Greetings!

I've ordered a 55" Hitachi 55HDS69 and I can't decide to try and mount it myself or pay big $'s to have it done for me.

I checked some local guys, they were more than firedog through my local B&M store.

The screen will be mounted over my fireplace, so the bottom of the 150 pound screen would be about shoulder height when lifting it up. So that's like 75 pounds per guy lifting, with a 3rd guy in the middle on a ladder making sure the thing didn't tip over. Maybe I'm a wimp - but that sounds scary.....

Also, most mounts are designed for 16" or 24" on center wall studs. In my wall there's a stud in the exact center of the fireplace, and then 16"'s out to the studs on each side. So a standard mount won't cross all three (or even two )studs.

I figured I could lag bolt a 2x6 across all three studs, and mount a bracket to that. But now I'm creating a customized thing that may or may not hold the unit......

Or, I could just pay an installer and consider the $450+ as "insurance".

I'm a real DIY guy but I don't want to make a mistake that trashes my new 55" plasma investment.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Steve C.

Mounting it at shoulder height, you may want to get some professional help.

I had no problem mounting my unit (same Hitachi as yours) on a nice cabinet at waist height with the help of my wife. The brackets are typically simple to install and have a hook type hanger to catch the tv until it is secured in the bracket. Three guys should be able to do this easily.


BTW, calibrate this tv for best results. It looks great once it is calibrated.

I remember seeing a bracket that had an extention to have it mounted to the 3 studs and not the 2. In this case you would be protected by using more studs, plus you would have a perfect center. I am planning to buy it when I will buy 58"
Pan (I am waiting for the new "black" line now). Just look for brackets up to 60", then go to the manufacturer website (this is where I had seen that extention is available).

Mine has a stud exactly centered as well ... fortunately the mount manufacturers have considered this scenario. Some of their mounts are designed such that the part that bolts to the wall goes across two studs, but is not centered. Then the TV+other half of mount attach to the wall plate and you have so many inches of play on either side. In my case, the mount was designed with 10" of travel so I could mount the plate offcenter, but still have the panel centered.

My configuration was about that heavy as well, we used 3 adult men, two holding either side of the panel and one in the middle lining things up with the mount. The bottom is about 4' from the ground.

However, if you are not too handy, find somebody who is to help you or hire somebody.

Should you mount it yourself??? Depends....

I mounted my 55" hitachi on my own (with some help) high on my bedroom wall, the top of the TV is about 6.5 ft high.

I used the sanus tilting bracket (for XL TV's up to 80"). It was very easy to mount. The part that attaches to the wall is expandable and you can make it as wide as you need to hit the 2-3 studs you need. Just make sure that it's not wider than the TV (59"). You can slide the TV laterally on the bracket so it doesn't have to be exactly centered. The second part of the bracket just screws into the back of the TV and you just lift the TV up and the TV sits on the top rail of the wall bracket. Piece of cake.

Don't forget about your wiring!!!! I had everything run through the wall prior to the TV arriving so I just had to fish the power cable and go....

A buddy and I mounted my 60" Pio 1540 which weighs in at 113 lbs over my fireplace. It wasn't the weight that was an issue but more the bulk of the panel itself that made me nervous. I have a mantel that sticks out quite far which added to the difficulty. We had two ladders facing opposite each other (steps inward) and stepped up and lifted until we could rest it on the mantel for a quick break. Having the panel tip forward and out of our grasp was my main concern. Let me tell you, it was a struggle most of the way up.

If you can get another guy to help it should make it much, much easier on you. They can help with both the weight and keeping the panel steady as you raise it. I'm a DIYer myself and could not see paying someone $$ just to lift this thing to the wall.

Here's a valuable tip: make sure no one lifting the panel has anything on them exposed to the panel that can scratch the face of it, for example a belt buckle or rivets from jeans. My buddy had his cell phone holstered on the side of his belt and I told him to remove it. Well, as we were lifting his belt buckle rubbed up against the frame and left a small scratch.

I used the Sanus VMPL3b and am very happy with it.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y235/Kr8z1/PIONEER%20PRO-1540HD/DSCF0162.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y235/Kr8z1/PIONEER%20PRO-1540HD/DSCF0167.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y235/Kr8z1/PIONEER%20PRO-1540HD/Mount1.jpg

Great set up!

I agree, it's not really the weight of the unit that makes it difficult, but rather the size and manueverability. Definitely two guys on each end and one guy to steady it and connect it to the bracket is the way to go. The "belt buckle" tip is really smart too.

Install the plasma, order some food and watch it all day (and save $$$) - that sounds like the way to go.

