Sanus VMAA26B TV Wall Mount

Innovative Articulating Mount For 37" to 56" Displays

Best Price

Too low to display

Pros:

Heavy duty engineering
Innovative design
Can level TV after installation
Excellent customer support

Cons:

Odd width wall plate
Lower rod can block rear TV connections
Expensive

Quick Specs

Mount Type:

Articulated

Fits Screens:

37-56in

Max Capacity:

130lbs

Tilt Up/Dn:

5°/15°

Extension:

26.0in

Profile Height:

3.3in

Max Stud Span:

21.0in

Product Summary

The Sanus VMAA26B will clearly appeal to the home entertainment enthusiast. Professional engineering, high-quality construction and innovative design make this TV wall mount a stand out from the crowd.

Unlike many other mounts in this size range, the VMAA26B has a single arm design. In the past this 'one-arm' approach has often resulted in the TV screen sagging on one side or the other, especially when the arm is extended away from the wall. Sanus engineers have attempted to solve this problem by moving the TV's center of gravity below the pivot joint. In effect the TV 'hangs' from the arm, greatly reducing the strain on the arm itself.

The end result is a smooth, finger tip, motion control in all the major axis, including tilt. If you appreciate quality engineering this capability alone will likely put a smile on your face.

The next break from convention is the assembly that holds the TV. The standard front plate design with top and bottom rails has been replaced with two horizontal rods centered over a vertical pillar that is connected to the arm. Two TV brackets slide over the rods at either end to form a rigid two panel frame. The rods can move left and right to get the right balance and then locked in place to prevent the screen from moving.

The main center pillar has a small 'roll' adjustment which allows the whole frame to rotate +/- 7° for the perfect level. A small wrench is included in the installation kit to make this adjustment.

One thing to watch out for as you are bolting the TV brackets to the back of the TV is the position of the bottom rod relative to the TV case. Depending on the make and model of your TV you might find the lower rod obstructs some of the rear connections. Fortunately, there are a couple of workarounds.

If the TV's mounting hole pattern is narrow you will have several inches of rod protruding beyond the brackets. If the TV's connections are to the outside of the bracket simply cut the rod to the correct length.

If that is not an option try repositioning the TV brackets relative to the screen, either up or down, just enough so as the rod is above or below the socket you're trying to reach. This will probably take a bit of trial and error to get the right hole. Use the minimum adjustment possible otherwise you might find the bracket protruding from behind the screen when viewed from the front.

If all else fails you might need to add some spacers between the bracket and TV so as there is a sufficient gap. 'L-shaped' right angle plugs can also be very helpful in these situations.

The installation kit comes with a good selection of bolts, screws, washers and spacers that should fit most situations. The instructions could be a little clearer, but as long as you have some basic DIY skills you should have no problem.

The back plate that bolts to the wall is about 21" wide. More than enough for standard 16" wall studs but a few inches short for the next most common span of 24". Sanus do offer a 24" plate, but this must be ordered separately and at additional cost. A 24" plate would have been better, or at least offered as a free switch with the standard 21" plate.

Both plates have top and bottom rails that allow the arm assembly to slide left or right a few inches. This lateral adjustment helps center the screen on the wall without throwing the arm balance off. Three screws along the bottom rail are used to lock the arm in place.

The main arm has a single elbow that can be made to bend either left or right by means on a small plate that screws to either side of the joint.

The Sanus VMAA26B doesn't come cheap, but this TV wall mount boasts an innovative design and quality engineering that sets it apart from many of its competitors.