Line of sight
You can't always assume that the best place for a TV and the best place for a stand are the same. The goal is to put your TV in the exact spot where you can see it best: the ideal angle, the right distance and the optimal height.
Plenty of options
When you are choosing a wall mount for your flat-panel TV there are a couple of styles to choose from:
Low Profile Brackets
Designed to mount your screen flat against the wall and keep it there, there are specific models of brackets for different screen sizes, so be sure you get the right style.
Universal mounts
Some mounts swivel tilt, and extend. Swivel mounts let you adjust the angle of the display with a little tilt, and some models have arms that completely extend and rotate. Ultimately, it's important to make sure that your mount can support your screen.
Unlimited decorating options
Once you determine what kinds of mount you want, your decorating options can really open up. With the right mount, you can set up your flat-panel TV virtually anywhere. Put it over your fireplace, hang it at an angle from the ceiling, suspend it from a beam in a vaulted ceiling or simply place it on a wall opposite the couch. Rather than having your TV overwhelm the décor of a room, the right mount will let you incorporate your TV seamlessly into a room's overall design.
Maintain a clean look
Once your screen is mounted on the wall, it's nice to be able to keep all your equipment together. Wall-mounted component shelves cut down on clutter while providing a sharp-looking storage solution for your entire system. Many shelves also have 'wire management systems', which further cut down on clutter by running wires down or through your wall.
Choose the right type of installation for you
Your flat-panel TV can be easy to install with the right mount. By placing the wires in the wall, you can also tidy the look of your home theatre system even further. This will take a little extra work, and maybe some professional assistance, but the finished product is very sleek and clean. The important thing to remember is that, even though flat-panel displays are light compared to traditional tube TVs, you'll still want to anchor the mount in a wall stud, just to be sure your screen stays put.
Mount your TV securely
One important thing to check is if the back of your TV has the correct mounting holes. Most likely your TV will use a standard VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) hole layout. Many mounts advertise that they are universal, but it's always a good idea to check your TV and the mount to be sure.
When choosing a mount, be sure that the mount you chose is rated for your TV's weight. Most TVs will state their UL Rating, which is an industry rating that guarantees a mount can hold four times its maximum load for at least 30 seconds. Always check that the UL Rating for you mount can handle your TV comfortably.
A wall mount can help you achieve the ultimate viewing experience in your home, and it can clean up your media room at the same time. Finding the right mount is easy, as long as you know the dimensions of the TV screen and how you want to install it. Beyond that, all you need is a little imagination.