Wall-mounting a TV in the best way

[pirate]

Good evening all!
I have this job ahead of me, and sadly it's not on a nice clean plasterboard cavity wall, but on a thick-plastered brick wall in a Victorian flat.
Now, I have done some research into this, but quite frankly I would rather have some of you experienced folks point me at the best way to achieve this.
To give you the full picture (did you see what I did there?) the TV will be mounted above a mock fireplace which I have just installed, and which is currently removable, until I have finished everything and have done all the filling etc. Therefore, the vertical distance from the back of the TV to the top of the fireplace is only about 1 foot, or less...below the mantlepiece the cable can exit into the free space behind, and will then be routed to one side, above the skirting, via a drilled hole in the side of the fireplace, a bit of trunking, to the double socket 2 feet away.
The plaster is about 1.5 inches thick. Being honest, would you just raggle it, stick in some trunking, and plaster over?
I know...not best practice, but surely it's obvious there's a cable or two under there? I would label the replastered area. I had to cut the telephone cable when fitting the fireplace, and join it with some new stuff...different colours...put a wee label in the socket for the next guy, and although only 2 wires were in use, I connected 4 for possible future use (Ok, I lied, that was just to help me when I have to do some more work and can't remember what I did!)
Right, buried cables, less than 50mm, but bl**dy obvious...do I protect it?
Any suggestions gratefully received...and brickbats too! The customer is not fussy, but is a VIP!

 

[Rpa07]

You’re gonna have to start taking photos to show us - too many words to describe the fireplace situation - I’ll have another go in 5 minutes!

 

[pirate]

Yes, sorry!

 

[Rpa07]

Nice mock fireplace! Piece of oval chased in then filled? Trunking the same I guess. Nice colour wall.
Care when fixing the socket on the wall behind the TV that it doesn’t coincide with the TV bracket - measure twice fit once.

 

[MDJ]

Good evening all!
I have this job ahead of me, and sadly it's not on a nice clean plasterboard cavity wall, but on a thick-plastered brick wall in a Victorian flat.
Now, I have done some research into this, but quite frankly I would rather have some of you experienced folks point me at the best way to achieve this.
To give you the full picture (did you see what I did there?) the TV will be mounted above a mock fireplace which I have just installed, and which is currently removable, until I have finished everything and have done all the filling etc. Therefore, the vertical distance from the back of the TV to the top of the fireplace is only about 1 foot, or less...below the mantlepiece the cable can exit into the free space behind, and will then be routed to one side, above the skirting, via a drilled hole in the side of the fireplace, a bit of trunking, to the double socket 2 feet away.
The plaster is about 1.5 inches thick. Being honest, would you just raggle it, stick in some trunking, and plaster over?
I know...not best practice, but surely it's obvious there's a cable or two under there? I would label the replastered area. I had to cut the telephone cable when fitting the fireplace, and join it with some new stuff...different colours...put a wee label in the socket for the next guy, and although only 2 wires were in use, I connected 4 for possible future use (Ok, I lied, that was just to help me when I have to do some more work and can't remember what I did!)
Right, buried cables, less than 50mm, but bl**dy obvious...do I protect it?
Any suggestions gratefully received...and brickbats too! The customer is not fussy, but is a VIP!

Only you could ask this question lol, please tell me your having a laugh.

 

[pirate]

Thanks Rpa07! I picked up the fireplace from the bargain rail at the big orange shed, then added the mouldings to the uprights and across the main face below the mantlepiece, then drilled and shaped the skirtings to accommodate the hearth. The wall was white, as were the other 3, but the customer insisted on that shade of blue for that wall...(stiffkey, from Crown Decorators Centre-a quarter the price of Farrow&Ball and 10x the pigment!)
Very timely reminder about the location of the socket vs the bracket...thanks for that! Measure twice...my Dad always told me that...and he built boats, so knew what he was talking about

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

obviously you need a socket up there for tv, but for the hdmi leads for smart tv boxes, dvd, laptops etc I have used one of these kits... you put one adaptor on wall behind tv and then run a cat5 to the other adpator in a cupboard or unit containing the media devices. it keeps the tv area nice and tidy when wall mounted. if you can mount the tv far enough off wall without making it look daft you can use a powerline adaptor to feed the hdmi adaptor, it saves running a cat5 in wall. that way all you need up there is a power outlet.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/LogiLink-HDMI-Extender-CAT-5-cable/dp/B0038YXJ1W
meant to add you could also do usb over cat5 to allow for usb media devices in the cabinet to left of fire place.

 

[pirate]

Oh MDJ...no, I really am asking! Hoped someone would give me some tips...I have done a few of these, but it's amazing how asking sometimes gives you answers you hadn't thought of...and Rpa07 just reminded me of a basic point I might well have overlooked. I am old, you see...and have learned to keep asking and keep learning...
and it's "you're", btw!
Plus, I am going to secrete a Treasure Map in the cavity! All you need to know is the address!

 

[Dave OCD]

Pirate, any clues to who the V.I.P. might be ? For wall mounted tellies I've chased in 50 x 25mm trunking once or twice.