A buddy and I mounted my 60" Pio 1540 which weighs in at 113 lbs over my fireplace. It wasn't the weight that was an issue but more the bulk of the panel itself that made me nervous. I have a mantel that sticks out quite far which added to the difficulty. We had two ladders facing opposite each other (steps inward) and stepped up and lifted until we could rest it on the mantel for a quick break. Having the panel tip forward and out of our grasp was my main concern. Let me tell you, it was a struggle most of the way up.

If you can get another guy to help it should make it much, much easier on you. They can help with both the weight and keeping the panel steady as you raise it. I'm a DIYer myself and could not see paying someone $$ just to lift this thing to the wall.

Here's a valuable tip: make sure no one lifting the panel has anything on them exposed to the panel that can scratch the face of it, for example a belt buckle or rivets from jeans. My buddy had his cell phone holstered on the side of his belt and I told him to remove it. Well, as we were lifting his belt buckle rubbed up against the frame and left a small scratch.

I used the Sanus VMPL3b and am very happy with it.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y235/Kr8z1/PIONEER%20PRO-1540HD/DSCF0162.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y235/Kr8z1/PIONEER%20PRO-1540HD/DSCF0167.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y235/Kr8z1/PIONEER%20PRO-1540HD/Mount1.jpg


Wow!, that's a very clean and beautiful setup. How did you fish the cables for it? I have a similar situation and I don't know where to begin.

Thanks. There is a large cavity behind and above the fireplace, which is common with most fireplaces, that I fished all my cables through.

All of my equipment is housed in the cabinet to the left of my fireplace. I cut a 2 1/2" hole with a hole cutting bit between the cabinet and fireplace cavity. I cut the opening in the wall above the fireplace with a drywall/keyhole saw, then used an "old-construction" outlet box with the back open just to keep it clean and to keep drywall from getting all lover my cables.

I then took a fiberglass fish stick used for fishing wires and used it to pull my HDMI, component, Xbox 360, and power cables through from the cabinet to the opening I cut above the fireplace (some people will have a problem with me pulling my power cable through there for code reasons, but it terminates on both ends outside of the cavity, plus it doesn't worry me).

I also fished my Cat5e and 50' VGA cable from the outlet for the plasma up through the cavity into the attic. These are run to my office where they are networked to my PC. The Cat5e is used for the Home Media Gallery built into the Pio Elite and the VGA is connected to my video card so that I can both surf the internet and watch movies from the PC while sitting on my couch. :D

Here's a tip for those who haven't already heard this suggestion. There are several ways to make this happen, but what I did was pull some jute string (any rope will do) through from the plasma outlet to both the equipment cabinet and into the attic. This way when I upgrade or need to add any cables I can easily tie them to the string and pull it through. Just make sure you cut a piece of string at least twice as long as the run so that you can pull the cables and still have the string running between the two. I tied each end off to the outlet and to the cabinet/attic so I don't lose the string. I've used PVC pipe before too, but it is easier to run while building the house.

Good luck!

Kr8z1 -

That looks about the same height that I'm dealing with....

Do you tilt the screen for viewing? or leave it flat all the time?

Also - if you don't mind - what is the depth of your mantel, and the total depth of the TV from the front panel to the back of the wall?

Thanks!

Steve C.

No, I don't tilt it for viewing. I only tilt it up if I need to connect cables to the panel, which helps a great deal. I think the set looks better when left level, kind of like a large picture - or some would say fine art. :D Tilting it down doesn't really help you view it better, especially with a screen this size. The viewing angle works just fine.

My mantel is 13" deep and from the face of the panel to the wall is 7".

Make sure you measure out where you want the bottom of the panel to be and allow room for placing decorations, etc on top of the mantel. I centered mine from top to bottom which worked out for me. If you are so inclined, you can do as I did and make a mock up of your panel to help with placement. I happened to have a box which was almost exact to the dimensions of my panel, so I hung it on the wall to help both my wife and I decide where we wanted it. Even if you just cut some cardboard out to match your dimensions and then hang it up, it will help keep you from wishing later that you had hung it lower, higher, etc.

You are quite welcome.

Thanks all for you input.

I'm still going back and forth on this..... I have some buddies telling me to go for it, and they'll help, and others telling me I'm crazy to do it myself.

I've done a lot of surfing - and I think my situation is a little unique.

OK - so the height of the set may not be a problem with big guys. I can arrange that. My concern is that I can't arrange ladders to make it easy to lift the screen (130+ pounds).

I'm hoping I can attach a pic - I can't put ladders against the walls (because they are windows) and I can't get ladders close to the wall because my fireplace hearth sticks out about 18".

Take a look at the pic and see if I'm paranoid - note the windows on the left and right that prevent ladder placement, and the hearth at the bottom center that also causes a problem...

Argh!

Thanks

Steve C.

Thanks. There is a large cavity behind and above the fireplace, which is common with most fireplaces, that I fished all my cables through.

