Quick installation and low-pricing do come with a trade off - the inability to adjust the TV after it is mounted. Fixed TV wall mounts will not move in any direction (up or down, left or right). You can’t adjust the screen angle according to your sitting (or slouching) posture. Additionally, when you want to add or remove an HDMI cable, you must remove the TV from the wall bracket and then set it back in place again.
Tilting brackets are a step up in the TV mounting on a wall hierarchy. These will get you anywhere between 5º to 15º vertical adjustment so you can change the vertical viewing angle if needed. This allows for a better viewing experience for everyone, especially dogs and kids Tilting TV wall mounts do not, however, allow any horizontal movement. Not sure where to buy a tilting TV wall mount? When you book a TV mounting appointment with Puls, you can add a tilt TV wall mount for just $40.
A full motion TV mount offers the widest viewing angles and array of names. Manufacturers often use terms like Extending Arm, Articulating, Swivel, and full motion to describe the mount. Fundamentally, this TV wall mount bracket is anchored to the wall on one side and a swiveling arm extends outwards, towards the room. The arm can be minimized and folded onto itself so that the TV looks as if it’s flat against the wall, but you can also adjust your TV for that perfect viewing angle, tweaking it horizontally and vertically until it is perfect.
As you might expect, the full motion TV wall mount comes with a slightly higher cost and a more complicated installation process. However, the price is still modest compared to the obvious benefits - almost absolute control over your viewing angle. We say almost because there’s still a wall on the other side of the TV. Plus, this TV wall mount full motion ability offers you easy access to the back of your TV. This makes configuring and rearranging cables much simpler. When you book a Puls TV mounting service, you can opt for a full motion TV wall mount for just $60.
Rather than mounting your TV on the wall, a TV mount stand allows the device to be placed on a tabletop, a shelf, a mantelpiece and so forth. The pros and cons are pretty straightforward. There’s no drilling, and no hassle in mounting your TV. However, you won’t get the clean aesthetic that a wall mount offers. Plus, a stand isn’t very child safe, because the TV is not firmly screwed into anything.
Big, heavy flat screens are meant to be mounted to walls, not loosely set on tabletops. Having said that, some TV mounting stands are sturdier than others. Some of these stands can also be wheeled around, while others hold the TV firmly in place with brackets similar to those used for TV wall mounting. A TV mounting stand can also be useful if you need to cart your TV from room to room. Just don’t forget to take the cables with you!
All TV manuals have some general rules about wall mounting TVs, and all wall mounts have instructions attached...well at least the ones I have seen. I have some basic steps listed below followed by some links to more guides that I have found on the interweb. There’s also a bunch of wall mount threads in the HDTV Sub Forum. I suggest using the search function with the words “wall+mount”.
Depending on how handy you are, wall mounting can be pretty easy. The difficulties lay in making sure you don't cut any electrical cables behind the wall and any electric rewiring (eg new power points) should only be done by an authorised electrician.
In the below instructions, the wall mount is the bit that attaches to the wall, and the brackets are the bits that attach to the back of the TV. My suggestions on wall mounting are;
Probably a good starting point is to place a cardboard cut-out the size of your screen onto the wall where you want to mount it. Then, you can sit back on your couch and take a look at where is a suitable location and more importantly, a suitable height.
It’s all up to personal taste, but most people seem to agree that having either the middle or bottom of the screen at eye-level is the ideal height. (500-700mm from floor to base of screen).
Look around and take note of your surroundings - notice where power points, windows, antenna outputs etc are located, and don't forget to consider what's on the other side of the wall. If there is a bathroom or Hot Water heater on the other side, there may also be some plumbing in the cavity you need to watch out for.
Once you have sorted out the location, use a stud finder to locate the studs in a brick veneer wall, or maybe a magnet in a metal frame house. Studs are usually 450-600mm apart. If they are off centre, you can either mount the bracket off centre and there’s enough panel width to ensure the TV will be centred once mounted, or attach some thick plywood to the studs, and then attach the wall mount to the plywood.
Mark your holes for the wall mount (make sure it's level) and mark the access holes to feed AV leads from the TV down to the entertainment unit below.
For brick veneer walls, drill pilot holes (that are much smaller diameter than the screws you will use), then you can use the screws provided with the wall mount or if none, then use some big coach screws and use a ratchet to screw them in. You can get this hardware from your local Hardware store eg Bunnings, Mitre 10 etc.
