Tag: #TV

Apple TV+ now available on Virgin Media

Virgin Media customers can now enjoy premium, award-winning drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment from Apple TV+ directly on supported Virgin 360 set-top boxes.

Apple TV+, available on Virgin TV 360, offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all your favourite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world, and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have landed 400 awards, and over 1,600 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.” Apple TV+.

Virgin TV 360 offers access to 190 channels and up to three mini 360 boxes around the home for the full multi-room TV experience, as well as access to the Virgin TV Go app so customers can stream their favourite content from their iPhone or iPad, whenever and wherever suits them.

Paul Higgins, VP of Commercial at Virgin Media Ireland said: “We’re thrilled to bring Apple TV+ directly to our Virgin 360 customers, providing them with the ultimate entertainment experience with award-winning movies and series from today’s most imaginative storytellers. Apple TV+ now available on Virgin TV 360 reflects our commitment to providing seamless, accessible content, making it easier than ever for our subscribers to enjoy their favourite shows and movies at home.”

For more information on Virgin TV packages, please visit: www.virginmedia.ie.

Virgin Media’s Ireland AM to broadcast world-first AI-inspired show tomorrow

Ireland AM, the country’s longest-running breakfast television show, will wake up the nation tomorrow morning with a world-first, broadcasting through co-creating content with the power of artificial intelligence.

Set to revolutionise morning television, the AI-powered special has been shaped entirely by input from ChatGPT and Google Bard, two of the world’s most popular AI content generation platforms, to create an innovative blend of entertainment and information. Delving deep into the capabilities of AI, the show will focus on what unique and imaginative content it can create on the live three-hour show presented by Tommy Bowe, Muireann O’Connell, Alan Hughes and Deric Hartigan.

A world-first, the live show tomorrow, Thursday 14th December, will be pushing the boundaries of what was once deemed impossible with the help of international companies such as the first provider of synthetic media for long form TV, StudioNeural. Tune in for a special mystery guest, a live cooking challenge and more!

Anthony Nilan, Head of Content Strategy at Virgin Media Television, said: “Ireland AM has been a trusted and valuable information source for Irish viewers for nearly 25 years. This AI curated show is about using current accessible versions of artificial intelligence tools and giving our viewers, presenters, and production team a taste of what it is capable of and how it could potentially assist us. It also ensures that Ireland AM is best placed to ask the important questions and give real insight into the emerging technology as it develops further.”

From the formatting and content of the show to the scriptwriting and interviews, AI will be doing the thinking for us from 7am – 10am!

Watch the special AI ‘Ireland AM’ from 7am-10am tomorrow morning on Virgin Media One and Virgin Media Player.

How Are TV Ads Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Personalization

Advertising methods have adapted to changing market trends and technology over the years. Today’s consumers are well-informed, making generic ads less effective. Traditional TV and digital media ads are now exploring new ways to target users using Artificial Intelligence (AI) for personalization. In this article, we will look at how TV Ads leverage AI for personalization and effective targeting.

Programmatic Advertising: An Overview

Programmatic advertising is a cutting-edge solution to contemporary advertising challenges. This method is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide due to its cost-effectiveness and favorable outcomes. For example, if you’ve come across online gambling adverts on Australian television, it may well have been part of a programmatic targeting strategy. This innovative form of tailored advertising centers on delivering personalized ads across various media platforms. Through this approach, businesses can automate ad placements based on individual preferences, optimal time slots, and real-time bidding. Instead of creating predefined consumer segments for ad targeting, programmatic advertising relies on AI and ML algorithms to make placement decisions. Companies can harness user data to optimize future ad campaigns for enhanced results. Typically, advertising approaches require companies to strategize and input details into ad management platforms to run campaigns. With AI assuming control of advertisements, brands can relinquish the strategic aspects and let automation govern data-driven advertising.

Benefits of Programmatic Advertising 

Programmatic advertising is a cost-efficient approach to reaching potential customers. Below, we outline the key advantages to provide you with insight.

