Q. What type of wall mount are you planning to utilize to mount the TV?
There are several types of TV wall mounts, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the most common types:
Low-profile wall mounts: These are the easiest to install and the lowest in cost compared to other types of wall mounts. They are fixed and do not tilt or move up and down or left and right. This lack of movement makes switching out cables complicated. They are best suited for small rooms where the viewing angle is fixed.
Tilting wall mounts: These wall mounts allow you to adjust the vertical viewing angle. They cost a little more than low-profile wall mounts and usually a little less than full-motion wall mounts. However, they lack full-motion movement and cannot swivel from side-to-side. This lack of movement makes switching out cables complicated.
Full-Motion wall mounts: These wall mounts offer a full range of motion, including up, down, and side-to-side. They are the most expensive type of wall mount and usually more complicated to install. They are best suited for large rooms where the viewing angle needs to be adjusted frequently, or you are simply wanting the ability to easily switch out cables.
Mantle wall mounts: These wall mounts the same range of motion as a Full Motion wall mount including the ability to easily lower the tv out, over, and below the mantle with the assistance of hydraulics. This allows for a better viewing angle while watching the TV. They are the most expensive type of mount and are the most complicated to install due to all the moving parts.
When choosing a wall mount, consider the size and weight of your TV, the viewing angle, and the location of the TV. If you’re unsure which type of wall mount is best for your needs, consult a professional installer. Good luck!
Q. How high do you want your TV mounted?
If you are not planning on having anything under the TV, this is just personal preference. Ideally the closer the seating is to the TV the lower it should be so that you are not looking up at the tv. Bedroom TVs are generally higher because you are usually laying down or laying back when watching the TV. If you plan on having a tv console, floating shelf, or dresser (for example) under the TV... How much space would you like from the surface of that furniture to the bottom of the TV? Take into consideration any pictures, decorations, or other devices that will be on the surface of the furniture.
Q. Do you plan on hiding your wires?
There are many wires that may need to be connected to and from the TV.
Power Cords: This cable can be concealed by having an electrical outlet or an In Wall Cable Concealment Kit with Power Installed behind the mounted TV. Do not run this power cable in the wall! These cables are not rated to be inside the wall and they are a fire hazard. If they are the cause of a fire, your insurance company will probably not cover the damages.
AV Cables: HDMI, Component, RCA, Optical, Coax, and Ethernet cables are just a few possibilities that you might need to connect your TV to your other devices. Receivers, Soundbars, DVD players, Streaming Devices, and Gaming Consoles all need an AV cable to get picture and sound to the TV by using one of the previously mentioned cables.
Solution #1 is to hide them within an On Wall Concealment Strip from behind the tv to the baseboard. This can still be an eyesore, but it's much better than using nothing at all. Cost is roughly $25 plus installation. (Least expensive)
Solution #2 is to have an electrical outlet installed behind the mounted tv location for your TV's power cable, and recessed wall plates installed behind the TV and above the baseboard so that your AV cables can be hidden in the wall. The cost is roughly $150-$350 for the electrical outlet installation, plus the additional cost for the two recessed wall plate installation. (Most expensive)
Solution #3 is to have an In Wall Concealment Kit with Power Kit installed. The top portion of the kit is installed behind the mounted tv location, and the bottom portion is installed above the baseboard. They are connected with an in wall rated Romex electrical wire. The bottom portion is then connected with a power cord that is plugged into an existing electrical outlet. This gives you one or two recessed electrical outlets and a cable pass through for your AV cables to be hidden within the wall. The cost is roughly $75 for the Kit plus installation. (Less expensive)
