The RainyDayInterns have done a lot of research over the past three months on the different types of LCD TV mounts. They have looked at basic mounts, low profile mounts, mounts that can be angled, and even mounts with variable positioning. All of them will work well for their specific mounting situations. After our FirstLook review of the articulated mount, we got some comments that if an LCD panel was placed above a fireplace, higher on the wall, or in front of other pieces of furniture, it would be difficult or inconvenient to have to manually move the TV into position in order to watch it. A remote-controlled, motorized LCD TV mount would be better for these types of applications.
We gave this some thought and agreed. Today, we are going to take a FirstLook at the OmniMount Power55. This mount incorporates many of the features (tilt, angle, etc...) of the mounts we have looked at previously but with the added convenience of being adjustable via a wireless remote control. The Power55 is large enough the handle panels up to 55" and and heavy as 110 lbs. It may be mounted anywhere there are good solid wall studs and access to a power outlet.
Unlike the other mounts, the Power55 mount came pretty much fully assembled, which was why the box it came in was so BIG. As expected, there were two brackets for the back of the LCD panel. The brackets hook and secure the tv onto the frame of the mount. Like other mounts, the Power55 came with a varieties of screws for the different types of walls. Unlike other mounts, the Power55 mount came with a full-size drilling template. This template has double-stick tape on the back so you can put it up exactly where you are planning on putting the mount. The template has markings for where to drill the holes, eliminating all of the measuring, confusion, and potential headaches. Brilliant!
Since being motorized is the major difference between this and all of the other mounts we have looked at previously, we wanted to take a closer look at the mechanism. There are two motors in a Z-configuration. One motor adjusts the tilt, the other adjusts the pan. The operation is controlled by an IR remote. The basic range of movements of the Power55 is as follows:
- Tilt: up to +15º
- Pan: up to 20º left and right
- Mounting profile: 2.9” (74mm)
- Maximum usable extension: 7.6” (193mm)
- Universal & VESA compliant: 100x200 to 400x800
The Power55 mount's extension and angling mechanism is a cantilever design similar to that of the non-motorized articulated mount we looked at in June. The big structural difference is that the Power55 has one arm instead of two. The Power55's hinges are beefier and houses the motors. With the Power55, the brackets hook onto two long rods instead of a flat panel. The rods makes the mount lighter, the back of the TV more accessible, and the LCD panel easier to slide into position.
The 46" Sony LCD panel is currently sitting on the interns' desk. We were hoping to get this mount installed and the TV off their desk before this weekend's World Cup final. However, the heat wave has made the interns somewhat reluctant to do anything requiring movement. So once there is a break in the heat, we'll get the installation project underway. Until then, the interns will just have to put up with having a big-ass LCD panel taking up their entire work space in the office. [Permalink] -OmniMount Power55 FirstLook
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