Budget Optimization 

The most significant benefit of programmatic advertising lies in budget optimization. Brands allocate substantial funds to achieve specific sales targets through ad campaigns. By employing programmatic ads, they can reduce ad spending on users less likely to convert. AI automation leverages real-time data to deliver ads to relevant audiences, increasing the likelihood of action post-viewing.

Reduced Effort 

Automation simplifies the process of configuring target sets within ad campaigns. It relies on data-driven insights to make prompt decisions, eliminating potential delays. When campaigns are managed by humans, tasks such as setting up ad sets, creating content, and allocating budgets can be time-consuming. Programmatic ads remove such obstacles, streamlining the advertising process.

Precise Targeting 

Brands often turn to market analysts and consumer insight teams to determine suitable target audiences for paid campaigns. These teams gather research and sales data about clients within a competitive industry to discern their purchasing behavior. While this approach can be effective, it does not guarantee conversions. Programmatic advertising employs AI and ML to identify potential buyers in a market and displays ads to specific targets, maximizing conversion opportunities.

Accurate Campaign Evaluation 

When brands run paid advertisements, they assess the outcomes of each campaign once results are gathered. Analyzing campaign effectiveness enables them to identify issues within each campaign, which proves invaluable when designing future campaigns for similar consumer markets. With programmatic advertising, brands can conduct more precise evaluations of campaign efficiency, scrutinizing multiple variables influencing ad success during specific periods. 

Risks and Challenges of Programmatic Advertising 

While programmatic advertising offers numerous benefits, it also presents risks and challenges. As AI and ML algorithms rely on user data for potential targeting, privacy concerns may arise among consumers. Not all customers appreciate having their online data collected without consent. 

In the past, Meta encountered such issues related to the personal data collection of Irish users without asking users for consent. Furthermore, ethical considerations pose a hurdle to fully endorsing programmatic advertising strategies. Algorithmic bias is a significant concern that can lead to various problems in the future. Modern society is staunchly opposed to discrimination, gender bias, and racism in any buying or selling channel. 

Programmatic ads may target specific communities differently based on their previous purchasing experiences. Advertisers must address the ethical aspects of programmatic ads to ensure their sustainability. In 2019, Facebook faced legal proceedings for permitting advertisers to target consumers based on race, religion, and gender. Subsequent investigations revealed that Facebook’s algorithmic bias led to differentiated targeting based on specific demographics and gender-related roles. The information provided sheds light on the evolving landscape of TV and digital advertising. 

Conclusion

Advertising has evolved significantly to meet the changing demands of informed and discerning consumers. Both traditional TV and digital media ads now leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to achieve personalization and targeting precision. Programmatic advertising, with its cost-effectiveness and proven efficacy, is at the forefront of this transformation. By automating ad placements based on individual preferences, real-time data, and AI algorithms, businesses can optimize ad campaigns. While programmatic advertising offers numerous benefits, it also raises privacy and ethical concerns, particularly regarding algorithmic bias. 

#IFA2023 – Sharp presents a wide range of Smart TV solutions with Google TV TM, Roku TV and Smart TVs Powered by TiVo

Sharp Consumer Electronics, one of the world’s leading technology companies, is expanding its premium TV segment and presenting three new Mini LED series at IFA 2023. With the new FQ series, Sharp also shows QLED devices with Harman Kardon speaker systems. The new TVs combine advanced display and audio technologies with sleek frameless design and a host of smart features. With a wide range of Smart TV solutions with Google TV, Roku TV and Smart TVs Powered by TiVo, Sharp offers its customers more variety and flexibility.

Affordable premium TVs from Sharp


The new Sharp mini-LED series deliver an unparalleled viewing experience full of brilliant colours and details. Innovative mini-LED technology uses tiny, high-performance LEDs as backlighting, which provide precise and dynamic contrasts to deliver stunning HDR and Dolby Vision results. 