 

[pirate]

Thanks Gavin JH, good thinking there...I use powerline adaptors quite a lot for broadband but hadn't thought it through this far.
I can mount TV with enough wall-offset, plus there is a cupboard very close as seen in picture. I think customer has Humax freesat and NowTV boxes, so HDMI cables. The TV has a detachable power lead, moulded 13A plug to cloverleaf.

 

[pirate]

Dave OCD, thanks for that, I wondered if 50x25 might do the trick. So glad I asked this, so many suggestions! and to think I might have just gone ahead with a raggle and a bit of galvanised strap buried in there!

 

[pirate]

As to the VIP customer...
well, don't tell anyone...
but she and I are quite close!
(No! Not my wife!)

 

[AJshep]

Yeah I'm with Dave with the Trunking.

I think in this situation I would stick a dual item box (Brush plate and single socket) where the TV is to be mounted ( probably slightly offset like Rpa07 mentioned because of the bracket)

Then id chase 2 x bits of 50x25mm trunking (or 1 trunking 1 oval) down vertically to a twin box directly bellow but the same hight as the existing sockets which i would put a blank plate on then chase 2x bits of trunking to vertically to another dual item box next to your exiting socket (Switched f spur/ brush plate)

In the Trunking put 2x hdmi 1 x cat5e 2x coax) use the other trunking or oval for the power.

If you need to ever get more cables up just pull out the mock fire place and your be able to remove the blank and pull both ways.
If you have a flat to wall bracket the switch spur below allows you to easily isolate the TV.

Maybe a bit of overkill but might save you time in the long run.

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

well all

Thanks Gavin JH, good thinking there...I use powerline adaptors quite a lot for broadband but hadn't thought it through this far.
I can mount TV with enough wall-offset, plus there is a cupboard very close as seen in picture. I think customer has Humax freesat and NowTV boxes, so HDMI cables. The TV has a detachable power lead, moulded 13A plug to cloverleaf.

hdmi then, so can use the power over ethernet system i sent link for to avoid having devices in plain sight. you can run another cat5 to behind tv for future upgrades and smart tvs etc...

 

[pirate]

 

[Squid]

Jeeeeez the OP could have just asked "how do I mount a TV in an old house on the wall"

We need a new Youtube Channel, any other other comedian on here want to go "halves", Wilko?

 

[pirate]

So I could have! However, some people have some ideas, and that's the good thing about a forum
Thanks to all who contributed!

 

[Squid]

Tell them to buy a projector, Pirates of the Caribbean looks impressive......

 

[pirate]

I could fit a projector on the ceiling...but the lath and plaster might be a problem
or is that another forum?

 

[Squid]

I could fit a projector on the ceiling...but the lath and plaster might be a problem
or is that another forum?

You need better situated customers, stop working for peasants who live in fisherman cottages...... ooooh arrrgh

 

[Squid]

 

[Gary K]

I could fit a projector on the ceiling...but the lath and plaster might be a problem
or is that another forum?

Pretty sure there's another thread about L&P

 

[telectrix]

it's very difficult to mount a modern TV right. the tw4ts put the knobs round the side these days, so you don't know which is the front.

 

[Squid]

it's very difficult to mount a modern TV right. the tw4ts put the knobs round the side these days, so you don't know which is the front.

The shiny bit with the moving image usually gives the clue away as to which is front and back, also RTFM ;o))))

 

[telectrix]

The shiny bit with the moving image usually gives the clue away as to which is front and back, also RTFM ;o))))

but the back is got all those funny sockets and things we ain;t never heard of. usb,hmid,yideo in video out, much more interesting thasn the programmes. esp. when you stick 1000V megger probe up them and watch silly coon chips exploding.

 

[Squid]

but the back is got all those funny sockets and things we ain;t never heard of. usb,hmid,yideo in video out, much more interesting thasn the programmes. esp. when you stick 1000V megger probe up them and watch silly coon chips exploding.

You'd be shot in W12 using words like "coon"

 

[telectrix]

small animal native to North America, full name racoon. supposed to be quite intelligent, so must have originally been Northeners.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

you can use a powerline adaptor to feed the hdmi adaptor, i

NEVER EVER use powerline adapters. They are bad technology which will cause interference to other users of the RF spectrum nearby. Mains cabling is for 50Hz not data at RF.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

I use powerline adaptors quite a lot for broadband

Well NEVER EVER do so again. They are bad technology which will cause interference to other users of the RF spectrum nearby. Mains cabling is for 50Hz not data at RF.

 

[123]

@GeorgeCooke so you reckon it's best to go ahead with powerline adaptors then?

 

[MFS Electrical]

Nice mock fireplace! Piece of oval chased in then filled? Trunking the same I guess. Nice colour wall.
Care when fixing the socket on the wall behind the TV that it doesn’t coincide with the TV bracket - measure twice fit once.

I concur Wouldnt be the first time especially if the customer devices they want to change it to a fancy swivelling mount rather than the standard tilt when you've already installed the socket

 

[GeorgeCooke]

@GeorgeCooke so you reckon it's best to go ahead with powerline adaptors then?

