TV wall-mounts range from basic fixed-mount designs to those with nearly unlimited flexibility for positioning your TV. Think about what you want your bracket to be able to do. Do you want to be able to adjust the TV to get a better view from different seats? Would you like to be able to angle the TV for optimum viewing, yet also have it hug the wall when not in use? There are a variety of options to choose from.
Here are the basic mount types and the applications they’re best suited for.
Flat mount — This is the simplest, lowest-cost type of mount. It places the TV closer to the wall than other mount types — as little as 1″ away. A flat wall mount has no angle adjustments — the TV screen’s position is parallel to the wall. This type of mount is a good choice for TVs which have the widest horizontal and vertical viewing angles.
Tilt mount — By providing vertical angle adjustment, this wall mount type makes it easy to compensate for a TV positioned above the optimum viewing level. The tilt mechanism causes the TV to be spaced a bit further out from the wall — typically at least 2-1/2″. Common applications include TVs mounted above a fireplace or high on a bedroom wall. The angle adjustment can also help to counteract screen reflections from windows or room lights — an issue for many plasma TVs and some LCDs.
Tilt/swivel mount — By adding side-to-side swivel adjustment, this wall mount is a smart solution when a TV needs to be angled to provide the best viewing. It’s also great for rooms with more than one usual viewing spot.
Articulating mount — The most sophisticated, versatile type of mount. It provides the greatest tilt/swivel flexibility. The arm folds back so the TV can be close to the wall when not in use. Because this type can move the TV several inches out from the wall, it allows a wider range of side-to-side swivel.
