How To Hang A Plasma TV

Learning how to hang a plasma TV is an excellent way to save space and enjoy a clear viewing experience. Unlike the old picture tube televisions, flat panel LCD and plasma televisions not only offer a superior viewing experience, they are also both thinner and lighter than traditional televisions. The slim profile and the lightweight construction allows owners to hang their LCD or plasma TV onto a wall mount or bracket.

To properly hang a plasma TV, you will need:

• Flat Panel TV Wall Mount
• Measuring Tape
• Stud Finder
• Pencil
• Screwdriver
• Power Drill
• Carpenter Level
• Plasma TV Instruction Manual
• An Extra Pair of Hands

1. Read your instruction manual. Most of the newer televisions work with different types of wall mounts. Older models however, may require a specific type of mount or bracket. Also, the size of your TV will determine the kind of mount you will need.
2. Choose the type of mount you like. There are several designs available. A TV on flat wall mount is akin to a framed painting or photograph. Owners may hang a plasma TV almost flat against the wall. A tilting wall mount on the other hand, allows users to tilt their television up or down. Since the tilting mechanism is positioned behind the TV, there is a gap of a few inches between the wall and the TV. The most versatile bracket is the articulating wall mount. This type of mount allows users to tilt, rotate or swivel their televisions.
3. Choose a suitable location. When picking the right spot for your TV, make sure that the television will be positioned at the right height. Keep the TV away from a strong light source to minimize glare and remember that several wires and cords need to be organized and connected to other devices such as blu-ray players and console games.
4. Locate the wall studs. Your wall mount must be securely bolted and fastened onto your wall studs. Carefully run your stud finder over the wall to locate the wall studs. When you find the studs, mark these with a pencil. You will need to hit at least two wall studs to safely set your wall mount.
5. Bolt the TV onto the TV portion of the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket basically has two main parts. The part where you bolt the TV on and the part that mounts against the wall. Carefully lay your television face down and position the rails which attach to the back of the TV. Using your screwdriver, secure the screws that hold the TV and rail together.
6. Secure the wall mount. Position the wall mount flat against the wall where you want your TV placed. Adjust the mount so that the holes are positioned exactly where the wall studs are located. Place the carpenter's level up against the mounting bracket and make sure it is level. With your pencil, mark where you should drill your holes.
7. Use your power drill. Make small pilot holes on the marks. Secure the anchoring bolts with your screwdriver then screw the wall mount onto the anchoring bolts.
8. Ask for some help. Although flat panel televisions are lighter than a traditional TV, bigger LCD or plasma televisions may still weigh a significant amount. To avoid possibly hurting yourself or inadvertently dropping your plasma TV, get someone to help you lift and position the television.
9. Connect all cables. You will probably be connecting two or more devices into your television. Connecting the cables are much more difficult after you have mounted the television. Hold your plasma TV as close to the wall mount as possible and connect all your cables and wires.
10. Hang the television. The rails connected to the back of the TV should latch on to the wall mount. If there are any tabs or safety locks included in the package, do not forget to secure these.