Sharp presents a total of three mini LED series to meet the different needs and budgets of customers. With entry-level models in 50″ (127cm), 55″ (140cm) and 65″ (165cm) sizes, the brand offers premium TVs at an affordable price without compromising on quality and features. In the mid-range mini-LED segment, Sharp offers 100 Hz mini-LED devices in 65” (165 cm) and 75” (190 cm) screen sizes that feature expanded colour gamut, Dolby Vision IQTM image enhancement technology and a Harman Kardon speaker system. The 75” flagship model delights cineastes thanks to 2,000 dimming zones and a brightness of 2,000 nits. This renders image content with exceptional range (HDR), ultra-sharp contrasts and deepest blacks. It also features a 2.1.2 sound system with 85 watts of power and integrated up-firing speakers that deliver impressive Dolby Atmos 3D sound. In addition, Sharp’s renowned audio partner DTS, a brand of Xperi, offers a range of DTS:XTM codecs and DTS Virtual:X post-processing for an immersive sound experience.

 

With the FQ Series 4K Ultra HD TVs, Sharp offers a more affordable premium alternative to the mini LED TVs, with a sleek, frameless design and a slim aluminium stand. FQ models use renowned Quantum Dot technology for vibrant colour reproduction and enhanced contrast. A 2-way hybrid system from audio expert Harman Kardon delivers immersive cinema sound, while Dolby AtmosTM audio technology provides three-dimensional sound with tremendous depth. The FQ Series also features Sharp’s new AQUOS Wireless Surround (AWS) technology. While the TV speakers act as front and centre speakers, additional speakers and a subwoofer can be wirelessly connected to the TVs for an immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound experience throughout the home. The new FQ series are the first models of Sharp Q, an exclusive product line that will exceed customer expectations with elegant design and exceptional features at affordable prices. Sharp will also show Sharp Q soundbars for the first time at IFA 2023. 

Google, Roku & TiVo offer a choice of premium smart TV operating systems 

Sharp relies on multiple smart TV operating systems to offer its customers more variety and flexibility. Customers can therefore choose a unique TV experience according to their needs and wishes. 

Sharp will present devices with Google TV, Roku OS and TiVo OS at IFA 2023. The innovative Google TV platform will be used in the new premium TVs for the first time. The innovative Google TV platform will be used for the first time in the new premium TVs. Google TV takes streaming to the next level: it brings together entertainment from different apps and arranges it for the user. 

The intelligent 64-bit operating system seamlessly integrates content from various sources such as streaming services, live TV, and personal media libraries. HD and 4K Sharp Roku TV models were already announced in the UK and Germany in the spring. Roku TV models offer consumers unmatched simplicity, entertainment choice and value for money. 

Sharp Smart TVs Powered by TiVo offer customers a content-driven experience that combines the best of broadcast and streaming television in a simple and intuitive on-screen experience. Sharp Smart TVs Powered by TiVo allow consumers to choose which live TV, news, sports, movies, or streaming services they prefer, bringing the most advanced personalization and natural voice navigation technology to the market. Sharp will launch its TVs, based on technology from TiVo, a Xperi company, in six European countries in 2024.

For more information, please visit the Sharp Consumer Electronics website: www.sharpconsumer.uk

Prices and availability

The 75-inch flagship model (190 cm) of the Sharp mini-series will be available from Q2 2024 for €4,999. UK pricing and stockists to be confirmed.

The Sharp FQ series will be available in the following sizes from Q4/2023:
50-inch (127 cm): €599.00
55-inch (139 cm): €699.00
55-inch (165 cm): €899.00
75-inch (190 cm): €1,199.00
UK pricing and stockists to be confirmed.

GHome Smart SL1 TV LED Backlight, Smart WiFi Strip Light

Sprucing up your home can be done in many ways these days and lighting is one way to do it and very popular, even here at home we have soundbars with RGB lighting and so on and some other products such as light bulbs and photos to do it so there is no shortage of options out there, today though we have a simple option that goes behind your TV or desktop and brings a nice effect to your home or workspace and what I like about this LED striplight from GHome is that is is not static and can dance to your voice music or whatever you might be watching or playing on your games console and can be used and set up in a variety of ways to give you the desired effects as seen in the video review below.