NO. They are bad technology which will cause interference to other users of the RF spectrum nearby. Mains cabling is for 50Hz not data at RF.

Use CAT5/6 cable which is designed for data.

You wouldn't use CAT5/6 cable for mains, so also don't use mains cable for data.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

@GeorgeCooke so you reckon it's best to go ahead with powerline adaptors then?

NO. They are bad technology which will cause interference to other users of the RF spectrum nearby. Mains cabling is for 50Hz not data at RF.

Use CAT5/6 cable which is designed for data.

You wouldn't use CAT5/6 cable for mains, so also don't use mains cable for data.

 

[pirate]

Well I have taken all your comments on board, and have gone with Gavin John Hyde and AJShep on this. One trunking for mains to a socket behind the TV, another with 2x HDMI (neat, flat cables) a CAT5, 2x coax, and a nylon cord to pull up anything else I may need in the future. As to the TV mount, the old one was a single point wall mounted bracket with swivel and tilt etc but just not beefy enough for the weight of the TV which always sat slightly drunkenly down at one side. The new one isn't quite flat-to-wall as it has a tilt feature, but plenty stand-off from the wall to get a dual back-box in with brush plate one side and socket outlet the other. The new mount is rack- style so centring the TV is a doddle, and it is much more secure too.
Mind you, my arms are sore from putting that TV up and down so many times yesterday, checking clearances etc but I think it will be a reasonable job when done...not that the client will appreciate how much effort has gone into it, all she will see is a telly on the wall...
Right, must go and cough up some more plaster dust...

 

[pirate]

OK, done...

OK, it's not perfect but the VIP suddenly wanted it finished, so was happy to accept a slight colour mis-match due to the filler coat needing one more layer of paint, which I will do next week.
Mrs Pirate thought the screen-shot was typical of a man, Arsene Wenger...but I am not a footie fan at all...however, I now have a legitimate pic of Fiona Bruce!
Many thanks again to all of you who assisted with your suggestions, I really appreciate it. I am only utilising one HDMI cable for the Humax Freesat box, but I have a spare HDMI for NowTV, a satellite cable, a coax for cable TV or freeview, and an ethernet too.
Kitchen refurb next, apparently...

 

[telectrix]

RESPECT. ...not only have you managed to get it level, but also got the picture the right way up. that mock fireplace is hideous though.

 

[pirate]

Not my choice, the fireplace!
Big Orange Shed bargain rail, with "later additions"...for £50, instead of £265...not too bad, and in my defense, it actually suits the room quite well.
However, I will pass your comments on to the VIP...she will track you down!

 

[GeorgeCooke]

When all is said and done the TV is too high. It should be at eye level or lower when you are sitting down.

Why people insist on putting them above fire places I just can't fathom.

 

[pirate]

Aye, well...I have some sympathy with that view...however there is a 20 degree down angle, so it is quite stress=free to view

 

[Dave OCD]

I reckon it's 1-2mm off centre to the right in relation to the fireplace.

 

[pirate]

...and it is what the customer wants!
not dangerous
not against regulations
not contagious (like gravel, for instance...those of you who are young won't get that one!)
not unsightly
not intrusive

not my taste though, either

 

[pirate]

Dave OCD, it may be 1mm off, but it's a sliding wall mount, so I will check it next week, to the mm, and rectify it ( in the non-electrical sense) as it is easy to move the TV right to left and vice versa, plus some tilt and levelling...
I thought it was bang -on centreline, but with one eye to work with...not a patch on you guys! Oh...patch! did you see what I did there? Lol!
As Mrs Van Gogh said "The trouble with you Vincent...it goes in one ear..."
As Mrs Gordon said " Do that one more time Flash, and I'm gonna wipe the floor with you!"
and for those of you who tutted...I didn't Wago the back box...Lol!
I did fly-lead it though.

 

[Dave OCD]

Hey I was just kidding mate, looks spot on to me.

 

[pirate]

Phoned client to get her to check, so paranoid was I!
Loved the response...and we've all done it...
" maybe an 8th of an inch and...1 mm?"

 

[Phil Thompson]

With a downward tilt a wall tv is absolutely fine.

As for the power line adapters, they serve a purpose, whether liked or not, however the Virgin engineer told me they cause issues with their internet in the house, once removed mine has worked fine since.

 

[GeorgeCooke]

The purpose they serve can be better served with CAT6 cable.
Also causing interference is illegal.

 

[Johnny66]

Impact Mounts was made for RVs, but it looks excellent on my bedroom ceiling. It rotates as well as deploys and retracts. It's quite easy to store it folded on the ceiling by just pushing it all the way up. With one more push, it will hang down for viewing. It includes 5 holes in the base plates for screw connection to the ceiling.

 

[Mike Johnson]

Only comment in case others don't know, the Humax Freesat box needs two satellite cables from the LNB on the dish to enable watching one channel whilst recording another, even recording two others if far enough apart in the sent packet from the satellite.