Slim is "in" ... and not just for people watching their weight. Flat screen TVs and the wall mounts that turn the TVs into decorator showpieces seem to grow sleeker and slimmer every year. And when it comes to viewing technology, thinner not only looks better, it has practical advantages, too.
Yes, ultra-slim flat screens may cost you a few more dollars initially, but in the long run will probably provide you with enough user satisfaction to justify the extra expense. And don't forget that prices for standard flat screens dropped precipitously in just a few years after the products entered the marketplace, so it's likely prices for slim models will follow suit.
Here are a few reasons why you should go trim and slim when buying a flat screen and wall mount:
Aesthetic appeal
If you bought a flat screen TV in 2006, it may still work well but it probably takes up quite a bit of space on your TV stand or - if you wall-mounted it - sticks out into the room considerably. Older flat screens tended to be several inches thick and could appear bulky, even when mounted high on the wall.
Today's slimmer styles may be just an inch or two think, and ultra-slim models can be less than an inch thick. Less bulk means the TV looks better, whether it's stand- or wall-mounted. And new super-slim full-motion wall mounts like Sanus' VisionMount VLF311 Super Slim, provide all the advantages and conveniences of wall-mounting a flat screen, but without adding a lot of bulk to the TV's profile. The mounts offer a full range of motion courtesy of fingertip-tilt technology, but place flat screens 36 to 65 inches in size just 1.25 inches from the wall.
Safety factor
The weight of flat screens can be deceptive. Even older models look so sleek that it's easy to underestimate their weight. But all TVs tend to be heavy, and, if not properly secured to the wall or a TV stand, can tip over, posing an injury risk to people and pets in the household. Less bulk means slim flat screens are a bit lighter than their thicker counterparts. Remember, however, that it's imperative to properly secure all TVs, including slim flat screens, in order to ensure they're safe - and enjoyable - for everyone in the home.
Efficiency
Manufacturers have been improving the efficiency of flat screens since the TVs emerged on the home market. Virtually any flat screen - whether plasma or LCD - that you purchase in 2011 is sure to be more energy-efficient and produce a better picture quality than an older version.
Some of the ultra-thin models boast super efficiency, requiring no more electricity to operate than a light bulb. Motorized TV wall mounts also offer energy efficiency and quiet operation.
As flat screen technology continues to advance, it's certain that TVs will become even slimmer and more energy efficient. And with super-slim wall mounts available, that technological showpiece of your home decor can still maintain a low profile when it comes to how much space it takes up in your living room.
