If you are looking to buy a TV wall mount, then the first thing you should do is understand the different types available to you.
There are three main types to consider; fixed, tilting and articulating.
And, if you are unsure which is the right type for you, you might find it helpful to first look at the general buying guide on how to choose the best TV wall mount.
But if you know that you want a fixed TV mount, you’re in the right place, and this article will look in more detail at fixed TV wall mounts.
Fixed TV Mount Comparison Table
- TV Sizes: 42-70 Inch
- Max Weight: 132 lbs
- VESA: 200x100 to 600x400
- TV Sizes: 26-55 Inch
- Max Weight: 100 lbs
- VESA: 75x75 to 400x400
- TV Sizes: 32-85 Inch
- Max Weight: 150 lbs
- VESA: 100x100 to 600x400
What is a Fixed TV Wall Mount?
If you want one of the cheapest solutions, a fixed TV wall mount might be the best option.
This bracket type provides a basic method for hanging your TV on the wall – and, in many cases, it is all that you will need.
You may see this type of mount called a few different names, like a flat or low profile TV wall mount – so don’t be confused by this; they are all referring to the same thing.
A fixed wall mount of this type doesn’t allow for much movement of the TV screen, and the main idea is that it is very discreet.
After installation, there will only be a small space between the back of the TV and the wall, and there will be no ugly metal frame sticking out into your room.
You can see an example here with the ECHOGEAR EGLL1 model:
Image Credit: ECHOGEAR
The main point is you won’t be able to tilt or swivel the position of your TV as you can with articulating TV wall mounts.
At most, some models will slide left or right so you can accurately adjust the TV’s position once you have mounted it – but not all mounts will do this, so this is something to look for if you think that might be useful.
The ECHOGEAR EGLL1, pictured above, does have a lateral shift feature.
The primary consideration is that you will need a reasonably large wall space located precisely where you want the TV to go for this type of wall mount.
Therefore, you will only want to buy this mount type if you can place the screen in exactly the right location for your viewing position.
As it requires a flat wall area, you are more restricted in the places you can use these. For example, they are not suitable for the corners of rooms as you cannot swivel the screen around.
If you only need to tilt the TV to avoid screen glare, a tilting TV wall mount might be a better solution.
Connecting the Cables
As this type of wall mount has a low-profile, one problem you might face is when you need to connect the cables.
You will have to consider if there is enough space between the back of the TV and the wall to install the required cabling.
If you have an AV receiver as part of your home theater setup, you may only require one HDMI cable into the rear of the TV.
However, if you need to run many different cable types behind the TV, you may find this difficult with a flat wall mount.
And don’t forget about the power lead!
Image Credit: Mounting Dream
The popular Mounting Dream MD2163-K fixed TV wall mount, pictured above, will leave just 1.1 inches between the wall and the back of your TV.
So, even with a single HDMI cable, you can sometimes have a problem.
A standard HDMI connector will stick out too far, and you don’t want to bend the cable down too sharply as you might damage it.
In this instance, you might need to buy an HDMI cable with a right-angle connector:
- HDMI 90-degree adapter and cable in one
- Available lengths: 3, 6 and 10 feet
- Supports video resolutions up to 4K/60Hz
- 90° orientation: make sure it will connect the way, or you may need a 270° HDMI cable
Or, if you want to use your existing cables, you can buy a right-angle adapter that you can attach to get the same result.
These methods allow the cable to be connected to the rear of the TV without it sticking out too far.
One trick can be to connect all the cables while the TV is standing on the floor. You can then lift the TV and hook it onto the wall plate. Just be careful of the wires as you do this.
All of this will depend on the design and position of the connections on the rear of your TV. Some TVs have most of the connections at the side. In which case, you won’t have a problem.
Also, some Samsung TVs have an external box for connecting all the cabling for the television.
This is then connected by one thin cable to the rear of the screen.
Check Your Wall Type
The type of wall you use should also be considered.
For a concrete wall, you should have no issues. However, you should make sure that you use the correct fixings for concrete.
For using wall studs with drywall, you need to check if the mount you buy will fit. Most wall studs are 16 or 24 inches apart, and most wall mounts should be OK with this.
But always check the specs of the mount before you buy.
A wall stud finder can be helpful in these situations:
- 5 scanning modes
- 3x wall stud scans, 1x metal scan and 1x AC wire scan
- Use the metal scan to find screws and pipes
- Use the AC scan to find hidden live electrical wires
- Works with all types of walls and floors, except cement board and brick walls.
Then you can be sure of getting it exactly right.
For a complete step-by-step, take a look at the guide on how to put a tv mount on the wall.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Fixed Wall Mounts
Advantages:
- allows for the flattest possible profile against the wall
- discrete and hidden by the screen
- often the cheapest solution
Disadvantages:
- difficult to install or replace cables at the rear
- no options to adjust the position once it is in place
- cannot install in the corner of rooms
What Else Should You Look For?
You’ve learned quite a bit about fixed wall mounts, so is there anything else you should consider before buying a wall bracket?
Apart from picking the correct type, here is a summary of some important considerations:
- Wall Type: this was covered earlier, but just make sure it attaches to your kind of wall.
- Weight: make sure your TV isn’t over the maximum supported weight.
- VESA: ensure the VESA spacing on the back of your TV is supported.
You can also consider the screen size, but this guideline is usually covered by the weight and VESA specifications.
The TV won’t be required to move, so you are good to go as long as the mount will hold your TV.
Conclusion
The flat wall bracket is the most basic way to hang your TV on a wall.
However, it also may be all that you need.
Don’t worry about getting the simplest type of flat panel TV wall mount if it does exactly what you need.
There is little point in spending more money on a fancy articulating wall bracket if you don’t need to move the TV for different viewing positions.
If you have a fixed viewing position in your room and you can place the TV in precisely the correct position, then a flat wall bracket should be fine for your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some quick-fire answers to some common questions about the low-profile TV wall mount.
How to Remove a TV from a Fixed Wall Mount?
To remove a TV from a fixed wall mount, you need to look for a locking mechanism. When positioned on the mount, most fixed mounts will lock the TV into place to prevent it from falling off accidentally. Look behind the TV for a lever or pull-down strap that will unlock the mechanism and release the TV.
How to Install a Fixed TV Wall Mount?
To install a fixed TV wall mount, you need to follow three simple steps. First, attach the brackets to the TV. Second, mount the wall plate on the wall. And third, lift the TV into place, so the brackets snap to the wall plate.
How to Modify a Fixed TV Wall Mount Into a Tilted Mount?
You are unlikely to be able to modify a fixed TV wall mount into a tilted version. A tilted mount has specially designed brackets that allow the TV to change the angle, which a fixed mount doesn’t have. Try speaking to the mount manufacturer for their advice on your situation. They may be able to provide a solution.
How to Plug in Cords to a Fixed TV Wall Mount?
To plug in cords to a fixed TV mount, you should remove the TV from the wall, connect the cables, and hang the TV back on the mount. If there isn’t enough space for the wires behind the TV, consider buying right-angle connectors, which will make the cords drop down directly behind the television.
About The Author
Paul started the Home Cinema Guide to help less-experienced users get the most out of today's audio-visual technology. He has been a sound, lighting and audio-visual engineer for around 20 years. At home, he has spent more time than is probably healthy installing, configuring, testing, de-rigging, fixing, tweaking, re-installing again (and sometimes using) various pieces of hi-fi and home cinema equipment. You can find out more here.