It will take about 5 minutes to set up and away you go, download the app and go through the features on board and check out the array of colours and other options you have at your disposal, there is even a small control just to do the basics built in which is also handy for those who want to keep it simple, Overall this is a simple product to use and set up and add some additional effects to your home and can be voice controlled to, check it out below.

 

 

Features

  • Smart App_go_sund_Control: Connect to 2.4GHz WIFI download App operation, easily control turn on/off, change color and brightness, personalize multiple lighting modes and scenes with smartphone(Note: Only for 2.4GHz WiFi)
  • Voice Control: The TV LED Light work with Alexa and Google Home. Hands-Free to adjust color, brightness and modes, conveniently control all of TV light strip by simple voice commands
  • Music Sync: The brightness and color of the LED light can be changed simultaneously through the music and sound heard by the TV built-in microphone. Changeable colors and contagious music beats bring ultimate lighting experience
  • 8 Scenes&16 Million Colors: With the scene modes and 16 million rgb colors, change TV backlight strip colors to create custom scene modes for different everyday ambiences

  • Timer& Schedule: Set daily schedule for your LED TV backlight to turn on and off automatically, smart control of lights. With the adhesive tape on the back, can be sticked firmly on the back of 30-60in TV
  • The App can be downloaded by scanning the QR code of the product manual with smartphone. If your router is dual-band, ensure that 2.4G and 5G networks have different network names – SSID

BUY 

Video review

Sky Live is the new interactive camera from Sky

Sky today unveils Sky Live, the clever entertainment device that will transform the way you use your TV. Exclusive to Sky Glass, the new interactive camera brings you exciting new ways to share your favourite TV with family and friends, work out, play and video call – all on your TV. Sky Live is now available to buy from €6 per month*.

Speaking about Sky Live, JD Buckley, CEO, Sky Ireland, said: “Following Sky Glass’ successful launch last August, we are thrilled to announce that we are transforming the home entertainment experience yet again with the launch of our new 4k interactive camera, Sky Live.

We are so excited to bring this innovative product to our Sky Glass customers as our new camera will change the way we interact with TV.  There’s a new way to chat, play, work out and share the greatest TV moments with family and friends. We hope our customers love it as much as we do.”

Fraser Stirling, Global Chief Product Officer, Sky, said: “We surprised everyone when we launched our streaming TV, Sky Glass. Now we’re doing it again. Sky Live makes your TV much more than just a TV, by introducing new entertainment experiences for the heart of your home.

“Get active with motion control games, work out with body tracking technology, video call on the big screen and watch TV with loved ones – even from afar. And this is just the start. With our powerful Entertainment OS ecosystem, it will keep getting better with every update.”  

Sky Live makes the big screen in your living room even smarter, more social, and more interactive. Key features include:

Watch Together when you’re not together

 

  • Enjoy TV together, even when you’re apart.
  • See and hear family and friends in their own homes alongside your favourite content on your TV screen, so you can celebrate Premier League goals together live, discuss the latest murder mystery from Poker Face and chat through every episode of And Just Like That, S2.
  • Working across live channels and Sky on demand content – the dedicated Watch Together button on screen lets you invite your family and friends to watch with you**.
  • And with Auto-Tracking, everyone will always be in shot and in focus. Plus, Sky Live’s background noise suppression technology means sound will be crystal-clear.

Workout with a personal trainer on your TV

  • With the exclusive Mvmnt fitness app, you can choose from over 130 interactive workouts, including a range of strength, mobility, Pilates and yoga classes for all abilities.
  • Built-in Body Tracking technology improves your technique by analysing your form, providing real-time feedback as you move and counting your reps.
  • Developed in partnership with WithU and qualified coaches, Mvmnt is exclusive to Sky Live for innovative and easy ways to work out from home on the big screen.
  • Download the Mvmnt companion mobile app so you can also get real-time feedback on your form directly to your mobile. Plus, you can plan your workouts, track your personal progress, and share to social media.

