Common Sense when Buying a TV Stand
TV Stands Buyers Guides > Progression of TV Stands | Features of TV Stands | Buying a TV Stand
Things you should think about when buying a TV stand...
Do you want to see the cables?
If hiding the cables is your priority, use a bit of common sense when choosing a cable management system. If a TV stand is £50, it has been priced for £50 for a reason... if you are truly looking to hide the cables, TV stands are likely to cost a bit more, like with the Spectral TV stand where the cable is cleverly hidden down the central spine of the support pole with a cover running down the outside of the main support conduit. You will pay for advanced features and the optional flexibility, but for those who want to find dangling cords unsightly, it will be worth the added expense.
Will my AV equipment fit?
With the wide range of AV equipment such as sky boxes, DVD and Blu-ray players, receivers, video game systems like the Xbox 360 or Nintendo Wii, and system controllers that we use in conjunction with our TV’s you need to make sure there is proper room for them on your new TV stand. Also check to make sure the shelves are deep enough and that you are aware of the weight load per shelf.
Which TV stand should I buy?
TV stands – Tends to incorporate every style and is used as a generic label which covers all types of TV stands.
Plasma TV stands – Tends to be larger to accommodate the larger screen size.
LCD TV stands – Generally tend to start smaller in size than the plasma TV stands and increase to about the same size as plasmas since LCD TV’s can vary greatly in size.
Cantilever TV stands – Tends to use less space than traditional TV stands with a smaller footprint. Also provides more flexibility in the viewing angle of the unit with swivel and tilt options.
TV cabinets – Designed to hide all your AV equipment and can yet be a stylish piece of AV furniture. This kit will allow you to hide your AV kit and supply you with the appropriate storage over other TV stands.
TV wall brackets – The benefit of this system is that it does not take up any floor space. Bear in mind that the bracket weight load must be considered and taken into account.
Are you looking to buy a TV wall bracket or a cantilever TV stand?
Make sure to check the mounting holes on the rear of the plasma/LED/LCD TV so that they match up with the brackets. Virtually all brackets today are VESA compatible (Video Electronics Standards Association) but variations do sometimes happen. Check to make sure whether the casing of the gap between the holes is equal to that of the bracket.
What look are you trying to achieve?
Urban trendy got you down? Try a warm wood finish with doors to give your TV stand a well manicured look. Sophistication the ticket for you? The city look of metal and glass of high rise buildings brought to your very own home will make you feel quite posh. There are many styles available for plasma/LED/LCD TV’s and it is up to you to decide what will meet both your sense of style and your budget.
Do I need castors for mobility?
Castors can add a useful function to your TV stand. Not only can you move your TV stand to numerous viewing angles, but you can also move it more easily to clean the floors.
Is it easy to assemble?
If you buy a glass TV stand please be advised that the glass shelves are generally going to weigh more than their wooden TV stand counterparts. For example, if you are buying a stand that is at least a metre long, you will probably need help during assembly due to the overall weight of the TV stand.
Will my TV fall off the stand?
Last minute safety check. Protect your Investment by planning the purchase of your TV stand. Almost all Plasma/LCD/LED TV’s are supplied with a table top stand, which in nearly all cases is detachable so the TV can also be mounted on the wall or on a cantilever TV stand. The key point to verify is that the table top stand is adequately supported. As long as the footprint of the TV is fully on the stand and it is within the width of the stand it should be secure; however, we recommend a touch wider to make sure there is no overhang or instability. Simply put, if you place your TV in a high traffic area, it is recommended that your TV stand be nearly as wide as the TV so that someone doesn’t bang into the TV. Remember, safety first – and make sure that the TV really is going to be secure on the stand you choose in that particular area of your home.
Will my TV fit?
Make sure you know the physical dimensions of your TV so you can purchase a TV stand that will support it properly, but don’t forget about the maximum allowable weight load for each TV stand.
Bear in mind that weight loads are assigned by the manufacturer as a load spread across the entire shelf; however if you place the full weight in the centre of the shelf it won’t actually break, but no manufacturer will advise it. If the TV stand shelf will take 40kg and that is the exact amount of what you want to put on the shelf, look at stands that will take a little bit more for safety purposes.
Need a small TV stand?
Try a hi-fi stand to support your small TV as they are narrower and generally sufficient for the weight of a small TV. Our hi-fi stands start low to the ground with 2 shelves and can extend to 4 or 5 shelves in this class so you should be able to find something to meet your needs, but bear in mind that before you purchase, make sure to check the weight limits and size of the hi-fi stand.
Want a taller TV stand?
Again we suggest the hi-fi stands due to the height of some towers that can include up to 5 shelves and give you the height you require; however, make sure you double check the weight limits and footprint of the hi-fi stand before you buy.
TV Stands Buyers Guides > Progression of TV Stands | Features of TV Stands | Buying a TV Stand
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