Within the world of consumer electronics, Philips has always been recognized as a company often ahead of the curve.

A good example of the company’s foresight can be seen in a television commercial it ran a few years ago. In the ad, a group of people decide to mount their Philips plasma display on the ceiling to save space in their cramped living quarters.

Back then, when flat-panel plasma and LCD televisions were new to the mainstream, the commercial visibly illustrated the lifestyle elements these seemingly exotic technologies offered consumers.

Currently, flat-panel televisions are no longer considered exotic or expensive. The technologies, due to a variety of market conditions, are now approachable for many consumers of all income levels, and the affordability of the products are enabling a wide variety of home applications. These mounting options, in turn, have created an entire category of bracket solutions that facilitate the placement of a flat-panel television practically anywhere — including the ceiling, like in that old Philips commercial.

Basics 4-1-1

As flat-panel televisions continue their march toward the top of the charts, especially in terms of unit sales, a number of manufacturers have developed mount solutions that are categorized as fixed, tilting, pivoting, articulating and motorized. These are often available in wall and ceiling versions.

A fixed mount allows a television to be set to a surface, but without adjustable viewing angles or other considerations. A tilting mount, on the other hand, offers some viewing flexibility with its potential to be tilted up or down. A third option, a pivoting mount, takes it a step further. It allows left and right angling for a greater range of options. The most versatile manual mount option is an articulating version. This type of mount enables a homeowner to pull the television out from the wall and angle it to a desired viewing position. Another new trend, increasing the coolness factor of a flat-panel television, is a motorized mount. These mounts alter viewing angles at the push of a button. A motorized mount is capable of providing tilt, pivot, extension and retraction.

Additionally, there are many so-called universal products out there designed to fit all types of televisions. There are also model-specific products that, like the name suggests, pair with certain products.

Pluses/Minuses 4-1-1

Beyond the overall cool factor that drives the sales of plasma and LCD televisions, the biggest single reason that consumers purchase a flat-panel television is that they save space. Mounts leverage this benefit by eliminating any need whatsoever for floor space to accommodate a home’s television.

What needs to be considered, however, is the fact that a flat-panel television is a sizable investment for many people. As such, a lot of trust is placed on the mount to remain functional and reliable throughout its long-term use.

Haphazard installation or the cutting of corners could end up costing more in the long run, and could result in an unhappy homeowner. Important safety elements, such as weight, electrical and other factors, must be considered to avoid liability and to ensure a satisfied client.

Installation 4-1-1

For safety reasons, a minimum of two people should be used in the process of mounting a flat-panel display. Once a homeowner chooses an area of the room in which the television will be mounted, the installers need to locate at least one stud that will hold the mount. Depending on the dimensions and weight of the unit, it may be necessary to install the mount to two studs. To further facilitate proper installation, it is important to look for quality assurances, such as Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) mounting hardware compliance. These help to ensure that the television is compatible with the mounting hardware pattern of the bracket. Similarly, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) compliance can help to ensure size and weight safety measures. Finally, many manufacturers participate in the International Organization of Standardization (ISO), which recognizes the adherence to quality standards by manufacturing companies.

Profits 4-1-1

In the field of consumer electronics, mounts provide dealers with many opportunities to bolster revenues through attachment sales. Depending on the sophistication and size of the mount, the costs and margins vary. Dealers and homebuilders can expect, however, to yield margins in line with other electronics components.

Warranty 4-1-1

The coverage of mount manufacturers’ warranty policies varies. Many offer multiple-year warranties, and others offer limited lifetime warranties that are backed with product insurance policies.