How to Buy a TV Mount
Large flat-screen televisions offer an enhanced viewing experience, but their sheer size may not be compatible with some furniture and certain spaces. Wall mounts allow a television to be attached to a wall, free from its stand, but you need to consider some key features and specifications to find a safe and functional wall mount for a television.
Which mounts work for my TV?
Weight capacity and motion support are key factors to consider to determine whether a mount will work with a television and its placement.
- Despite their thin profiles, televisions can be quite heavy. While tabletops have no problem supporting this weight, a wall mount or the wall used for mounting may. TV mounts should note their weight capacity and the recommended hardware and placement for installation.
- The Video Electronics Standards Association created a mounting pattern that's compatible with most televisions and mounts. Four holes on the back of the TV create a rectangular shape that matches with mounts. Most manufacturers, like Sharp, support the standard but some televisions may differ, so it's always wise to double check.
- Mounting a television on the wall can give additional viewing flexibility by allowing movement, tilting, and swiveling. When you prefer a fixed position, there are mounts that do not move.
Should I get a fixed or motion TV mount?
A television mounted to the wall can either move in different ways or remain fixed and flat.
- A fixed mount is appropriate in many home-cinema setups or with very large TVs. It's often not necessary to move a television with extreme dimensions, such as a 70-inch TV used in a home theater. A fixed position offers an adequate viewing experience, and these stick out less than those with motion capability.
- Motion options add flexibility to how a TV is oriented. Tilting capability allows the television to be tilted up or down. These are appropriate in setups where the TV may be mounted higher than usual, such as above a fireplace.
- Motion or articulating choices have the most flexibility since the TV can be moved away from the wall, tilted, or angled. This allows the TV to be hidden and moved out for use or used on a wall that isn't in front of the viewing area.
What about tabletop mounts?
If a wall cannot support weight or when it's simply based on personal preference, tabletop mounts allow televisions to stand upright on a suitable surface.
- Both small and very large televisions can be used with these in cases where the surface is large enough. Styles include one-piece bases that hold the TV from the center or two legs that hold it from each end.
- These may or may not support the VESA mounting standard and might be manufacturer dependent. A Sharp television may only support legs or a stand designed for a particular model.
- Tabletop bases can support movement in some cases. The ability to tilt and swivel is more appropriate to expect from this type of mounting versus full movement when mounted to a vertical surface.
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