Top 10 TV Installation Mistakes

#1. Mounting the TV too High  -  Most people mount their TV too high, such that they are looking upward at their TV. This can cause neck strain. The optimal height to mount your flat screen will vary depending on the distance you will be watching the TV from, the room layout, and whether you will be sitting, standing or laying down while watching TV. Modern Media can help you determine the perfect height to mount your TV to the wall.

#3. Purchasing Equipment from Big Box Stores  -  The big box stores (Best Buy, Wal-Mart etc.) have a lot over overhead they must cover and charge you for it. Modern Media orders direct from manufactures or wholesalers and we can typically save you 30% on your major equipment purchases.

#5. Not Using Proper Surge Protection  -  One power surge or lightening strike can destroy your AV equipment and computers in a second. Many consumers fail to protect their equipment investments and precious computer data with simple and inexpensive surge protection. Modern Media can offer inexpensive surge protection devices to protect your TVs or your entire home.

#7. Improper Speaker Placement  -  Paying attention to the location and positioning of your speakers usually pays off with a big improvement in sonic performance. However this can be a challenge for rooms not designed for surround sound. There are hundreds of choice in speakers. We can help you select the right speakers and their placement in your home for superb sound.

#9. Not Reviewing New Home Construction Pre-Wiring Plans  -  Pre-wiring your new home for audio-video equipment is a wise decision and can save you lots of money. However, most pre-wiring is done with little consideration of the final AV systems to be installed. Speaker wire is pulled to the oddest places. At Modern Media we see it all the time - new homes with totally improper wiring for AV systems. We understand when you are building a new home you are loaded down with hundreds of decisions. Modern Media can review your AV wiring plan to insure it will meet your needs and be part of a nicely designed home AV system.

#2. Paying too Much for Accessories  -  The price for HDMI cables and TV mounts can be  ridiculously expensive. There is no need to pay $50 for an HDMI cable and $80  for a TV wall mount. At Modern Media, we  include a FREE HDMI cable and TV wall mount with any TV installation.


#4. Dangerous Electrical Wiring  -  It is  dangerous and against the National Electrical Code to run plug-in power or  extension cords behind walls to run electrical power to your HDTV. Many budget TV installers will run the TV's extension cord in the wall. This is dangerous!
Modern Media performs all electrical work in compliance with the national Electric Code. (Texas adopted the National Electric Code in 2011)

#6. Running AV and Electrical Cables Together -  Running AV cables too close to electrical  cables can negatively affect the picture or sound quality. Proper planning and installation techniques will route AV and electrical cables separately so you can have fantastic video and sound.

#8. Not Planning for Internet Connections  -  The latest entertainment  devices connect to the internet. AV receivers, Blu-Ray players, HDTVs, media  streamers, PlayStations, Wii, xBox - they all require internet connections.  Without proper planning to connect all the devices to your home network, you can  quickly find your network bogged down or running out of connections.

#10. Purchasing Equipment without a Total Plan  - Lots of money can be wasted purchasing bargains without a total plan  for your AV system. There are many considerations that must be decided  upon to make sure all your equipment works in harmony with each other.  Modern Media can help you plan our your purchases and guide you to the  right products at the right price.