Mounting a LCD or Plasma

Now that we have bought the latest in technology, we need to know how to mount an LCD or Plasma display on our wall. There are several variables involved so read all the way through the process at least once before attempting this.

The first thing to decide is which mounting bracket?. Is a Plasma mount or an LCD mount needed? Make sure that the mounting bracket chosen is the right one for the type of display., weight of the display, size of display, etc. Also decide if tilt or swivel is desired. Wall mounts come in various styles and sizes, so finding the proper one should be simple. Make sure that the mounting bracket is VESA compliant.

Next decide where the display is to be mounted. Take into consideration where you usually watch television from. Decide which wall is to be used.

Before actually beginning the installation make sure you have all the tools needed. These are a stud-finder, a screwdriver, a sheetrock saw or box cutter, a tape measure, a torpedo level, a socket set, and electrical tape.

You should also think about whether you need an HDMI Signal Booster, an HDMI Signal Extender, or an HDMI Equalizer. An HDMI Signal Booster is used to amplify the signal so it stays strong the whole length of the cable. An HDMI Extender is used to compensate for long cables. It automatically adjusts for any cable attenuation up to 40 dB. Using an HDMI Equalizer allows for a extension of a strong signal up to 40m. These may be used or needed depending on the strength of the signal and the length of the cable required.

Next we will attach the mounting rails to the back of our display. This allows us to factor in any height differences when the display is mounted. Decide exactly where on the wall the mount will go. Use the studfinder to make sure that there will be at least two anchor bolts in one stud with an LCD mount, and at least two anchor bolts in a stud on either side for a total of four anchor bolts in two studs for a plasma mount. If the anchor bolts will only screw into a stud on one side then make sure you anchor or toggle the unsupported side as well. Make some very light pencil marks on your wall where the mount anchor bolts will go into the studs. Also mark the pattern for any wall box for cabling to be cut. You should also tap the holes for the anchor bolts as this makes it easier to secure the anchors.

Now you can begin running the cables. First decide how this will be done. Will the cables be run through the wall or up the wall? Using an HDMI wall plate will allow you to run the HDMI cable and get rid of big holes in the wall and messy cables. These plates fit into a standard mount hole. If you are going to run the cables up the wall instead of cutting a hole through the wall, then you may want to camoflage the cables for aesthetics. By exiting the cables right below the display at the height of the electrical outlet, pulling the cables will be easier. If your display wall is insulated then pulling the cables from the wall box in back of the display mount to the box by your equipment may require using two straigtened coat hangers that you have taped together, or fish tape works as well.

Once you have the cable ran and the wall boxes installed, you are ready to start the process of mounting the television to the wall. Use a socket wrench to secure the first anchor. Depending on how well you have tapped the holes, this may require some pressure. Then secure the second, third, and fourth anchors in the same manner. Give them all an extra turn with the socket wrench to ensure a tight fit. Now you need to get an extra pair of hands, at least. It is much easier with two people as some of the displays are very heavy, and can be awkward to lift and mount on the wall with only one person. It is also a good idea to verify where the video and power inputs are before you lift the display. This makes connecting them after mounting easier.

Now that the display is mounted, connect the cables to the display. Also check the safety tabs and make sure they are in position. These tabs close securely over the rails. This is just for security in case the weight of the display, which should be sufficient to anchor the display to the mount, is not enough. This provides extra reassurance that the unit stays where it is mounted and does not come off the wall. This is how to mount an LCD or plasma display.