Mount Center

Here we wanted to break down a few of the different types of mounts on the market that will help you decide which one is the right choice for you.

Articulating Wall Arm Plasma TV Mount

Usually able to support between 30-200 lbs. Holds screen3"-70" away from wall. Check individual models for specific details. Articulating Plasma TV Mount consist of an arm with 3 hinged points of articulation, one point at the base, the second point in the center, and the third point directly behind the mount plate. The screen can be moved, and the joints can be locked in different positions.

FEATURES:
* Wide varieties of configuration and viewing angles.
* Available for many screen sizes and weights.

Floor Stand Plasma Mount

Usually able to support between 130-150 lbs. Check individual models for specifics. Floor Stands are load bearing stands with legs or a base and a central point that extends up. At the top is an articulated joint that attaches to the mount plate.

FEATURES:
* High weight capacity.
* Several available types for different screen sizes and weights.

Ceiling Plasma TV Mount

Usually able to support between 40-175 lbs. Check individual models for specifics. Ceiling mounts consist of a load bearing pole with an articulated joint that attaches to the mount plate, allowing the angle of the screen to be adjusted.

FEATURES:
* Similar to tilt wall mounts, though with lower weight capacity.
* Have a greater number of possible angles due to 360° rotation from a fixed position.

Pivoting Wall Arm Plasma Wall Mount

Usually able to support between 25-175 lbs. Holds screens 4"-10" away from wall. Check individual models for specific details. Pivot Mounts consist of a long arm capable of side to side movement and a jointed hinge on the mount plate that allows for various changes in angle.

FEATURES:
* Less expensive than articulating wall arm mounts, but not as much range of motion.
* Fewer moving parts, which can mean greater durability.

Flat Wall Plasma TV Mount

Usually able to support between 130-200 lbs. Holds screens 1"-2" away from wall. Check individual models for specific details. Flat wall mounts do not use an arm. The plasma screen TV affixes directly to a flat wall mount. Plasma screen TVs on flat wall mounts can be moved side to side, and the angle can be adjusted slightly.

FEATURES:
* High weight capacity and low cost.
* Fewer viewing angles than other types of mount.
* Lowest possible distance between screen and wall.

Tilt Wall Plasma TV Mount

Usually able to support between 80-280 lbs. Holds screen 2"-4" away from wall. Check individual models for specific details. Tilt wall mounts are similar to flat wall mounts, but they are sloped at an angle so that the screen faces slightly downward.

FEATURES:
* Tilt mounts have the same advantages as a flat wall mount.
* Perfect for screens in stores or restaurants because they are designed to be installed above head level.

TYPES OF MOUNTS

There are several different styles of mount available. One thing to keep in mind is that if a mount has a high range of movement, it is likely to either have a low weight capacity or require mounting into more than one stable source, such as a stud or ceiling beam. Check weight capacity carefully! It is better to buy a mount with a higher weight capacity than you really need if the next available model has a weight capacity less than or equal to the weight of your screen.

Articulating Wall Arm LCD Wall Mount

Usually able to support between 30-200 lbs. Holds screen3"-70" away from wall. Check individual models for specific details.

Articulating LCD Wall Mounts consist of an arm with 3 hinged points of articulation, one point at the base, the second point in the center, and the third point directly behind the mount plate. The screen can be moved, and the joints can be locked in different positions.

FEATURES:
* Wide varieties of configuration and viewing angles.
* Available for many screen sizes and weights.

Desktop/Countertop LCD TV Mount

Usually able to support between 25-150 lbs. Check individual models for specific details. Desktop and countertop mounts consist of a single arm that can be rotated 360°. A hinge located on the LCD TV mount plate allows the angle of the screen to be changed.

FEATURES:
* Little risk of mount failure.
* Excellent choice for computer monitors and presentation screens.

Pivoting Wall Arm LCD Wall Mount

Usually able to support between 25-175 lbs. Holds screens 4"-10" away from wall. Check individual models for specific details. Pivot mounts consist of a long arm capable of side to side movement and a jointed hinge on the mount plate that allows for various changes in angle.

FEATURES:
* Less expensive than articulating wall arm mounts, but not as much range of motion.
* Fewer moving parts, which can mean greater durability.

