Community Newsletter: Q&A: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall
- 6/29/07 2:36 PM
Wall mounting tv on wall
by sinairebel - 6/25/07 9:18 AM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You want to make sure you're in the center of a 2 x 4 or whatever size stud is in the wall, also use good lag bolts, probably 1/4 x 2 should work. Make sure it's level and you should be ok.
Les
Plasma mounting advice - Take your time!
by meatyb0y - 6/25/07 11:53 AM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
With the right tools, you can do this! I've done a 27", a 42", and a 50" myself, and some were easy, and some not. Some advice -
1. Get the right tools! A power drill, an electronic stud finder, a good level, and a helper.
2. Take your time to mark, measure and find the studs. Don't be in a rush. If you need to open the wall, it's good to remember that drywall is easy to patch and paint.
3. Find the studs! You can easily and cheaply patch small pilot holes, but not a cracked plasma or a crushed toe. That electronic stud finder is crucial.
4. Do you want to hide the cables? If so, be careful of the AC cord. The power cord that comes with the tv isn't rated to run through the wall. Your homeowners insurance will surely deny a claim for fire if your house burns down and you didn't follow the building code. Get an electrician to put an outlet at the proper height so you can plug in the tv w/o running the AC cord behind the wall.
5. Run ALL the cables you MAY need in the future through the wall NOW. You just can't be sure of how you will expand your system, and you don't want to take the TV off the wall to run more cables if you don't have to. Run them all now, even if you don't need them right away. Just because you don't have a game system hooked up, or a Movie Beam, or some other shiny doo-dad doesn't mean you won't in the future.
6. Check for horizontal fire-breaks in the wall. These are 2x4's that run horizontally between the studs that will block your cables. If you have them, you will need to cut open the wall and drill them for the cables. At that point, you may just want to spend the dosh to have this done professionally.
7. If you do have firebreaks, try what I did - I mounted a piece of ash-veneered plywood stained to match my AV cabinet to the wall with 2x4's. This gave me 2" of space behind the wood to run cables w/o going through the walls. The plasma mount is bolted through the plywood, to the 2x4" standoffs, then straight into the wall studs. I think it looks quite nice, and it gives you a design element to play with that you can stain matching, contrasting, or whatever your room decor requires.
8. Don't mount your tv too high! I think this is a common mistake. Basically, measure this at or slightly above eye level. Don't be afraid to admit that after 45 minutes, you are very slouched down or nearly horizontal in your seat...mount your plasma to take advantage of your poor posture!
Pics:
http://home.tampabay.rr.com/kchoi/index.html
Don't be too cheap on a mount, but you don't have to spend a lot either. Sanus is always a good bet.
Nice System
by wemiles - 6/29/07 5:02 PM In reply to: Plasma mounting advice - Take your time! by meatyb0yI like your home entertainment setup. Clean and professional looking. Where did you get the cabinet and what brand and models of equipment do you have. Again, very nice.
Great job
by Norden1199 - 7/5/07 12:24 PM In reply to: Plasma mounting advice - Take your time! by meatyb0y"If you do have firebreaks, try what I did - I mounted a piece of ash-veneered plywood stained to match my AV cabinet to the wall with 2x4's. This gave me 2" of space behind the wood to run cables w/o going through the walls. The plasma mount is bolted through the plywood, to the 2x4" standoffs, then straight into the wall studs. I think it looks quite nice, and it gives you a design element to play with that you can stain matching, contrasting, or whatever your room decor requires."
Hey meaty b0y, you did a great job with your setup. Looks clean and professional. I had an idea of doing somethig like that myself and you've beat me to it and did a really nice job. Have you think about putting some led tube lighting behind your plywood? Idid a quick Google search and found this check out the nice colors.
http://www.wiedamark.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=829&gclid=CNP1yOCRkY0CFShUgQodYgRDnQ
RUNDLL ERROR
by Franckdeban - 6/25/07 2:46 PM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hello Gang!
My pc (AMD ATHLON processor; Operating Sys: Win XP Home Edition - Model 8375) shows a window named "RUNDLL" when starting, with the following message in the framing space: "ERROR WHILE LOADING w0f45b9d.dll - CANNOT FIND THE SPECIFIED MODULE". I can guess that I 've lost one of my RUN files. However, once clicking the "OK" button, my pc keeps running (quite) perfectly. But I really don't know what kind of problem this defect can bring or cause. What should I do to solve the problem? Thank you in advance!
Franck
Probably no big deal but still...
by Kostagh - 6/26/07 7:48 AM In reply to: RUNDLL ERROR by FranckdebanYou should simply try deleting references to the said file (which might as well be a virus or a "rest" from a faulty uninstalled application).
