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Community Newsletter: Q&A: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall
- 6/29/07 2:36 PM
About that power cord
by daninhim - 6/29/07 7:09 PM In reply to: have a professional install it by dj_rush1In your post you mention not running the power cord through the wall and using a power conditioner. If you don't mind my asking, what do you find to be the most typical way of dealing with the power cord then? how do you hid the cord and yet not run it through the wall, yet attach it to a power conditioner.
I am, frankly, one of those 75% folks who plugged mine directly into an outlet, however it's on an arc fault breaker and the outlet is directly behind the TV. But without any surrounding furniture or trip, I can't imagine any other way to conceal the cable.
Dangers of hanging flat panel tv's
by rbrtferry - 6/29/07 6:18 PM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I hang flat panels for a living so here are a few things I've learned!
Depth of Walls: When you hang the bracket with "lag bolts" you must remember how deep you want them to penetrate. Check the depth of the sheetrock to the stud. Cut a hole 1 inch by 1 inch on one side of each stud at the place you plan to attach to. You may find 1 or 2 layers of sheetrock of different thicknesses and or paneling due to "creative construction"! You may find that the sheetrock was installed over plaster and lathe walls in the case of old houses! You may find no sheetrock at all and only 1 layer of thin panelling in the case of many finished basements.
Bad Lag Bolts: I've noticed some bracket makers will supply lagbolts which are substandard. I've had the heads easily twist off when tightening them. Always drill a pilot hole to make it easier to install the lag bolts, of course. But be on the safe side and buy some quality lag bolts from the local hardware store. I always stock a variety of lengths!
Hidden Wiring: If you follow my advise to determine the depth of the walls, you will have an inspection hole next to each stud to look for wiring! This means you will have to make at least 4 holes next to each of the 4 locations you are installing lagbolts. Use a flashlight and push away any insulation so you can see clearly. In my experience I almost placed a lagbolt thru a 220 line that was feeding an electric stove in the kitchen behind the wall I was working on. Since that close call, I always cut holes to inspect. These holes are hidden by the bracket so who cares?
Quality of Studs: Check the stud depth also. You may find a place in the stud that cannot be used due to a wood knot, a shallow stud (like 2 x 2) or a 2 x 4 turned sideways. You may find 2 studs nailed together in which case you do not want to place the lagbolt inbetween them. It is not as secure as going into the stud's center. Choose one stud and go for it's center.
Pilot Holes: Always drill a pilot hole before installing the lag bolt. If you do not, the stud may split!
That's all I have to say for now. Good luck! R J
Watch what you pay for that rack
by daninhim - 6/29/07 7:03 PM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Trying not to repeat what others have said here, I will add a few additional thoughts.
I mounted a 37" Panasonic Plasma to my wall using a fairly straightforward, non-tilting mount. The exact mount recommended in the TV's user manual was priced at over $400, and I wasn't about to pay that much. After a little research I discovered that ebay has an entire community of manufacturers selling racks directly through eBay at hugely discounted prices. In many cases they are the mfrs. that sell through the retail establishments, but have a side business on ebay. That same $400 rack I found on eBay for a starting bid of ten bucks and I won it at that price plus $30 shipping. It's a solid, high-quality rack and worth far more than I paid. If you go that route, I would suggest a dialogue with the seller to make sure the rack is compatible with your TV (the seller should know) and, just as importantly, that the right bolts are included with the rack. The one I bought was fully compatible with the TV but out of the dozen or so different sets of bolts it came with, none were the correct ones. That was resolved with a quick trip to the hardware store, but be wary. If you contact the TV mfr they can tell you the exact bolts. For example for my TV I needed 4 M8 bolts, between 45 and 55mm in length, with a 1.25 thread pitch. As you see, it gets pretty specific.
Also, an earlier poster mentioned getting a second person to help. You need TWO friends. Two people to hold the TV, and one to hook up the wires while they hold it near the wall mount.
