Sanus Wall Mount

Many LCD TVs utilize flat-screen technology, where the entire TV is much thinner than older televisions. Their smaller weight and form factor make LCD flat-screens ideal for wall mounting. Even with the ideal TV, there are a number of factors to consider before outfitting your wall with an LCD TV mount and hanging your flat-screen.

Types

While TVs traditionally sit atop stands, there are multiple types of wall mounts to provide better aesthetics and viewing angles. Flat mounts are the simplest and most basic type. These two-piece mounts consist of brackets attached to the wall and a set attached to the TV. Tilt mounts are similar, but they provide both upward and downward tilting to adjust the picture to a comfortable viewing position. Articulating mounts are costly and harder to install, but they allow the TV to be moved on the mount, allowing more viewing angles and functionality than the other versions. Ceiling mounts are similar to flat mounts, only they mount onto the ceiling and the TV hangs down.

Location

Choosing where to put your wall mount is crucial. Interior walls are best, providing an easier and stronger mount, since exterior walls often contain insulation. When placing your mount, ensure the viewing angle and distance are good by sitting where you'll typically sit to watch TV. You want the mount and TV location to be relatively near to eye-level, not too close to the seating area to cause eye problems, but close enough to see detail and read text. Also evaluate how difficult connecting the TV will be; running the wires to a ceiling-mounted TV may prove more difficult than running them to an eye-level flat mount.

Compatibility

Before purchasing your wall mount, it's crucial to ensure your TV is compatible. The TV's manual likely provides information about mounting, including compatible mounts the manufacturer makes or recommends. Mountable TVs contain clearly indicated spots on the back to mount the unit, and often also include the word "VESA" on the box. When purchasing a mount, ensure that your TV fits within that mount's weight and size specifications. For the best results, purchase a mount with specific compatibility for your TV, often listed in the mount's specifications.

Preparation

Before installation, ensure you've got the tools specifically needed for your mount. LCD TV Buying Guide suggests a tape measure, level, correctly-sized sockets, a socket wrench, a Philips head screw driver, a stud finder, cordless drill, drywall saw and electrical tape. Using the stud finder, locate two studs to use as the support. It's important to install the mount on studs because the mount and TV are too heavy to simply install into a portion of drywall without the added stud support.