There was a time when televisions were universally “boxy.” All of that changed as the 21st century got underway. LCD and plasma technology paved the way for thinner, more space-saving designs.
Now, flat panel TVs are all the rage, and projectors offer viewing experiences that used to be reserved for cinemas and venues. Viewers expect the same convenience and reliability in installation as they do with the entertainment experience itself. So, whether it’s preparing for football season, bringing the movie theater experience home, or creating the most immersive gaming experience possible, your customers are looking for mounting options to fulfill their specific entertainment dreams.
But different customers have different needs. In helping them to locate the best possible mount, it is important, first and foremost, to get an accurate sense of what they have in mind.
Are they in the market for a flat panel TV mount that will be fixed at one angle, or would they prefer an option that offers a broad range of movement? And how do projectors mount? Don’t worry: our ultimate guide to projector and TV mounts is here to answer all you and your customer’s questions!
Versatility and Customers
Mounts may be more versatile than you realize. Initially, they seem very adept at making living rooms and home entertainment centers more sleek or modern. Yet, they may offer more in-depth solutions than customers realize upfront. And as a retailer, you might uncover new avenues filled with customers who are looking to purchase mounts.
So, who are the customers that are buying mounts? Families and homeowners come to mind first. But there are a wealth of business owners and other agencies that may be on the hunt as well. Restaurants, sports bars and diners often incorporate a number of TVs into their layouts to entice and entertain patrons.
Schools are also incorporating flat screens and projectors in the classroom to modernize the education experience. Churches and other houses of worship incorporate TVs and projectors in welcome centers, foyers, cafes and sanctuaries. Lastly, don’t forget the waiting rooms at doctor’s offices, tire shops and other businesses where TVs are kept helping customers pass the time.
The Why of Mounting
Our society has moved in a more visually appealing direction. Many consumers want to hide the nuts and bolts and present a streamlined look. But mounts offer more than a clean appearance. Mounts also offer safety and security—two things that not only appeal to families but also to businesses and schools.
Safety comes in the form of securing TVs and projectors to walls and ceilings. Consumers significantly lower their risk of accidents by installing these mounts. This protects businesses and schools by lowering the chances of an accident occurring on site.
Standards and Sizes
Size matters when choosing a mount. While flat screens are much thinner and lighter than their predecessors–dinosaurs better known as CRT televisions–it is crucial to pair them with the correct mount to avoid an accidental TV tip over. For the best fit, make sure your sales team is versed in VESA pattern standards.
VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) is a mounting industry-standard system that basically makes it easier to determine which mounts will properly match up with the hole patterns on the back of a TV display. Ask your customers what size and how much their new TV weighs. Proud new owners usually know these things. Once you know what mount size they will need, then you can determine which type of mount will best fit TV viewing wants.
Types of TV Mounts
Fixed mounts are the most basic and economic mounts. For your customers who simply want a mount that will safely secure a TV to the wall and aren’t looking to spend a lot, this is your best fit.
For your customers who want to mount a new TV higher than the normal range of view (say above a fireplace or high on a bedroom wall) give them some tilt. Tilt mounts are both low profile and have varying tilt degrees, which is important to note when assessing viewing angle needs. Some mounts also include accessories to make the mounting process as simple as possible!
For your TV viewers who are anything but couch potatoes, full motion and interactive mounts are the perfect fit. These TV owners are looking for a mount that will let them tilt, swivel and even move TVs up and down! These mounts even allow the TV to be extended from the wall! They are also great for gamers and game watching parties.
We’ve given TV mounts a pretty thorough investigation. So, what about projector mounts? These are more standardized—with less options—but can be puzzling to place. Don’t worry—we’ve got that covered too!
The Nuts and Bolts of Projector Mounts
Projectors are an important part of conference rooms, schools, houses of worship and home theaters everywhere. But setting up projector mounts can be intimidating—the fear of thousands of dollars of expensive electronics plummeting from the ceiling is real.
Setting one up doesn’t have to be complicated, though—either for professional installers or DIYers. Follow these basics for a no-hassle setup.
1: Determine where you want your screen first.
Projectors are designed to project at a specific distance and height. Mark out your screen first, but don’t mount it yet. Make sure to use a reliable tape measure!
Marking out the screen before mounting allows you to figure out projector placement. You can then adjust the screen location without having to move the whole screen. Don’t jump the gun—you might have to do the same work twice if you do.
2: Calculate your projector placement.
You can use a projector calculator to help with this step.
There are 3 things to consider:
- Throw distance. Projectors have an optimal distance from the screen, which is listed on the projector itself. If you set up projector mounts outside of this distance, the projection can get fuzzy.
- Vertical offset. This is where the image is projected in relation to the projector’s vertical alignment. Some projectors allow you to adjust this by moving the lens, but it should be as close to neutral as possible to minimize distortion.
- Horizontal lens shift. This is the same as vertical offset, just horizontal. Ideally set at 0° for the same reasons.
3: Mount your projector.
For this step, you’ll need a few tools:
- A stud finder
- A ratchet set
- A driver
- A level
You also need a projector mount, of course!
Mount the ceiling plate with the included lag bolts first. Getting this in place gives you something to hang the projector from. Don’t try to mount the projector on the ceiling—mount it to the projector plate first while you’re on the ground. Lift the projector and slide it into place, secure it and you’re good to go.
Carefully follow your calculations from step 2 to get your alignment right and make sure the image is clear and free of distortion.
Mount Your Sales Initiative
Bringing home a new TV or projector is a big life event for your customers. Make sure new owners have the perfect mount to safely enjoy this new addition to their home. Avoid TV tip overs and other tragic accidents by helping customers choose a mount that safely secures new TVs and projectors while also ensuring maximum viewing! Make sure to visit order.petra.com to peruse our full lineup of TV mounts, projector mounts, and accessories!