How Do You Mount a Dell W4200 Plasma TV to the Wall?

Make sure to "measure twice and cut once" when mounting your W4200.

Released in 2005, the Dell W4200 is a 42" behemoth of a plasma television. Tipping the scales at almost 99lbs, it is definitely not a light weight display. Although you'll need a small set of tools and wiring to properly mount the display, making sure your wall mount is rated for a display that weighs almost 100 lbs. is critical. Buying the proper wall mount will be the main factor that separates a successful mounting job from an expensive, 100 lb. paperweight.

Things You'll Need

• Plasma screen mounting kit
• Studfinder
• Pencil
• Hex wrench
• Level
• Electric drill/screwgun
• Included mounting hardware

Instructions

1. Use the studfinder to locate the wooden studs closest to the area you'd like to mount your television. Make light pencil marks every 8 to 10 inches to mark off your studs.

2. Mount the wall bracket of your mounting kit to the studs using the included hardware. If your wall mount is adjustable, shrink or expand if to cover the width of the studs. Use your screwgun to drill mounting holes slightly smaller than the size of the mounting bolts. Use your level to make sure the mount is perfectly straight before screwing it down. If the mounting bolts are hex bolts, you'll need to use your hex wrench to tighten them down. Tighten the bolts in an "X" pattern, starting in the upper left hand corner, moving to the bottom right, lower left and finally upper right. Tug on the wall mount to make sure it's securely tightened.

3. Attach the TV mount to the rear of the W4200. Tighten the included screws or bolts to the VESA mounting holes on the rear of the display, using the same "X" pattern as the wall mount. Lightly tug on the mount to make sure it's securely fastened.

4. Lift the display up and gently connect it to the wall mount. You will almost certainly need a second or even a third person to lift the television safely up onto the mount. Mounting methods will vary from model to model, so consult your owner's manual, before trying to mount the W4200, for specific instructions.

5. Route your cables underneath the display. Keep in mind that it's against many municipal fire codes to route a power cable inside of your walls without the proper authorization and safety measures, so consult your local laws if you decide to go this route. Should you route your cables outside of the television, may retailers sell cable shrouds which can be painted to match your wall's color.

Tips & Warnings

• Be extremely careful when lifting your television.

• Make sure your wall mount is level before mounting your television, as changing the wall mount after the display is already up is very difficult.

References

• Dell: W4200 Owner's Manual
• Dell: W4200 Setup Guide
• Crutchfield: Wall Mounting Guide