Book the install when you buy the TV
November and December are the busiest time of year for TV installs. If you're buying during Black Friday sales, book the installation at the same time so you get a slot before the holidays instead of the week after.
Check the size before you buy
Deals make it tempting to go big. Measure the wall and your seating distance, and tape the TV's outline on the wall to see it in the room. See what size TV to buy.
Pick the right mount
- Fixed: slimmest look at eye level
- Tilting: above a fireplace or in a bedroom
- Full-motion: corners and open floor plans
- Pull-down: over a high fireplace
Don't forget sound
TV speakers are thin. A soundbar mounted under the TV, or a soundbar with a sub and rear speakers, makes movies and games far better. See soundbar installation.
Hide the wires
Nothing makes a new TV look unfinished like cables hanging below it. In-wall power and cable concealment is usually done in the same visit. See hiding TV wires.
Gift ideas that need installing
- A bigger TV for the family room
- A Samsung Frame for the living room
- A Sonos soundbar and sub
- A video doorbell or smart lock
- Better Wi-Fi for everyone visiting
Moving the old TV
Most holiday upgrades move the old TV to a bedroom, basement or office. Plan that at the same time: a second mount, a longer HDMI run or a streaming stick for the old TV can often be handled in the same visit.
Gaming and 4K
New consoles and 4K streaming need the right HDMI port (often HDMI 2.1 for gaming), a cable that can carry the signal, and a network that keeps up. We connect consoles to the correct input and check picture settings like game mode.
Before the installer arrives
- Keep the TV box and the stand screws
- Clear furniture from the wall
- Decide where cable and streaming boxes will live
- Have your Wi-Fi password handy