Or just as well, use a registry utility to eliminate the "residual" registry keys mentioning the said file. I recomend Wise Registry Cleaner. It can be dowloaded from www.wisecleaner.com.
I think an antiviral and antispyware scan using an updated antivirus might be useful too.
Good luck!
Mounting 42 inch plasma screen
by sixtysix - 6/26/07 1:38 AM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Don't mount it yourself reasons
1 what knowledge and skills do you have and tools available
2 type of wall mounting on
3 position of cross members in wall
4 check with your insurance co, may require tradesman
5 get correct brackets for that model of screen
6 type of fastner required for weight and wall material
7 any thing reflected onto screen by sunlight, lights, objects etc day
and night
This is but a few of the questions I would ask myself if I had to do it
Self-installation of TV Mount
by batman823 - 6/26/07 6:57 AM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You have several options of how you can mount your TV.
There are two basic types of mounts. There are ones that are one piece and ones that have two pieces.
If you still have the wall mount that came with your TV, use that one. If not, there are many mounts out there that are not expensive and will mount your TV just fine. If you have the directions with your mount, follow them.
Basically, you will need:
A drill with a bit set.
A studfinder.
Some #8 or #10 2.5" screws and some large plastic or aluminum sheetrock anchors. (plastic will work and they are cheaper, but metal ones are stronger)
A hammer.
Obviously, a TV mount that matches the model of your TV.
A level will help, but it's not necessary.
You will need to find where you want to mount your TV. Use a pencil to lightly trace the outer edges of the mount on the wall. Just hold the mount up there with one hand and trace with the other.
Measure the distance of the mounting holes from the perpendicular sides. Then make appropriate dots on the wall using those measurements to mark where you will drill your holes. At this point, use the studfinder to try and match up the dots with the studs, if possible. You may need to shift the desired placement of the mount a few inches(left or right) to accomplish this. This will give you a little extra piece of mind, especially if your TV is heavy. Most likely, not all the holes will match up with studs, but match as many as you can.
Once you've made the compromise on placement of the mount and made the appropriate marks, drill 1/8" pilot holes to around 2" deep. This will prevent the wood from cracking and will alow the screws to hold in the wood.
On the marks that don't match up with the studs, drill holes through the sheetrock that are slightly smaller then the male end of the anchor. The sheetrock is only 1/2-1" thick, so you won't need an especially long drill bit. You'll feel it when the drill goes through the other side.
Use the hammer to lightly tap in the anchors. If the anchor begins to crush, the hole is to small. You would need to re-drill the hole with a slightly larger bit.
Here's where the instructions and the construction of the mount will vary your process.
Your mount may require you to leave the screws protruding from the wall. In this case, you can attach your mount to the TV and then hang the whole thing on the wall.
Your mount may require you to put the screws throught the front side of the mount and into the wall.
If your mount is a 2-piece, you might have to screw one piece into the wall, attach the other piece to the TV and connect the two mount pieces together.
As far as that last step goes, just follow the instructions with the mount, if you have them, and your TV will hang just fine.
The whole process should take no more than an hour if you're really OCD and triple-check all of the measurements and placement.
If you have the original mount and don't have any instructions, you should be able to find them online, possibly on the manufcturer's website. If you can't find them, or they don't make sense, just do what you can to figure out how the mount goes together. You might need to buy some appropriately sized nuts and bolts w/ washers to connect the two mount-pieces together. If you need to do that, you should take the mount with you to a Lowe's or Home Depot so you can get the right size and length. That way you won't have to go back again.
After all is said and done, and before you actually hang your TV, erase any showing marks from the wall. I wouldn't like to have pencil marks on the wall if I took the time to mount my flatscreen on the wall.
I hope this helps,
Chris
Been there, tried it, done it!
by Kostagh - 6/26/07 7:21 AM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I've had the same problem myself, with my equally cumbersome 42 inch plasma. Unfortunately, the wife wanted it posted on the bedroom wall!
So, I "manufactured" a special holding piece, that I made from 3 mm thick steel plate. The dimensions of the plate were slightly larger (around 30 mms allround) than the distances between the 4 fixing screws on the back of the TV. I copied the position of the holes using a piece of paper and then drilled them on the steel fixture.
I then drilled 4 holes, 8mm in diameter on to the sides of the fixture plate.
Fixed it into the wall by drilling 4 holes and fixing them with special fixtures (the type used for fixing cupboards or sink holders).
Fixed the plate into the wall and checked it by passing a rope over it and hanging my full weight on the rope (I weigh around 120 Kgs).
