Choose the Right Stand for a 42 Inch LCD TV
Unless you're mounting your new 42 inch LCD TV on the wall or on
the ceiling, you'll need a solid and reliable stand to support
it. Many TVs come furnished with an appropriate stand, but some
require that the stand be purchased separately. If the
manufacturer furnishes your 42 inch LCD TV stand, and it meets
your needs in terms of styling, you're in great shape. Because
your 42 inch LCD TV could become an integral part of the room's
decorating scheme, though, you may choose to purchase a stand
that matches the needs of your viewing habits, your home, and
your sense of style.
Because a 42 inch LCD TV is reasonably heavy, the most important
requirement is that any stand must handle the weight of your
particular 42 inch LCD TV and must provide a stable base in case
it's bumped or jarred. For that reason, make sure the stand you
purchase meets the unique weight and strength requirements of
the 42 inch LCD TV you purchased. The last thing you want to
have happen is for your new TV to become damaged simply because
your stand wasn't up to the task. The owner's manual for your 42
inch LCD TV will specify all the requirements of a suitable and
effective TV stand for that model.
There are a few other considerations besides strength, though.
Let's look at a few other decisions you'll want to make to
ensure you get the maximum enjoyment from your 42 inch LCD TV.
1. Determine if the stand needs to hold other audio-visual
equipment? If you own a DVD player, use a cable converter, have
game systems like an Xbox or a PS2, and/or have a home theater
system, you may want your stand to house that equipment as well
as support the 42 inch LCD TV itself. Make sure you pick a stand
that has shelves or compartments for the equipment you own, or
even may someday own.
2. Determine if the stand will position your TV at an optimal
viewing height. The height of the TV is an individual choice -
make sure the stand you select will place your 42 inch LCD TV at
the height you want. If you can, find an adjustable stand that
gives you some flexibility. If not, determine the right height
for you and select an appropriate height stand. An easy way to
calculate your optimal height is to sit in your favorite chair
or couch and determine how high your eye level is. Once you've
determined eye level, make sure your 42 inch LCD TV will be
centered at that point. Many stands are pre-engineered to
approximate an appropriate viewing level for the average person,
but make sure you're comfortable with that height before you
make a purchase. Some pedestal stands are adjustable; if you
don't need storage space, check out a pedestal stand.
3. Check to see if the stand has integrated cable management. If
you're buying a cabinet with a closed back, cable management
probably isn't an issue, since you'll have plenty of space to
hide cables. If you're interested in a pedestal stand or a stand
with an open back, make sure there are provisions built in to
hide all the cables you may have. If you have a home theater,
video gaming system, DVD player, and other components, you'll
have a large number of cables running from component to
component - make sure the stand gives you plenty of room to
store those cables out of sight. The stand shouldn't just house
your 42 inch LCD TV - it should handle all the cables and
components, too.
Once you've found the right 42 inch LCD TV, finding a stand
suits your needs and fits you're your room's d