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How Do I Choose between the Different Kinds of TV Wall Mounts?
One of the most popular ways to display a flat-screen television is to attach it to a wall, eliminating the need for a bulky entertainment center. While this is usually a convenient choice if you need to save space, the process of selecting from the different kinds of TV wall mounts can be difficult. Before you choose, consider the types of TV wall mounts, including flat, tilting and articulating. You also should read the specifications of the mount before finding one for your TV, because the weight and screen size of your television are important details. In addition, think about whether you want to install it by yourself or hire someone to do the job, because some television wall mounts are easier than others to install on your own.
The least expensive, most basic type of television wall mount is typically the flat kind, which positions the TV flat against the wall with no angle adjustments. This is often the best choice if you plan to mount the TV directly in front of a seating area, especially if you have a plasma television since a flat mount usually provides the best viewing angles. If you plan to mount your TV above the typical viewing area, you may want to consider a tilt mount, which allows you to angle the TV slightly to provide for better viewing and fewer screen reflections. A tilt/swivel mount is similar but also allows you to swivel the screen from side to side to help get rid of reflections caused by light. Another popular type of mount is the articulating mount, which features an arm that can push the television toward viewers and allow it to be tilted or swiveled at various angles.
Once you have considered the different kinds of TV wall mounts, you should take your television's specifications into consideration. Many mounts feature a weight limit, and exceeding it can cause the mount the break and the TV to fall. You also should make sure your TV screen is not too tall or wide for the mount you are considering, because most of the different kinds of TV wall mounts on the market are meant for certain screen sizes. In addition, some mounts only work with particular television types or brands.
After browsing the prices of the different kinds of TV wall mounts, you may assume that your only cost will be the mount itself. Some mounts, however, are not easy to install on your own, which means you will have to spend extra money to hire a professional to do the job. For this reason, you should find out which one of the different kinds of TV wall mounts is easiest to install on your own if you do not plan to hire someone for this task.
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![VESA wall mounts allow televisions to be hung on the wall.]()
By: Kirill KedrinskiVESA wall mounts allow televisions to be hung on the wall. -
![Some television wall mounts may be easier to install on your own than others.]()
By: Peter HögströmSome television wall mounts may be easier to install on your own than others.
Discussion Comments
@Feryll - Sounds like you or your friend needs to pay close attention to the part of this article where it mentions that wall mounts are designed to hold different amounts of weight. To be on the safe side, you should get mounts that are able to handle weights greater than the object you are hanging.
Once you have the right equipment and tools, putting the TV in place is relatively simple, even if you are not a professional.
I spent an entire Saturday helping my friend mount his new plasma TV on the wall above his fireplace. It seemed like a simple enough job, but we had a tough time getting the pieces connected to wall and the TV just didn't appear stable.
We worked for hours trying to get the TV situated so it was at the perfect angle. When I finally left, the TV was attached to the wall and my friend was pleased with the way it looked.
The next morning he called me and told me that a loud noise woke him the night before. Yes, you guessed it, the TV fell off the wall. The TV was damaged. The point of the story is if you don't know what you're doing you might want to have a professional hang your expensive TV on the wall.
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