Play hands-free immersive games for the whole family

 

  • Use your body as the controller in fun active games like Starri, PAW Patrol PAWsome fitness and Fruit Ninja with Sky Live’s ground-breaking Motion Control technology, which uses AI-powered body tracking and gesture control. With more games like Peppa Pig coming soon.
  • Play solo at home, or challenge family and friends to join in a range of fun multiplayer games and experiences like Monopoly.
  • With VideoBooth you can capture short videos and photos on your Sky Glass. Immerse yourself in some of your favourite TV shows and films with AR filters for PAW Patrol, Trolls and more. Download your creations and share with your family, friends and on social media.
  • Also coming soon is the Stingray Karaoke app, allowing you to record, play back and easily share your best performances on social media.

Video Call on your TV

 

  • Make Zoom calls to family and friends from your sofa to any device.
  • Have better conversations and see people in HD, large as life and crystal-clear on the big screen – no more juggling iPads, laptops or mobiles.
  • Everyone will be in shot with Auto-Tracking and you can hear every word with the background noise suppression technology.
  • You can even switch from a call on your mobile to your TV if you’re signed into the same account on Sky Live. Just use your existing Zoom account and log in with your regular e-mail address and password.

Simple set up

Sky Live has been designed with the same simplicity and privacy credentials as Sky Glass. It’s easy to set up, with no remotes, headsets or controllers, and the magnetic base sits securely on top of your Sky Glass, with cables to connect to the TV. Giving you complete control over your privacy, there’s a dedicated button which lets you switch the camera and microphone on and off – when the front light is off, you know it’s completely off.

Pricing and availability

Sky Live is available to buy in Ireland from today (Thursday 22 June) at Sky.ie/SkyLive, in Sky retail stores or with our customer services.

Buy for €6 per month interest-free credit on a 48-month credit sale agreement, €12 per month on a 24-month credit sale agreement, or €301***.

Buy Sky Glass, Sky Ultimate TV and Sky Live from just €18.50 for 3 months

Developing for the future

Sky Live is the latest addition to the Sky TV Entertainment OS ecosystem, which includes Sky Glass. Sky Live will never stay the same; its software will continue to evolve, with new games, workouts, features and more to come in future releases.

As a platform Sky is looking forward to working with experience and app creators to bring new entertaining innovations to the big screen. We’re even opening our developer portal very soon.

For more, visit Sky.ie

Tech Review – PROSCREENCAST – SC01 Miracast Dongle For TV, 4k

ProScreenCast provides integrated solutions for wireless screen sharing and digital signage. This is a scalable solution with a significant return on investment, including reduced meeting downtime and IT maintenance. SC01 doesn’t need an app, and WiFi (When there is no WiFi, you can only project what your device has downloaded to the big screen), plug-n-play. Ideal for hotels, home theatres and meetings. Internal and guest presenters can easily share their screens in an instant, improving the overall work and learning experience, while increasing productivity and participation.

This is nothing new in the tech world but it offer users portability and more options than other screen cast devices out there and is multiplatform with no app required, you do however get a dashboard to work from to change the settings to your needs and of course you need the right equipment to handle it and things stand out in 4K as you will see in the video below.

 

Set-Up

Apple 

First connect the WiFi of the receiver to the mobile phone, the name is “ProScreenCast-xxxxxx”, and the password is 12345678.
Next, enter “192.168.203.1” or scan the QR code to search in the browser.
Finally, click “Resolution” and select “3840p / 2160p / 60p”. The device supports high bit rate 60Hz, and 30p and 60p can be selected as needed.

Android 

The first step is to click WIFI on the phone settings page to locate and connect the device SC01 (name: ProScreenCast-xxxxxx, password: 12345678).
The second step is to type 192.168.203.1 in the mobile / tablet browser.
The third step is to click “Resolution” and select “3840p / 2160p / 60p”. The device supports high bit rate 60Hz, and 30p and 60p can be selected as needed.

