In today’s do-it-yourself society, you’re probably taking on tasks lately previously thought of as “best left to the pros.” Installing a new flat panel TV is one of the tasks that many electronics consumers are handling in-house lately, with the cry “We don’t need no stinkin’ installers!”
As we’re all looking to save money these days any way we can, this makes perfect sense. And there’s no reason why a properly prepared “amateur” shouldn’t be able to successfully hang a flat panel TV on their wall.
But watch out! There are some potential pitfalls in any DIY undertaking, and flat panel installation is no exception. It’s easy to make a small mistake that could end up costing you big dollars for repairs—or for ultimately calling in one of those pros you were trying to avoid hiring.
So here’s our “top ten” list of do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when putting on your flat panel installer hat.
DO: Pick a good spot! Before you get rolling, it’s all-important to select a good resting place for your flat panel. Keep in mind that the placement of your TV affects the design of the entire room—home entertainment/rec rooms are typically laid out based on the location of the TV system. Be aware that it’s near-impossible to go back if you change your mind, as doing so will entail remounting the TV, patching up the holes left behind, and repainting.
Choose a spot where the screen can be easily seen from every seat in the room that will also allow for good placement of your speakers. This spot should also accommodate the connection of your TV to your system components, as if they’re, say, on different sides of the room, you’ll create a boatload of headaches for yourself. You should also consider the following when choosing a spot:
• Where are the electrical outlets? The TV should be close to existing ones, although you’ll typically have to add a new outlet for the set.
• What’s a good height? Eye level is a good bet for standard TVs, but big plasma screens actually look better hung a few inches above eye level. Don’t hang it too high, though, as that could cause eye strain.
Thanks for this information