Many people place their plasma TVs on a stand, table, or other type of furniture. It can be done better! One of the strongest things about having a slim TV is the ability to mount it directly to the wall.
Steps
Step 1. Buy a wall bracket from a trusted dealer and make sure it is the right size
Make sure you are buying the right bracket for both your TV and the type of wall you are going to mount it on.
Step 2. Plan how you intend to manage the cables
If you are mounting your TV on a stud and panel wall, it is possible to run cables through the drywall panels. Running the cables this way is aesthetically perfect, but it takes a lot of effort. An alternative could be to use a cable hiding channel. There are several sizes available on the market that can give exceptional results.
Step 3. To mount the TV on the wooden posts, follow the next few steps
Other types of walls require you to follow the manufacturer's assembly instructions.
- Find the posts on the wall you would like to hang the TV from. It is essential that the screws holding the TV to the wall are screwed directly into the wood of a riser, not just the drywall. The best way to find an upright is with a post detector, available in many hardware stores for less than 20 euros. For best results, be sure to find the center of the riser.
- Once you have found the center of the riser, mark it on the wall with a pencil. Measure the vertical distance between the screw holes. Once you have decided on the height of the TV, mark with the pencil where you will put each screw.
- Check again that the stand is perfectly straight using a spirit level. It is very important that it is mounted level. It will be difficult to remedy errors if you mount it incorrectly, so it is good to double check the measurements.
- Use large screws. With this type of screws it is practically essential to first drill a pilot hole.
Step 4. Attach the holder with screws
Double check to make sure it's level.
Step 5. If you are planning to hide the cables in the wall, this is the right time to drill the wall where they will pass
Step 6. Hang the TV on the stand
This implies the use of rubber pads that are applied in the holes of the support leaving them to stabilize until they adapt to the holes.
Step 7. Double check the stability of the TV and make sure everything is perfectly fine
Step 8. Connect the cables and enjoy the TV
Advice
- Buy a laser level (between 20 and 30 euros) to determine where the screws should go. You'll be less likely to go wrong than using a spirit level and pencil.
- Save money and time by using a surface channel to hide or disguise the cables between the AV equipment and the TV. This means you won't have to spend a lot of money and time digging up the cables from inside the wall or re-plastering when you need to add new ones.
- Think ahead: even if you don't use them for the moment, buy and run DVI, HDMI, or component cables through the wall as well. It's a good idea to spend an extra 20 euros now and do it all as long as you have the tools on hand and the TV isn't hanging up yet.
- In modern homes, the posts are usually positioned 40 cm apart. So, if you find one, you may find the other at that distance. In any case, do not rely too much on this measure. Look for the riser with a detector.
- If you want to hide all your audio-visual equipment from view or in another room, you can install an infrared receiver to transmit the remote control signals to the hidden equipment.
- If you are mounting to an uneven surface (such as brick or stone), cut a piece of MDF or plywood a little larger than the support shelf. Secure it, mount it correctly on the surface, and then mount the shelf on it.
- Cut a piece of cardboard the size of your TV and test it on the wall to get an idea of the optimal location.
- Do not mount it too high. It is tempting to mount it at screen height, but many people find it more relaxing to watch it if the center of the TV is about a meter or so from the floor (eye level when seated). Although some prefer the TV a little higher to get more involved while watching a movie or playing on a console.
- Power outlets are often adjacent to the risers, so look for them nearby.
- Use a clothes hanger or wire to help you fish the cables in the wall.
- The new power sockets and / or data sockets, it is good that they are positioned above or below the shelf (but still behind the TV). Socket boxes must have a lockable back for safety; low voltage video / data cables can use open-backed socket boxes (this allows for easier routing of video / data cables).
Warnings
- If you decide to run cables through the wall, buy quality cables to prevent interference with other cables in the wall. Better to spend a little more and have your soul in peace rather than being forced to fish out the cables if they are not adequate.
- Make sure you have the ability to run all cables corresponding to each input on the TV. It may cost more, but you will never know when you are going to buy an HD Blu Ray player or a new video game console.
- If you are mounting it on a fireplace, make sure it is adequately ventilated or that the heat is not being directed directly to the TV.
- Make sure your stand is guaranteed up to weights heavier than your TV. If your TV weighs 20Kg, buy a support capable of holding 80. Does that seem too much? Wait for a baby to hang on it! Or that someone stumbles and tries to cling, or … Well, better not save on support. The health of the TV is at stake, and your own.
- The main problem in mounting the TV on the wall is to avoid pre-existing cables in the wall, if there are any. Try to be careful while drilling or screwing. Some riser detectors are also capable of detecting power cables.
- Before buying any support, it is good to measure the wall. What distance separates the various uprights? Most of the supports are not suitable for uprights more than 60cm apart, while others up to 35cm.
- The data cables that you will pass inside the wall must comply with the law, so that they can pass any inspections when, for example, to sell the house. If in doubt, ask the shop assistants where you are buying the cable. Also in this case it is good to spend more to spend only once.
- It is essential to install a power outlet if there is not one already. Passing a normal extension cable inside the wall may not comply with the regulations, risking to cause fires.