I held nicely. I then employed the assistance of my brother and a suitable cupboard to hold the TV while I fixed it in the back with 4 8 mm screws. Be carefull! The height of the fixture above the wall should allow you to insert your hand behind the TV. I suggest some 8-10 cm. This also allows the TV to cool better. After fixing the screws I removed the cupboard holding the TV. It's been staying steady for over 1 year now. CAREFUL! My walls are in steel reinforced concrete around 15 cms (6 inches) thick. If you have a less "stronger" material, be carefull! The TV weighs more than 40 Kgs and could easily break a wall down! For further details and pictures of the finished job, I can be emailed at kostagh at yahoo dot com.
Of course, there are lots of specially designed fixtures available. Not very cheap though... I could only find some 200 USD up...
Good luck!
Simple and safe..
by jwinte4 - 6/26/07 8:58 AM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Athough it was a 32 inch flat screen, I've done this before with the same concerns.
First, make sure you have the proper mount kit straight from the T.V's manufacturer. DO NOT USE UNIVERSAL MOUNTS!!!
Second, purchase a strut finder from your local hardware store(price varies from 15$ to 50$). This will locate crossbeams and struts inside your wall that will safely secure your mount.
Use wood screws with a minimum of 1 3/4 inches in length, with masive tread.
Lastly, if there are 12 holes for the wall mount, use all twelve holes. Obviouslty they can't all be in line with a strut so use necessary measures for those screws to be strong.
Once it's mounted, it's a whole new experience. Enjoy worryfree!
P.S.....
by jwinte4 - 6/26/07 9:10 AM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My strongest advise is get it installed by a professional. If anything should happen, they have insurance.
It might cost a couple of hundred dollars, but if you do decide to do it yourself and your T.V. falls, your out of luck.
Not to mention all the plasma you'll have to mop up!
Wall-mounted plasma TV
by mewhyte1954 - 6/26/07 10:59 PM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You were asking if you could do this job yourself. Mounting a 42" plasma TV on a wall is not as hard as it seems, but if you are not a handy person with tools and measurements I would not attempt to do this yourself. There are several variables you have to take into consideration. First you have to consider the size and weight of the plasma TV as they usually weigh more than an LCD TV of the same size. As a rule of thumb, you want to buy a wall mount which can hold the weight of a larger size flat panel than the one you have purchased. There are several types of mounting brackets to choose from and you need to figure out which one is right for your application. Do you want the TV to swivel, move side to side or just remain flat with a slight tilt? You will also need to inspect your wall where the TV will mount for crosmembers and studs as you will probably want to hide wires inside the wall and use mounting plates. There are also the component, RCA, HDMI, or home theater cables to consider as these will have to be purchased in longer lenghts to reach their destinations. Some wall mounts have insufficient hardware to securely hold the weight so you may have to purchase the correct lag bolts and screws to complete the project. With all this in mind, you may want to consider visiting your nearest electronics outlet to see what is offered or visiting them online under home theater installations. The more information and support you have for your project the better the results.
Wall mounting televisions....
by GPcorey25 - 6/27/07 1:12 PM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
An easy solution is to go to Best Buy and they will help you buy a wall mounting system for your television. The instructions are in the box, and just follow them correctly if you want to do it yourself. Otherwise, just have Best Buy do it for you.
Wall mounting a 42" plasma TV
by hudgumby - 6/28/07 2:27 AM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I just mounted my 50" plasma on the FR wall. I installed a heavy duty bracket that tilts forward and back to allow adjustment for various viewing locations in the room. Make sure your screws/lag bolts are screwed into the wall studs, and make sure you leave room around it for air circulation. Mine was really heavy. I suggest you have a friend or family member help with the job, particularly when it comes time to lift the TV onto the bracket. I also suggest that any wiring connections that need to be connected to the back of the TV be done and secured before lifting it onto the bracket, especially if there will be shelving or cabinetry under the TV. I love having my TV on the wall and out of the way. Great viewing set-up, particularly for gaming and movie watching. Best of luck.
have a professional install it
by dj_rush1 - 6/29/07 5:23 PM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hanging a flat panel is not like hanging a panel. If anyone who has never done it before and who believes they can should guess again. The average labor to hang a panel is between $400.00 and $500.00. The average fixed/tilt mount is between $140.00 and $225.00. I have been a senior system designer for a long time and in the industry for over 9 years... I won't even attempt to do it. It is not worth the risk of damaging the wall or the tv falling. Plus in most states it is illegal to place the power cord in the wall. You work hard at work why would you want o tackle something when you get home. Let a licensed, bonded, and insured to the work and be responsible. And most important don't do like 75% of customers and plug tv into a wall outlet or cheap surge progector. Use a power conditoner
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