All of my equipment is housed in the cabinet to the left of my fireplace. I cut a 2 1/2" hole with a hole cutting bit between the cabinet and fireplace cavity. I cut the opening in the wall above the fireplace with a drywall/keyhole saw, then used an "old-construction" outlet box with the back open just to keep it clean and to keep drywall from getting all lover my cables.

I then took a fiberglass fish stick used for fishing wires and used it to pull my HDMI, component, Xbox 360, and power cables through from the cabinet to the opening I cut above the fireplace (some people will have a problem with me pulling my power cable through there for code reasons, but it terminates on both ends outside of the cavity, plus it doesn't worry me).

I also fished my Cat5e and 50' VGA cable from the outlet for the plasma up through the cavity into the attic. These are run to my office where they are networked to my PC. The Cat5e is used for the Home Media Gallery built into the Pio Elite and the VGA is connected to my video card so that I can both surf the internet and watch movies from the PC while sitting on my couch. :D

Here's a tip for those who haven't already heard this suggestion. There are several ways to make this happen, but what I did was pull some jute string (any rope will do) through from the plasma outlet to both the equipment cabinet and into the attic. This way when I upgrade or need to add any cables I can easily tie them to the string and pull it through. Just make sure you cut a piece of string at least twice as long as the run so that you can pull the cables and still have the string running between the two. I tied each end off to the outlet and to the cabinet/attic so I don't lose the string. I've used PVC pipe before too, but it is easier to run while building the house.

Good luck!


Thanks for your advice and ideas! My equipment cabinet is in the other side of the family room. I'll check the fireplace cavity from the attic and start from there, I got a feeling it won't be easy, but not impossible to fish the cables from the fireplace and run them thru the attic and then down thru the wall on the other side of the room to the cabinet. This is not the only settings I have plan, I also want to have the equipment for each bedroom hidden away in cabinets not near the TVs. I'm sure it will be a pleasant and messy experience. :)

My hearth is similar, it sticks out 20" from the wall.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y235/Kr8z1/PIONEER%20PRO-1540HD/Mounted/DSCF0588.jpg

Here's how I situated my ladders. I used two 10' folding ladders. If you have 3 guys you could add an extra ladder in the middle. We first lifted the panel onto the hearth (I put down a moving blanket on the hearth and the mantel to protect the panel). Then we moved the ladders into place and proceeded to lift the panel until we got it on top of the mantel. Then we adjusted our footing and lifted the remainder of the way and hung it on the wall.

Mine weighs 113 and we did it with 2 of us. Yours weighs 130 and there'll be 3 of you. I think once you get the panel on site you'll be able to pick it up and determine if you and your friends can handle it.

I in no means want to push you to do your own or convince you it is an easy job - because like I said the panel is heavy and bulky. What I'm showing you is how I did mine.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y235/Kr8z1/PIONEER%20PRO-1540HD/Mounted/DSCF0589-2.jpg

Thanks for your advice and ideas! My equipment cabinet is in the other side of the family room. I'll check the fireplace cavity from the attic and start from there, I got a feeling it won't be easy, but not impossible to fish the cables from the fireplace and run them thru the attic and then down thru the wall on the other side of the room to the cabinet. This is not the only settings I have plan, I also want to have the equipment for each bedroom hidden away in cabinets not near the TVs. I'm sure it will be a pleasant and messy experience. :)You are quite welcome.
It can be a major PITA at times, but when you finish - it's a helluva good feeling. Plus you can brag to your friends and family how you installed it all!!!

Thanks for your advice and ideas! My equipment cabinet is in the other side of the family room. I'll check the fireplace cavity from the attic and start from there, I got a feeling it won't be easy, but not impossible to fish the cables from the fireplace and run them thru the attic and then down thru the wall on the other side of the room to the cabinet. This is not the only settings I have plan, I also want to have the equipment for each bedroom hidden away in cabinets not near the TVs. I'm sure it will be a pleasant and messy experience. :)

BTW - in my experience the hardest part can be trying to figure out exactly where to drill down through the studs in the attic to hit the inside of your wall. Sometimes it may not be obvious.

If you have the same problem - you can drill a tiny hole through the drywall in the ceiling at the wall spot where you want the wires to come in. (real tiny hole - like 1/8" or less) Then stick a piece of wire through the hole up into your attic. That gives you a reference point from the attic view, and when you remove the wire the hole won't be visible.

Also - be sure to use your stud finder to check the wall from the top all the way down to where you want the cables to come out. There's nothing worse than dropping the wires down and then finding out there was a cross-brace half-way down the inside of the wall....

And - its easier of course to pull as many wires at the same time as possible (particularly if its a long run). Either measure and cut several runs (allowing for a margin of error) or buy 3 rolls of 100' foot wire instead of one roll of 500' wire.

