How to wall mount a flat screen TV
Mounting a flat screen TV onto the wall is one way to free up valuable floors space in a room. It's also a great way to hang the TV out of the way when you have young children - it provides a sense of safety, as heavy and expensive electronics are up and out of the way.
You will need:
Wall mounting kit*
Electronic detector
Drill plus assorted drill and screw bits
Wall plugs and screws
Spirit level
Tape measure
Pencil
Tracking or cable covers (to hide the cords)
Double sided tape
*Your mounting kits should come with installation instructions.
There are three types of mounts: low profile, tilting and full motion.
A low-profile mount is the most streamlined, but least versatile as the monitor is in a fixed position.
A tilt mount also has a tailored look and rests relatively close to the wall but allows some degree of adjustment. Tilt Mounts provide some flexibility in positioning and viewing locations. If your flat screen must be mounted above a fireplace or when there is bright light in the room a tilt mount will give better picture quality. Choosing the right mount is not difficult, but it does require that you consider how and where your flat panel will be used.
A full-motion television wall mount usually extends out from the wall on an articulated arm and can also swivel, tilt, expand and retract as desired.
1. Check that all the required materials are included with the mounting kit. You don't want to have to stop once you start.
2. Affix the mounting bracket to the back of the TV by lining up the holes. Secure with the bolts provided with the mounting kit.
3. Select the best position for mounting, taking into consideration your furniture arrangement, as well as the glare from windows and artificial light sources. Have someone hold up the monitor so that you can check the height from various viewing areas around the room and then make a pencil mark. The goal is to watch in comfort and avoid neck and eye strain.
4. The mount must be bolted to a wall. Use an electronic detector to test for hidden conduits behind the plaster before drilling into walls.
5. Use a spirit level to align the holes on the wall and mark with a pencil. If wall plugs and screws are not supplied with the mounting kit, use nylon wall plugs not less than 5cm in length. Drill the holes 1cm longer than the length of the wall plugs and then hold the plate to the wall and screw in long screws and washers, the latter should be included with the kit.
6. Plug in all necessary cables. Lift the monitor up and into place on the wall mount. Tuck the wires into the mounted cable cover, plug in your TV, then sit back and enjoy!
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