TV Wall Mounts?

[SweetErika]

Does anyone have advice on buying a full-motion TV wall mount? I think we have a 42" screen, and I don't want to spend a lot, but I still want quality and am not really sure how to find that if I decide to buy online.

If you've bought a full-motion mount online or at a national chain for a great deal, links would be appreciated, too.

Thanks in advance!

 

[albertaboy]

We bought one 5-6 years ago fro our Panasonic Viera, but didn't buy it online.

Went to the store and bought it, had them install it.

 

[NippleMuncher]

I would recommend a little local shopping to see a few in person to know what to look for.

A key item would be matching the weight capacity of the mount to the weight of the TV. Also make sure that the TV you have or will be purchasing is compatible with the type of mount you want to use.

When installing the mount, make sure to follow the instructions and anchor into the wall framing, don't just attach it to the drywall and expect it to work. Drywall is very weak, the wood framing behind the drywall is what you want to attach to. If attaching to stone or masonry, attach into the stone/brick itself, DO NOT anchor into the grout between the stone/brick.

 

[EdwardMidweston]

I had a friend who worked at a "big box" store, and she told me that the management loved to sell wall mounts and similar accessories because of the huge mark-up. They actually made more profit on the mounts than the TV. Some price comparisons are essential. Once you've selected an appropriate make and model, you'll probably do much better pricewise online. Just look for free or cheap shipping, because some companuies will load up the "back end."

I bought my current mount online from Overstock.com They had the same models as the local mall stores for about half the price. Another possibility is eBay, but I strongly recommend buying only new mounts in the factory box.

And NippleMuncher is absolutely right. Make certain you screw the mount into studs or something equally solid. Mounting to drywall or plaster is like gluing your tv to cardboard. You may even want to examine the hardware that comes with your wall mount and replace it if you have any doubts--some manufacturers cut corners horribly on mounting hardware.

 

[SweetErika]

I would recommend a little local shopping to see a few in person to know what to look for.

A key item would be matching the weight capacity of the mount to the weight of the TV. Also make sure that the TV you have or will be purchasing is compatible with the type of mount you want to use.

When installing the mount, make sure to follow the instructions and anchor into the wall framing, don't just attach it to the drywall and expect it to work. Drywall is very weak, the wood framing behind the drywall is what you want to attach to. If attaching to stone or masonry, attach into the stone/brick itself, DO NOT anchor into the grout between the stone/brick.

Yeah, I like the ones at Costco, but they're not on sale currently, so I've decided to shop around some.

I didn't think of checking the TV, though I seem to recall something about mounting it in the manual when we bought it several years ago, so I know it can be mounted. It's a Panasonic Viera, BTW, so definitely not some off brand. Still, we'll have to look at the configuration and I'll have Hubby figure out what will work with that.

It's a regular wall, but of course we'll use one of our handy dandy studfinders. We don't qualify as dumb enough to try to hang something heavy on drywall alone.

 

[irishwoody]

Double arm

a 42" TV might be better mounted using a "double arm" mount - ie the TV is connected onto wall mount by means of 2 moving arms...

 

[NippleMuncher]

Yeah, I like the ones at Costco, but they're not on sale currently, so I've decided to shop around some.

I didn't think of checking the TV, though I seem to recall something about mounting it in the manual when we bought it several years ago, so I know it can be mounted. It's a Panasonic Viera, BTW, so definitely not some off brand. Still, we'll have to look at the configuration and I'll have Hubby figure out what will work with that.

It's a regular wall, but of course we'll use one of our handy dandy studfinders. We don't qualify as dumb enough to try to hang something heavy on drywall alone.

I'd ask Costco about them. Could be that those are produced for store displays, could be available to anyone. You could probably get the brand/model number off of them and do some research. If they're store display models, take a look at a place that sells store fixtures, such as Continental Display.

Most TVs are mountable, particularly if it's a flat screen. If it's a CRT type tv, it is going to be heavy, so you need to make sure the wall mount is specifically designed for something that large.

 

[SweetErika]

I'd ask Costco about them. Could be that those are produced for store displays, could be available to anyone. You could probably get the brand/model number off of them and do some research. If they're store display models, take a look at a place that sells store fixtures, such as Continental Display.

Most TVs are mountable, particularly if it's a flat screen. If it's a CRT type tv, it is going to be heavy, so you need to make sure the wall mount is specifically designed for something that large.

It's a flat screen. Definitely not as thin as the newer ones, but leaps and bounds away from a CRT.

Costco has some available for sale, but they're not discounted right now. Like in November and early December they had a significant instant rebate. I should have bought the one I liked then, but I didn't feel we needed it and wanted to do some more research. The whole purpose of mounting, BTW, is to get the TV off of the high stand so our other components can be pushed back and out of the reach of little fingers that like to push buttons and screw stuff up.

 

[albertaboy]

The movability factor is overrated. We spent extra for the one we could adjust angles etc, but after the first week we had, it was never adjusted again.

 

[bailadora]

The whole purpose of mounting, BTW, is to get the TV off of the high stand so our other components can be pushed back and out of the reach of little fingers that like to push buttons and screw stuff up.

I have no useful information to add - except to say that I'm heartily glad those days are over for me. Good luck, Erika - whatever you decide.

 

[bernett69]

unless the TV in question is in a bedroom or someplace where you have 2 different places to watch from, you may not need to spend the extra money on one where there is much moment.

typically we set the TV and leave it. you can surely save a lot of money by getting the wall mount you need and not one with extra features that are never utilized.

 

[DrHappy]

I've installed two of the $90 OmniMounts from Sam's Club. They're sturdy and work great. I saw mounts at other places (Home Depot, Lowes, Best Buy) that were more expensive and/or wimpy. Drilling into the wall and mounting the TV was a little unnerving, but I really didn't like the prices being charged to have someone else do it.

 

[iadoremywife]

Make sure it is compatable with your TV.

 

[Sir Victor]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=837291&page=18

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=109&cp_id=10828

 

[SweetErika]

We definitely need it to move because we'll be mounting it higher than it is now (so we'll probably need it to tilt down) and the munchkin gets to watch Sesame Street on occasion when he's in his play area on the side of the room (thus, it'll need to be pulled out some and angled so he can actually see the screen). Plus, bright sunlight from a long window on the other side of the room can interfere with visibility on part of the screen, so it'd be nice to be able to move the TV out of the way rather than being forced to close the blinds.

 

[nalas15]

Erika...I just mounted a 42" LG plasma last week. Got the wall mount from Costco. This helped me....go to simplicityav.com and use the feature wizardmount... plug in your tv model number, how you will be viewing etc and it will give you compatible wall mount models.

I ended up with Simplicity # smf2-b1...full motion..tilt, angle and retract. Handles 19"- 47', up to 60lb TV's. $78.00...$63.00 after rebate.

Good Luck.