Choosing a TV wall mount for your flat screen is not as simple as just matching the size and getting the right tools. Making the right decision about which TV mount you use is about how you are actually going to use your flat screen TV and which room in your home the TV and TV mount will be placed. Usability, Size, weight, installation difficulty, and price all play factors in choosing the best flat screen TV mount.

Here are the four main types of flat screen TV mounts:

  • DIY Mount – If you are handy with power tools and enjoy creating things yourself, a do-it-yourself project could be the best idea for you. Feel a sense of accomplishment, impress your friends, and most of all save money by making your TV mount yourself. There are many websites and videos dedicated to this topic. On the downside expect that your creation won’t be so adjustable as commercially manufactured options. Example- A simple wall mount made from sheet metal that holds your HD TV in a stable position on the wall.
  • Fixed TV Mount – These are also called flat or low-profile TV mounts. If you don’t plan to move the TV once it is in place and want an easy-install solution, this budget-minded TV mount could be the best choice for you. Usually this is for your living room and where the TV is 3 to 4 feet from the floor (standard position). Make sure that if you are using a fixed wall mount for your flat screen TV that you have space in the back to insert and remove cables. Example- An LED TV in your living room or bar that is always in the same place and position for viewers. If your TV is 3 to 4 feet from the floor (standard position) you can use the fixed TV mount.
  • Tilting TV Mount – If you are interested to adjust (or tilt) your HD TV to improve the vertical viewing angle you might want to consider choosing a tilting mount. These are also quite easy to install and can give you more space to insert and remove cables. So if your TV is 4 to 5 feet from the ground the optimal viewing experience will be achieved by tilting the TV downward. On the downside tilting wall mounts are considerably more expensive than fixed mounts. Example- An HD TV in your office that is tilted down for easier viewing while while your customers are sitting in the lobby area.
  • Full-Motion TV Mount – These can also be called swivel mounts. If you want full control over the movement of your flat screen TV (both vertical and horizontal) you might want to choose a full-motion mount. This free movement is achieved with the use of an extending arm. With a full-motion TV mount the optimal viewing experience can be changed to your position in a room or rooms. As expected you will pay quite a bit more than the tilting mount and the installation could require the use of a professional. Example- A plasma TV for your kitchen and living room that can be swiveled and tilted to face whatever room you happen to be in, height adjusted for your preference (sitting or standing), and tilted for easier viewing. Convenience always comes with a price.

Other Considerations

  • Size – Check carefully the dimensions of your flat screen TV and make sure that whatever wall mount you choose fits the dimensions of your TV. Almost all flat screen TV’s are made to be mounted and you need to verify the bracket size on the back of the TV using your TV manual as a guide.
  • Weight – Simple wall mounts such as a fixed wall mount can hold up to a 42 inch flat screen TV. Before you buy your wall mount make sure you verify the weight of your TV and ensure the wall mount you choose is able to hold this weight. Also make sure that the wall can support the weight of your TV.
  • VESA Standard – VESA stands for the Video Electronics Standards Association and is an international non-profit organization which has created an industry standard interface for wall mounting flat screen TV’s. If you know that your TV is VESA compliant, finding the matching mount can be much easier.

Conclusion

Choosing the best TV mount for your flat screen can greatly enhance your viewing experience and save space in your home or place of business. With a bit of research you can quickly decide which TV mount is best for you and enjoy the full capacity of your high-definition screen.