Q&A for How to Mount a Flat Screen TV

As long as the TV has VESA mounts that are the same size as your mounting bracket, you should be able to mount it. VESA mounts look like screw holes spaced in a square or rectangle on the back of your TV, so if you see these holes you can mount the TV.

You'll want the center of the TV to be at the eye level of the viewer. A good rule of thumb for viewers sitting on a couch would be about 42 inches high, but it can depend upon your furniture and your height what is ideal. If you know you'll have viewers of varying heights try to pick a number in the middle.

The easiest way, if you have drywall, is to punch a hole in the wall behind the TV and route the cables down to another hole directly below it, which is not as hard as it might at first seem. Take a look at How to Install a Flat Panel TV on a Wall With No Wires Showing .

It's possible, but you must be very careful to use hardware made for this purpose that is rated to hold the weight of the TV you want to mount. If you're not sure about doing it yourself, it may be safer to hire someone.

Yes. Use a tilting wall mount so that your viewing angle will be 90 degrees to the screen.

You can order a wall mount online that has a range of motion.

The center of the TV should be at eye level, so you will have to measure about how high eye level is from the seating in front of your TV and match that up with the center of your TV. You probably should measure from the floor instead of the ceiling.

No, this would not be a good idea. Nails can be pulled out when the weight is applied to them. Screws have "threads" which hold them in the stud.

It depends on the mount. Most mounts are made to fit a range of televisions.

You need to remove that bracket first, because it'll get in the way if you don't. It's not complicated or difficult to do this, all you'll likely need is a Phillips head screwdriver.

You shouldn't. If it was on, it could end up melting the plastic.

The center of the screen should be at the eye level of the viewer when seated, so about 40"- 45" from the floor.

No. If you use your fireplace often, the smoke and heat can damage the long term health of your TV. Also, the added light from the fire will distort the quality of the TV picture.

Read the instructions that come with the mounting hardware. Use a stud finder to make sure the mount is supported. If you just drill into the dry wall, you risk the TV ripping a huge hole in the wall, not to mention destroying your TV. Make sure you have the proper drill bits and screws, and use a level to make sure your TV will be straight.

No. The previous mount holes are likely too large to securely drill through again. Try mounting the TV somewhere else, or just above the previous mount.

Try the STANDiT by Erard, you can find it on Amazon. This stand allows you to "mount" the flat screen without any nails or holes in the wall. It can be moved easily to other locations.

There is theoretically no limit, aside from the top of the TV contacting the ceiling. But keep in mind the viewer (at their normal viewing posture), should be able to watch the TV with out tilting their head up to an uncomfortable position. Almost any tilting upward can become uncomfortable over time, especially the older the viewer is. It is also important the TV screen be tilted down so a line from the viewers eye in perpendicular (90 degrees) to the front surface of the screen, otherwise the image will be significantly less bright. Also consider the higher the screen goes, the more you will feel like you are in the theater, sitting in the front row.

You can drill small holes in the wall and run your cords inside the wall and back out to a power outlet. You can also purchase cord covers that stick to your walls and cover the look of cords. These come in many different colors.