How To Mount A Plasma TV On A Plaster Wall

After purchasing a plasma or LCD television as well a corresponding wall mounting kit, determining the wall on which to mount it, and making sure all of the necessary tools are available, the next step in mounting the television to a plaster wall is to choose the exact spot on the wall where the mount should be attached.

It is absolutely essential that the television mount is placed in a spot that has a stud or studs directly behind it. Anchor bolts will be used to secure the mount to the stud(s).

Obviously, a plaster wall alone cannot support the weight of a plasma or LCD mount and television, and at least one stud is necessary to ensure that the mount and the television are safely installed. Anchoring the mounting unit to two studs is more secure than using just one, so if there is a location on the wall where two studs are located and can both be used for the installation of the mount, this spot should be seriously considered for the placement.

Beginning the Installation:
It is recommended that the mounting kit be opened and the instruction and installation manual be thoroughly read and understood prior to beginning the installation process. Make sure that all the pieces are present and that all the necessary tools are within reach. Every brand and model television mount is slightly different from the next, so it?s important to follow the directions that come with the one that will be used.

Even if the instruction manual does not list this first, it?s a good idea to place the mounting rails into position on the back of the plasma or LCD television that will eventually end up on the wall. This will help ensure that the television will sit on the wall in its originally intended place. (Sometimes the brackets end up pushing the television up or down an inch or two. If the brackets are put in place first, a better placement estimation can be determined.)

Next, it?s time to mark the wall with indicators as to where the anchor bolts will be drilled into the wall. In addition, the locations where the cable will go from the television to the electrical outlet should also be notated on the wall.

After drilling holes where the anchor bolts will be placed and cutting out spots on the wall where the cable will enter and exit the wall, the next step is to the get the mount ready to affix with the anchors.

Prior to tightening the bolts, make sure that everything is nice and even, using a level. If everything looks good, it?s time to tighten the bolts so that the mount is fastened very snugly to the wall.

After fishing the cable from the cut hole near the mount down (or up) to the electricity source, the television can be added to the mount. Since many plasma and LCD televisions are extremely heavy, it?s recommended that at least two people help to lift it to the mount. After this is completed, all of the cables can be attached to the television, and the television can finally be turned on.

Jason West is the owner of the UK's leading Wall Bracket supplier http://www.tv-wall-brackets.co.uk.

Tips On How To Buy A Plasma TV

Plasma TV Buying Tips

Plasma technology seems to be the buzz these days and its popularity continues to grow as HDTV, DVD-video, DTV, and digital satellite become more commonplace. These plasma TV buying tips will help you make the right decision.

Plasma resolution is higher than traditional TV sets and it?s capable of HDTV, DTV, as well as VGA, SVGA, and XGA. A plasma television will have a display of 1366 x 768 and it will provide much more vibrant colors and clarity than anything we?ve seen in the past.

Plasma is measured diagonally just like other televisions. The smallest screen is 32 inches and the largest is 63 inches. If you are recessing your TV, you need to leave 3 inches of space at top to provide proper ventilation. You will also need 6 inches on each side for your speakers.

You need to make sure your plasma will allow for proper viewing from all directions. Don?t just purchase the largest screen because it?s a good price. Purchase a size that works best with your room.

Thirty-two to thirty-seven inch screens are viewed best from 6 to 10 feet. Forty-two inch screens are viewed best from 10 to 14 feet; and 50 inch screen are best viewed from 12 to 16 feet. Screens that are over 50 inches should be viewed from at least 15 feet away.

The flatter the tube is on the television the less glare you will get from windows, doors, and lamps. You?ll also get less distortion on the screen. If you are going to the expense of buying a plasma television, go for the flat screen right away. It?s definitely a smart investment.

Make sure the TV has at least one set of audio video inputs and at least one set of audio output. More is better if at all possible. Also check for RCA composite, component video inputs, and S-video. If you are going to use HDTV, then check for the HD component firewire.

When it comes time to go shopping you can choose to purchase from a local retail outlet or you might want to have a look online. There are often some great buys to be found online. Of course, as with any purchase, use common sense. If the price sounds too good to be true it usually is. Always buy from a reputable dealer that you know you can trust.

There are several pricing portals online such as Nextag, Pricegrabber, and Bizrate. These sites are a quick way to see what is available at different sites online. Remember the only sites you?ll find on these portals are paid advertisers but it?s still a good place to start looking.

Be sure to check the warranty on the television you are looking at. If an extended warranty option is available it?s definitely worth considering if it?s reasonably priced.

Follow these plasma TV buying tips and you?ll be well on your way to buying that new TV!

Gray Rollins is a featured writer for PlasmaGeeks.com. For more Plasma TV Buying Tips and HDTV Reviews, visit us.