LPT: When mounting a tv on the wall, get extra HDMI cables and plug them in to empty ports, and leave accessible on the side or bottom for future devices.

Submitted by Puppyismycat t3_ycfxw1 in LifeProTips

Many TV’s have ports on the back, and once you have the TV mounted on a wall, with a fixed mount, adding a new device can be a MAJOR hassle. I learned this the hard way when I tried adding an HDMI cable for my Apple TV box. Not easy to one hand tilt an 80” TV while reaching where you can’t really see, to plug in cable. Don’t be like me. Add extras before mounting.

435

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

TaiDavis t1_itlxnso wrote

I got an adjustable TV mount that swivels and can extend off the wall. Getting to the ports is a breeze.

70

Puppyismycat OP t1_itlyahh wrote

Yeah, I didn’t want anything but fixed mount, because it’s an 80”tv and somehow swinging it around and having that extra stress scared me.

19

ColgateSensifoam t1_itm7gov wrote

If it's installed correctly, you can hang a fully grown man from the fully extended arm and it won't budge

23

Puppyismycat OP t1_itm98lb wrote

LOL the guy at best buy said almost verbatim what you just said! But I got stuck on “installed correctly “… I’m kind of a wing it guy.

20

ColgateSensifoam t1_itm9zu2 wrote

He's probably seen many a TV installer check their work by extending the arm and swinging from it

Properly usually means it's structural, either into brickwork or completely through studs, depending on your home's construction method

10

ASDFzxcvTaken t1_itmorn7 wrote

Also, the TV Itself is pretty at risk when extended from the wall. Its fine that the mounts can hold a gorilla.

Extend the TV out and somebody walks by and accidentally catches the corner of the TV on their coat, or pants pocket and you can easily crack the screen or electronics inside.

3

ColgateSensifoam t1_itmzisp wrote

In this scenario the mount is only being extended to provide port access, the TV is not being left extended for viewing

6

Ahielia t1_itmlnv1 wrote

> I’m kind of a wing it guy.

I hope you have the idiot accident insurance on that tv.

Protip, put the tv as close to the wall when you have it at the angle you want, even less stress on the mount.

6

team-evil66 t1_itos5cn wrote

There was a skyscraper window executive that was bragging about the strength of some new window. It can stop a person running at full speed. Well it kinda worked, the window didn't break but popped right out and he fell to his death. So unless you're putting that mount on the wall directly into studs (or added studs behind the drywall) you'd have a sad possibly.

Regardless, it's always a pain in the ass plugging into mounted TVs your idea makes sense. I'd even suggest a couple of female to female HDMI adaptors to easily add Roku or Fire stick and such.

3

Seigmoraig t1_itn59e4 wrote

Right ? When I was shopping for mine it was only a few bucks more for the swivel mount.

I didn't even need it for the tv I have now though because the ports are on the side and super accessable

5

PrisonerV t1_itlvtq6 wrote

Actually a pretty decent idea for a large fixed mounted TV.

17

Puppyismycat OP t1_itlw8bs wrote

Thanks. Stupidity was the mother of this thought! What a PITA!

8

Baboon_Stew t1_itmkz4b wrote

While you are at it, label each end of the cable with the port ID or what device is at the other end.

8

rustbelt84 t1_itnf0rd wrote

Nice try big cable

6

Puppyismycat OP t1_itnq8rb wrote

I did just put a bunch of cables on eBay 🤣🤣🤣

1

SergNH t1_itlxoe4 wrote

If you get the right wall mount this really isn't an issue. They have ones that let the tv swing out for easy access.

4

mnvoronin t1_itmo15b wrote

Nah. Source switching is the job for amplifier.

4

SeattleBattles t1_itmyz9g wrote

1-3ft extention cables are perfect for this. You can plug whatever length cable you need into them when you need it and don't have to worry about hiding a bunch of cable when you don't.

4

Justme100001 t1_itm2quc wrote

Great idea. It's more difficult to try to plug in cables once the tv is mounted. Don't forget the ethernet cable if your Wi-Fi signal sucks.

3

[deleted] t1_itnnurq wrote

[deleted]

2

belizeanheat t1_itokyo5 wrote

This seems to be catching on. Hopefully it's close to a global standard pretty soon, assuming there isn't some shitty patent for the idea itself

2

Puppyismycat OP t1_itnqge0 wrote

My plan B was going on Amazon and ordering a HDMI hub. They have some pretty decent options for under a hundred bucks.

1

teksun42 t1_itopaoe wrote

The only thing I have plugged into my TV is my receiver.

2

team-evil66 t1_itorojx wrote

Curl them up in nice coils Velcro and Labeled...(can't stress that enough) behind the TV.

2

keepthetips t1_itlvfl8 wrote

Hello and welcome to r/LifeProTips!

Please help us decide if this post is a good fit for the subreddit by up or downvoting this comment.

If you think that this is great advice to improve your life, please upvote. If you think this doesn't help you in any way, please downvote. If you don't care, leave it for the others to decide.

1

Bigbird_Elephant t1_itnsb1t wrote

Newer televisions have fewer HDMI ports. We got a 55" LG this year that only has 2.

1

hangryhyax t1_itofqml wrote

No, you just have to pay attention. Mine has 3, this one has 4, this one has 3.

The two linked were both in the first few listed on Best Buy, and filtered to only show one brand (Samsung).

1