Sanus Wall Mount

HDTVs are usually very flat and fairly lightweight when compared to older standard definition sets. Since they are so lightweight and easy to move around, many choose to mount their HDTVs on the wall. But there are many options to choose when mounting an HDTV on the wall, from what type of mount you'll use to wiring and installation.

Mount Compatibility

Before looking at mounts you should first find out what kind of mount is compatible with your HDTV. Some TVs require special kinds of brackets, while others are compatible with almost all types of wall mounts. You also want to find out how much your TV weighs and be sure to get a mount that can support more than that weight. You can find this information in your owner's manual.

Wall Mount Types

The most basic type of wall mount for an HDTV is a flat mount. These place the TV very close to the wall, usually about an inch away, but they don't allow for the TV to be adjusted at all. For that, you'll need a tilt or swivel mount. Like their names suggest, these latter mounts allow you to move the TV around a bit, and are ideal in rooms where occasional glare or reflections may be a problem. Even more advanced are articulating mounts, which attach the TV to an arm that can fold out away from the wall and even swivel. Ceiling mounts, although less common, are also an option.

Height

The height of your mount is an important thing to consider. While many set up wall mounts above fireplaces or higher up on their walls, most experts agree that an HDTV should be set up at your eye level when you are seated. Setting up a mount any higher can lead to eye and neck strain.

Wiring

One of the most difficult aspects of mounting an HDTV to the wall is the issue of wiring. You can have the wiring installed into your wall, but this can be very labor intensive and will usually involve replacing some drywall. Other options include cable railways that hide all the cables behind a relatively unobtrusive plastic cover, or wall mounted stands and shelves that can help cover up your cables. No matter what wiring set-up you choose, you'll want to pick sturdy cables of the right length, since it will be hard to adjust or move them later on.

Installation

After you've decided what kind of wall mount you want and the set-up you want to go with, you'll have to decide whether or not you want to attempt it yourself or if you want to hire a professional installation service to do it for you. You should be comfortable with hanging pictures and mounting shelves if you want to install a basic TV wall-mount, but if you plan on installing any wiring or additional lighting, then you'll probably need to be comfortable with basic home electricity work and drywall repair. If those sound like things you cannot do, you may want to have a professional service install your mount for you.