Mounting your new TV properly will ensure it delivers the performance and features you want for your viewing environment. However, knowing which mount to purchase might not be crystal clear. We’ve created this buying guide to help you navigate the existing options and choose the right one. Once you’ve reviewed your options, try our Mountfinder tool to find which mounts are compatible with your HDTV.
Wall Mount Styles
Ask yourself, do you want to be able to adjust your TV’s angle once it has been mounted, for optimal viewing in any situation? Do you want your TV as close to the wall as possible for a sleek design? Reviewing these features will help you decide what kind of mount is right for you.
Flat Panel
Simple and economical, a flat panel mount is a girder that affixes to your wall with two upright posts (or plates) that attach to the back of your flat screen TV.
Super Low Profile
Similar to a flat panel, a super-low profile mount extends just 1 inch from the wall. It makes for a flush, unobtrusive appearance, without the ability to pan, tilt or rotate.
Tilt & Swivel
Tilting and swivelling refers to the ability to adjust the angle your TV, vertically or horizontally, to achieve the best viewing angle for your home theatre setup. To accommodate this tilting feature, these mounts usually extend 2 to 4 inches out from the wall.
Full Motion
Full motion mounts have an articulating arm that extends out to allow panning from side to side, while also allowing tilt & swivel features. Some can also be raised or lowered to suit your optimal viewing height, giving you the most features out of any other type of mount.
Evo System
Geared towards videophiles or users that want to dedicate an entire room to creating the ultimate home theatre, the EVO System uses a series of decorative panels to create a smooth and seamless appearance that mounts your TV, front speakers and components in just about any arrangement you can think of. This isn’t the solution for everyone, but if you have enough available space, it’s a worthy consideration.
What Else?
VESA Certified Spec Alignment
Flat screen TVs come in many different weights and dimensions, so you’ll need to choose a wall mount that falls within your TV’s specific parameters. It's important to get one that matches your TV's screen size otherwise the range of motion may be limited. Most TVs and mounts follow the Video Electronics Standards Association protocols for screen size, weight, and hole pattern. Look for the “VESA mounting compliant” verification on both. Some mounts simply say “universal mounting pattern”, but get out the tape measure just to be safe. Here’s a handy chart to ensure compatibility.
|
Code
|
Screen Size (diagonal)
|
Max. Weight (lbs)
|
Hole Pattern
|
|
MIS-B
|
4 to 7.9
|
4.5
|
20 x 50 mm
|
|
MIS-C
|
8 to 11.9
|
10
|
35 x 75 mm
|
|
MIS-D
|
12 to 22.9
|
30
|
75 x 75 mm or 100 x 100 mm*
|
|
MIS-E
|
23 to 30.9
|
52
|
100 x 200 mm
|
|
MIS-F
|
31 to 90
|
225
|
200 mm increments
|
Integrated Speaker Mounts
Great video deserves great audio. Integrated speaker mounts extend laterally from a flat panel mount for a seamless visual integration with your flat screen TV. External speaker mount options are also available to facilitate even the most adventurous audio-visual setup (see accessories section).
Accessories
External Cable Management System
Messy cables are unsightly, and in some cases unsafe. An external cable management system is a great way to make your home theatre, and the entire room, look tidy and well maintained.
External Speaker Mounts
Your display isn’t the only thing you can mount to your wall for a sleek and seamless appearance. External speaker mounts for your front channel speakers let you build on the aesthetic of your mounted display and ensure the speakers are at the optimal listening position.
Installation
Installing a wall mount can be a tricky undertaking if you’re not sure what you’re doing. Flat screen TVs are generally lighter than old-style sets but it’s not like hanging a painting. So unless you know exactly what you’re doing and what challenges outside of the obvious you might encounter—or know someone who does—we strongly suggest you hire a professional to do it for you. Future Shop’s ConnectPro Experts are well-equipped to mount your TV to your exact specifications, connect your components, hide cabling, calibrate the set and more. If you need help mounting your TV, give ConnectPro a call.
A Final Word
Make sure you get the most viewing pleasure possible. Choosing the right TV mount is an often overlooked part of the process, but it’s just as important as choosing the right TV. Be sure to take try our Mountfinder tool, which will tell which mounts are compatible with your TV.