Lastly, plan ahead for future wiring needs, so you don't need to remove it from the wall. After I spent all sorts of time carefully planning for the HDMI, comp video, and S-video wires I needed to run to the TV, a few months later I tried hooking a video game to my receiver (which does the video switching for me) and realized I forgot to run analog video cable to the TV. Oops.
A couple of final thoughts.... If you're eventually planning to add furniture, consider where the bottom of the TV is. you don't want to mount it at a certain level only to discover that nice new cabinet you bought to go underneath it is too tall to fit. and lastly, if you are mounting it to an outside wall, make sure you come up with a creative way of keeping the area you mounted insulated, otherwise by making those holes in the wall for the cables you've created yourself a nice energy leak.
plasma TV mounted on the wall
by Philbeeus - 6/29/07 8:57 PM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Tom, The other answers have been very good. I would suggest buying a stud finder. (Not the neighbors's blond!) They cost around $10 and are worth the money. One trick if you are putting the wires and cables in the wall. Cut the center out of a clothes hanger, insert it in a drill motor and drill a hole just next to the wall. Leave the "drill bit" in the hole until you have located it in the basement or attic and then measure over about one inch. Be sure you're going in the right direction! Then drill into the wall knowing that you are in the right place. Good luck.
Mounting the Plasma on the wall
by marcgold4 - 6/29/07 11:04 PM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Well this is my first attempt at getting involved in the discussion group but felt I would like to add my two penath for what its worth. I haven’t read through the threads so someone might have already put the following I bought my 42"plasma around three years ago Where as I am perfectly capable of mounting on the wall myself I got mine from a Proper shop (NOT a store who just sell box's) who did that service free for me within the cost of the TV. One very big MUST if you do decide to DIY you need TWO fairly string people as they are very heavy DONT tackle it on your own. Just a foot note to having Plasma on the wall the best reaction I get when anyone comes to visit is they look round the room for the TV they don’t see it hanging on the wall it is quite funny
Mounting Plasma TV
by boathead38 - 6/30/07 4:48 AM In reply to: Mounting the Plasma on the wall by marcgold4Tom C.
This mount is EXCELLENT, easy to install, the biggest thing you'll have to be concerned with is finding your studs in the wall. My only mistake was buying this same mount at Best Buy. I ended up paying over $120 more for it than at Parts Express OUCH!!!!!! http://ct.cnet-ssa.cnet.com/clicks?t=39063090-8c1c023da8f282d3df6bb8d8179d3bb8-bf&s=5&fs=0
Also, here is a handy surge suppressor that fits in almost anywhere, this thing work very well!!!!
http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/pshowdetl.cfm?&Partnumber=125-010&CFID=1456637&CFTOKEN=11647691
Gather a couple of your friends
by DAStroud - 6/30/07 6:12 AM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
This may have been mentioned but I thought I would add this since it was a huge issue for me. Get a couple of people to hold the screen against the wall in the general area of installation while you sit in your prime viewing chair. Turn on the lamps and other lit up items in the room and move the panel up or down to a level that does not reflect the lamps on the screen. There is nothing worse than a reflection of a big lampshade dead center. Hope this helps someone.
LET THE PROFESSIONALS DO IT
by sta5965262 - 6/30/07 9:01 AM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I know it may cost a good bit, but - LET THE PROS do it.
Reasoning:
1. It's done right, safely and correctly.
2. It takes TWO PEOPLE to mount your new set on the
brackets. Doing this manuever yourself may(will) cost
you your safety and your new set.
3. Finding a secure set of studs to mount it may be easy,
but it must also be considered to not be near any power,
phone or other cabling, and even water pipes!
4. Living in an apartment - A BIG FAT NO! use the stand,
make sure your set is secure with other means as
indicated in the manual. And MAKE SURE YOU HAVE RENTER'S
INSURANCE when renting an apartment or house.
