Fixing lcd or plasma tv frames to walls can be a tricky business especially if the fitter has little or no previous experience with DIY projects. Also sufficient time should be set aside to carefully plan and consider where in the room you are going to place the television set.

Choosing the right frame

The television is more often than not the focal point of the family sitting room and there is nothing better than watching a great movie in the company of loved ones. That said when the television is not switched on, your gaze will still unfortunately be drawn to it but instead it will now be a depressing empty back square

Fortunately you can buy custom plasma tv frames that smartly conceal the set in a number of different ways: -

Firstly and probably the oldest method is to hide the screen in a self contained unit looking not dissimilar to a wooden cabinet. The motorised mechanism allows the screen when switched on to rise from the cabinet. This is best suited as at the foot of the bed in the style of an ottoman.

You can also hang plasma tv frames from the ceiling! These ingenious motorised designs allow for the tv to either drop or fold down from a concealed panel in the ceiling. These are probably the most costly plasma tv frames on the market and careful consideration needs to be taken into account when assessing the structure of the building bearing in mind the weight of a large plasma screen.

The most popular and fashionable art of camouflage is to hide the screen from view behind a picture. Again, there are various ways this can be done. Typically the screen would be hidden from view by a hand picked piece of artwork complete with frame. This would either roll or rise up or slide to the side. This is probably the cheapest and most practical method to hide your screen and would be ideally suited to the sitting room above a mantelpiece.

Many of the specialised plasma tv frames will also allow the screen to be tilted or swivelled to achieve the optimum viewing angle. The design opportunities are endless and you can even buy a plasma that turns into a mirror! How cool would that be to be brushing your teeth in the bathroom whilst watching the breakfast show picture in picture!

Groundwork and Preparation

The majority of us will simply be installing standard wall mounted plasma tv frames which the average Joe should be quite capable of fitting if the correct planning and preparation is adhered to.

Read your tv's manual for mounting guidelines. Some models require the use of specific plasma tv frames whilst others will be compatible with a range of third party frames.

Make sure the spot where you intend to hang the screen is not in direct sunlight making it difficult to view.

Also check the maximum weight capacity of the frame and that it will support your television set. Make sure the wall is free from any obstacles and certainly check for electrical wires and pipe work that may be hidden in the wall.

Ensure you have the right tools to hand. A power drill, tape measure, screwdriver, pencil and spirit level will all be essentials.

Finally make sure you have a friend available with strong and steady hands to assist you as these sets can weigh in excess of 90lbs. Trying to hang anything straight on a wall single-handed is difficult enough let alone a plasma television.

If careful planning and preparation together with accurate measurements made, you will have the job done in no time at all!