Flat Screen Installation

About the Flat Screen TVs

The flat screen will be one of many types available, but in most cases the mounting procedures will be the same. Since most flat screen installations deal with one type or another are very similar, the procedure will be roughly the same. If these instructions differ from the manufacturers directions, please follow their instructions instead for your flat screen installation.

Gathering Materials and Supplies

As with any big job, you'll want to gather the materials and supplies you'll need for mounting your flat screen before actually starting your flat screen installation. You will need a pencil, a measuring tape, a stud finder, a level and a screwdriver. Some more delicate installations will require more tools (and skill!), for instance if you are running wires through the walls or other mounting problems. For these, we recommend professional assistance.

Checking The Height of Your Flat Screen Mount

Since you will want the flat screen to be be viewable from practically any angle, you'll just need to consider the height to the viewers eyes when deciding on the location of your flat screen on the wall. When seated, the eyes should be about the same level as the center of your flat screen. It s a good idea to take a measurement and mark this height on the wall, as this will usually be the center of your mounting bracket.

Checking the Power

For this step, it's generally best to consult a professional. You'll need to make sure your power supply is clean (little signal noise) and that it has a dedicated breaker. Having other equipment powered by the same circuit can damage your flat screen as well as your other delicate - and expensive - home theater equipment.

Finding the Studs for Mounting the Flat Screen

Go to the mark made on your wall at viewer eye level. Now, take your stud finder and mark the inside edges of the studs on either side of this mark. Then mark the outside edges of the studs. This will tell you where the most secure places will be for attaching the wall mount for your flat screen.

Hiding the Wires for Your Flat Screen

Now is the time to consider how you will conceal the wires going to your flat screen. If they will be running through cable raceways, everything will be on the outside of the wall, but you may want to have the cables run through the wall or floor, or both. In this step you'll either cut your holes for concealing the wires or temporarily attach the wires to the wall, to be covered after mounting and connecting your flat screen.

Attaching the Wall Plate for the Flat Screen

Your flat screen should have come with full mounting hardware, including a wall plate for attaching it to the wall. Using the first mark made on the wall (at viewer eye level) as the center of the bracket plate, slide the wall plate to either side until you have the mounting holes over the studs. Attach one corner of the plate, leaving the screw slightly loose. Then, using a level, level the plate and secure the other side of the plate. Finish up by making sure all four screws are secure.

Attach the Brackets to the Flat Screen

You should have at least 2 brackets to attach to the back of your flat screen, each to be held there with two screws. Now you attach these brackets to their respective places. Do make sure they are tight, but be careful not to over-tighten them as you could strip the screws, causing serious issues for mounting your flat screen.

Attach the Brackets to the Flat Screen

You should have at least 2 brackets to attach to the back of your flat screen, each to be held there with two screws. Now you attach these brackets to their respective places. Do make sure they are tight, but be careful not to over-tighten them as you could strip the screws, causing serious issues for mounting your flat screen.

Mount the Flat Screen to the Wall

Now we can actually mount the flat screen on the wall, and feel safe knowing it is firmly attached. Some manufacturers have screws and other fasteners to firmly secure the bracket to the wall plate. If this is the case, follow the manufacturer's directions.

Connecting the Cables to your Flat Screen

Once the flat screen is mounted properly, it's time to connect the cables from the screen to the video component. There are different types of cables, but most simply push into place. If you have a different type of cable, follow the instructions for that type when connecting them your flat screen.

Covering the Wires and Cables

With all the cables connected to their respective components, you can now cover any exposed wires with your cable raceway. Most are very simple to install, using either adhesive or screws, depending on the manufacturer. Following the included instructions, insert the cable and attach the raceways where they belong.

Turn on Your Home Theater and Enjoy!

Now you can turn on your home theater, sit back and relax, because you've just completed your own flat screen mounting!