Much improved external TV mount

[LeslieGary]

[QUOTE=Anyone find a solution to use the optical audio port also?[/QUOTE]

I’d be interested in an optical cable solution as well.

I used a “flat thin” HDMI cable that allows mounting the TV bracket without spacers. Unfortunately, I think the 90 degree connection blocks the optical port, so I may have to use Stuart’s cable solution to make it work.

Just to add more drama to this, I’m using the standard rca audio connections and while they work ok, I now have a small, annoying hum that I’ve got to figure out.

Amazing journey on this.

[NealC]

I connect my TV to my Samsung Sound Bar with an optical cable. Optical will probably give you the best audio from TV to Sound Bar. Next best option would be HDMI.

The 3.5mm audio AUX input is not a great option and with the Newmar wiring it really needs an AMP to go from the dash radio to the exterior TV sound bar. I consider it unusable.

[Stuart W]

Originally Posted by NealC

I connect my TV to my Samsung Sound Bar with an optical cable. Optical will probably give you the best audio from TV to Sound Bar. Next best option would be HDMI.

The 3.5mm audio AUX input is not a great option and with the Newmar wiring it really needs an AMP to go from the dash radio to the exterior TV sound bar. I consider it unusable.

I also went with optical. And Bluetooth from my phone to the sound bar for music. As Neal said 3.5 is not great.

[kpecks]

Originally Posted by Stuart W

I also went with optical. And Bluetooth from my phone to the sound bar for music. As Neal said 3.5 is not great.

I must have a different tv than you guys because the vertical mounting bars block more the optical port and half of the hdmi... I don’t think I can connect the Bose sound bar via Bluetooth so I’ll have to connect it via rca or 3.5.... it’s a poorly designed Sony tv regarding where everything lines up I can tell you that.

[NealC]

Originally Posted by kpecks

I must have a different tv than you guys because the vertical mounting bars block more the optical port and half of the hdmi... I don’t think I can connect the Bose sound bar via Bluetooth so I’ll have to connect it via rca or 3.5.... it’s a poorly designed Sony tv regarding where everything lines up I can tell you that.

What is your TV brand/model?

Pictures?

90 degree plug options?

[Stuart W]

Originally Posted by kpecks

I must have a different tv than you guys because the vertical mounting bars block more the optical port and half of the hdmi... I don’t think I can connect the Bose sound bar via Bluetooth so I’ll have to connect it via rca or 3.5.... it’s a poorly designed Sony tv regarding where everything lines up I can tell you that.

I had to space the tv out, use a 90 degree optical adapter and a very flexible thin HDMI Cable to make it work. Otherwise the access was blocked.

[rcflyer1201]

I did a very similar mount with a 43 inch LG. Wife is much happier with the larger TV.

[LeslieGary]

Originally Posted by kpecks

I must have a different tv than you guys because the vertical mounting bars block more the optical port and half of the hdmi... I don’t think I can connect the Bose sound bar via Bluetooth so I’ll have to connect it via rca or 3.5.... it’s a poorly designed Sony tv regarding where everything lines up I can tell you that.

On ours, the Bose soundbar connects via Bluetooth to an iPhone or iPad (or other device I’m sure)—but I don’t believe you can connect the Sony TV via Bluetooth to the soundbar. The RCA port is not obstructed but is not going to give you the same audio performance as the optical cable.

I think we all agree that the Sony TV ports are poorly located. Very frustrating.

[Stuart W]

Originally Posted by LeslieGary

I think we all agree that the Sony TV ports are poorly located. Very frustrating.

Agreed!

[kpecks]

Well I finally got everything installed. It wasn’t too bad. The bracket took the longest to make. Everything is light and easy to move around.

I ended up scrapping the optical audio and just went back to the 3.5mm port they supply from the factory. The 90degree flat cable is a must I reworked the HDMIs. Input one is from an HDMI hub upfront and the input 2 is from the DVD player in the back. Works out just fine. I can use Apple TV, Xbox, DVD player and Netflix as needed and it works fine.

Thx to all who contributed. The biggest advantage is the Bose speaker is now audible as it is attached to the tv via the homemade bracket. It works really well.

[Golferdave78]

Kpecks,
My installation of the same bracket looks exactly the same.
Only minor issue I have is the tv and bracket doesn’t “lock” into place and wobbles a bit.
Does you lock in so there is no movement?

[kpecks]

Originally Posted by Golferdave78

Kpecks,

My installation of the same bracket looks exactly the same.

Only minor issue I have is the tv and bracket doesn’t “lock” into place and wobbles a bit.

Does you lock in so there is no movement?

I tried to reuse the magnets from the oem mount without success. I’m not too worried about it honestly. There’s things inside the coach that are more prone to move around that never do so I figured the tv would be ok. For now...

[lostinfla]

Look at the post on page 2 of this thread. It shows how I mounted the magnets and they work as intended.

[kpecks]

Originally Posted by lostinfla

Look at the post on page 2 of this thread. It shows how I mounted the magnets and they work as intended.

I forgot about the rubber grommets! I knew I was forgetting something. Thanks for the heads up. I’ll make that mod happen.