New TV? Check these things before mounting

A new TV is easiest to inspect, set up and return while it's still at floor level. Twenty minutes with it on its stand or in its packing can save taking it off the wall a week later.

1. Inspect the box before opening it

Crushed corners, punctures or a rattling sound are worth photographing before you cut the tape. If the box looks abused, tell the retailer straight away.

2. Unbox it the right way

• Two people for 55 inches and up.
• Follow the diagram on the carton; most large TVs are lifted straight up out of the base tray, not pulled out of the top.
• Hold it by the edges and bottom. Never press on the screen.
• Keep it upright.

3. Look at the screen, switched off

Tilt a light across the panel and look for cracks, pressure marks or chips at the corners. A crack can be nearly invisible until the TV is on.

4. Power it on before mounting

Use the stand, or leave it standing in its foam base, and plug it in.

• Does the whole screen light evenly?
• Any vertical or horizontal lines, dark bands, or a spiderweb pattern? That's shipping damage.
• Show a full white screen and a full black screen (search for a test video in the built-in apps). Look for stuck pixels, bright spots or obvious clouding.
• Check that each HDMI port works by moving one device between them.
• Check sound from the built-in speakers.

Problems found now are a simple exchange. Found after mounting, they're a simple exchange plus a second install.

5. Connect to Wi-Fi and update

New TVs nearly always have a software update waiting. Let it run now. It's also the moment to sign in to apps and see how strong the Wi-Fi is at this end of the house — see Wi-Fi after wall-mounting.

6. Find the mounting information

• VESA pattern and screw size — in the manual or specifications.
• Weight without stand.
• Whether the back needs spacers.
• Where the ports face. Straight-back ports and a slim bracket don't mix; you may want right-angle adapters.

This tells you, or us, which bracket fits. More in choosing a mount.

7. Keep the box and the stand

• Keep the box and foam until the return period ends — retailers often require them.
• Keep the stand, its screws and the manual permanently, in a labelled bag. You'll need them if you move, sell the TV or send it for repair.
• The four VESA screw holes sometimes have plastic plugs or screws in them from the factory; keep those too.

8. Peel and prepare

Remove protective film from the frame (it bakes on if left), and note the model and serial number from the back label — it's hard to read once the TV is on the wall. A photo is enough.

What to leave for mounting day

Don't attach bracket arms in advance unless you're sure of the mount. Don't cut into the wall for cables until the height is settled. Do tape the outline on the wall and decide the height — see how high to mount a TV.

Picture settings afterwards

Out of the box, most TVs are in a bright "vivid" mode. Once it's on the wall, switch to a Movie, Cinema or Filmmaker mode for more accurate colour, and turn off motion smoothing if films look like soap operas.

Ready when the TV is: labor from $94, with the bracket of your choice.