I have seen the results of people trying to do this themselves or inexperienced hacks tackling this. The results? Nasty cuts, shoddy work, and on a couple of occasions, DESTROYED new flat screen tvs.
Mounting a plasma TV to a wall
by wolfydog - 6/30/07 12:50 PM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
As the marjority of others said, it is imperative that you mount your tv to the most solid part of you wall. I being a female, chose to buy the tilt mount from, where I purchased the tv. That way I knew what the tv weighed, and how large a mount I needed. The mount is not light weight either. Between the tv and the mount, you are looking at about 100lbs, an maybe more. I had to re-inforce the 2x4's and the area, between them. That took my about 1/2 a day, but it was well worth it. If the tv comes down, it will take the wall with it, and I don't think that will ever happen. Again, the tilt mount will allow you to be able to get your hands behind the tv, to make connections. However, it is best to pull all of your wiring thru the wall, and attach to the tv, hang the tv, with help, because they are heavy,and then reconnect to the other equipment. Good idea to label all of your wiring, so there is no screw up, as to where, or what you need to plug back into what.
mounting plasma
by rudster2005 - 6/30/07 7:01 PM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
aS LONG AS YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR STUDS ARE(THE 2*4, BLOCKS OR WOOD IN YOUR WALL. tHE STUDS ARE WHT MAKE YOUR WALL. tHEY RUN USUALLY 16 INCHES APART .yOU CAN START YOUR MEASURING 16 INCHES FROM CORNER OF ROOM AND THERE SHOULD BE A STUD RUNNING TO CEILING TO FALL. tHIS IS WHERE YOU PUT YOUR SCREWS ,BOLTS ETC. NAILS WHATEVER. iT WILL BE SCREWS IF I,M CORRET.JUST MAKE SURE YOU SCREW INTO THE STUDS FOR STRENTH 16 INCHES APART,THEY RUN UP AND DOWN.,I HOPE THIS HELP,I TRIED MY BEST TO USE LAYMUNS TERMS.
Things to remember to do it right
by mmonacel - 6/30/07 8:26 PM In reply to: Tips on how to get that plasma TV mounted on the wall by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I recently did this as well, so I certainly understand your trepidation. You can definitely do it - here are the most important things to remember from my experience and from the research I've done to mount mine.
Planning:
Plan it out. Figure out where it will be placed, where you want the center of the screen, all the cables you will need (now and in the future), where the speakers will go, where it will plug in, if you'll use a surge protector to protect that nice new tv, etc. Think of all the details. Using tape to outline the screen on the wall helps you visualize how this will all look. Make sure to account for all dimensions (length, width, AND depth). An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Mounts:
Choose the mount that matches both the size and weight rating you'll need. If running cables behind the wall, place their junction box outside the perimeter of the mount. This way you don't need to be precise in their placement as the TV will cover it up regardless. I would suggest a tilt mount vs. a fixed as it gives you more flexibility in your viewing angle.
Making sure it doesn't fall off the wall:
If you have wood studs use the mount-supplied bolts to drive into the CENTER of the studs. Make sure you span two studs. As long as you do that you'll be fine with supporting the weight. I had metal studs, over a fireplace, and the wall was a false wall. Not exactly friendly to hanging heavy expensive objects... If you have a similar situation, I recommend creating a backing board (1/2" MDF) that spans two studs, and attached using heavy duty toggle bolts to the metal studs. Then attach the mount to the backing board using togglers that go through both the backing board and into the metal studs. I recommend Toggler brand toggle bolts - the biggest you can get where the bolt fits through the holes in the mount. Toggler brand bolts carry much heavier loads and require a much smaller hole size to place than normal bolts. I'm not affiliated with them - just EXTREMELY happy with their performance.
