Today, most HDTVs (with increasingly thin screen panels) come with mounting options that allow you to position the TV on an available wall space. That's good news for most homeowners with limited living room space who need that perfect spot! But a TV wall installation still requires a little forethought to make sure everything works out for your entertainment system. Here's what you need to consider before you start drilling holes!
Weight and Support
It's a minor point, but one of the most important steps: Your wall needs to be able to support the TV! It's important to 1)always use a mount that is designed for your screen size – otherwise, it may not be able to properly hold up the television, and 2)make sure you are drilling properly into the studs with recommending screw types so that the mount is properly attached to the wall. A good stud finder may be helpful at this point.
Accessories and Cables
One issue that wall mounts have is the cable question: Where exactly are you going to run the important cables like HDMI and antenna or power cables? Where are you going to put the related receivers, set-top boxes, or consoles while your TV is floating up on the wall? With effort, some cables can be run behind walls to help hide them effectively. Installing nearby shelves can also help hide cables while supporting important devices that your entertainment system needs. Going wireless as much as possible will help here, too.
Centering in the Living Room
Should your TV be centered? What would you have to give up to center it? What other alternatives do you have for placement? Many living rooms are designed for a TV to be placed above the fireplace (not advised with a wood fireplace), which is typically a central location – but not all living rooms have this option. Remember, many mounts allow you to angle a TV, or even place it in a corner, so a to-the-side placement may not be as impossible as it seems.
Height and Activities
Speaking of putting a TV wall installation over the fireplace, or mounting at a similar height – you must also consider the viewing angle. Generally, people prefer for the center of the TV to be around eye height. A highly placed TV can cause a problem with neck and eye strain as a result: They work better in living rooms where people tend to stand around more than they sit. You can angle the TV downward to help reduce this problem, but only around 10 degrees. Ultimately, it's better to place a TV lower on the wall if possible.
Screen Glare
Fireplaces, living room lights, reading lights, and open windows can all cause glare – and a higher, wall-mounted TV may be more vulnerable to this issue. For a quick test, you can have someone hold a mirror at the place you want to mount the TV and see what sources of light it catches. You can reduce a lot of glare with selective lighting, but it will take a little planning first!
Have more specific questions about your TV wall installation? Sevens Home Theater offers a free in-home estimate for answering your questions and arranging mounting services!