determine the type of wall mount according to your needs. Do you want the wall mount to swivel? Be elevated? Avoid glare?

How to Install a Mount

Time: up to 3 hours

Preparation:

Finding the perfect spot
a. Height:

Check to make sure the middle of the TV screen is at eye level while seated. If you are mounting the TV wall mount above eye level, be sure to recline the seat or angle the TV downwards (using brackets such as the Tilt TV Wall Mounts) to avoid neck strain.

b. Screen Glare

Avoid glares by sitting across from where you want to mount the TV and check if any glares appear and whether seating can be altered. Adjustable Wall Mounts such as Tilt TV Wall Mounts and Swivel TV Wall Mounts can help reduce the glare by allowing difference angles adjustments.

Tools needed:

Stud finder
Utility knife
Power drill
Socket Set
Tape measure
Level
Hammer
Helpful friend
TV wall mount pieces:
a. One piece to attach to the wall
b. One piece to attach to the TV

Step One: Attaching the bracket to the TV

Locate mounting holes on TV. Remove the four plastic caps and screws on the TV part of the blanket on the TV. Try to do this with the TV in upright position to avoid damaging the screen. If you must lay the TV down, be sure to cushion it with blanket.

Step Two: Wall measuring

Measure bottom of the TV itself to the bottom of the wall mount bracket attached to the TV. Save the measurement.
Using a pencil and masking tape, mark on the wall where you want the bottom of the TV to be.
Using the measuring tape, mark upwards the distance you measured from the wall mount bracket
Make markings for drill holes (ideally by having a friend hold the TV Wall Mount while you trace the holes)

Step Three: Mounting the wall mount to the wall

Locate studs with a stud finder
Once stud is found, verify studs by hammering a nail partially until you hit the stud, then pull nail out. Move about �" to the side and repeat until you hit only drywall. Repeat on the other side as well. Center of stud may be found by finding the middle of the two drywall-only holes.
Make sure mounting holes align with center of the studs
Use the leveler to make sure the TV Wall Mount is lined up perfectly. Double check this step to avoid mounting your TV crooked.

*Note: Brick/concrete studs - different set of hardware is required
Metal studs - not designed to hold extra weight so it is not recommended to mount your TV to them

Step Four : Mounting the TV to the wall

Double check where cables plug in for the TV and arrange cables before mounting the TV. Ask that helpful buddy of yours to help lift the TV to the TV Wall Mount and keep the TV steady while you screw the bracket from the TV to the wall bracket.

Step Five: Reward

Pop in your favorite Blu-ray DVD and enjoy the fruit of your labor. Lavish your helpful buddy with beer and pizza to ensure participation in future installation projects.