Note: to transmit 4K video, make sure your monitor, video source, and HDMI cable support 4K@60Hz (HDMI 2.0). You can adjust the output resolution by setting to match your monitor. At the same time, you can turn HDR on and off.
When you enter the IP address and see the WiFi settings page, you can first click the arrow icon in the upper left corner to exit the page, and then select the resolution settings.

Features

  • True 4K@60Hz With HDR: SC01 Miracast dongle builds with HDMI 2.0 and supports up to 4k and HDR color.
  • Low Latency: Support both 2.4G/5.8G dual bands, ensuring you have full WiFi coverage and optimal speed for streaming.
  • Wide Compatibility: Support Miracast, Airplay, and DLNA. Compatible with Android, macOS, iOS, Windows, and ChromeOS.
  • Easy To Setup, No App Required: 3 steps to connect, no need app. Seniors and children can also connect in 3 mins.
  • Small And Portable: Mirror your device on the screen anytime, anywhere
  • 🎁 10% OFF For Your First Order! (Code: ICAST)

BUY

Video Review

Why TV production companies need to keep their eye on the dollar

You might imagine that the world of TV and film production is a million miles away from international exchange rates. When you picture a TV production company, you immediately think of creativity, comedy, and pitch meetings around a large table with takeout food and long hours. It’s certainly a long way from the cliched suited and booted traders working the stock and currency markets.

What you may not realise though is that production companies care a lot more about exchange rates, particularly the strength of the dollar, than you might think.

Let’s think in the most candid terms. TV and film production comes down to money. As much as we like to think it’s about the creative idea, it’s ultimately about funding and production costs. If there isn’t the money or a project is too expensive it’s simply not going to get made.

It’s vital that production companies take into account all the economic factors that can impact their costs and profitability. TradingView’s DXY chart is a valuable tool for keeping an eye on the dollar rate compared with some of the most important currencies in the world.

How exactly does the strength of the dollar impact production companies and how they make their money? The first way that it can play a role is via investment, as this tends to fall when the economy is unstable. This is due to the increased levels of uncertainty around what the immediate future holds, causing more risk to investors. 

You need to consider where the investment is coming from. If a foreign investor is looking to put money into a US-based production company for example, the strength of a dollar against the investor’s home currency is going to determine how much the investment is worth. The dollar has been performing well over the last 12 months as the Federal Reserve increases interest rates to tackle inflation, but as other countries catch up with rate rises, this could level the playing field.

If the production company makes money through subscriptions, the value of these vary too depending on the strength of the dollar. Take for example a US-based company using a subscription fee model, charging a monthly fee of €9.99 to Irish customers. If the value of the dollar increases by 10%, the value of those subscriptions falls too. Add in the fact that US cable subscriptions in the first quarter of 2023 fell to their lowest levels since 1992 and you can see why income might feel unpredictable.

The good news is that this works both ways – a stronger dollar means goods and services from abroad become cheaper, as you have more buying power for your money. 

This could definitely be a good thing if you’re a production company based in Ireland and looking to sell TV programmes or films into the US, as it makes your prices more competitive compared to your American counterparts. 

Wherever you’re based as a production company, you can see why it’s so vital to have an understanding of how the dollar is fluctuating both now and in the medium term.

Your business really does depend on it.

What TV Mount is Best for Your Gaming Setup?

Looking to upgrade your gaming setup? Mounting your TV or monitor is a great way to give your setup a more professional look and save space. However, you’ll need to do a bit of research before you buy any mount. Choosing the right TV mount will ensure optimal comfort, functionality, and aesthetics. These are the basics you should know and the top considerations to make before buying a TV mount for your gaming setup.

