Installing a flat panel television requires patience, preparation and a certain amount of equipment and skill. If you are at any way hesitant about mounting your flat screen yourself – DON’T!!! You will be much happier if you pay a professional a little money to properly and safely install your new video display. If you don’t want to pay someone to mount it, at least have a consultation by an expert so that you can get the proper guidance on how to mount it without causing damage. Remember, many warranties do not cover damage to a plasma or LCD flat panel received during the wall mounting process.
Now, if you are going to mount it yourself, make sure you take the following into consideration when you start planning the placement of your television:
- Drill major mounting brackets into a wall stud (use a stud sensor if you cannot find them easily)
- Purchase the right mount for your television and your room. There are non-moving and moving mounts available. Talk to your retailer about which mount would be best for your video display.
- Mount your TV on an interior wall. This will make threading the wires through the wall much easier. If you can’t hide wires directly in the wall, use wire covers to keep the room looking clean.
- Mount the TV at the right height. The TV should be placed slightly higher than eye-level from the seated position. Have a family member sit on the main home theater sofa or chair while you place a large piece of paper or cardboard on the wall and mark the best placement (read “How Big Should It Be” for information on choosing the right size television for your room).
