Warning: Don’t attempt to do this yourself! Hire a professional to do it for you.
There are a number of websites that have easy to follow, step-by-step instructions for wall mounting your own flat-panel television. Most of them contain the proverbial warnings that point out dangerous consequences if the process isn’t carefully followed. “The television may fall down if…” (Or) “You may electrocute yourself if…” Some of these websites even point out potentially fatal errors that are common for the average Do-It-Yourself consumer. Aside from these extreme examples, there are a few common mistakes people make when wall mounting a flat panel television. Below is one example from this extensive series that we call the ‘Declaration of DIY TV Installation’.
The Cable Quandary
Even when the length of the necessary cables is carefully measured, they will never be long enough. Although you measured that 6’ cable when you opened the package, it shrank the minute you plugged it into the TV and now won’t reach the DVD player. It can be initially painful for the pocketbook, but spare yourself the aggravation by purchasing longer cables than you think you will need.
It is far better to have an extra foot of cable than have one that is two inches too short. Many consumers make the mistake of neglecting to measure the horizontal distances and adding it to the overall length. When you think you have the right measurement, add to it, and make sure you can convert meters to feet. To further add to the cable length quandary, most manufactures make (and advertise) their cable lengths using the metric system. (Hint: 1 meter = 3.2808399 feet).
When you find yourself digging a hole, we all know that rule #1 is to stop digging. Rule #2 is to immediately find your mouse (the one tethered to your computer), go to ServiceLive.com and click on a professional. Identify what needs to be done, schedule a time that is convenient for you, indicate the amount you are willing to pay, and grab yourself a cold beverage.
Credits: Scott Hall at www.westwingsolutions.com
