Plasma Wall Mount

A plasma TV set is a rather large investment that can produce great rewards in terms of entertainment.  As such, you will want to make the most of it.  One of the ways to do so is to use a plasma TV wall mount, which exploits the reduced weight and thickness of plasma TVs over traditional CRT TV sets.  This is also a space-saving measure, and the space vacated by the TV can thus be used for other things.  Lastly, a wall-mounted plasma TV has a certain prestige, and makes a great conversation piece.

Wall mounting presents its own set of dilemmas and criteria, the gravest of which is the weight capacity.  This criterion consists of several points to look out for, which are explained as follows.

Weight distribution is an issue.  Though plasma TVs are much lighter than CRT TVs, they are not exactly feather-light.  Thus its weight, held for extended periods of time, can cause strain and damage to any wall mounts to which they are attached, unless that weight is distributed sufficiently.  Weight and strain distribution depend on the number of attachment points and their spacing, both for wall-to-mount attachment points and for mount-to-unit attachment points.  The configuration of these points can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, and even from model to model, so make sure you are buying the right kind of wall mount for your plasma or LCD TV.

In connection to the problem of weight distribution is a problem that directly affects on class of wall mounts, the swing-arm type.  A plasma TV wall mount of this type will have an extensible arm.  This arm acts like a lever, and can change the way weight is distributed depending on the adjustments made with it.  Often, the fully-extended state is the riskiest, since the lever arm is the longest.  Failure points to look out for are the attachments to the wall and the arm joints.  The wall plate may not be sturdy enough, the screws may be pulled out, and the joints may come loose or break.  Also, look out for dents to the arm components.  These arms are often made of tubular steel, and a dent or crack can cause folding and breakage.

The other class of TV wall mounting systems is much less likely to break in the same manner, but loses something else.  This other class mounts an adjustable frame for the TV onto the wall.  It may be able to slide from side to side, turn to the left and right a little, and tilt up or down, but because of the reduced distance between the TV and wall as a result of a lack of an extensible arm, the freedom of adjustment is reduced.  The ages-old tradeoff between stability and points of articulation or moving parts is also in effect here.

On a more light-hearted note, even the pickiest plasma TV owner can find a plasma TV wall mount to suit his or her preferences.  Just keep the above factors in mind when choosing, and you will surely be satisfied.