Sanus VM3B Extending Arm TV Mount Review
September 25, 2008
Take the bad reviews with a grain of salt. Maybe they got a defective product or something but this mount has been excellent for me. I have two of them, purchased months apart, and have no problems whatsoever. Very solid aluminum build, with the rare ability to adjust the tension with a knob rather than have to go track down tools. However it does come with Hex screws if you wanted to replace the knobs with something people can’t adjust (say for a school or institution or the like). Mounted in a stud with the 2″ Hex head bolts it comes with makes this mount extremely sturdy with no play at all. It certainly feels like it could hold more than 30 pounds even fully extended. However now it is only holding my 19″ Philips LCD (17 lbs).
The tilt mechanism works perfect and will constantly hold at any angle. One side note that I discovered is that the washers (between the knobs and the receiving female threads) have square insets that must be lined up with the square parts of the receiving female threads in order to obtain a tight functional fit. This may have been the root of those that have problems with the tilt function.
With only the basics of handyman know-how this is a very easy install (find a stud, level, drill with a 3/16″ bit, then use the supplied hex wrench to screw in the supplied screws). It does come with drywall anchors to mount without a stud but I would be careful about trying that, especially if a stud is accessible.
http://www.amazon.com/Sanus-Systems-Mount-Articulating-Displays/dp/B0002ZHF0G/
Philips 19″ LCD TV Review
September 25, 2008
I bought this Philips 19″ LCD TV (the new model for 2008 - model number 19PFL3403D/27) and had the same odd problem as some other reviewers. Had it for a two weeks or so and then out of nowhere it wouldn’t turn on. The little power light would flicker almost like it couldn’t get over the first hump of a power draw. Anyway, I returned it without any problems and got a replacement (although this time with a two-year extended warranty covering everything - even damage I caused - for about $30 from Walmart). That way if there is that power issue you again I’m covered past the receipt return period. That being said, I still would recommend this TV over any other 19″ LCD. The specs are better than almost everyone else and it is a very good looking (body), well made TV that has an amazing 720p HD picture. Even with regular over-the-air (or over-the-cable via the QAM) digital channels without a cable box. Don’t let the sporadic power issue you prevent you from buying this as even with that issue I still highly recommend this TV if you want a 19″. Also keep in mind that this (and probably most) TV doesn’t save your settings if you unplug it.
http://www.amazon.com/Philips-19PFL3403D-27-19-Inch-HDTV/dp/B00140U1LS