Once you’ve drilled the first hole, mount the wall bracket onto the wall and mark the 2nd hole, making sure again that the bracket is level (perpendicular to the floor). Drill this hole and screw/bolt the mount firmly onto the wall. Now drill and attach the remaining screws/bolts. Usually two will be sufficient to hold most TVs, but having 4 screws/bolts is like having a belt and braces too.
Drill or cut out your core holes for the cables to pass through. In a brick wall I suggest drilling smaller holes around the diameter of your hole (maybe 6) and then punching out the remaining centre brick piece with a hammer and chisel. You can use wall plates (like for power points) to finish it off or those desktop grommets like on computer desks.
If you mount the TV low enough, usually you won’t have a noggin between the top and bottom cable holes. If there is a noggin blocking cables from being fed from one hole to the next, you have two options;
i) buy 4 drill bit extenders, attach a 20mm speed bore, remove some roof tiles and drill a hole through the top plate, then through any noggins until you get through the offending noggin; or
TV Repairii) using a jigsaw, cut a notch out of the noggin - don’t go too deep. This will mean you will now have a hole to patch up, but it’s a lot easier than option (i). The patch is still usually behind the TV and so will be covered up.
Feed your cables through the holes and attach to the back of the TV. I use yellow tongue (it’s the yellow plastic joining strip between two chipboard flooring panels) to assist by taping the cables to one end and feeding the yellow tongue through first.
Whilst you’re at it, I suggest you also feed through a pull string at least three times the length of the distance between the holes, so you can pull any future cables through by attaching to the string. It’s also not a bad idea to add an extra cable(s) if you know you will be adding gear in the near future. Much easier now than once the TV’s in the way.
Now mount your TV, connect the other ends of the cables to your AV gear and your away. If your TV is not quite level, you can use some cardboard or the like to prop one end up slightly.
1 If you are renting and don’t want to cut holes in the wall, Vogels have some mounts with integrated cable management between TV and Entertainment Unit shelves, or you can use cable conduits (square tubing with a removable lid) available from Hardware stores or Electrical suppliers (eg Turks, etc)
Are you tired of the cluttered look of your entertainment center? Do you wish to optimize your viewing experience and create a sleek, modern look in your living space? TV wall mount installation might just be the perfect solution for you.
Mounting your TV on the wall not only saves valuable floor space but also provides a better viewing angle and enhances the overall aesthetics of your room. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the process of TV wall mount installation, covering everything from choosing the right mount to the installation steps.
If you’re located in Naples or Ft. Myers, Florida and require professional assistance, contact Gulf Coast Installs at (239)-682-1077 to ensure a flawless installation by our TV installation specialists.
When it comes to TV wall mount installation, the first crucial step is choosing the right mount for your specific needs. There are several factors to consider, including TV size, weight, and the type of mount you prefer.
Fixed Mounts: Ideal for rooms with a fixed viewing area, fixed mounts provide a low-profile installation that keeps your TV close to the wall. They offer a sleek and discreet look but lack the ability to adjust the viewing angle.
Tilt Mounts: Tilt mounts allow you to adjust the vertical viewing angle, making them perfect for installations where the TV needs to be mounted above eye level. With tilt mounts, you can achieve optimal viewing while minimizing glare from windows or lighting fixtures.
Full-Motion Mounts: If you require maximum flexibility in adjusting the TV’s position, full-motion mounts are the way to go. These mounts allow you to swivel, tilt, and extend your TV, ensuring a perfect viewing angle from anywhere in the room. However, keep in mind that full-motion mounts generally require more space and can be more expensive.
Now that you have selected the perfect TV mount for your needs, it’s time to dive into the installation process. While it is possible to install a TV wall mount yourself, it is recommended to hire a professional for a safe and hassle-free experience.
Before starting the installation, gather the necessary tools, including a stud finder, level, drill, screwdriver, and measuring tape. Additionally, ensure you have a helper to assist you in handling the TV during the installation process.
The first step is to locate the wall studs using a stud finder. Once you’ve found the studs, mark their locations on the wall. Next, align the wall plate of the TV mount with the marked spots and use a level to ensure it’s straight. Proceed to drill pilot holes into the studs and securely attach the wall plate using the appropriate screws.
Now, it’s time to attach the TV bracket to the back of your television. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the provided screws to ensure a secure attachment. Be cautious while handling the TV, as it can be heavy and fragile.
