Ah, television. The great visual media provider. Capable of entertaining individuals and families alike for hours on end. Over the years, they’ve gotten lighter and slimmer and smarter. So much so, that you can even mount them on to monitor arms!
But why would you want to? If you’ve got the TV in the perfect spot, you would never have to use an arm. But that ‘perfect’ spot isn’t so perfect for everyone. Mounting a television to an arm allows movement and versatility to that not so perfect viewing spot. Here’s some steps on how to install a television onto a monitor arm.
1. Consider Options
But why would you want to? If you’ve got the TV in the perfect spot, you would never have to use an arm. But that ‘perfect’ spot isn’t so perfect for everyone. Mounting a television to an arm allows movement and versatility to that not so perfect viewing spot. Here’s some steps on how to install a television onto a monitor arm.
1. Consider Options
- Consider how and why you’re setting up your television. Will it be primarily for gaming? Do you plan to binge your favorite Netflix series on the couch? Do you need the screen to rotate? Take your space into consideration, where the wires will sit, and how the screen flows into the space.
Budget will also play a part in building your screening heaven. Are you putting most of the budget into the screen itself, or balancing out between the mount and the screen? Reflect on how the space is used on a day-to-day basis. If you’ve got kids or animals, a mount with lots of stability might be your biggest priority. If you live alone, size or versatility might be in the forefront of your mind.
- The biggest factor when selecting a screen is the size and quality of the screen. How big do you plan to go, and what quality are you looking for? For the purposes of the tutorial, the screen we are using is a 2015 32” Vizio Smart TV mounted onto an IKEA Coffee table. The coffee table sits roughly at 35x22x18 inches, and fitted very well into the designated living space.
Keep in mind though, that monitor arms do have a weight and size limitation, so an arm won’t be able to support a 60” TV.
Here are some screens we suggest for this tutorial:
1. 2015 32” Vizio Smart TV
2. Samsung UN32J5205 32-Inch 1080p Smart LED TV (2015 Model)
3. LG 24LH4830-PU 24-Inch Smart LED TV (2017 Model)
- Once you’ve selected what type of screen you want, the next thing to consider is what type of mount you want. The mount we are using in this tutorial is now discontinued, but happens to be a variant of the Amazon Basics Monitor Arm Mount.
Here are some mounts we recommend:
1. Amazon Basics Monitor Arm Mount
2. SIIG (CE-MT1P11-S1) Easy-Access Full Motion Monitor Desk Mount
3. Suptek MD5211W Adjustable Monitor Desk Mount
For any mount, be sure to check the VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) compatibility between the screen and the mount. The Flat Display Mounting Interface System (FDMIS) is a form of measurement comparing the mounting space of the apparatus (like an arm) is compatible with a flat-screen interface (like a television). The most common ones you’ll find for monitor arms are called VESA 75 or VESA 100, which determine the measurements between the holes (75 mm and 100 mm respectively). Screen above thirty inches will use the larger measurements, like VESA 200, 300, and 400.
There are variants between VESA compatible mounts, and there’s even a Wikipedia page explaining the parts of VESA Mounting Interface Systems. The arm and the TV in this tutorial are compatible because they both have a VESA 100 mounting interface, making it very simple to attach and separate when necessary.
In product descriptions, most mounts will also describe if the product in question has a pan, a tilt, rotation, or all three. Pan moves the screen from left to right, Rotation orientates the screen in portrait or landscape mode, and Tilt angles the screen up or down.
Weight will also be a factor in mounting your TV. Many arm and wall mounts have a maximum weight limit. Mounts also have a minimum for screen weights as well! Pick a screen that’s too light, and your TV will never sit still. Pick a screen that’s too heavy, and the TV is at risk of falling down. Most arms can hold up a monitor up to 25 lbs, while some arms can hold up to 60 lbs maximum. When ordering, double check that your arm can hold the selected screen.
- Home installation, even for a project this small, should always be done safely. Always wear close-toed shoes and durable clothing.
Double check that you have all the tools necessary to complete the project.
If you have trouble lifting, have someone there to help you out with the installation.
Keep your immediate space clear and free of obstacles.
Finally, always clean up after finishing an installation project.
- Once you’ve got all your parts together, the next step is to install your TV in the desired space.
Make sure to have:
1. A screwdriver with Phillips head
2. Velcro strips or Ties for securing wires
3. Any tools provided in the mounting package
4. Hex Keys, in case they were not provided with the mounting package
- Arm monitors typically use a three-joint design to give maximum flexibility and movement to the screen. We’re using a two-joint monitor arm for this installation.
After picking the spot that you want the TV to live on, start with the C-clamp and attach it to the table. This will be the base of your arm. If your product comes with an adjustable joint base, be sure to tighten the base in the desired spot before proceeding with installation.
Next, take the arm component and drop it into the base. Some arms, like the one used in this tutorial, will have a locking mechanism designed into the arm joints. This is to create tension so the monitor won't move if you accidentally bump it.
Afterwards, attach the vestibule to the back of the TV. If you’ve checked VESA compatibility beforehand, your holes should line up and you can secure the vestibule with Phillip screws. Finally, drop the vestibule with the TV attached to the arm.
Note: Make sure to remove the TV stand from the screen before attaching the vestibule.
Once you’re happy with the placement of the TV, secure any wires you have connected to the TV using either zip ties, wire ties or Velcro strips. This will help give you a cleaner and more organized aesthetic for the room.
Generally, arm mounts are designed to use springs to act as a form of resistance to the weight of the screen. This is where your hex keys come in. At the joints, you’ll have various points where you can adjust the springs. The tighter the spring, the more resistance it gives in moving the joint. The looser the spring, the less resistance you get. Adjust the resistance of the springs to your preference.
Congratulations! You now have a move-able Television in your own home! Adjust your TV, sit back, and enjoy.
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