There are so many television mounts to choose from. How do you know what to pick? Here is some basic information to help you decide what STYLE mount you want, as well as guidelines for the information you need to select the MODEL that you need.
Television Mount STYLES
There are four basic styles of television mount, based on their function. You select the style based on what features you want or need.
Fixed. A fixed mount hangs your television on the wall like a picture frame. No movements, no frills. It stays exactly where you put it. Fixed mounts are the least expensive. They are good for an area where a display will be seen from one location or where you won't need to make any adjustments.
Tilt. A tilt mount provides you the flexibility to angle the television up or down to get the best viewing angle and avoid glare from windows or ambient lighting. These are the most common style of mount. They provide just enough movement to get the best picture, while maintaining a discrete profile. These are typically used just about anywhere you would mount a television. Bedroom, living room, kitchen, theater, you get the picture.
Cantilever. Cantilever mounts (also called "arm" or "full motion" mounts) are a bit more complicated. They have joints that allow you extend the television away from the wall. These mounts usually include a tilt feature as well. You might hear or see terms like "dual-arm" (this means that it has two jointed arms that extend from the wall; these are usually for large or extra-large televisions) or "double-stud" (these have a wall plate that fits across two wall studs, to help distribute the weight of larger displays). The different terminology can be intimidating, but with a few glossary words anyone can pick the right mount. Cantilever mounts are ideal when you want one television to provide the display for multiple seating areas. If you have an open floor plan, you can mount the television in the family room with the ability to pull it out and see it from the kitchen.
Specialty. Specialty mounts are for application-unique situations. Some common types are for desk mounts, under-cabinet, corner mounting, ceiling mounting, or cabinet pull-out mounts. If you need something this specific, you should probably seek help from a certified professional.
Choosing a MODEL
Now that you know what the different styles are, how do you know which model will work for your television? The mount connects to the back of the television using a set of mounting holes. The electronics industry is working to standardize these holes, but there are still many brands out there with proprietary sizes. Typically, you will see the sizes in metric distances like 200mm x 200mm, 75x100, 400x400. You will either need to know the mounting hole pattern for your TV, or you will need to consult a professional that can take your tv's brand and model number to determine the size. Many mounts now offer a size range guide (such as 'fits most 32"-47" flat panels') but it is always a good idea to confirm that your tv falls into the "most" and isn't the exception to the rule.
If you have specific needs, such as the extension distance on a cantilever mount or a vertical height adjustment, you should contact a professional to help you choose the model that fits your application.
