Okay, flat panel HDTVs are getting thinner and thinner, and the newest wall mounts let you hang them just about flush with the wall. But here’s a question; what are you going to do about the HDMI cable? If the connector on the TV is facing the back, then the cable will stick straight out, [...]
[url=http://www.hdtvmagazine.com/columns/2009/07/hdtv_almanac_swivelhead_cables.php]Read Column[/url]
HDTV Almanac - Swivel-Head Cables
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alfredpoor
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videograbber
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This is good information to have, and I'm glad to see manufacturers offering new solutions.
OTOH, how smart do slim-panel designers have to be to realize that cables sticking straight out the back will be a major problem? On those sets, the connectors should be on the sides of a central spine, or facing downwards, or recessed into the back, with a track to route cables out. Anything less on a "slim" set is rather silly.
For those who already have good quality conventional cables, wanting a low-profile solution similar to the Atlona cables, Monoprice has 90-degree adapters that do the same job, for only $3.30 each. The only potential problem is that gravity isn't your friend, and depending on connector grip-strength, they could potentially eventually fall out. As long as they're not being frequently unplugged, that's not likely to be a problem. And if it is, there are always ways to support the cables to relieve some of the load-bearing stress.
- Tim
OTOH, how smart do slim-panel designers have to be to realize that cables sticking straight out the back will be a major problem? On those sets, the connectors should be on the sides of a central spine, or facing downwards, or recessed into the back, with a track to route cables out. Anything less on a "slim" set is rather silly.
For those who already have good quality conventional cables, wanting a low-profile solution similar to the Atlona cables, Monoprice has 90-degree adapters that do the same job, for only $3.30 each. The only potential problem is that gravity isn't your friend, and depending on connector grip-strength, they could potentially eventually fall out. As long as they're not being frequently unplugged, that's not likely to be a problem. And if it is, there are always ways to support the cables to relieve some of the load-bearing stress.
- Tim
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eliwhitney
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Mr. Poor ( alfredpoor ) & videograbber . . .
To the extent that each device "may" create signal loss - as well as yet another place for a disconnect - - -
whenever wall mounting, I have recently found it advantageous to simply "plunge forward", literally carefully removing a section of sheet rock between (2) adjacent studs, behind the HDTV in question at the outset!
After a clean up, I either 'tape' & re-coat the raw edges w/ new Spackle or even wood 90 degree / "L" shaped trim & paint all, including that new ~ 14" long by 3 1/2" deep [ 4" counting plaster] cavity, flat black .... makes for a Much easier 'automatic receiver' / storage of the excess cable bulk as well as a Niche for that dreaded " S.... P..." ( don't dare spell out the name, for dread of tipping over that can-of-worms!)
Have a great day!
eli
a "p.s." - - - this obviously also takes ALL the guesswork out of locating the exact centers of those vertical 2 X 4's!
To the extent that each device "may" create signal loss - as well as yet another place for a disconnect - - -
whenever wall mounting, I have recently found it advantageous to simply "plunge forward", literally carefully removing a section of sheet rock between (2) adjacent studs, behind the HDTV in question at the outset!
After a clean up, I either 'tape' & re-coat the raw edges w/ new Spackle or even wood 90 degree / "L" shaped trim & paint all, including that new ~ 14" long by 3 1/2" deep [ 4" counting plaster] cavity, flat black .... makes for a Much easier 'automatic receiver' / storage of the excess cable bulk as well as a Niche for that dreaded " S.... P..." ( don't dare spell out the name, for dread of tipping over that can-of-worms!)
Have a great day!
eli
a "p.s." - - - this obviously also takes ALL the guesswork out of locating the exact centers of those vertical 2 X 4's!
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alfredpoor
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Re: Swivel-Head Cables
I admit to taking some liberties with the mention of thin panels; the really thin ones don't have any room for the HDMI ports to do anything but aim downward (or sideways), so it's not really those that have the problem (unless you're mounting one too close to a shelf or side wall).
Thanks for mentioning the 90-degree adapters, videograbber; I'll have to keep an eye out for them.
And Eli, you'll find that some of the mount makers are also making room of the space between the studs. Some mounts are designed to fit between them, which lowers their profile (as well as making room for cables, as you suggest). I wouldn't be able to do that in my house, however; the original 19th century "brown plaster" and lathe -- not to mention the unpredictable spacing of the studs -- pose too much of a challenge for my DIY skills.
Oh, and I actually swim against the current on the finding the studs issue. I put the mount where I want, and then actually avoid the studs, using the screw-in plastic wallboard anchors instead. They're rated at 50 pounds apiece, so if you use eight to ten of them, I believe that you'll have plenty of holding power. (Also, since many houses have electrical wires stapled to the edge of the studs, I'd rather use a plastic anchor than drill into a stud and miss slighty, as that could cause some damage (and excitement) that could be expensive or at least annoying to repair.
Alfred
Thanks for mentioning the 90-degree adapters, videograbber; I'll have to keep an eye out for them.
And Eli, you'll find that some of the mount makers are also making room of the space between the studs. Some mounts are designed to fit between them, which lowers their profile (as well as making room for cables, as you suggest). I wouldn't be able to do that in my house, however; the original 19th century "brown plaster" and lathe -- not to mention the unpredictable spacing of the studs -- pose too much of a challenge for my DIY skills.
Oh, and I actually swim against the current on the finding the studs issue. I put the mount where I want, and then actually avoid the studs, using the screw-in plastic wallboard anchors instead. They're rated at 50 pounds apiece, so if you use eight to ten of them, I believe that you'll have plenty of holding power. (Also, since many houses have electrical wires stapled to the edge of the studs, I'd rather use a plastic anchor than drill into a stud and miss slighty, as that could cause some damage (and excitement) that could be expensive or at least annoying to repair.
Alfred
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eliwhitney
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alfredpoor ...
Many thanks for your reply & time!
Specifically in cases of your 'lath & plaster' - I most often "RUN" in the opposite direction, after trying to expain ALL the different ways & means that any wall mounting could result in hairline cracking and / or "issues" well after that initial day!
Most times, one will experience little "gaps" between the inner surface of plaster & those unsized / not-planed / rough-sawn "2 X 4" studs.
Have a great day!
eli
p.s. - - - here are some of those various 90 degree angled HDMIs mentioned . . .
http://www.monoprice.com/products/searc ... &x=17&y=11
Many thanks for your reply & time!
Specifically in cases of your 'lath & plaster' - I most often "RUN" in the opposite direction, after trying to expain ALL the different ways & means that any wall mounting could result in hairline cracking and / or "issues" well after that initial day!
Most times, one will experience little "gaps" between the inner surface of plaster & those unsized / not-planed / rough-sawn "2 X 4" studs.
Have a great day!
eli
p.s. - - - here are some of those various 90 degree angled HDMIs mentioned . . .
http://www.monoprice.com/products/searc ... &x=17&y=11
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AtomShop
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- Location: Upper Great Plains
Swivel-head HDMI cables
A wish finally realized! Adaptors are better than nothing but they just add another potential mechanical issue. The stress of gravity in certain cable/chassis interface configurations doesn't lend itself to always making for a reliable connection. 