Mounting a 77-inch television on a wall can be a substantial improvement to your home entertainment setup, offering aesthetic benefits and minimizing the risk of accidental tip-overs. However, due to the size and weight of the television, it’s essential to select and install the appropriate wall mount. Articulated or full-motion mounts are particularly advantageous for larger televisions, as they allow for adjustments in angle, tilt, and extension, making it easier to view from different positions. Based on the provided source material, this article offers a comprehensive, step-by-step guide to installing an articulated wall mount for a 77-inch TV. It will outline key considerations such as choosing the right installation location, selecting and securing the proper mount, and hiding the necessary cabling for a clean, secure installation.
Choosing the Right Location for Your TV Mount
The first and most critical step in wall mounting your 77-inch television is selecting the right location. This location significantly affects the usability and viewing experience. According to the documentation, positioning the TV such that the center of the screen is at eye level while seated is the ideal configuration when placing a television on a stand. However, this approach often does not work well for wall-mounted TVs and can potentially distort the perceived image quality or cause awkward viewing angles.
For a wall-mounted television, a better method is to align the bottom of the screen at eye level when seated and the top of the screen at eye level when standing. This ensures a more natural and comfortable viewing angle from different positions. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that the installation location has access to an electrical outlet for the TV itself and for any external devices such as a cable box, game console, or streaming player. The location must also provide enough space to allow for cable access and maintenance after the television is mounted.
When selecting the wall, the documentation recommends conventional drywall reinforced with 2x4 studs as the most straightforward and secure option. It's best to avoid mounting on unconventional surfaces such as brick, concrete, or plaster unless the mount is specifically suited for those materials. The presence of two wall studs is preferable for a secure installation.
Selecting the Appropriate Wall Mount for a 77-Inch TV
A key decision is choosing the type of wall mount that best suits the needs of a 77-inch television. The fixed wall mount is the simplest option, attaching the TV directly to the wall and providing minimal adjustability. However, the large size of the 77-inch TV may require an articulated or full-motion mount to allow for tilt, swivel, and extension adjustments. These features help accommodate seating positions at different heights and angles, ensuring optimal visibility.
According to the documentation, when selecting a wall mount, it's essential to ensure it can support the size and weight of the television. Most mounts will list the maximum weight and screen size they can support on their packaging and online product pages. Since all 77-inch TVs are likely to exceed the average weight of smaller models, the mount must be specifically rated to handle such a load. The Sanus VLF728-B2 full-motion mount, as noted, supports up to 150 pounds and is suitable for TV sizes between 42 to 90 inches, making it a viable option for a 77-inch television.
Additionally, the mount must accommodate the VESA pattern of the TV. VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) defines a standard for the placement of mounting holes on the back of a television. Most 77-inch TVs will have four mounting holes in a standardized pattern. As such, the mount must match the TV’s VESA size. For example, the Sanus VLF728-B2 supports up to 17 different VESA patterns and is thus compatible with a wide range of TVs.
Once the mount is selected, it is advisable to install the brackets on the back of the television to confirm the fit. This is a precautionary step to avoid buying an incompatible or undersized mount, which could pose a safety risk due to the significant weight of a 77-inch TV.
Preparing the Wall for Mounting
After selecting the appropriate location and mount, the next step is to prepare the wall for installation. The most secure installation is based on wall studs, which are typically spaced 16 or 24 inches apart. The documentation recommends using a stud finder to locate the studs. This device detects the density of the material behind the drywall and identifies the edges of the stud.
Once the first stud is located, the second edge can be found by moving the stud finder horizontally across the wall a 1.5-inch increment. This is approximate for a 2x4 stud, which is 1.5 inches thick. If the selected wall mount requires mounting into two separate studs, the process should be repeated to locate the second stud.
Once the stud locations are identified, they should be marked with a pencil or painter’s tape for visibility during installation. The marks will help align the mounting holes on the wall mount with the studs inside the wall.
The tools required for a basic installation include a stud finder, level, drill, appropriate drill bits, socket set, painter’s tape, and optionally, a ruler or tape measure. These tools will allow for accurate hole placement and mounting, ensuring that the wall mount is installed both securely and evenly.
Installing the Wall Mount
With the wall prepared and the appropriate tools gathered, the next step is to install the wall mount. This step involves screwing the mount into the wall studs, which provides the necessary support for the weight of the 77-inch television.
First, the wall mount should be aligned with the markings that denote the stud locations. The level should be used to ensure that the mount is horizontal. This is important for the visual appeal and balance of the TV, as an unlevel mount could appear crooked or cause a leaning effect when the TV is mounted.
To install, hold the mount against the wall and use a pencil to mark the positions of the mounting holes. Then, with the help of a drill and the correct-sized bits, pre-drill pilot holes into the wall studs. This prevents splitting the drywall and makes it easier to insert and tighten the mounting screws.
