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Flat panel TV wall mounts
Thinking of purchasing a flat-panel TV but not quite sure where you’d put it? Maybe you already own an LCD or plasma display and just want a better way to show it off. Well, there’s good news: you have options. You can use TV mounts to attach your flat panel to a wall or even underneath a cabinet, and they’re simple to install.
Compatibility
Based on the type of TV you are thinking of purchasing or currently own, you have different options for the type of mount you can use. There are three things you need to know about your TV before picking out a mount:
- Size
- Weight
- VESA compatibility
All mounts are tested to fit a certain size of TV (based on the diagonal measurement of the screen) and hold a maximum amount of weight. As for the VESA compatibility, LCD and plasma TV mounts follow a standardized set of compatibility requirements set by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). Think of TVs and mounts as puzzle pieces and VESA as the one making sure they all fit together.
When you see that a TV is VESA compliant, you can match it up with a mount that is compatible with that same VESA number. For example, let’s say you are interested in an LCD set that lists it is VESA 75 and 100 compliant. That means you can then match it up with a mount that is VESA 75 compatible or VESA 100 compatible or even both.
A variety of TV wall mounts are manufactured by OmniMount that feature VESA compatibility. OmniMount also produces universal mounts that fit an assortment of flat panel TVs that aren’t VESA compliant. These mounts have adjustable adapter plates to ensure a proper fit with many types of TVs.
Designs
Once you know what mounts are compatible with your TV, you can pick out a design that best suits your needs. Mounts come in fixed, tilt, flip-down and cantilever designs.
• Fixed wall mounts 
These have the lowest profile of all wall mounts and allow you to hang your TV set in a static position. These mounts sit closely against the wall and route all of the cables through the back of the unit. This gives your TV and wall a clean and uncluttered appearance.
•Tilt mounts 
give you the option of angling your flat panel away from the wall. It leans your TV so that it points downward, allowing for easier viewing and reduction of screen glare. These mounts are also offered as universal tilt mounts and give you the extra option of leveling your set to a static position against the wall (like a fixed wall mount). These types of mounts work best in rooms where the TV is higher up on a wall such as above a fireplace.
• Flip-down mounts 
are designed for smaller LCD TVs. They are used under shelves or cabinets and allow the set to be stored inconspicuously when not in use. These mounts feature the ability to extend in both up-down and left-right directions which make them extremely versatile for mounting and viewing. They are perfect for the kitchen or the study room where you want a practical place for a TV that is also unobtrusive.
•Cantilever mounts 
are the most flexible of all of wall mounts. They feature an extendable arm that not only supports the TV but also allows you to horizontally extend the set away from the wall. You can even tilt, swivel and laterally rotate the TV along the mount. Cantilever mounts work best in rooms where you want the option of moving the TV in multiple directions, including around corners.
Make sure you check with your manufacture to see which size mount that you need.
Guide created: 10/04/06 (updated 05/27/08)
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