You do not always have to rely on external help to lend you a hand with fixing things. From fixing a laptop (in case it is possible) to set up the gadgets, you should be self-sufficient. I don’t remember asking the company to send any technician when I subscribed to Spectrum TV plans to set up the top box and the various accessories. I even mounted my LCD TV myself. You can do it too with this easy and comprehensive guide.
Things You Need
Some people opt for placing the LCD TV on a table or a desk. That just takes away all the elegance and beauty of the LCD. If you wish for your TV to look good in your lounge or room, then you should mount it on a wall.
Here are the things that you should gather before you begin the process:
- Pencil
- Screwdriver
- Stud finder
- TV mounting kit
- Level
- Power drill
- Tape measure
Once you have all these, you are ready, to begin with, the tough (it isn’t that hard) part. The mounting bit. But before that, you need to be aware of the various forms of wall mount fits.
The Many Wall Mount Fits
Fixed Mount
As the name suggests, this is the standard way of mounting your TV. You cannot move or rotate at any angle. It stays fixed in the place that you mount it at. It is just holding the flat screen against the wall. Many people opt for this option but it is not available for all models.
Tilting Mount
It is very similar to the standard way of mounting. However, there is one variation. You can adjust the vertical angle of your LCD TV if you opt for this option.
Slim Mount
Slim here refers to the space that is left between the TV and the wall after you mount it. As the name suggests, minimum space is available if you opt for this form of mounting. It comes in both tilting and fixed varieties.
Cantilever Mount
For this type of mounting, consider a retractable arm. Just like you can move it in any position, you can tilt an LCD TV with cantilever mount in any direction as well.
Ceiling Mount
In case, you wish to mount your TV to the ceiling instead of the wall.
Platform Mount
You would want to use this type for older TVs. It has nothing to do with the latest flat screens. However, just to increase your knowledge, this type is the one where you place your TV on a platform.
Steps to Follow to Mount LCD TV
Having discussed all the forms, let’s now learn how to mount your TV.
Decide the Position
To begin with, you will have to decide where you wish to put your TV. As in the direction that you want it to be in. You would want to pay particular attention to the viewing angle as it can affect the quality of the picture. Be very careful when choosing the location. If you decide to change it after fixing the TV, you will have to do extra work. Apart from that, imagine the useless and ugly holes that you would have to deal with.
Determine the Wall Studs
Next, you will have to locate the wall studs. For this, you will need the stud finder. Move it across the wall. It will indicate to you when it finds a stud. Mark that area with the painter’s tape so that you do not forget that area.
Pilot Holes
Once done with finding the wall studs, you will have to move forward with marking and drilling your pilot holes. Ask for some help from someone for this particular step. Follow these steps for this process:
- Hold your mount on the wall and use a level that will help ensure that the mount is straight.
- Use a pencil and mark very light holes. You will drill these marks.
- Drill holes.
Attaching the Mounting Bracket
Now, it is time for you to attach the bracket to the wall. Now hold it to the wall and drill screws inside the pilot holes.
Attaching Mounting Plate to the TV
This step requires you to remove the stand that comes attached to the TV. After that, look for the attachment holes at the back of the TV meant for the mounting plate. Attach the plate to it along with the hardware.
Mounting TV to the Wall
Now comes the final step of mounting the TV to the wall. You will need a partner for this step as well. And it asks of you to be very careful too. Lift the TV and attach it to the mounting plate following the instructions given in the manual.
Enjoy!
You are now ready to relish watching your favorite movies and shows on your newly mounted TV. Choose to rely on the cable TV channels or bring the Internet to use and watch Netflix with your family on your TV. I do the same putting my Spectrum Internet deals to good use.
Do you guys have any stories that you would like to share from your TV mounting experience? Let us know in the comments.