That might cost a little more but if it saves you a bunch of trips into the attic its worth it. (Assuming your attic is as much as a pain as mine is to get to and walk around in.)

Lastly - this stuff doesn't always pull as easy as you'd expect, and if you get snagged you can ruin the wire by pulling to hard. If you have kids or a partner - have one person feeding cable into the hole by the fireplace, one person in the attic feeding it across, and a third person at the wall pulling it out. A couple FRS radios can by handy too instead of shouting through the ceiling for "4 more feet" or "stop".

One more tip - think a lot about the size of the hole through the studs in the attic, and the order in which you will run the wires. If you drill a 1" hole and run three RG6's through it, you won't have room to fit the head of an HDMI or DVI cable through the same hole.

I've gotten to the point now where I'll drill the hole I need, and drill another one next to it for future use......

If you are going to end up running a lot of RG6 (figure at least 10 runs for two component + L/R audio connections (2x5)) you might want to invest in a pro-quality RG6 compression connector tool and of course an nice RG6 stripper. It will run you about $100, but it makes pro-quality connections real easy. You can also buy RCA compression fittings to use RG6 for your audio lines.

Hope that helps.

Steve C.

Kr8z1 -

Thanks for the additional pics. Those ladders don't look very sturdy...;)

My set should be delivered to day, so I'll have a better idea on how easy/hard it might be to lift it up.

Thanks again for your thoughts.

Steve C.

.....but they are so lightweight and easy to store! I do need to fix a couple of the rungs though :D

I just purchased the 55HDS69 with a Sanus VMPL2S mount. I didn't want a tilt mount; just a low profile flat one. However, the Sanus website recommends another larger tilt, and Hitachi is no help. The Sanus mount I ordered holds 175 lbs, sufficient for the TV, but the mounting width between the rails is a max of 29.75". Hitachi can't tell me what the spacing is between the mounting holes on the TV. Do you know what that is since you have one!?? If it is greater than 29.75" then I have to return my mount and get another.

I would sure appreciate your input.

Thanks!

Marcy -

I can post the hole location dimensions, but it might be a day or so. The unit just got delivered and its sitting in the box.

When I get it unboxed I'll be able to tell you the measurements. (I had asked the same thing on the Hitachi Plasma thread a few days ago, so I think it might be useful to have it posted somewhere here in general).

BTW - I think the Sanus VMPL3 mount comes with both a tilt and a low-profile bracket.... in case you need something wider than the VMPL2 once I get you the measurements.

Steve C.

BTW - in my experience the hardest part can be trying to figure out exactly where to drill down through the studs in the attic to hit the inside of your wall. Sometimes it may not be obvious.

If you have the same problem - you can drill a tiny hole through the drywall in the ceiling at the wall spot where you want the wires to come in. (real tiny hole - like 1/8" or less) Then stick a piece of wire through the hole up into your attic. That gives you a reference point from the attic view, and when you remove the wire the hole won't be visible.

Also - be sure to use your stud finder to check the wall from the top all the way down to where you want the cables to come out. There's nothing worse than dropping the wires down and then finding out there was a cross-brace half-way down the inside of the wall....

And - its easier of course to pull as many wires at the same time as possible (particularly if its a long run). Either measure and cut several runs (allowing for a margin of error) or buy 3 rolls of 100' foot wire instead of one roll of 500' wire.

That might cost a little more but if it saves you a bunch of trips into the attic its worth it. (Assuming your attic is as much as a pain as mine is to get to and walk around in.)

Lastly - this stuff doesn't always pull as easy as you'd expect, and if you get snagged you can ruin the wire by pulling to hard. If you have kids or a partner - have one person feeding cable into the hole by the fireplace, one person in the attic feeding it across, and a third person at the wall pulling it out. A couple FRS radios can by handy too instead of shouting through the ceiling for "4 more feet" or "stop".

One more tip - think a lot about the size of the hole through the studs in the attic, and the order in which you will run the wires. If you drill a 1" hole and run three RG6's through it, you won't have room to fit the head of an HDMI or DVI cable through the same hole.

I've gotten to the point now where I'll drill the hole I need, and drill another one next to it for future use......

If you are going to end up running a lot of RG6 (figure at least 10 runs for two component + L/R audio connections (2x5)) you might want to invest in a pro-quality RG6 compression connector tool and of course an nice RG6 stripper. It will run you about $100, but it makes pro-quality connections real easy. You can also buy RCA compression fittings to use RG6 for your audio lines.

Hope that helps.

Steve C.

Thank you very much, Steve C.! Your advise and ideas sure will keep the job from turning into an episode of Home Improvement :D even though I'm pretty handy with tools and I look forward to the project, I'm sure everyone around here will be "busy" that day to lend me a hand so I will have double duty.