The rails use predrilled holes in the rear of the TV. The metal rails normally consist of two perpendicular arms that connect to the wall plate. Once the mount is attached to the wall, the TV can be hung on it and can be adjusted to the left or right for centering purposes.
Flat panel wall mounts are built from steel and designed handle a variety of weights, typically by screen size. A generic flat panel wall mount may be rated for 26-42 inch displays having a maximum weight of 100 pounds. For 42 -50 inch displays the maximum weight may be 150 pounds. Wall mounts designed to support larger screens are sometimes named two-stud mounts. The wall plates are developed to attach to two wall studs. If the television is going to be mounted to a concrete wall, cement anchors (lag bolts) should be used.
Appearance
For the cleanest appearance, wall mounts are available that will keep the flat screen display inside one inch of the wall. This type of mounting bracket does not allow the television to be tilted. Plan to install the mount at the correct height that the TV will be viewed because of the stationary position of the TV. If the viewing angle needs to be changed, tilt wall mounts are available. A tilt type mount holds the TV further away from the wall. This provides enough space to allow the bottom of the flat panel to be pushed in towards the wall, which in turn, pushes the top forward. Tilt wall mounts have varying degrees of tilt, depending on the model and manufacturer.
- Image by pajp via Flickr
Types
Some tilt wall mounts work on a ratchet principle in which the tilt is adjusted by moving the display by hand to the desired angle. Other tilt mounts require the use of a special tool in order to alter the angle. Typically, if the angle needs to change frequently, the former model will most likely be worth the additional expense for the convenience of allowing the TV to be tilted by hand.
Considerations
Before buying a wall mount, note the back of the TV that will be hung on the mount. Not all flat panel TV’s have flat backs. Some models have a protruding modular box exactly where the television’s connectors are located. If this is the type of television you have, a tilt wall support is needed allowing for extra space from the wall. Still other wall mounts raise up or down and swivel left or right. This type of mount is aptly named an articulating wall mount and is used mainly with smaller LCD flat panel TV’s.
For very large rooms, you may choose to use a ceiling mount. The ceiling mount consists of a tiny base with an arm that extends downward. This allows for positioning of the tv inside of a furnished area that does not have walls nearby. Some mounts are designed with a 90-degree swivel. If you have a small tv, you could use this type of “flip down” mount that is mounted below the kitchen cabinets. Although there are many types of flat panel tv wall mounts to choose from, they typically mount in similar ways. Just be sure that you choose the right wall mount for your specific needs.
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