Introduction
Setting up your new TV can be an exciting experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes if you’re not fully prepared. Whether you’re mounting your TV on the wall or placing it on a stand, ensuring that everything is installed correctly can make a world of difference in your viewing experience. Unfortunately, common mistakes are all too easy to make, and these can affect both the aesthetic appeal and functionality of your TV setup.
From improper mounting to poor cable management, each mistake can lead to frustrating issues down the line. But don’t worry — most of these mistakes can be easily avoided with the right knowledge. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most frequent TV installation errors and provide tips on how to avoid them. With a bit of care and attention, you can achieve a seamless and enjoyable setup.
Mistake 1: Choosing the Wrong Location
One of the most common mistakes when setting up a TV is choosing the wrong location for it. The position of your TV affects your comfort, viewing experience, and the overall look of the room.
Considering Viewing Angles
Many people fail to consider how the positioning of the TV impacts viewing angles. The screen should be at eye level when seated, allowing for a relaxed, strain-free viewing experience. If your TV is mounted too high or too low, it can cause discomfort over long viewing periods. The ideal height is typically around 42 to 48 inches from the floor to the centre of the screen, but this can vary depending on your seating arrangement.
Lighting and Glare
Another issue that arises from poor TV placement is glare. Direct sunlight or bright lights can create reflections on the screen, making it difficult to see the picture clearly. Avoid placing your TV directly opposite windows, and consider using blackout curtains or blinds to control the amount of light in the room. A good rule of thumb is to place the TV away from natural light sources or in a position where glare is minimised.
Room Layout and Aesthetics
Lastly, it’s essential to consider the layout of your room. The TV should be positioned in a way that allows for optimal viewing from all seating areas. If your living room has an open plan design or multiple seating areas, you may need to consider a swivel or tilting wall mount to adjust the viewing angle for everyone.
Mistake 2: Incorrect Mounting and Wall Support
Mounting your TV on the wall is a popular choice for creating a sleek, modern look, but improper mounting can lead to serious problems. If not done correctly, your TV could become unstable or even fall off the wall, potentially damaging both the TV and the wall.
Choosing the Right Wall Mount
One of the most common errors is selecting the wrong type of wall mount. TV wall mounts come in various styles, including fixed, tilting, and full-motion mounts. It’s important to choose a mount that is compatible with the size and weight of your TV. Make sure the mount you select is rated to hold your TV securely, as larger and heavier TVs require more robust mounts.
Finding Proper Wall Support
Wall studs are essential for securely mounting your TV. Mounting directly into drywall without securing it to studs can result in a flimsy installation, increasing the risk of the TV falling. Always use a stud finder to locate the studs in your wall and mount the bracket directly into these for maximum support. If you’re mounting on a brick or concrete wall, be sure to use the appropriate masonry anchors.
Incorrect Height and Alignment
Another common mistake is mounting the TV too high or too low on the wall. While it might seem like a good idea to mount the TV at eye level, consider the viewing distance as well. If your TV is too high, it can cause neck strain. Similarly, mounting it too low may result in an awkward viewing angle. Aim to mount the TV at a height that feels comfortable for everyone in the room, and ensure the screen is centred relative to your seating area.
Mistake 3: Failing to Manage Cables Properly
Cable management is a small detail that many people overlook, but it can have a big impact on the overall look of your setup. Unorganised cables can be unsightly and create unnecessary clutter around your TV area. Worse still, messy cables can lead to safety hazards or connection problems.
Hiding Cables Behind the Wall
One of the best ways to manage cables is to run them behind the wall. This creates a clean, streamlined look and reduces the number of visible cables in the room. In-wall cable management systems allow you to hide the cables safely and prevent them from becoming tangled. Be sure to use a professional service like Aerial Force if you’re not confident in handling the necessary installations.
Surface-Mounted Cable Channels
If you’re not keen on cutting into the wall, surface-mounted cable management options are available. These systems allow you to run cables along the edges of the wall, keeping them neatly organised and out of sight. The cables can be enclosed in attractive covers that blend with your room’s decor.
Cable Ties and Clips
For a simpler solution, use cable ties and clips to bundle cables together and keep them in place. You can attach these to the back of your TV or along the edges of the wall, preventing them from hanging loosely or creating a tangled mess. Be sure to leave some slack near the connectors to avoid strain on the cables when plugging and unplugging devices.
Mistake 4: Not Calibrating Your TV Settings
Many people neglect to calibrate their TV settings, which can result in subpar picture and sound quality. Modern TVs come with a wide range of settings, but these are often set to generic defaults that may not provide the best viewing experience for your specific environment.
Adjusting Picture Settings
To get the most out of your TV, take the time to adjust the picture settings. Start by tweaking the brightness, contrast, and colour settings until the image looks vibrant but not oversaturated. Some TVs offer preset modes like Cinema, Sports, or Game, which are tailored for different viewing experiences. Adjusting the sharpness and motion smoothing settings can also improve picture clarity, especially for fast-paced content.
Sound Settings
Many people focus solely on the picture quality, but sound is just as important. If your TV has built-in speakers, check the audio settings to optimise bass, treble, and balance. For a more immersive experience, consider investing in a soundbar or a surround sound system to boost the audio performance. Properly calibrated sound settings will help ensure you don’t miss any detail in your favourite movies or TV shows.
Mistake 5: Overlooking Sound Quality
While modern TVs have better built-in sound than ever before, they still fall short when compared to dedicated sound systems. Overlooking sound quality is a common mistake that can ruin an otherwise perfect setup.
External Speakers or Soundbars
If you want to elevate your viewing experience, consider adding external speakers. Soundbars are an excellent option for smaller rooms or more minimalist setups, offering rich, clear sound without taking up much space. For larger rooms or a more cinematic experience, a full surround sound system with multiple speakers around the room can truly immerse you in the action.
Optimising Audio Settings
Once you’ve connected your external speakers, take the time to adjust the sound settings on your TV. Many TVs have sound modes for different types of content, such as ‘Dialogue’ for clearer speech or ‘Movie’ for richer sound effects. Experiment with these settings to find what works best for your setup.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Device Connectivity
In today’s world, TVs are often used to connect to multiple devices, such as streaming boxes, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players. Ignoring the proper setup and connectivity of these devices is another common mistake that can affect your viewing experience.
Using the Right Ports
Ensure that all your devices are connected to the correct HDMI ports on your TV. HDMI is the preferred connection method for high-quality video and audio, so use this whenever possible. Some TVs come with multiple HDMI ports, so make sure you label or remember which device is connected to which port for easy access.
Wi-Fi and Ethernet Connections
If your TV is a smart TV, you’ll want to connect it to your home Wi-Fi network or use an Ethernet cable for a more stable connection. This will enable you to access streaming services, apps, and other online features. Ensure that your Wi-Fi signal is strong enough to support streaming, or consider upgrading your router if needed.
Avoiding Mistakes for the Ultimate TV Setup
Avoiding these common mistakes will not only enhance the look of your home but also improve the overall functionality of your TV setup. From selecting the right location to managing cables and optimising picture and sound settings, taking the time to get everything right will ensure you get the most out of your new TV. By being mindful of these mistakes and making informed decisions, you can create a viewing experience that’s both enjoyable and lasting. Whether you’re mounting your TV on the wall, arranging your room, or fine-tuning your settings, the perfect setup is just a few simple steps away.