Q. Can you recommend a swivel wall mount for the new flat panel I’m buying for my bedroom? I have a bed in one corner, and a sitting/reading area with chairs on the other side. - Charles, St. Louis, MO

A. The simple answer is a mount with an articulating arm. There are several companies that make these products and most are very similar. Chief, Omni and Peerless to name a few. All give the ability to rotate the TV and see it in both areas.

However, there are aesthetic issues to consider as well. First, most TVs now require a cable or satellite box to receive HD programing. You might also want a DVD player for movies. So the A/V connections from these components (as well as the power source) need to get to the mounted TV. They never show the mess of wires in advertising or the fact that most mounts have little or no cable management.

One of the best solutions to overcome the clutter is what we call a “back box.” The box can be installed between 2 studs and will give a place for power and wires to be housed. It also hides the mounting bracket giving a flush look when pushing the TV against the wall. When a hole in the drywall is cut to install this box, it gives the electrician and A/V installer an opportunity to “fish” all the wires through the wall giving a much more finished look.

About the Author:
Scott Varn - VP, Harmony Interiors

Scott has been in the technology industries for over 20 years. But his experience as an artist is what led him to create an award winning business that combines engineering and aesthetics for home theater design.