5 Biggest TV Installation Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

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Installing your own TV may seem like an easy DIY project at first, but if you don’t know what you’re doing, you can end up with a bunch of broken parts, unusable wires and some pretty bad cable placement, too. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to these five big mistakes that people make when installing their TVs, and avoid them at all costs to make sure your job goes smoothly from start to finish!

1. Get a professional

There’s nothing wrong with DIY, but when it comes to installing major electronics like your TV, you want a professional at the helm. Not only does he or she have industry expertise, but they can keep an eye out for any zoning-code violations. In order to ensure you don’t make a critical mistake, hire a TV installation professional.

 Don’t assume that because your new TV is flat and thin, it will fit in the same spot as your old one. While most TVs do come in standard sizes and shapes, there are some—like curved screens—that require custom installation. And even if you stick with standard sizes and shapes, be sure to measure twice before drilling holes into walls and ceilings. You may find that there isn’t enough room for a wall mount or other form of installation after all!

2. Don’t skimp on the audio equipment

If you’re installing a home theater, don’t skimp on audio equipment. Great sound is an experience that most people won’t even know they’re missing until they hear it. Invest in high-quality speakers and subwoofers for optimal results. Even if you have a smaller room, there are many options available that will allow you to get great sound without taking up too much space. For example, surround-sound systems use multiple speakers placed around your room so that every seat has good sound quality. This can be an affordable way to upgrade your system without having to buy new furniture or paint walls.

3. Buy quality cables

One of the most common mistakes people make when installing a new TV is using cheap, low-quality cables. However, you don’t have to go with expensive brand-name cables from places like Monster Cable or Leviton. There are plenty of great quality options available for around $15 or less per 100 feet of cable. This may not seem like much money, but if you install multiple rooms in your home, it quickly adds up and can cost hundreds more than it should. A good cable will last longer and provide better picture quality at a lower price than big-brand cables that aren’t worth what they cost.

4. Run cable through walls in conduit pipes

This can save you a lot of time and effort because it gives you an extra layer of protection for your cable. The pipe keeps damage from occurring if someone knocks into your walls or moves around furniture in a way that could harm your cables. You don’t have to worry about any damage being done—as long as it’s properly installed, that is. When you install TV cables through conduit pipes, make sure they’re completely hidden. This will ensure that nobody accidentally hits them and damages them; nobody wants broken wires when they need their TV fix! Run cables through ceiling joists: If there aren’t any conduits, or you want more freedom with how your cables are placed, running cable through ceiling joists is another good option.

5. Position it so you can move it later

Most TVs are too big for most people’s living rooms. The easiest way to install a big-screen television is to overshoot your measurements slightly—you can always move it if you find you don’t have enough space, but not being able to fit your new purchase in its resting place isn’t an option. With standard TVs, put at least one foot of space on either side; for larger sets, plan on six inches per side. What’s more, make sure you put your flatscreen on top of a level surface—if it rocks back and forth or from side to side when you tap it with your finger, then it will definitely fall down if bumped.

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