Mounts form the backbone of many AV installations so choosing the right one is crucial. Here Peerless-AV share their advice on to ensure you always make the best decision
Plan Ahead
Choosing the correct flat panel mounting solution is key to a successful installation. Universal mounts are ideal because they are adjustable to support a wide range of flat panel brands and models. It is crucial to use the correct fasteners for the specific wall/ceiling structure (e.g. wood studs, breezeblock, plasterboard, concrete and metal studs). Be sure to have all the hardware required for your specific application before you begin the installation.
Use Only Qualified Mounts
Be sure you are using mounts that have been tested and qualified. Select mounts that are tested to UL safety standards to ensure that the mount can handle the weight and stresses placed on its hardware and fasteners. Mounts that are VESA compliant conform with all the mechanical requirements of flat panels, further ensuring reliability. ISO 9001 certified facilities produce mounts with the highest level of quality assurance.
Consider the Overall Installation
Where are the power and AV cables coming from and how will they be addressed? Know in advance what make and model of display you will be installing so you can locate the power and signal connections in the wall or ceiling accordingly. And how will you handle cable management? Some mount manufacturers offer integrated cable management systems to hide wires and cables, which keeps the installation looking clean and neat.
Understand the Final Application
You should have a thorough understanding of the room environment and all the desired viewing locations to select a mount with the right features, such as tilting, pivoting or articulating. You also must have the end user’s approval on your selection, which is especially important when the mount is highly visible, such as in a digital signage installation. Spend time educating your customers about their options at the outset of the project so they thoroughly understand why a specific display and mount were selected.
Time is Money
A well-designed mount should be as user-friendly and intuitive to install as possible. Custom wall plate spacers provide perfect spacing for dedicated display models, eliminating the need to calculate and measure the position of each mount in a video wall array.
Going Large or Super-slim
Increasing demand for the biggest or slimmest LED and LCD display models means more consideration is required for the choice of mounting solution to be able to safely support the weight capacity of a big heavy screen or to complement the sleek design of a thin display with a slim to wall profile. Mounts for large displays up to 98in that are tested to four times the product’s weight capacity will ensure safe, reliable usage in the real-world.
Mobility
Video wall trolleys are an increasing popular multipurpose solution for delivering an impactful message across a range of settings, thereby effectively enhancing the ROI of this investment. Able to be used as a static video wall display the versatility of this solution is that it can also be deployed as a backdrop for events, to deliver a message at a trade show or for large scale presentations. UL safety tested trolleys also give peace of mind with regards to handling and structural reliability during use, transportation and storage.
Adjustability
Having the ability to make micro-adjustments once a display is installed is a vital consideration in selecting any video wall mounting solution to ensure that the display can be quickly and perfectly aligned to its surroundings, or to the screens alongside it – even in situations where a wall surface might not flat or level.
Viewing Position
When considering VC and interactive presentation solutions for corporate applications, hospitality events and education settings, it is important to consider how they will be mounted, operated and manoeuvred. Specifically designed trolleys are available to support large-format screens and interactive displays that provide a stable foundation when displays are in use, achieve ideal viewing positions, match the décor of any professional setting and can be easily transported from room to room.
Orientation
For applications that allow more creativity in screen placement, consider rotational wall mounts that allow rotation of a display from landscape to portrait orientation, eliminating the hassle of having to remove the screen from the mount.
Serviceability
An additional challenge with such large screens is the inconvenience and manpower required for servicing and the risk of damage when removing and replacing the display from the wall. Choosing a mount with quick-release functionality overcomes this issue, as a single installer can articulate the screen away from the wall by gently pressing on the front of the display. The carriage extension force can be adjusted to compensate for the weight of the display and enables quick and simple access to the rear of the screen without needing to unmount from the wall.
Versatility
Managing large scale AV installations can be a time-consuming business and no two projects are alike. Ordering different mounts for every project can be confusing, leading to possible mistakes. Twin pole mounting solutions offer an intuitive, step by step method of selecting the required component parts making it easier to create bespoke modular arrangements, from a single ceiling mounted display to an unlimited floor-to-ceiling video wall array.