Mounting the mount:
Most mounts use two rails that mount to the wall and a pair of hooks that attach to the TV. The TV then "hooks" onto the rails and you're good to go. Mount the hooks to the TV. Then measure the distance of the top of one of the hooks (where it meets the rail) and the top of the TV. This distance is critical to understanding where you must place the mount in order for the top of the TV to be placed exactly where you want it. Don't trust the mount instructions - especially if it wasn't specifically made for your exact TV. Measure and measure again... Once satisfied, mount the mount.
Hanging the TV:
When you're ready to hang the TV, get someone to help out. Attach all the cables to the back of the TV and tape the ends to the top of the TV. This way you don't have to fish around blindly in the back once it's hung and you don't have to hold the TV up while a buddy connects everything before you mount the TV. Once mounted you should be able to attach the ends to the outlets fairly easily - especially if you've placed the box outside the perimeter of the mount as suggested and/or if you bought a tilt mount. When ready to mount have an agreed upon plan with your buddy in case things start going wrong, such as immediately placing the TV down in a safe place such as on the ground leaning against a couch. This way if things go wrong, you both know what to do next. Once the TV is hung, connect all the connections, sit back and enjoy your brand new TV!!!
What about a corner??
by cretin - 6/30/07 9:14 PM In reply to: Things to remember to do it right by mmonacelGreat stuff but the only space I have usable for a 58" Plasma is a corner! I have it on a very nice solid cherry media cabinet of which the size is great but my concern is someone, like grand kids or my rowdy dogs, knocking it over. Its a 2006 Panasonic 60U, everything is great with the exception of the legs it sits on. They are relatively small & flimsy for the size & weight of the TV. I have wondered if there were something that would suspend from the celling or better yet could possibly bolt into a corner somehow? Do any of you know about anything like this or how I might find stronger legs or a base for under the TV that would make it more secure to prevent tipping over???
Thanks!! Steve
Corner plasma
by mrdood_99205 - 6/30/07 10:41 PM In reply to: What about a corner?? by cretinUse an articulating arm wall mount.
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corner mount
by marcgold4 - 6/30/07 11:36 PM In reply to: What about a corner?? by cretinI would actually mount it by putting a couple solid mounting blocks on each of the two walls in such a way as to be able to mount it across the corner my only thought is the size it would have to come a long way out of the corner to enable you to hang it like that But if you must maybe mount a very sturdy piece of wood across the corner thus giving you a flat surface to mount it on is another option
Watch out for your ANGLE!!!
by Cadillac84 - 7/3/07 6:45 AM In reply to: What about a corner?? by cretinYou probably don't want the TV pointing out at 45 degrees. Since you have it on the floor now, decide if you like your angle. If you don't, move the table and try it again and do that until you have the angle out of the corner that you want.
Now you have to put some blocks on the wall which will allow you to attach the TV mount. The TV is going to be too far away from the wall for a conventional mounting. We call that "cantilevered" and it makes the stress on the upper bracket attachment greatly amplified.
Look; the area behind the TV is going to be dead and it's going to look like the devil. Why don't you hire a carpenter to put a corner wall at the angle you want in that corner. The wall will have sheetrock and it will have its own studs. You will get to put a short run of PVC pipe/conduit from the bottom to the center (more or less) of the TV mount. Make that conduit BIG -- like 3" PVC. It won't cost much because you can get everything you need out of one ten foot stick and two sweep ells. All your cables run in the conduit (don't forget the string in case you have to pull any different or additional wires).
Do not run power through the same conduit as the signal wires. Get an electrician to put a couple outlets in the new wall segment -- one up high for the TV and one or more down low for the other equipment.
When you get finished, it will look nice and you couldn't have used that space anyway. You may end up painting the whole room or you may be able to match it up. Don't forget, if you paint a lot of it, you can paint three walls one color and leave the fourth a different color, but NEVER paint two walls one color and two walls another color. Anybody that looked at your house would puke. But you can get away with leaving one wall the current color and painting three (well, four if you count the five foot wide corner wall).
Have fun; and good luck!
Give that some thought.
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