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Windows Vista Media Center in Easy Steps

Previous:
How to Choose the Right TV for Your Home

Next:
How to Hide Wires

How to Wall-Mount a Flat-Panel TV

If you choose to mount the TV on a wall, there are a few things to keep in mind. For specific installation instructions, always make sure to read your TV’s instruction manual carefully. Enlist the help of a friend; you’ll need another pair of hands, especially for large and heavy models. You’ll also need an electronic stud finder to locate studs precisely in the wall. Before hanging a flat-panel, first you’ll need to attach a wall mount.

Custom mounts: These are designed to fit your specific model. You can purchase custom mounts through your TV’s manufacturer.
Universal mounts: These are generally less expensive and can be bought from such retailers as OmniMount, Peerless, and Sanus Systems.

Types of Wall Mounts

There are a few different types of wall mounts:

Flat wall mounts: These mounts keep the plasma or LCD TV flush with the wall, usually within 2" of it.
Tilt wall mounts: These mounts allow the plasma or LCD TV to tilt up to 20° up or down, so they’re ideal when the TV is placed higher than eye level and needs to be tilted down a few inches for optimal viewing. Tilt mounts usually add 4–6" of depth.
Articulating wall mounts: Articulating wall mounts feature extendable arms that can tilt and turn the TV, usually up to 120°.
Ceiling mounts: Ideal for bedrooms, ceiling mounts attach to the ceiling and tilt the TV unit downward to minimize neck strain when viewing sizes vary.

How to Hire a Pro to Mount Your TV

If you’re not good at do-it-yourself work, or you’d like to run wires through the walls or floor so that they’re not visible, hire a professional media installer. It’s a good idea to opt for someone certified in home theater installations. Ask friends or family for recommendations. Also check with the salesperson you bought your TV from.

Crutchfield’s offers a toll-free service at 800.316.5076 that will help you find an installer in your area. Or contact HD Installers, a nationwide service, at 866.431.4388 or www.hdinstallers.com. Whomever you choose, make sure to get a written estimate before work begins.

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