Mounting Up For CEDIA

By Colleen Bohen On Sep 11 2006 - 6:00am

A variety of flat-panel and projection mount makers are gearing up for CEDIA this week. Show attendees can look forward to a wide selection of options, practically guaranteed to meet the varying needs of customers. Following are some of the latest highlights from this ever-growing category.

Audiovox has launched a line of three new wall supports under its Vogel brand for LCD screens measuring 23 to 32 inches. The models (VFW-232, VFW-332 and VFW-432) are equipped to handle a maximum weight of 70 pounds. All are VESA compliant for 75x75, 100x100, and 200x100 hole patterns and come complete with two extra strips for LCD-TVs with 200x200 patterns.

The VFW-232 has tilt-and-turn features, while the 332 and 432 models can tilt, turn and reach 10 degrees up or down. The 332 and 432 also come with metal clips to guide cabling. The products will ship with suggested retail prices of about $100 (VFW-232), $150 (VFW-332) and $180 (VFW-432).

OmniMount Systems' new line of flat panel speaker mounts attempts to alleviate the problem of reduced sound quality that traditionally occurs when a mounted flat-panel TV is pulled away from the wall, leaving its stationary speakers behind. EAR-S and EAR-C mounts allow flat-panel speakers to be mounted to the TV cantilevers so that the speakers stay uniform with the TV, no matter what direction it is moved in. The speaker mounts are designed specifically to be attached to the universal adaptor plates supplied with other OmniMount products, including the UCL-L and UCL-X universal cantilever mounts or the G3FP flat-panel floor stand.

The EAR-S has a suggested retail price of $99.99 and comes as a pair of mounts for installing left and right speakers. The EAR-C retails for about $59.95 and complements the EAR-S by allowing the mounting of center channel speakers for a complete left, channel, right array; it can also be used alone to mount five channel speaker bars.

Chief Manufacturing's Cinematic Series is a new line that incorporates motorized remote operation elements into swing arm mounts, flat panel and projector lifts and table stands.

The CM1 Automated Swing Arm Mount is designed for flat-panel TVs up to 61 inches, weighing up to 170 pounds. It allows users to adjust their screen with the press of a button. It features three programmable pre-set viewing positions and can be mounted on or recessed between 16-inch center studs. It extends 18-inches from the wall and can swivel 50 degrees up or down. The CM1 will ship in October and retail for a suggested $1,799.

The CM2 Automated Pop-Up Lift can accommodate a flat panel TV measuring up to 61 inches and weighing up to 200 pounds. The lift can move the TV up to 40 inches, and it has a stored height of 31 inches. It also features a cable management system and users can customize and store positions. The CM2 will also be available in October for a suggested $2,799.

The CM3 Automated Swivel Table Stand can rotate the TV up to 45 degrees, with optional stops at 15, 25 and 35 degrees. The stand allows height adjustment of up to 5 inches and it features an IR sensor to simplify installation. The product can be left free-standing or bolted down. The CM3 is shipping now and retailing for a suggested $1,199.

Sanus Systems is expanding its Vision Mount line with additions in both the ceiling and wall mount arenas.

Its VisionMount Model SC1A LCD/Plasma Ceiling Mount can accommodate LCD and plasma TVs measuring between 13 to 30 inches, weighing up to 50 pounds. The model is available in silver and black finishes and it features a wire management channel and height adjustment options. The SC1A is set to retail for a suggested $110.

Sanus is also adding three full-motion wall mounts that offer a variety of angling options and feature the company's Virtual Axis 3D technology, designed to provide smooth and simple tilting due to it's cup-shaped design. The models are designed for TVs weighing up to 60 pounds and all are available in silver or black. The MF203 can extend up to three inches from the wall; the MF209 can extend up to nine inches. The MF215 features a special extension arm that allows it to reach up to 15 inches. All of the mounts are compatible with VESA 75, 100, 200x100 and 200x200 patterns. The prices for these products were not finalized as of press time.

Premier Mounts is introducing its PDS Series projector mounts, which feature custom brackets from its custom fabrication and dedicated bracketry division, Premier Dedicated Solutions. This series, which begins retailing at about $200, represents the first large-scale production from the division, according to the company. The mounts feature security screws and a custom Allen key for added security and they allow for cables to be routed inside of pipes. Other features include dedicated mounting plates for specific projectors, 4-axis tilt and rotational adjustability and a lifetime guarantee. Adaptable lateral shift brackets are also available for $49.99.

Premier is also launching its Polaris Universal Projector Mount, intended to fit most projectors that weigh less than 10 pounds. It features the company's MagnaGuide technology which uses magnets to make possible installation by one person. It can tilt and roll up to 6 degrees and features 360-degree rotation. It also comes with Premier's lifetime guarantee. Prices for the three models (low-profile, height-adjustable, and professional) range between $129 to $149.

Premier's universal swingout arm, the AM250, is also debuting at CEDIA. The mount allows displays to be pulled up to 18 inches from the wall and retracted to less than five inches. It allows for an up or down tilt of 10 degrees and a left-to-right pivot up to 45 degrees. The AM250 can fit most 37- to 50-inch plasma or LCD displays up to 125 pounds. It will start shipping this fall for a suggested $300.

UpRight Mounts' UP200 Ceiling Projector Mount, made from anodized aluminum, can handle projectors weighing up to 30 pounds. It positions the projector seven inches from the ceiling. The UP200 features a 360-degree rotation capability it can tilt up to 20 degrees. It comes with a special hook attachment and a cable management system for ease of installation. The Up200 is available now for a suggested $200.