Mounting Solutions Compete For Space Under The Tree

By John Laposky On Dec 7 2009 - 8:00am

Anticipating a boost in sales of flat-panel TVs this holiday season, several suppliers of mounting solutions and accessories introduced new products in the weeks around the traditional Thanksgiving kickoff to the season.

OmniMount announced the launch of its entry-level VideoBasics low-profile flat-panel mounts. The three-SKU line feature a mounting profile of 0.75 inches, just far enough from the wall to allow for easy connectivity of a standard HDMI cable, and still allow proper cooling, the company said.

A small-footprint single-wall plate design is said to reduce installation time and provide ample room for A/V cutouts behind the panel. Spacers are included to accommodate panels with rear bump-outs.

The new line includes OmniMount's Lift n' Lock locking bar for added safety, sliding lateral on-wall adjustment, universal rails for maximum compatibility, open architecture for simplified wiring and an installation template.

The line comes in three sizes: for 23- to 42-inch displays up to 80 pounds, for 37- to 63-inch displays up to 150 pounds, and for 42- to 70-inch panels up to 200 pounds.

The mounts are made from heavy-grade steel and have suggested retails of $79.95, $99.95 and $119, respectively, and became available last month.

“OmniMount continues to be dedicated to providing innovative mounting solutions to accommodate all needs and price points and our latest offering is VideoBasics,” said Alex Robertson, senior sales and marketing VP for OmniMount. “With panels getting lighter and thinner, we saw the need for a complementary mounting solution; by coupling this appropriately-thin design with an installer-friendly single wall plate, we expect installers and consumers alike to love this new offering.”

Chief has added to its existing Fusion line the new pull-out LSMVU wall mount for 37- to 63-inch displays.

The company said the new model was inspired by installer feedback over the need for a mount that allows servicing of hard-to reach installations such as a multiple-display video wall matrix.

The LSMVU extends up to 7 inches from the wall to allow access to cables and outputs on the back of the panel.

Chief's ControlZone leveling allows post-installation fine-tuning of height and leveling. The mount's Centerless shift feature provides post-installation lateral shift for easily sliding screens apart or together. Fine-tuning plumb adjustment up to 2.5 degrees ensures screens are perfectly vertical and can be used to compensate for walls that are not perfectly flat, said Chief.

ClickConnect offers an audible click when the screen safely engages with the mount.

The LSMVU also features a built-in cable stand, and integrated security to accommodate an optional padlock.

The mount's depth is 3.7 inches and has a maximum mounting pattern 21 inches high and 30 inches wide.

It comes in two configurations: the M series for displays up to 47 inches and 125 pounds, and the L series for larger screens up to 63 inches and 150 pounds.

The LSMVU will be available later this month.

Sanus Systems is now shipping its Elements ELM805 PowerBridge, an in-wall power and cable-management system designed to simplify installation of cables and wiring behind wall-mounted displays.

“The ELM805 allows power to be supplied to a mounted TV without having to tap into the home's AC electrical, giving the installer the freedom to put a TV anywhere in the room and not be bound by the location of existing AC outlets,” said Jason Schmidt, product manager for Sanus.

Sanus said the ELM805 also features cable routing holes to give both low voltage and AC connections a clean, finished look and color-coded outlets for easy installation without modifying the existing circuit.

The ELM805 is currently available in black and white finishes and lists for $119. It includes two single-gang junction boxes and a 6-foot heavy-gauge power wire.

It requires non-metallic type 12-2 or 14-2 building electrical wire for installation (not included).