Cabinet LCD TV Mount

Usually able to support between 10-20 lbs. Check individual models for specific details. Cabinet mounts are designed for very small LCD screens. The base can be mounted on the top of a cabinet, and the arm can be swung down. This provides for a clean look, as the LCD can be pulled up to hide it when not in use. An articulated joint on the base plate allows the screen to be adjusted to various angles.

FEATURES:
* Good for small screens and stylish display.
* Little range of motion and no support for larger screen sizes.

Flat Wall LCD TV Mount

Usually able to support between 130-200 lbs. Holds screens 1"-2" away from wall. Check individual models for specific details. Flat wall mounts do not use an arm. The LCD screen TV affixes directly to a flat wall mount. LCD screen TVs on flat wall mounts can be moved side to side, and the angle can be adjusted slightly.

FEATURES:
* High weight capacity and low cost.
* Fewer viewing angles than other types of LCD TV mount.
* Lowest possible distance between LCD TV screen and wall.

Tilt Wall LCD TV Mount

Usually able to support between 80-280 lbs. Holds screen 2"-4" away from wall. Check individual models for specific details. Tilt wall mounts are similar to flat wall mounts, but they are sloped at an angle so that the screen faces slightly downward.

FEATURES:
* Tilt wall mounts have the same advantages as a flat wall mounts.
* Perfect for screens in stores or restaurants because they are designed to be installed above head level.

Ceiling LCD TV Mount

Usually able to support between 40-175 lbs. Check individual models for specifics. Ceiling mounts consist of a load bearing pole with an articulated joint that attaches to the LCD mount plate, allowing the angle of the screen to be adjusted.

FEATURES:
* Similar to tilt wall mounts, though with lower weight capacity.
* Have a greater number of possible angles due to 360° rotation from a fixed position.

Floor Stand LCD TV Mount

Usually able to support between 130-150 lbs. Check individual models for specifics. Floor stands are load bearing stands with legs or a base and a central point that extends up. At the top is an articulated joint that attaches to the LCD mount plate.

FEATURES:
* High weight capacity.
* Several available types for different LCD screen TV sizes and weights

Now that you've finally purchased that projector you've been looking for, you're excited and ready to start enjoying the benefits of your new projector. But wait, where do you put it? You want it positioned perfectly to view on your projection screen without obstructing the view of the watching audience. You could always place the projector on the coffee table in front of the couch. However, the projector might clash with the interior decorations of the room and become quite an eyesore. Also, placing the projector on the coffee table could be unsafe for the projector.

Someone could spill a drink or trip over the cables. Keeping the projector out of harm's way is not only good for your projector, but also good for your family and friends. The ideal way of doing this is by mounting your projector to the ceiling.

Which Mount Type - Universal or Dedicated

When purchasing a mount you'll come across universal and dedicated mounts. Essentially the functionality is the same. Both Dedicated and Universal mounts safely hold a projector to the ceiling. Dedicated mounts are made with a pattern of screw holes drilled into the mount that line up directly with specific projector model's pattern of screw holes. Universal mounts are designed so that users can move the screw holes to match the unique mounting pattern on each projector. With the universal mounts you have to line up the arm extensions to the screw hole. The arm extensions make the universal projector mount look like a spider. The benefit of the universal projector mount is that if you ever purchase another projector down the road you will not have to replace the mount. When purchasing a ceiling mount for your projector, be sure that you research the way each particular mount attaches to the ceiling, and the projector itself, to be sure you have the right one to fit your application.

Now that you've reviewed the basics for mounting your projector to the ceiling follow your projector mount instructions and always double check your measurements before drilling into your ceiling. Good luck with your project!

Special Note on Ceiling Type - Accessories and Finishing Touches

Ideally you will want to keep your projector even with the top of the screen. This can be manipulated +/- 20 degrees depending on the mount you purchase. If your ceiling is much higher than the top of your screen there are many lengths of extension pipes and ceiling adapters to overcome that issue. If your ceiling is slanted you would need to buy a cathedral ceiling adapter and the appropriate extension pipe.

Most ceiling mount kits include the necessary hardware to mount to drywall and related ceiling materials. For special installations, screws and anchors for mounting to other materials such as brick and metal are available. In offices and classrooms with drop ceilings, a combination of metal fasteners, extension column and a panel to mask where the projector comes through the drop ceiling contribute toward a professionally finished look. Drop ceiling kits are completely optional though. Don't worry about having a hole in the ceiling, you can always buy an escotchen ring to go around your extension pipe. Giving your installation a clean look!