Sanus Systems MF202 TV Wall Mount

Let's face it, wall mounts aren't exactly the sexiest part of your home theater system. In fact, the only time you ever see them is when you install them, then they're sort of "Out of sight, out of mind." But they are still something you should consider!

Having young children, setting a large, light LCD television on a TV stand and hoping it won't be knocked over isn't a possibility. Mine had to go on the wall.

Furthermore, I wanted to be able to occasionally swing the TV toward one side of the room or the other. Looking at the inexpensive mounts, I decided on this one because of positive reviews, and the freedom of motion.

This mount will swing up, down, to both sides, and rotate as well. I don't need rotation, but it's part of the deal. It comes with plates for VESA 100x100 mounts and 200x200 mounts. The plates can mount flat against the TV, or it also comes with two or three different-length sets of spacer rods. The spacers can be used for two situations - if the back of your TV is curved, or if you just want a little more space between the TV and wall. A bit more space helps with cabling ease, and also lets you swing the television a bit more. I chose the longest spacers for that reason.

It also comes with a LOT of bolts. Bolts of different diameters (for different mounts), and different lengths (for different depths, and for if you use any of the spacers.) This is certainly not short on hardware, Sanus really covered the bases.

Bolting the main support to the wall is straight-forward - one bolt in the top, and one in the bottom. Sanus gives you some nice lag bolts if you can go into the studs (which is a very good idea), and some plastic covers in case you want to settle for just the drywall.

After you bolt the main support to the wall, and the plate to the TV, then you slide the two together, put in one more screw, and you're set.

There are also two different places you can adjust the tension in the mount - one accessible before you install, and one accessible after. That way, you can adjust how easily the television can be swiveled. I set mine fairly stiff, I don't swivel it often - and want it to stay still.

I can't really think of any downsides to this mount. It's inexpensive (under $40 at Newegg), sturdy, comes with plenty of hardware, and does what it's supposed to. What's not to love?