Understanding Different Types of TV Mounts

Before diving into the specifics of your setup, let’s cover the various types of TV mounts available on the market:

 

  1. Fixed mounts: These mounts hold your TV flat against the wall and offer no adjustability. They are the most basic and affordable option. And according to Selby Acoustics, they are the most popular selling TV mounts. Might not be versatile enough for most people, but a great money-saver if you don’t need to adjust your TV. They also tend to be super flush with the wall because of reduced hardware.
  2. Tilting TV mounts: This type allows you to tilt the TV up or down, which can be useful for reducing glare or accommodating various seating heights.
  3. Full-motion (articulating) TV mounts: These mounts offer the greatest flexibility, with the ability to swivel, tilt, and extend the TV away from the wall. This is ideal for rooms with multiple viewing angles or seating areas.
  4. Ceiling TV mounts: These mounts suspend the TV from the ceiling, providing a unique viewing experience and saving wall space.

Assessing Your Gaming Setup

Picking the right mount is all about the specifics of your setup. You might be tempted to just get the best full-motion mount and call it a day, but we encourage you to hesitate before doing so. If you don’t really need a fancy full-motion mount, you’ll be wasting your money, and you might not be happy with how bulky it is once it’s actually installed. Instead, consider these key aspects about your setup before choosing a mount:

 

  • Room size and dimensions: Measure the available space and consider the distance between your seating area and the TV to ensure comfortable viewing.
  • Seating arrangements and viewing angles: Take into account the number of seats, their positions, and the preferred viewing angles for each. Do you like to sit in different locations while gaming, do you have company often, or is your gaming limited to one position? Is there natural light in the room that sometimes reflects off the TV?
  • Positioning of gaming consoles and equipment: Consider where your gaming consoles, sound systems, and other equipment will be placed relative to the TV.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a TV Mount

Now you should have a good understanding of your setup, and you may already know which mount type you want. Of course, there are more decisions to make once you’ve chosen a mount type. Consider the following when picking a specific mount:

Compatibility with TV size and weight

This is the most important factor to consider for any mount. Be sure you understand the size and weight limitations of the mount you’re buying. If you don’t follow your mount’s limitations, it could end with a broken TV and a very sad gamer. You should know the exact size and weight of your TV and double-check that it falls within the limits of the mount you buy.

Adjustability and flexibility

Once you assess your setup, you can determine the amount of flexibility that you need in a mount. If you want to accommodate various seating arrangements, you’ll likely want a full-motion mount. Pay attention to the specific swivel range of each mount and make sure it is wide enough to reach each viewing angle comfortably. It’s a good idea to “test” the swivel range by holding up a tape measure that’s the width of your TV in the approximate location that the mount will be. Many people see the pivot or swivel range of, say, 90 degrees and assume they’ll be able to twist the TV that much. However, in practice, depending on the size of the TV, the sides will likely hit the wall at a certain point if the mount doesn’t come out far enough. This is why it’s important to do a “test” run to get a good idea of how far you’ll actually be able to adjust.

Cable management and ease of installation

Look for mounts with built-in cable management systems and straightforward installation processes. Typically, your cables will have to run farther distances once you mount your TV on the wall, and this might be unsightly. If you don’t get a mount with cable management solutions then have a plan for your cable organization.

Durability and build quality

Invest in a TV mount made from high-quality materials to ensure longevity and reliable support for your TV. Once installed, your TV probably won’t move much, so it’s easy to forget that there is constant strain being put on the mount every day. Over time, this strain builds, so it’s important to have a mount made of strong materials that won’t start to break after just a year.

In addition to these key factors, there are some additional considerations to make that can help you decide which mount is best for you:

  • Think about future upgrades and changes to your gaming setup when selecting a TV mount, as you may need additional flexibility or compatibility down the road.
  • Opt for a mount with built-in features such as a bubble level or a soundbar mount to streamline your gaming area.
  • Consult professional installation services if necessary to ensure the safe and proper installation of your TV mount.
  • Make sure that the retailer you’re buying from provides detailed information about the mount and its capabilities. An established retailer will provide full specifications on the adjustability of the mount, the materials, size, supported TV measurements, and included hardware. 

Selecting the right TV mount for your gaming setup is a crucial step in creating a comfortable and immersive gaming environment. By considering your unique gaming needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision that will enhance your gaming experience for years to come.