Category: PrimeCables knowledge

Where to Mount your TV Wall Mount in the Home for Maximum Viewing

Andrew the Cable NingaLeave a comment

Unpacking your new TV wall mount, you likely already have ideas on where you want to install it. As you begin to set up though, you may find the studs aren’t where you expect them to be, sunlight may be an issue, or you may be facing safety hazards. Even a lightweight flat-screen can easily weigh 20 or 30 pounds. You don’t want it falling off the wall because the mount is not properly affixed. Here are some things to consider when mounting your TV wall mount.

The traditional mounting places for a TV wall mount.

Mounting your TV in the living room across from the couch is traditional. That said, you’ll want to consider where your light sources are, including window and lamps. Do you think the light from the window could create glare on your flat-screen during the day – if so, you might want to change the location. If your wall’s brick, that could also complicate things compared to mounting on drywall which simply requires you to find the studs. Ultimately, wherever you install your wall mount, maximize it for your comfort.

More unique mounting places for a TV mount.

There are other places to mount the TV in the home but you always want to be aware of what’s around it and the risks. For example, the kitchen is a popular place to mount a TV but you may have splatter from cooking or steam damage it. Alternatively, if you mount your TV outside, this involves navigating many hazards. A home gym, a man-cave in the basement, a she-shed, or bathroom are all areas that need to be evaluated for possible complications.

Where you should never put a TV wall mount.

Don’t put a TV wall mount anywhere that is not safe or comfortable. If it’s not securely mounted to studs, don’t do it. Also, if your TV’s too close to the ground and there’s a risk of a toddler or pet knocking it over, or if it’s somewhere with cables hanging down, you may wish to re-adjust where you’re putting it. Although you can mount a TV over a fireplace, you should have a fireplace-specific TV wall mount to ensure there’s no risk of electronics or cables being exposed to heat.

Shop the ultimate selection of TV wall mounts in Canada from PrimeCables. Find the perfect mount for your home and enjoy entertainment in a whole new light! Also, there’s ‘free shipping’ applied on all orders above $49.

HDMI vs. DisplayPort – Which is Better for Gaming

Andrew the Cable NingaLeave a comment

Getting the best high-definition picture quality for your gaming system involves many different variables. Typically, things, like having a great graphic card and pairing it with a high quality monitor, is important. Nevertheless, those are not the only things that influence video quality. Surprisingly, cable has a huge role to play. If you’ve got a basic audio-video cable, expect to receive a signal that is… well, basic.

PrimeCables: Differences betweem Displayport, DVI and VGA cables
PrimeCables: Differences betweem Displayport, DVI and VGA cables

 

There’s no shortage of advanced audio-video cables for gaming available. The most popular gaming cables are VGA, DVI, HDMI, and DisplayPort. VGA and DVI cables are somewhat antiquated though you can still get a pretty good signal from them. DVI is familiar but has its limitation and VGA capability is on its way out, though either may be appropriate for a low-end video card. By far, when searching for the most advanced cable, you’ll want to go with either HDMI or DisplayPort. But, which one is better – that’s what we’re here to discuss.

 

The argument for HDMI

 

HDMI stands for “high definition multimedia interface” and is considered the most advanced home theater consumer cable today. HDMI cables can be used to connect gaming consoles, an A/V receiver, or streaming media box. For computer-based monitor systems, they will likely have HDMI inputs ready to go. The most advanced HDMI cable on the market today is HDMI 2.1, capturing up to 8K video when possible. Also, it maintains a 48 Gbps-bandwidth, impressive specifications supporting HDR, enhanced audio return channel functionality and more. Now, there are some HDMI 4K cables limited to a 30 Hz refresh rate. For gaming, that’s not great so you may wish to buy a more advanced HDMI cable or to seek out DisplayPort.

 

The argument for DisplayPort

 

Most modern video cards are equipped with DisplayPort connections. DisplayPorts are rarely found on contemporary flat-screens however they are present on computer monitors and similar setups. Depending on the refresh technology used, sometimes you may be forced to use a DisplayPort cable. For example, FreeSync requires an HDMI cable whereas Nvidia’s G-Sync requires DisplayPort. Though HDMI is portrayed as superior to DisplayPort, that’s not necessarily true. The latest update on DisplayPort includes 32.4Gbps of bandwidth and an impressive 3:1 lossless compression ratio which makes it perfect for some gaming setups.

 

Whether you choose HDMI or DisplayPort, there’s a lot to weigh. If you choice is not already preordained, do your research. HDMI supports higher maximum resolutions however one would have to have a massive system to accommodate its top end specifications. Arguably, a DisplayPort cable makes more sense for gamers, especially those on multiple monitors.

 

Browse monitors, DVI, VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort cables for gaming at Canada’s top cable eCommerce site, PrimeCables!