What you need to know about wall mounts

Years ago if you wanted to mount your TV to the wall, you had to install a huge, unsightly bracket which mounted into a stud, which in turn held a sturdy, J-shaped arm with a large shelf on it.

Once the TV was lifted up into place (which was a nearly Herculean feat with a 25” CRT screen), it had to be secured to the shelf, usually accomplished with webbed straps. Once it was finished, it looked as though it belonged in a hospital room. In addition, they usually stuck out just enough and were just the right height to make them an ideal place to create some very impressive dents on your skull. (Yes, that is the voice of experience. I have the scars to prove it.)

Thankfully, times have changed. LCD TV wall mounts make the most of technological advances to create a much lower-profile, visually appealing way to mount your TV. Better yet, the TV is seamlessly integrated into the décor of the room in is no longer the de facto centerpiece.

If you’ve decided to make an LCD TV wall mount part of your home décor, here are a few things to remember.

• Bigger is better. Because of the much shallower depth afforded by some of the newer-tech TVs, a larger screen size doesn’t necessarily mean the TV is bigger in all dimensions. Usually, the front-to-back depth doesn’t vary a whole lot as the screens get wider and taller. Therefore, you can get a bigger screen size in the room without the TV taking over the room.
• It can be unobtrusive. You’re no longer stuck with a TV that’s still hanging there in the way even when you’re not using it.  When you’re done watching, you can turn it off and swing it out of the way, if you like.
• You can adjust. With the old wall brackets, you were stuck with one viewing angle, pre-determined by the manufacturer of the bracket. Newer LCD TV wall mounts give you a multitude of options for your viewing pleasure.

As the technology for home entertainment has evolved, so has the technology for the equipment that supports it. When you’re shopping for a new TV, don’t forget to check out what’s available in the way of wall mounting options. There are many, and some of them are simply amazing.