|
How to Mount Your Flat Screen LCD or Plasma TV
So, you bought yourself a new, flat screen Plasma or LCD television. Congrats. You probably have that perfect wall decided on to mount it in your spare bedroom that will soon become your sanctuary. There is only one question that remains - How to wall mount your flat screen TV?
The first thing you should think about is whether you're planning to hire an expert or mount it on your own. If you're undecided about any of the following, you're better off to hire somebody else to mount the TV. But, if you want to get your hands a little dirty and possibly make a few mistakes and miscalculations so you can have a sense of accomplishment, by all means, keep reading.
Once you've designated an hour or so to get this job done and chosen the wall, do a quick determination as to if that wall is an interior or exterior wall. Though it's not always the case, walls on the interior usually give you less trouble than exterior walls.
Of course, we know you have already made sure that your LCD or Plasma television actually can be wall mounted, right? Just in case you haven't done this yet, don't fret. Although the bulk flat screens that are on the market now are mountable, some early models aren't. Make sure you check the box. Do you see the words “VESA Compatible” or some variety of that? If it is, then you are in luck, and you are able to proceed. And, because you've done a little research and chosen the right TV wall bracket for your display, we can go right to the exciting part - tools. If you've got some of the basic tools in your home, like a tape measure, drill, and a screw driver, you're good to go. It will also help if you've got a stud finder so you don't end up mounting your new TV in just drywall.
Once you've got an idea of where you would like the new TV, check for a wall stud and make final placement changes. Don't forget to confirm you're nearby an electrical outlet or you will just have a worthless screen on your wall. Once you've found studs, you can fasten the wall brackets to the back of the TV screen. You should take care of this before you attach the bracket on the wall so that you are aware about any adjustments that should be made to the final placement of the mount.
Once adjustments are made, make marks where the anchor bolts will need to be put in and drill the holes ahead of time, since they're often difficult to start. Also, go ahead and cut space for cabling when you put in the anchors and then you'll be able to run the cables. Make sure the wall mount is leveled and sink the anchors. After the brackets and mount are attached, ask a friend for some assistance to lift the screen on wall. You really shouldn't try to do this yourself since the televisions tend to get heavy and awkward when being lifted by one person.
Now for the best part - sit back with an ice cold drink and watch the big game on your new wall mounted flat screen LCD or Plasma TV.
|
