Archive for July, 2010
Wall mounting your Plasma or LCD TV can be done in five easy steps. Required tools are a ratchet set for the mount screws, drill, level or tape measure, sheet rock knife (if placing wires in the wall).
Step 1) Determine where you want to locate your TV. Consider a place where direct sunlight will not hit the TV. You may also want to think about where you can position the speakers to get the best surround sound and the best seating arrangement. General rule is that the seating distance should be 1.5 times from the diagonal size of the TV. When seated the bottom of the TV should be at eye height.
Step 2) Now that you know where the TV will be located, the next step is to locate the studs in the wall. It is very important that your TV mount be securely fastened to a stud and not just the wallboard. The easiest way to the studs is to buy a stud finder. (Most hardware stores)
Step 3) Next we need to determine how to run the cables from your equipment to where the TV will be on the wall. One option is to run the cables in the wall. Another option is to use a cable cover then texture and paint the cover to match the wall. If running cables in the wall, cut a hole where the TV will be and cut a hole where your equipment will be. Make sure the holes do not cross over a stub unless you plan on drilling a hole in the stud for the cables to run through. Run the wires in the wall.
Step 4) With the wires in place we know where the mount needs to be. The next step is to attach the mount to the wall. Make sure that the mount is level, either by using a level or my measuring from the floor to each side of the mount. Also make sure the screws go into the studs and that you drill (starter holes) for the screws so that you do not crack the studs. Most mounts come with the screws and tell you which size holes to drill.
Step 5) Last step is to place the TV on the mount. This is actually the hardest step, make sure you have help with this step as it is difficult to see the mount and lift the TV at the same time. You don’t want to drop it at this point and need Television repair.