Once the holes are drilled, the mounting bracket should be attached to the wall using the screws provided. The screws should enter the center of the wall studs for the most secure installation. Before fully tightening the bolts, it’s important to double-check the alignment and level of the wall mount. This is especially crucial for a 77-inch television, which can be heavy and could shift unevenly if the mount is not perfectly level.
Once the wall mount is securely fastened and level, final adjustments can be made to ensure it’s stable and aligned. The manufacturer’s instructions should be followed closely during this stage, as different mounts may have unique installation quirks or requirements.
Mounting the 77-Inch Television
After the wall mount is installed, the next step is to attach the television to the mount. Given the size and weight of a 77-inch TV, this is a task best done by two people. One person can hold the TV in place while the other aligns and secures the mounting brackets.
Before beginning, it’s essential to check whether all necessary cables and ports on the television will remain accessible. Some thinner or closer-fitting mounts can reduce the space between the TV and the wall, making it harder to access HDMI, USB, or other ports. If this is an issue, all necessary cables should be connected before mounting the television on the wall.
Next, align the mounting brackets at the back of the TV with the wall mount. Most brackets will require a few screws to be tightened to secure the television in place. The documentation emphasizes the importance of following the manufacturer's instructions at this stage, as the process can vary between brands and models.
For the Sanus VLF728-B2 full-motion mount, the television can be adjusted using built-in leveling and horizontal sliding adjustments. These features allow for minor realignments after the TV is mounted, particularly useful in multi-person households with different viewing preferences.
Organizing and Concealing Cables
Once the television is securely mounted, the next step is managing the cables. The documentation identifies a major benefit of wall mounting a television: the potential to disguise or conceal the cables, which can contribute to a neater, more professional appearance.
Several methods exist for cable concealment. The simplest is the use of cable covers, which can be clipped onto the wall or placed under the base of the TV. For a more permanent or discreet solution, in-wall cabling options are available. The documentation notes that retailers like Best Buy offer in-wall power extension kits for those who don’t have an outlet behind the TV’s location. These kits typically include outlets and electrical boxes that can be installed inside the wall, allowing for clean cable routing without requiring the use of unsightly extension cords.
To hide HDMI and power cables, drywall may need to be cut to create a channel from the TV to the outlet or from the TV to a device such as a game console or streaming player. This should be done with care, using a utility knife and hand drill to create a small but effective path for the cables.
Hiring a Professional Installer (Optional)
As noted in the documentation, while wall mounting a 77-inch television is a feasible DIY project for many, not everyone may find the process comfortable or advisable. Many hardware retailers, including Best Buy, offer professional installation services that can handle the entire process from selecting the mount to hiding the cables.
Prices vary based on the complexity of the installation and the type of mount selected. For example, Best Buy offers a basic fixed mount for $140, a tilting mount for $170, and a full-motion mount for $250. The service includes professional mounting, setup of up to a few connected devices, remote programming, and cable organization. If the installation involves brick, stone, or plaster walls, an additional surcharge of $130 may apply.
In-wall power outlet installation is also an add-on option, with prices ranging from $70 for a single outlet to $80 for a double outlet. Additional services such as connecting the TV to a receiver and speakers will incur a fee of $70.
While professional installation can add to the total cost, it ensures proper mounting and reduces the risk of improper installation, particularly with larger TVs such as a 77-inch model.
Final Considerations and Safety
Mounting a 77-inch television requires attention to detail and adherence to best practices outlined in the user and installation guides. It is crucial to verify that the chosen wall mount can support both the weight and the VESA pattern of the TV. A mismatch in either can lead to instability and potentially cause the TV to detach.
When handling large or heavy TVs, safety should always be a top concern. It is not advisable to try mounting the television alone and should always be a two-person task. Additionally, the wall must be adequately reinforced with the correct hardware and mounting techniques to hold the TV securely.
After installation, it is a good idea to test the mount and television by making small adjustments and verifying the levelness and balance of the TV. Some mounts include a level indicator or built-in adjusters that allow for fine-tuning. Taking the time to make these adjustments ensures a stable and aesthetically pleasing installation.
Conclusion
Wall-mounting a 77-inch television, particularly with a full-motion or articulated mount, can significantly enhance the viewing experience and aesthetics of a home entertainment setup. By following a detailed, step-by-step process—including selecting an appropriate location, choosing the right mount, preparing the wall, installing the mount securely, attaching the television, and managing the cabling—users can achieve a clean, safe, and functional installation.
Key considerations include matching the TV’s VESA pattern and weight rating with the mount, ensuring the wall is appropriately reinforced with studs, and maintaining level and balanced installation at all stages. Whether performed as a DIY project or with the help of a professional installer, the process requires attention to detail and adherence to technical specifications to ensure a secure and long-lasting result.
For larger televisions such as a 77-inch model, an articulated or full-motion wall mount is essential for flexibility and user comfort. As such, careful evaluation and selection of the mount can make a significant difference in the usability and enjoyment of the television.